Video & Transcript Research : 'statutory amendment'
Page 36 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- rationale for its decision not to amend the remaining five rules.
- It's been amended six times since.
- Those are all in amendments to the original master lease, and the years those were amended were 1992,
- And every amendment that has been made since also is an amendment to that master lease, which provides
- amended.
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion.
The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection.
Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- There are no staff amendments or agency amendments.
- Do we amendments or agency amendments.
- The staff amendment amends a statutory authority paragraph to add a statutory citation.
- The staff amendment amends<00:04:47.280>
a <00:04:47.440>statutory <00:04:47.919>authority - <00:04:48.320>
paragraph amends a statutory authority paragraph amends a statutory authority
Keywords:
0:16 – CALL TO ORDER
0:20 – ROLL CALL
0:56 – ELECTION OF CO-CHAIRS
1:54 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2:10 – OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
3:28 – PERSONNEL BOARD
4:30 – EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET, BOARD OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
5:18 – PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET, OFFICE OF CLAIMS & APPEALS
12:03 – PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET, DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL
12:54 – CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES
14:54 – CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
31:44 – NEXT MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT/ADJOURNMENT, 958, all
Summary:
The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met to reorganize its leadership for the new term, renewing Representative Derek Lewis as House co-chair and Senator Steven West as Senate co-chair. The committee then approved the minutes and moved through a series of agency regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection.
Among the regulations reviewed were an Attorney General rule changing how a commission reviews and distributes funds and how grant reporting is handled; Personnel Board changes abolishing and renaming certain job classifications and adjusting probationary periods; an Education and Labor Cabinet rule removing references to local board of education members; several Public Protection Cabinet rules covering Board of Claims and Crime Victims’ Compensation procedures; an Alcoholic Beverage Control rule on direct-to-consumer shipping forms; and a Medicaid Services emergency regulation establishing the Kentucky Trauma Hospital Rate Improvement Program for rural hospitals serving many Medicaid patients. The committee also heard that the Board of Claims and Crime Victims’ Compensation regulations included both staff and, in one case, an agency amendment, which were approved.
The most extended discussion came on the Department for Community Based Services’ regulation increasing per diem rates for private child-placing therapeutic foster care levels 2 and 3. Committee members questioned the estimated $10 million biennial cost, the source of the funding, and why the cabinet had not yet filed regulations implementing Senate Bill 151 on kinship care. DCBS staff said the rate increase was discretionary and intended to address placement crises for children with high needs, while acknowledging they could not personally explain the budget decisions. A kinship caregiver testified in support of the rate increase but urged the cabinet to also implement SB 151 and expand support for kinship families. The committee expressed frustration over the lack of SB 151 implementation but stated the rate increase itself was appropriate and allowed the regulation to proceed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Aggravated durational departure sentence requirement discussed 2/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your support. amendment shifts the focus from serial amendment shifts the focus from serial
- going to impose the maximum statutory going to impose the maximum statutory penalty.<00:12:47.279
- to exceed that up to the statutory to exceed that up to the statutory maximum.<00:13:27.440>
- , and I have reviewed the amendment, DE2, and I find that amendment is out of order.
- I find that that amendment is out of I find that that amendment is out of order<00:25:58.480>
and<
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3380, a bill by Representative Hudson aimed at repeat violent felony offenders who use firearms. Hudson said the bill would require aggravated sentencing, up to the statutory maximum, for people convicted of three or more violent felonies involving firearms, with no probation, parole, early release, or work release. He argued the measure was needed because repeat offenders cycle through the system and because downward departures are too common, especially in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Dave Zimmer, a former law enforcement officer and public safety policy fellow, testified in support, saying the bill would tighten loopholes, restore consequences for repeat violent offenders, and help victims of violent crime.
Representative Pinto questioned the bill’s need and structure, asking for specific examples of the problem and raising concerns about separation of powers, the breadth of the lookback into prior convictions, and whether the bill actually required a full maximum sentence or could be satisfied by only a small upward departure. He also noted that sentencing departures are public and can be challenged. Representative Mohler similarly pressed for clarification on the statistics Hudson cited, referenced sentencing guidelines data showing different departure rates across counties, and said departures can sometimes reflect victim preferences or evidentiary difficulties. Hudson responded that the bill was simple, that any ambiguity about firearm involvement would likely not count, and that the point was to ensure sentences could not go down for repeat armed violent offenders.
After discussion, the chair announced that an amendment, DE2, was out of order. The committee then laid House File 3380 over, and the meeting adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Administrative Rules Committee Jun 11th, 2026
Administrative Rules Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Those bills did result in the need for some amendments to our rules.
- and just corrects a statutory reference.
- And then they can fine you for amending it. I saw that.
- Well, you'll have a certain number of days to amend it if they request you to amend it.
- They'll request an amendment, and then I think you can fix it.
Summary:
The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules.
The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1.
The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget.
The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Expanding exceptions to gift-giving ban 2/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As someone who statutory clarity.
- :31.440>
so <00:07:31.599>that consistent statutory clarity so that consistent statutory - Statutory<00:09:45.839>
ambiguity Statutory ambiguity Statutory ambiguity can<00:09:48.160> - . amendment. amendment.
- amendments in the bill here. amendments in the bill here.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Administrative Rules Committee Jun 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Administrative Rules Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Those bills did result in the need for some amendments to our rules.
- and just corrects a statutory reference.
- Proposed amendments are not related to federal statute or regulation.
- And then they can fine you for amending it. I saw that.
- Well, you'll have a certain number of days to amend it if they request an amendment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate file as amended by the House<00:07:15.520>
in <00:07:15.680>which <00:07:15.919> amendments <00:07:16.319>the House in which amendments the House in which amendments the- And I move that the Senate do not concur in the amendments by the House of Senate File Number 3045 and
- <00:16:59.519>
updates recotification and statutory updates recotification and statutory updates - >
references updates um statutory cross references updates um statutory cross references and<00
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Jan 20th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee is seeking to amend this to say that a certificate of need application, a CON application
- And you're still under, you're not withdrawing the rules that allow amendments to a letter of intent
- But we're not doing statutory construction. We're doing rules here.
- , that's a statutory construction of language.
- And unless I'm unaware of the statutory authority where they're not aware of the statutory authority
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- court officials and staff about the effect of improper litigation, and recommend rule or statutory amendments
- , it did not actually proposed amendment language for the Legislature's consideration.
- In November, the Supreme Court approved the successor Workgroup's proposed statutory amendments to the
- The next issue is really a statutory modernization.
- That was a highlight of our statutory issues.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:38:29.200>
to long while about uh an amendment to long while about uh an amendment to - It was amended significantly in 2008.
- It was amended significantly in 2008.
- It was amended significantly in 2008.
- It was amended significantly in 2008.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:13
Roll Call 00:00:24
Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:02:10
Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entities Report 00:03:19
Presentation of Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session of the General Assembly 00:15:37
Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 00:37:05
Adjournment 00:55:53, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case.
Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas.
The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rehabilitative mental health service providers 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Uh, there's an A1 amendment. >> A1 amendment. Yes. >> Yep.
- A1 amendment is now adopted to your bill as amended. >> Thank you so much, members of the committee.
- While specific areas of statutory confusion or statutory constraints can seem small in nature, when added
- While specific areas of statutory confusion or statutory constraints can seem small in nature, when added
- amendment amendment who<00:09:49.279>
who <00:09:49.680>qualifies <00:09:50.320>for
Summary:
House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact.
Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20.
Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- FOR ITS DECISION NOT TO AMEND THE REMAINING FIVE RULES.
- IS THE SPECIFIC AND STATUTORY LANGUAGE AROUND THESE VERY SPECIFIC RULES?
- CHAPTER 120 DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR A FLUID AMENDMENT OF THE RULE.
- IT HAS BEEN AMENDED SIX TIMES SINCE. THESE ARE ALL IN AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL MASTER.
- SO ANYTHING BY REFERENCE FOR THAT SPECIFIC RULE NEEDS TO BE AMENDED AND CURRENTLY IT HAS NOT BEEN AMENDED
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/16/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- That submitted a replace all amendment.
- That amendment<00:04:03.120>
2022-0854H amendment 2022-0854H amendment 2022-0854H changed<00:04 - They don't have statutory authority, and all of the rules should be based upon statutory authority.
- They don't have statutory authority, and all of the rules should be based upon statutory authority, and
- If you look at amended uh this bill.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Jan 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The term also includes the amendment or repeal of a rule.
- If the agency cannot meet the timeframe, it can amend its plan and extend the adoption date.
- The agency then has the option of either agreeing or refusing to amend or repeal the rule.
- There is, therefore, no statutory authority to support the language included.
- There is, therefore, no statutory authority to support the language included in the rules.
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met for its first meeting of the year, with roll call and member introductions followed by an orientation on the committee’s role in reviewing agency rulemaking. Staff explained that JAPAC/JAPSI oversees whether agency rules stay within statutory authority, reviews proposed and existing rules under Chapter 120, and can recommend objections when rules enlarge, modify, or contravene enabling statutes. The committee also adopted its biennial rules of procedure by motion and roll-call vote.
The main substantive item was staff’s recommended objections to 32 existing Agency for Health Care Administration rules. Staff said the common issue was a sunset provision added to rules, which they argued is not authorized by Chapter 120 because rules may be amended or repealed only through formal rulemaking, not allowed to expire automatically. Staff noted the sunset language could create confusion and affect interrelated rules, and recommended formal objections. The chair reported that he and the vice chair had met with the agency, which agreed to work on compliance and amend the language.
No public testimony was offered. After brief committee discussion, including questions about timing, the chair said the agency would return with a compliance proposal at the next scheduled meeting, likely in February. The committee deferred further action on the 32 recommended objections until that meeting, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/04/26
Transcript Highlights:
- . amendment. amendment.
- The amendment is adopted. The amendment is adopted.
- That's the amendment.
- That's the amendment. Senator House is the A2 amendment.
- concerns to the A2 amendment? concerns to the A2 amendment?
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration.
The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee.
Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/24/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the A3 amendment here is another last-minute band-aid fix to a 2024 statutory amendment that has
- on the A3 amendment. on the A3 amendment.
- the A3 amendment. the A3 amendment.
- statutory amendment that has had statutory amendment that has had unintended<00:37:52.080>
consequences - As<00:42:00.040>
amended. As amended. As amended.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Gallion has an amendment, I believe. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Gallion has an amendment, I believe. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Minutes are approved as amended. Agenda item 105.
- revisions may not actually need to be statutory revisions.
- With you were... without statutory approval.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (03/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- questions regarding the statutory questions regarding the statutory language<00:12:47.440>
and - authority in order to specific statutory authority in order to assess<00:18:06.960>
fines. - <00:22:05.280>
So <00:22:05.919>this expire or repealed or amended. - So this expire or repealed or amended.
- uh 3A or specific statutory authority to assess<00:25:00.640>
fines.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and adopted the consent calendar without objection. It then took up Department of Safety Rule 25161 on administrative license suspension forms. After discussion of a staff concern that the rule text should expressly require a defendant’s signature or refusal to sign, and the officer’s witness signature, the agency agreed to revised language. The committee voted to grant conditional approval with those edits.
The committee next considered Department of Agriculture rule 192, concerning importation of bovines and domestic animals. Staff identified several issues, including an overly broad federal citation, an unclear definition of infection, a possible conflict between provisions on telephone-issued permits and documents that must be carried, and missing struck-through repeal language. Because the department had not proposed written fixes, members moved to postpone the item until next month, and the motion passed. A second Agriculture item, 25207, was discussed as a long-expired set of rules that the agency said were still needed to run its programs; the committee granted conditional approval.
The Public Utilities Commission’s competitive natural gas supplier and aggregator rules prompted the most extensive debate. Staff argued the cited statutes did not clearly authorize the commission to impose fines on natural gas suppliers, while the agency responded that authority could be read from related Department of Energy transition language and general rulemaking provisions. Members discussed whether the issue reflected a statutory gap created when responsibilities were split between the Department of Energy and the commission. The committee ultimately voted to waive and postpone the item to next month so the attorneys could work out the authority question. The committee also postponed Department of Energy items 219 and 220 at the agency’s request, and it noted that the Liquor Commission’s emergency rule had been revised to reduce reporting from monthly to quarterly before being reissued, with the item also postponed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Jan 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE TERM ALSO INCLUDES THE AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF A RULE.
- IF THE AGENCY CANNOT MEET THE TIMEFRAME, IT CAN AMEND ITS PLAN AND EXTEND THE ADOPTION DATE.
- THE AGENCY THEN HAS THE OPTION OF EITHER AGREEING OR REFUSING TO AMEND OR REPEAL THE RULE.
- THERE IS THEREFORE NO STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO SUPPORT THE LANGUAGE INCLUDED IN THE RULES.
- The requirements of rules being amended pursuant to Chapter 120 ensure confusion will be avoided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Since the April amendments, the volume of our release...
- And that is statutory language. It's not partisan rhetoric.
- if these amendments are adopted.
- We are deeply concerned with CARB’s amendments today.
- We urge reconsideration of the proposed amendments.
Summary:
The Senate Environmental Quality Committee and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 held a joint hearing on CARB’s proposed amendments to the cap-and-invest regulations. Opening remarks from senators emphasized the 2025 reauthorization of the program through AB 1207 and SB 840, and focused on whether CARB’s April revisions faithfully implement legislative intent while balancing climate ambition, affordability, leakage prevention, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Several senators raised concerns that the proposal could reduce GGRF revenues, weaken funding for transit, affordable housing, wildfire prevention, drinking water, and other community programs, and shift too much support toward industry. Others stressed the need to protect businesses and consumers from higher costs and to avoid leakage and refinery closures. Senator Cortese’s statement, read into the record, warned that the proposal could jeopardize transportation funding commitments.
CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez said the amendments respond to legislative direction and public comment, and described four main changes: increased electric bill credits, a larger manufacturing decarbonization incentive (MDI), additional compliance support for industry, and removal of post-2030 allowance allocations from the current rulemaking. She said the proposal keeps the cap aligned with 2030 and 2045 targets, maintains affordability protections, and is intended to reduce emissions while minimizing leakage and supporting in-state jobs. CARB staff also said the MDI would have guardrails, require applications and reporting, and be tied to emissions-reducing facility upgrades. The Department of Finance explained that GGRF revenue estimates are highly uncertain and are updated periodically based on auction data.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the amendments are significant and could materially affect environmental ambition, industry support, utility credits, and GGRF revenues. LAO highlighted that the MDI could add allowances above the cap, potentially reducing certainty that 2030 targets will be met, and noted that the proposal appears to shift more allowances to industry and fewer to GGRF than current regulations. LAO also said the proposed GGRF estimate of about $8 billion through the decade could be insufficient to fully fund lower-priority tiers of programs. In questioning, senators pressed CARB on whether the proposal would raise consumer costs, whether free allowances or MDI funds would actually lower prices at the pump, how leakage is measured, and whether the Legislature’s budget assumptions would need to be revised before final action. No votes were taken during the hearing; the discussion was informational and focused on questioning CARB and fiscal staff ahead of the board’s planned May 28 consideration of the amendments.