Transcript Highlights:

• It's a form of solar radiation modification which was mandated and funded by Congress.
• It states that the federal government conducts and funds research into solar radiation modification.
• I know that because I have solar power at my home, and it's diminished a lot.
• step for the state of Florida, but cloud seeding, unlike solar radiation management, is not blocking
• So to de-conflict our understanding of what cloud seeding is and what solar radiation management is,

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee took up eight bills focused on water policy, coastal resilience, environmental regulation, beaches, wildlife funding, and carbon sequestration. HB 7001 preserved the public-record exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species before its scheduled repeal, and it was reported favorably 16-0. H.R. 661, expressing support for a “one-water” approach to the state water supply, drew discussion about whether it implied centralized control; an amendment aligning the resolution with Senate language was adopted, and the resolution passed 16-0 with a committee substitute. The committee also advanced HB 1345 on infrastructure and resiliency, which after a strike-all amendment authorized DEP to procure coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships and use incentives such as revenue-sharing, expedited permitting, public engagement, and workforce training; it passed 16-0. HB 477 on weather modification was substantially amended to return to current statute and add a $10,000 fine for failing to obtain a permit; the bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against weather modification and cloud seeding, and it passed as amended with a committee substitute. HB 6043, repealing the 2018 customary-use beach statute affecting Walton County, prompted testimony about beach access, tourism losses, and private property rights; it passed 17-0. The committee then approved CS for HB 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds and allowing use of the non-game wildlife trust fund for law enforcement and coordination with related agencies and landowners; it passed 17-0. HB 1169 revised water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and procurement practices, including restrictions on lobbyist funds and updated project preference rules; two amendments were adopted and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1063 created a task force to study carbon sequestration and related ecosystem services in Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters; after amendments removing a fiscal component and clarifying voluntary participation and property-rights protections, it passed 15-2. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's The fact that we're passing regulations, the electric vehicle mandates, the solar requirements in
• characteristics of a district, whether or not they have the need for that cap asked to be able to float

Transcript Highlights:

• is so we have a heat buildings solar is so we have a solar<01:42:31.800><c> is</c><01:42:31.920><c>
• , and then suddenly solar PV pretty much wiped out concentrated solar, right?
• If anyone who made a big bet on concentrated solar often lost their money in this case.
• Solar PV pretty much wiped out concentrated solar, right?
• If anyone who made a big bet on concentrated solar often lost their money in this case.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 581 relates to a smart solar permitting platform for residential solar energy systems.
• This legislation relates to a smart solar permitting platform for residential solar energy systems.
• Houseful 581 relates to smart solar permitting platform established residential solar energy systems.
• Now this legislation relates to smart solar permitting platform established residential solar energy
• sale, lease, or power purchase of solar energy systems, civil penalty.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just last year, we used the total solar eclipse as a full-scale disaster exercise.
• I watched all these, I watched 108 RVs float right by me in the three RV parks, watching these screaming
• A float switch is basically a real simple switch that goes up and down, has two. and I think that that's
• It works just like a toilet tank float. monitor. Simple to monitor.
• And from floating houses there in town, even in the city of Burnet, received quite a bit of damage.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• would meet the value, whatever, it would supplant having to cover acres and acres of farmland with solar
• panels when you can... ...having to cover acres and acres of farmland with solar panels when you can
• So you'll still have at least that 2% solar generation.
• Well, and that's so of the total 7.5%, 2% has to be solar. Thanks.
• I believe now that even if one of these investors owns purchase solar, I believe they can use that in

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Utilities Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 2807, with a substitute ending in .03C. Representative Herbert explained that the substitute was intended to match the Senate version, add battery energy storage to the renewable standard, clarify that the nuclear provision applies to new, not existing, nuclear generation, and create nuclear energy credits to help track generation for the PSC. Members asked about how the credits would work, whether they could involve out-of-state generation, and how the bill would affect Missouri jobs and in-state generation. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2807 do pass by a roll call vote of 18 ayes and 1 no. The committee then heard House Bills 3351 and 3371, sponsored by Representatives Koslow and Taylor, which would expand a prior, narrower water-district detachment proposal statewide. The bill would create a “specific demand customer” category for large water users whose quantity or quality needs may exceed a district’s capabilities, require a water district to respond within 60 days, and allow the customer to seek service elsewhere and pursue detachment if the district cannot or will not serve them. It also would prevent districts from taking on new encumbering federal debt to block detachment and would require gifts offered specifically to pay off such debt to be accepted and applied to that purpose. Sponsors said the measure was meant to stop “debt hoarding” and remove barriers to economic development while still allowing courts to review reasonableness and protect both districts and customers. Members questioned the scope of the bill, including the use of “may exceed” in the definition, whether the restriction on new loans could create problems in emergency or repair situations, how reasonableness would be judged, and whether the proposal could affect existing ratepayers or apply to municipal systems. The sponsors said the intent was to address net-new customers and to leave ordinary financing available except for loans used to prevent detachment. In informational testimony, Missouri American Water described a separate but related problem involving USDA red tape delaying a partial sale of the city of DeKalb’s water system, saying the delay was preventing lower rates and needed capital investment for a small community. No votes were taken on HB 3351 or HB 3371 before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• a kilowatt of natural gas, and a kilowatt of solar — a kilowatt of nuclear.
• a kilowatt of natural gas, and a kilowatt of solar — a kilowatt of nuclear.
• It is bad policy that has allowed our farmland to be eaten up by wind and solar.
• It is bad policy that has allowed our farmland to be eaten up by wind and solar.
• It is bad policy that has allowed our farmland to be eaten up by wind and solar.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, approval of the prior journal, and several ceremonial introductions. Senator Mayer welcomed students and alumni from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, highlighting early college opportunities for high school students. Senator Zellner introduced members of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Union Local 282 and honored fallen Buffalo firefighter Jayson Arno, with remarks praising firefighters’ service and sacrifice. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 1489, commemorating the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic independence. Senator Sepúlveda presented the resolution and spoke about Dominican history, sovereignty, the Dominican diaspora in New York, and the role of Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez. Senators Jackson, Weber, Bailey, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. The resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate next moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills on insurance, public health, education, social services, tax, penal law, and workers’ compensation. Several bills were approved by wide margins, including measures related to vaccination policy and education law; Senator Weik opposed the public health/vaccination bill, while Senator Mayer defended it as science-based. Senator Fernandez explained and secured passage of a workers’ compensation bill that would raise a pre-authorization threshold, clarify medical treatment guidelines, and restore access to out-of-network providers for injured workers. The only contentious item was Calendar 117, a bill amending the Executive Law related to climate resilience and the Office of Resilience. Senator Walczyk offered an amendment to repeal the statewide cap-and-invest program, but the chair ruled it nongermane; the Senate upheld that ruling on a 21-aye vote. Senators Harckham, Borrello, Krueger, Lanza, Martins, and Gianaris spoke at length on climate policy, energy costs, and the bill’s merits. The bill ultimately passed 51-9. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have on Molokai solar water heaters. We have a few solar PVs.
• They had a solar hot water contractor that we did a few there, um, solar PV.
• to finance community solar, right?
• to finance community solar, right?
• </c> utility so that uh the community solar utility so that uh the community solar project<01:50:07.159

Transcript Highlights:

• Now the PA is just kind of out there floating around, and if something happens, I'm someone removed,
• The PA is just kind of out there floating around, and if something happens, I'm somewhat removed, so

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The General Laws Committee met without a quorum and heard House Bill 2749, sponsored by Rep. Davidson. The bill would allow hospital systems, rather than only individual physicians, to sign and maintain collaborative practice agreements for physician assistants in hospital settings. The sponsor said the measure is intended to reduce administrative burden and paperwork without changing scope of practice, supervision requirements, or liability, and noted it has a $0 fiscal note. Committee members asked about how the bill would work in practice, including what happens when physicians leave a hospital system, whether the collaborating physician relationship would still be meaningful, and whether the bill could affect liability or accountability. Supporters, including a long-time PA with BJC and the Missouri Hospital Association, said large hospital systems already use credentialing and chart-review processes, and that centralizing the paperwork would help hospitals, physicians, and the Board of Healing Arts while freeing physician time for patient care. They emphasized that the bill would not change clinical oversight or reimbursement arrangements. Opposition came from the Missouri State Medical Association and the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. Their witness argued that collaborative practice agreements are personal physician agreements, not mere paperwork, and warned that shifting them to a hospital-level document could weaken physician accountability and potentially increase liability. The hearing concluded after testimony, with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a handful floating out there that I am aware of, so we may come back later this week.
• There's a handful floating out there that I am aware of, so we may come back later this week.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• that includes pavement and distress data, crashes, all kinds of other criteria that come to basically float
• terrible that there's something that we have to absolutely address right now, so those projects will float

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Solar Energy Association in support.
• 59.680><c> in</c> Hawaii Solar Energy Association in Hawaii Solar Energy Association in support.
• Rooftop solar and energy storage in Hawaii.
• I am the co-founder and president of Malama Solar, a local solar company here in Honolulu.
• </c> any do self-certification for like solar any do self-certification for like solar PV<00:21:22.760

Bills: HB1984 , HB1593 , HB2423 , HB1691 , HB2283 , HB2386 , HB1824 , HB1697 , HB2164 , HB2165

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that we heard many times over the last couple years is that, you know, solar energy
• And, um, whether it's solar gardens, whether it's others, the state can do a better job and create a
• One of the things that we heard many times over the last couple years is that, you know, solar energy
• And, um, whether it's solar gardens, whether it's others, the state can do a better job and create a
• One of the things that we heard many times over the last couple years is that, you know, solar energy

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4060 is essentially behind the meter for small-scale solar generation devices. Thank you, Mr.
• HB 4060 is essentially behind the meter for small-scale solar generation devices.
• I got overwhelming support to ensure that individuals who wanted to install a small-scale plug-in solar
• But nationally, plug-in solar isn't something that's widespread and available.

Bills: HB3724 , HB3392 , HB3466 , HB4060

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee first announced that House Bill 3724 would be laid over at the author’s request and not heard. House Bill 3392, by Representative Clinton, passed 7-0 after brief discussion; it directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to study large-load electric customers, including defining them, assessing their grid impact, and evaluating cost allocation, while not interfering with any OCC rulemaking already underway. Chairman Bowles then presented House Bill 3466, a Corporation Commission request bill to remove an obsolete petty cash fund from statute. It passed 7-0 with no debate. House Bill 4060, by Representative Alonzo, was amended to remove a section dealing with homeownership regulations; the bill then advanced after discussion focused on small plug-in solar devices, their safety features, and the intent to clarify that such devices would not be treated as improper grid interconnections or subjected to burdensome utility or OCC requirements. Members raised questions about backfeeding and line-worker safety, and the sponsor said the devices would have anti-islanding protections and would not send power back into the grid. The committee approved HB 4060 8-0. The chair noted that several additional bills were assigned and expected next week, and the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:38:05.080><c> powered</c> having Marines carry solar powered having Marines carry solar powered
• Do we go nuclear, solar, wind power?
• Do we go nuclear, solar, wind power?
• Do we go nuclear, solar, wind power?
• Do we go nuclear, solar, wind power?

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• outlive the two of us and have the greatest impact, he implemented, installed, and has phase one of the solar
• The Kawai Community College will be 100% energy self-sufficient with the solar program, and the second
• The Kawai Community College will be 100% energy self-sufficient with the solar program.
• The Kawai Community College will be 100% energy self-sufficient with the solar program, and the second
• The Kawai Community College will be 100% energy self-sufficient with the solar program, and the second

Transcript Highlights:

• And later on today at noon, get a root beer float courtesy of these folks.
• Just a reminder that the Elks Association is serving root beer floats from 12 to 2 in Room 112.
• Everybody loves a root beer float.

Bills: SB1365 , SB2139 , SB1595 , SB1303 , SB2180 , SB2072 , SB1772 , SB1209 , SB137 , SB1944 , SB372 , SB1636 , SB1256 , SB1827 , SB2104 , SB1226 , SB1876 , SB1966 , SB80 , SB1148 , SB1147 , SB1149 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1164 , SB1159 , SB1165 , SB1174 , SB1156 , SB1158 , SB1163 , SB1175 , SB1176 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1157 , SB1146 , SB1481 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SCR20

Keywords: SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants

Transcript Highlights:

• And you kind of think like my husband, if you can use someone else's money for a 30-day period to float
• I might use an opportunity like this to float revenue over the course of my business cycle.
• But we had to float that, and we would time it with our credit card cycle.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a work session on buy now, pay later (BNPL) transactions, focusing on how the products work, how they are used in Washington, and whether existing state law adequately protects consumers. Department of Financial Institutions staff described BNPL as short-term, usually no-interest installment financing offered at checkout, often with automatic payments, late fees, and varying credit-reporting practices. Members asked how BNPL compares with payday lending and earned wage access, whether it is effectively a loan or credit product, and whether Washington law already covers it. DFI explained that some BNPL structures may fall into a legal gray area under the Retail Installment Sales of Goods and Services Act because pay-in-four products may not meet the statute’s “more than four installments” language, while other structures may be covered; they also noted the Attorney General can enforce the act. DFI and committee members discussed consumer risks such as overextension, automatic debits, and lack of standardized disclosures, and DFI said it would follow up with additional data on defaults and related issues. Molly Gallagher of the Poverty Action Network and Nadine Chabrier of the Center for Responsible Lending argued that BNPL can help consumers but also poses significant risks, especially for lower-income consumers and consumers of color who already carry debt or use other alternative financial products. They said BNPL use has grown rapidly, often involves multiple simultaneous loans across providers, and can lead to overdrafts, late fees, and difficulty tracking obligations because payments are spread across different schedules. They emphasized concerns about weak disclosures, limited dispute protections, automatic payment structures, credit reporting inconsistencies, consumer overextension, and data privacy/dark-pattern marketing. They also described federal retrenchment, including the CFPB’s withdrawal of an interpretive rule that would have treated BNPL like a digital credit card, and pointed to state responses in places like New York, California, and Maryland. Committee members signaled interest in possible Washington legislation and stronger state oversight. Retail and business witnesses offered a more favorable view of BNPL as a cash-flow and sales tool. A Washington Retail Association representative described BNPL as an evolution of layaway and credit-card-style installment purchasing, noting that merchants receive payment up front minus fees while consumers get goods or services immediately and repay over time. A representative from a business using deferred-payment financing said the tool helps customers obtain equipment and helps the business manage inventory and cash flow, while NFIB said small businesses also use BNPL to bridge expenses and avoid higher-interest credit card debt. Members asked about merchant fees, consumer education, and whether BNPL is being used for impulse purchases or essential expenses like rent, car repairs, medical care, and travel. The chair concluded by saying the committee intends to pursue regulatory language and continue working with stakeholders, while also hearing from retailers to avoid eliminating legitimate financing tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wind and solar just did not show up when we needed it the most.
• Texas Solar and Storage Association, and you are against the bill, is that correct?
• The Nightfall Solar project is at a very late stage.
• Nuclear is the third line, and then you come in to wind and solar.
• Wind and solar doesn't show up when we need it, and that is a huge problem.

Bills: HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042 , HB45

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s why the current proposal that’s floating around does not get our backing, because the cut in the
• That’s why the current proposal that’s floating around does not get our backing, because the cut in the
• That’s why the current proposal that’s floating around does not get our backing, because the cut in the
• That’s why the current proposal that’s floating around does not get our backing, because the cut in the
• The current proposal that’s floating around does not get our backing, because the cut in the sales tax

Committee: House Ways and Means