Transcript Highlights:

• do is in subsequent bills, we make sure that those are not applicable, and we're only focusing on solar
• Otherwise, we're going to end up being a barren desert with nothing but solar panels.
• We're going to end up being a barren desert with nothing but solar panels because there won't be, and
• Because once solar panels are built, there's not really any jobs created by it.
• When you get large-scale solar, that is when you create the jobs.

Summary: The committee heard several energy-related bills. AB 710 would require investor-owned utilities to share critical circuit and grid information with local and tribal governments and community choice aggregators to help plan microgrids for resilience during PSPS events and wildfires. Supporters from counties and cities said better data sharing is needed to develop microgrids for critical facilities; PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, citing privacy and grid-security concerns, though SDG&E said amendments may address some issues. Members generally supported the bill’s goal, and the author accepted committee amendments. AB 2182 would restructure the CPUC’s industrial energy efficiency program so industrial customers’ funds are used for industrial projects, with less review and more focus on projects that reduce transmission and distribution needs. Support came from large energy users, with members praising the bill’s ratepayer protections and asking about caps, agriculture, and carbon capture; the author said agriculture could participate and carbon capture was removed from the bill. AB 2589 would require utility federal tax savings to be returned to ratepayers, building on prior legislation; it drew little debate and no opposition on the record. The committee also heard AB 2163, which would create strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, especially to support geothermal and lithium development in places like Imperial County and the Salton Sea. Supporters emphasized jobs, domestic supply chains, and state competitiveness, while some members raised questions about whether other zero-carbon resources should be included; the author said the bill could be receptive to those ideas. AB 2505 would allow hydrogen refueling stations to use dedicated utility meters and service lines, with supporters from the hydrogen industry and labor. AB 1577 would require data centers to report energy and water-use information to the Energy Commission and local planners; supporters said it would protect ratepayers and communities, while industry groups opposed the bill as too broad and duplicative, though they welcomed amendments narrowing the scope and adding trade-secret protections. AB 2065 would impose penalties on utilities that seek to recover prohibited or double-counted costs from ratepayers, and AB 2516 would create a California Grid Manufacturing Initiative to reduce equipment costs and expand in-state manufacturing; both drew strong support and some concerns about overreach and implementation. Finally, AB 2647 would direct the Energy Commission to study advanced nuclear’s role in meeting California’s electricity needs, with testimony in support from nuclear advocates and academics; the hearing ended before any final votes were taken, with several motions pending quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, we're going to end up being a barren desert with nothing but solar panels.
• We're going to end up being a barren desert with nothing but solar panels because there won't be, and
• Because once solar panels are built, there's no jobs really created by it.
• When you get large-scale solar, it is when you create the jobs.
• And while those are great and we've invested... ...solar and wind.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• the purpose of this joint memorial is to urge the United States Congress to prohibit unauthorized solar
• due to some concerns that some people had in separating weather modification and cloud seeding from solar
• geoengineering, I worked with all the invested parties. ...weather modification and cloud seeding from solar

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1419, an act amending sections 44-7161, 44-7172, and 44-7163, Arizona Vice-Solar Energy Devices.
• Specifically here in the bill, it relates to solar energy.
• Specifically here in the bill, it relates to solar energy.
• Solar energy is, in fact, an excellent. We know those utility prices are runaway costs.
• For example, or put in solar, it could cost homeowners even more.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and received House messages and first-read bills. The chamber moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a range of measures on solar energy, public safety, insurance, health care, agriculture, gaming, education, child welfare, and real property. Several bills were retained on calendar, while many others were advanced with committee amendments and floor amendments. On Calendar 2, SB 1419 on solar energy inspection contractors drew the most debate. A floor amendment by Sen. Sundareshan sought to require utilities to protect ratepayers from costs associated with large energy users such as data centers; supporters argued it would help keep electricity affordable, while opponents called it a hostile amendment. After a division vote, the amendment failed 12-15, and SB 1419 was reported do pass as amended. SB 1498 (DPS appropriation) and SB 1502 (unlawful flight/reckless endangerment) also advanced. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, but a later attempt to add the failed Sundareshan amendment to the report on SB 1419 was defeated 13-14. On Calendar 1, the Senate advanced SB 1165, SB 1206, SB 1212, SB 1215, SB 1290, SB 1291, and SB 1347, mostly with committee amendments. SB 1178 on naturopathic physicians and prescription drug pricing saw a contested Sears floor amendment aimed at stopping price gouging on essential generic drugs; supporters said it would lower drug costs, while the sponsor objected that it was not germane. The amendment failed, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1186 on document retention and donations also drew a Sundareshan amendment on transparency and implementation; it failed, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1286 on veterinary visits and electronic prescriptions advanced after a proposed Kavanagh floor amendment was defeated on division. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and moved on to additional calendars. On Calendar 4, the chamber passed SB 1004 on ESA students and interscholastic activities, SB 1116 on AHCCCS access/behavioral health, SB 1162 on health care institution licensing complaints, SB 1179 on developmental disability/health monitoring, SB 1475 on school district governing boards and eligibility, SB 1821 on DCS training and child placement, and SCR 1012. A request to hold SB 1475 for a reinstatement process was rejected. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1077, SB 1479, and SB 1566; SB 1077 advanced with a Payne floor amendment, SB 1479 advanced with a Carroll amendment classifying certain forged real-property recordings as a class five felony, and SB 1566 began consideration with a Petersen amendment to remove part of a prior amendment. Throughout, the chamber repeatedly adopted committee reports and advanced the bills for further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there floating mics? I can lean a little more forward. Is this better?
• Or are there any floating mics? I can lean a little more forward. Is this better?
• There’s a lot of information floating around there.
• just want to add that you know we've all worked really hard on this there's a lot of information floating

Bills: HB99 , HB49 , HB164 , SB30 , SB43 , SB50 , SB136

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• But in doing so, RSA, and most of you all know this, ERS, TRS, we're floating around 70% funded.
• But in doing so, RSA, and most of you all know this, ERS, TRS, we're floating around 70% funded.
• They're counting on people working 27 years, 28 years, 29 years, 30, whatever. floating around 70% funded
• Now, we floating around 70% funded.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures. The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed. Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think these guys floating on their floating piers are going to be just fine.
• concrete infrastructure, which again can range from anchors and moors, particularly as offshore wind, floating
• concrete infrastructure, which again can range from anchors and moors, particularly as offshore wind, floating

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on infrastructure, pollution, climate resilience, public health, access, and economic impacts of sea level rise in California, with an emphasis on San Diego and the Bay Area. Chair Tasha Boerner Horvath opened by describing the committee’s purpose, the state’s sea level rise action planning, and the need for better monitoring and early warning systems. She also referenced her prior bills AB 66 and AB 72, which supported Scripps research on coastal bluff collapse warning capabilities. Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza later joined and emphasized that sea level rise affects not only coastal communities but inland areas as well, and that the issue should inform future legislative and budget decisions. In the first panel, Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps Institution of Oceanography described observed sea level rise of roughly 0.8 to 0.9 feet since the early 1900s, with acceleration expected by mid-century and potentially much greater rise by 2100 depending on emissions. He highlighted flooding, groundwater rise, beach and cliff erosion, salinization, and risks to transportation, sewage, ports, and national security. Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board discussed how sea level rise affects wastewater systems, stormwater, contaminated sites, wetlands, and coastal groundwater basins, and said the board is requiring climate adaptation planning, updating stormwater permits, and seeking more flexible state permitting and mitigation tools. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better mapping, more monitoring, and more state funding, especially if federal support from NOAA and other agencies declines. The second panel addressed public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described how sea level rise, pollution, and access barriers threaten the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, especially for underserved communities and youth programs that rely on safe, welcoming access to the ocean. He stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of coastal access and the need for water safety and environmental education. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission explained that the Bay Area faces major economic exposure from sea level rise, citing a regional estimate of $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses from inaction, and said BCDC is working with local governments under SB 272 on shoreline adaptation planning, funding, and regulatory innovation. Members discussed the tension between environmental permitting and the need to move projects faster, including the possibility of planned retreat in some areas and the use of simultaneous permitting and longer-term state authority to streamline adaptation work. In the final panel, Philip Gibbons of the Port of San Diego described the port’s climate adaptation efforts and its vulnerability assessments under AB 691. He said the port manages state tidelands, supports maritime commerce and recreation, and is already seeing flooding at king tides and during El Niño events, including storm-drain backflow and damage to bikeways and parks. He explained that future sea level rise could inundate major port areas and disrupt operations, underscoring the need for continued planning, mitigation, and infrastructure investment. The hearing did not take formal votes, but it concluded with a clear call for more science, funding, coordination, and regulatory streamlining to prepare California’s coast and nearby communities for worsening sea level rise impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2A is a new section reflecting our shared concern about building solar on agricultural lands.
• report to us on January 15th, 2027, with more comprehensive data on the conversion of farmland into solar
• conversion<00:08:35.280><c> of</c><00:08:35.400><c> farmland</c><00:08:36.000><c> into</c><00:08:36.200><c> solar
• </c> conversion of farmland into solar conversion of farmland into solar production<00:08:37.159><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• It defines a portable solar generation device as a movable photovoltaic generation device that, among
• It defines a portable solar generation device as a movable photovoltaic generation device that, among
• And it authorizes an electric utility with fewer than 25,000 customers to prohibit portable solar generation
• striking amendment labeled B is identical to A that I just explained, with the exception of the portable solar
• amendment labeled B, it's identical to A that I just explained with the exception of the portable solar

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, Shira Specter, intern for Stone Advocacy, in support on behalf of the California Solar and Storage
• I also have a concern about what if there's actually a piece, when the solar bill came through, I received
• But the solar issue is one of those prime examples where you could only really hear from one side of
• If we really want to meet our goals of renewable energy, wind doesn't work, and solar doesn't work unless
• Certainly I'm a fan of wind and solar and making sure we're getting to our goals, but, you know, this

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met without a quorum at first and began as a subcommittee, then later established quorum and heard several measures. The main policy bills discussed were SB 24, which would restrict investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds for political advertising, lobbying, and efforts against municipal utilities, and SB 283, the Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025, which would strengthen safety standards for battery energy storage facilities after the Moss Landing fire. The consent calendar also included SB 80, SB 491, SB 593, SB 804, and SCR 25, which were taken up without debate. SB 24 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates, who argued that ratepayer money should not be used for political or promotional activity and that current rules lack meaningful consequences. Opponents from the utilities and business community said the bill was too broad, could interfere with shareholder-funded advocacy and legal work, and might unintentionally affect public service communications and expert consulting. Several committee members shared support for the bill’s goal but raised concerns about its breadth, especially around legal fees and communications; the author said he was willing to work on amendments, including on consultant fees, and accepted committee amendments. SB 283 received broad support from firefighters, local governments, utilities, labor, and business groups. Supporters said the bill would improve fire safety, require fire authority consultation and inspections, and prevent battery storage from being sited in unsafe indoor combustible facilities. The author described the Moss Landing fire and said the bill would add standards based on NFPA guidance while preserving local governments’ ability to adopt stricter rules. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee voted SB 283 out 16-0, and SB 24 was also approved after a roll was held open and later closed, ultimately passing 11-1. The consent calendar passed 16-0, and the meeting adjourned after the final roll calls were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, Shira Specter, intern for Stone Advocacy, in support on behalf of the California Solar and Storage
• I also have a concern about what if there's actually a piece, when the solar bill came through, I received
• But the solar issue is one of those prime examples where you could only really hear from one side of
• If we really want to meet our goals of renewable energy, wind doesn't work, and solar doesn't work unless
• Certainly I'm a fan of wind and solar and making sure we're getting to our goals, but, you know, this

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met without a quorum at first and began as a subcommittee, hearing SB 24 by Senator McNerny. The bill would prohibit investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds for political advertising, lobbying, and efforts against municipal utility formation, while also tightening related accounting and consultant-fee rules. Supporters argued ratepayer money should not subsidize utility advocacy or branding during an affordability crisis; opponents said the bill was too broad, could affect legal and regulatory communications, and raised concerns about First Amendment and unintended consequences. After amendments were accepted, the committee later voted the bill out on a 10-1 vote, with one member not voting, and the roll was held open for additional members to add on. The committee then heard SB 283 by Senator Laird, the Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025, which responds to the Moss Landing battery storage fire. The bill would establish stronger safety standards for battery energy storage systems, including fire authority consultation and inspections, compliance with NFPA and building/fire code standards, and a prohibition on locating battery storage in indoor combustible facilities. The author and supporters, including firefighters, local governments, utilities, and industry groups, said the measure would improve safety and coordination as battery storage expands; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved SB 283 unanimously, 16-0, and later the roll was reopened and the measure ultimately advanced 18-0. The consent calendar included SB 80, SB 491, SB 593, SB 804, and SCR 25, all of which were approved together without opposition. The committee also held the roll open for absent members to add on after the votes, then adjourned after all business was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent thousands of dollars last year to have solar panels put on the roof of my house in Austin.
• APA is based here in Austin, and we represent about 60 companies that are invested mostly in solar, wind
• We need all resources at the table, including wind, solar, gas, nuclear, and energy storage resources
• position here because As an organization, we've been supportive of green forms of energy like wind and solar
• But your intent, we support the intent of making sure that wind and solar are sited appropriately.

Bills: HB3129 , HB3251 , HB3556 , HB3724 , HB3887

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, HB 3887, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Parks and Wildlife Code, performance bond, payment bond, contractor bonding, public works, construction contracts, public building, procurement, bid security, subcontractors, suppliers, contractor payment protection, project completion

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> quite easily um by simply slapping solar quite easily um by simply slapping solar on<00:50:11.280
• </c> require solar panels on anything? require solar panels on anything?
• think solar is viewed as the province of people that have more discretionary income, and solar brings
• </c> would thus help reduce the cost of solar would thus help reduce the cost of solar projects<01:53
• It's not just for solar panels.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• It would authorize counties and cities to allow solar energy production facilities as an accessory use
• And it would provide that agrovoltaic and pivot corner solar energy facilities are deemed under the Growth
• This would provide that accessory uses on agricultural land can include solar pivot corner facilities
• rather than agrovoltaics facilities and other facilities that place solar panels in agricultural lands
• us protect those important spaces, avoid those unintended consequences, but also expand access to solar

Bills: HB2451 , HB2298 , HB2566 , HB2267 , HB2530 , HB2388 , HB2588 , HB2094

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: tax increment financing, local government, economic development, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, urban forestry, environmental policy, tree management, community planning, public facilities district, regional aquatics

Transcript Highlights:

• about the use of prime agricultural soils as well as forested landscapes that were being used for solar
• So, One is that for the acres of prime agricultural soils that have been directly impacted by solar generation
• And then regarding Trees cleared or forests that were used for solar generation.
• data about what kinds of forests are... ...data about what kinds of forests are being cleared for solar

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are in solar, grid work, and, to some extent, electric vehicles.
• of solar out there.
• Chair, on page 16: you implementing 141 schools have been funded for solar—is there anything in place
• is there anything in place that solar is there anything in place that would<00:57:52.319><c> uh</c><
• for schools legislative report solar for schools legislative report that<00:59:29.119><c> was</c><00

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:09:39.160><c> work</c><00:09:39.320><c> to</c><00:09:39.519><c> build</c><00:09:39.760><c> a</c> solar
• um and as we work to build a solar um and as we work to build a reliable<00:09:40.399><c> affordable
• that you see with migrating<00:13:55.399><c> birds</c><00:13:56.199><c> with</c><00:13:56.360><c> solar
• <00:13:57.000><c> it</c><00:13:57.160><c> it</c><00:13:57.480><c> there's</c> migrating birds with solar
• it it there's migrating birds with solar it it there's effects<00:13:58.079><c> on</c><00:13:58.279>

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, John Hart with the California Solar and Storage Association. Thank you.
• John Hart with the California Solar and Storage Association.
• McKinley-Thompson-Worley on behalf of the Solar Energy Industries Association in support.
• And John Hart with the California Solar and Storage Association.
• John Hart with the California Solar and Storage Association.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• Where does that center stand on the solar panel farms that are going up around the state?
• High-fence solar panels, by the way, so he's going to be an island.
• Where does the center stand on the solar panel farms that are going up around the state?
• High fence solar panels, by the way, so he's going to be an island.
• Yeah, I mean, you're talking 2,500 acres of farmland gone for this one solar array farm.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Does something like solar come up anywhere?
• You know, I have solar panels on my house.
• Chair, Senator Stewart, I know we've had some discussion at the PSFA about solar.
• I know some school districts are migrating... ...to their own solar panels.
• Aztec is one, for example, where they have put solar panels on.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force