Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 3/25/26
Transcript Highlights:
- With surveillance pricing and ESLs powered by AI, mass data collection, and automation, consumers don't
- The Minnesota legislature has the power and authority it needs to stop this exploitative practice before
- The Minnesota legislature has the power and authority it needs to stop this exploitative practice before
- electronic shelf labels and the powered electronic shelf labels and the exploitative<00:13:28.240><c
- </c><00:21:06.880><c> technology</c><00:21:07.440><c> and</c> we implement AI powered technology and
Summary:
The meeting focused on proposed Minnesota legislation to ban surveillance pricing and restrict AI-powered electronic shelf labels in grocery stores. Speakers from UFCW 1189 and UFCW Local 663, along with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, argued that these technologies could enable real-time price increases based on consumer data, undermine budgeting and privacy, and worsen affordability for families. They also said the technology could reduce hours or eliminate jobs for grocery workers who currently handle pricing and store knowledge, with UFCW Local 663 estimating about 500 affected jobs among its members alone.
Testimony emphasized examples such as baby formula, diapers, bananas, and milk to illustrate how fluctuating prices could hurt families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people in food deserts. Speakers also argued that grocery workers provide essential customer service and that automation should be introduced responsibly, not at the expense of workers or consumers. Murphy and Sencer-Mura framed the bill as a response to corporate greed and big tech surveillance, saying Minnesota should act proactively before the practices become widespread.
During questions, lawmakers and advocates discussed whether the issue was proactive or reactive, whether disclosure requirements like those used in New York would be sufficient, and how surveillance pricing differs from loyalty programs or coupons. Speakers said disclosure alone would not prevent tracking or price manipulation and that the goal was to stop the practice altogether. The transcript ended with the advocates saying they would continue meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; no vote or final committee action was recorded in the excerpt, though one question referenced a related bill stalling in committee earlier that morning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 26th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- and convenes a work group to decide the definition of an e-moto. ...what these powerful e-bikes are
- not, this bill clarifies that these powerful e-bikes are not legal when they exceed the watt or speed
- I have witnessed more unsafe riding of high-powered electric vehicles than I can remember.
- E-motorcycles are larger, heavier, more powerful, and much faster.
- of a gas-powered motorcycle and the ability to accelerate to highway speeds.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 2 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Admit, Your Excellency, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Constitutional Officers, and the Councillors-elect
- Admit Her Excellency, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Constitutional Officers that are here
- The Chair would like to recognize the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Thank you. Good morning.
- Thanks, Governor. Good morning, everyone, and thank you very much, Governor.
- We'll now escort Her Excellency, the Governor, Her Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, the several councillors
Summary:
The House and then a joint convention of the House and Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance, brief recesses, and procedural motions. The Senate transmitted an order to appoint a joint committee to canvass the votes for Executive Councillors, and the order was adopted. The House appointed Mr. Stanley of Waltham, Ms. Howard of Lowell, and Mr. Vieira of Falmouth to that committee.
In the joint session, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the members and praised the work of the Governor’s Councillors in reviewing judicial nominations and helping ensure access to justice. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin’s communication was read, transmitting the certified returns of the November 5, 2024 election for councillors. The councillors-elect were then sworn in, with instructions to sign and return their oath paperwork before leaving.
After the joint convention adjourned, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. It also adopted a special adjournment in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, noting his service in the Georgia legislature, as governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. The House then adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Jan 21, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Josh Green; Michael Luke, husband of Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke; former Governor John Waiheʻe and
- Former Governor John Waiheʻe and Mrs.
- </c> sued governor sued governor eay<00:39:50.680><c> who</c><00:39:50.880><c> we</c><00:39:51.040><c
- Thank you, Governor Green.
- </c> thank you Governor thank you Governor green<00:49:31.440><c> I</c><00:49:31.559><c> shared</c><00
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I will point out that we do have subpoena power.
- That subpoena power is limited to chairman and leadership.
- I just wanted to point that out as another power that the legislature has. With that, Mr.
- And to Representative Alfieri for your powerful and really lovely words of support and the motion, and
- And to Representative Alfieri for your powerful and really lovely words of support and the motion and
Committee:
House State Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- a couple things on this bill that I'd like, and I support, and it has to do with the water and the power
- They're suggesting that they're going to produce their own power with a natural gas generator.
- I think more specifically, the power plant portion of that data center. Senator Den Hartog: Mr.
- The construction of whatever they need to construct to supply their own power would not be eligible for
- Representative Raymond: More specifically, the power plant portion of that data center.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of electricity and power to generate hydrogen, doesn't it?
- How is that powered? With hydrogen. The electrolyzer would be powered with hydrogen. And so...
- During winter storm Uri, my power went out in my house.
- The main priority was for a... ...emergency power and for drones.
- Are you actually using the hydrogen you make to power the process?
Committee:
House Energy Resources
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So which way do you want to have it, Governor?
- The governor, what did he try if he gets that? It's just wealth redistribution.
- The governor mentioned today was told by this, 10 years ago of that million dollar threshold, the governor
- The governor, what did he try if he gets that? It's just wealth redistribution.
- The governor properly highlights that they need attention.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on the second day of the 60-day legislative session, reacting to Governor Ferguson’s State of the State address and outlining their priorities. They said the top issue is affordability, and argued the governor and Democratic majority are responding with more taxes, regulation, and government spending rather than restraint. They criticized the prospect of a state income tax, calling it unconstitutional, politically unpopular, and likely to expand beyond high earners over time. They also said the state should avoid raiding the rainy day fund and instead look for savings through tighter budget management, reduced middle management, and a focus on core services.
The leaders also discussed public safety, immigration enforcement, child care oversight, transportation, housing, and the Climate Commitment Act. On immigration, they said law enforcement coordination is essential and criticized mixed messages from state leaders about federal enforcement and sheriffs. On child care, they said allegations of fraud in subsidy programs should be investigated through audits and oversight, and rejected the idea that looking for fraud is offensive to honest providers. They said there is some bipartisan agreement on using Climate Commitment Act revenue for the Working Families Tax Credit, transportation, and wildfire prevention, but argued the tax itself is regressive and should be redirected to better uses.
On the budget, Republicans said the current deficit will not be solved by a future income tax and that the state will likely need spending cuts or savings. They said there is some limited agreement with moderate Democrats against further tax increases and against using the rainy day fund as a first step. On housing and transportation, they said the real solutions are permitting reform, changes to the Growth Management Act and energy code, and more stable transportation funding, rather than more state spending on affordable housing or piecemeal fees. No votes were taken, and the event ended as a press availability with questions from reporters.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/15/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #1
Transcript Highlights:
- What the governor asked for, I think we delivered, What the governor asked for, I think we delivered
- I think this is an incredible offer to the governor to get on board and sign this bill and solve this
- Madam Webb, Chairman Livingston, we saw back in November the governor do an executive press release.
- And the governor has to sign it. Oh, you can't write this stuff off.
- “The governor put out in November because it’s a press release, it’s a direction, it’s a wish list.
Summary:
The caucus focused on HB 2153, a tax conformity bill that would align Arizona tax law with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bill excludes three federal provisions: the additional $6,000 senior deduction, the higher SALT deduction, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. It also adds several Arizona-specific changes, including a $6,000 deduction for certain retirement distributions for taxpayers 65 and older, a $6,000 deduction for Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated a negative fiscal impact of $441.3 million in the first year, declining over the next two years.
Chairman Livingston argued the bill was needed immediately because the Department of Revenue had already issued tentative forms assuming full conformity, creating confusion for taxpayers and businesses. He said the governor’s earlier direction and the department’s forms were not coordinated with the legislature’s approach, and warned taxpayers and businesses not to file until the issue was resolved. He also said the bill would help small businesses by preventing mismatched state and federal rules, especially on deductions and vehicle expensing, and emphasized that many Arizona businesses would otherwise face two sets of books.
Members asked about the practical impact on small businesses and the department’s forms. Livingston and staff said Arizona has about 700,000 small businesses, most with 19 or fewer employees, and that the department’s forms largely reflected full conformity except for a worksheet tied to the governor’s requested changes. Staff explained the difference between “simple conformity” and “full conformity,” noting that some federal provisions occur “below the line” and require explicit state law. The committee also discussed the child care provisions as a new Arizona deduction and a separate increase in the child care credit. No vote was taken, and the meeting adjourned before floor session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Election Protection / Shutting Down Scam PACs / A New Senator Shares His Priorities Apr 17th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, my bill just removes that power from them.
- All the other powers remain. Um, but it removes the power for them to spend money in our elections.
- Um, and removes that power from them.
- All the other powers remain. changes. All the other powers remain.
- </c><00:10:35.360><c> for</c> Um, but it it removes the the power for Um, but it it removes the the power
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint House-Senate Floor Session Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
North Dakota Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, may I present Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinding and the escort committee.
- May I present Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinding and the escort committee.
- , to the podium and First Lady Kirstie Armstrong to a reserve seat in the chamber, and that Governor
- So, Lieutenant Governor Strindon, I want to have to come back here.
- So, Lieutenant Governor Strindon, justices of the North Dakota Supreme Court, Mr.
Summary:
The House convened in joint session for the special session of the 69th Legislative Assembly, with introductions of visiting officials and a moment of silence for former Governor Alan Olson. The chamber then escorted Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strind and Governor Kelly Armstrong, along with First Lady Kirstie Armstrong, to the rostrum. The governor’s remarks were ordered printed in the journal.
Governor Armstrong addressed the special session’s single purpose: considering North Dakota’s $199 million first-year federal award under the rural health transformation program. He thanked legislators, HHS, tribal partners, providers, and community leaders for their work on the state’s CMS application, and said four bills helped improve the application score: requiring the presidential fitness test in PE courses, adding nutrition education to physicians’ continuing education, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice. He said he looked forward to signing those bills and the accompanying appropriation measure.
The governor described the rural health plan as focused on four pillars: promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, stabilizing the rural health workforce, expanding access through telehealth and mobile services, and using technology and data to improve care. He emphasized that the plan would avoid new buildings and unsustainable programs, and instead use federal funds for lasting, scalable reforms. He said the state could receive at least $500 million over five years, possibly more, and urged quick authorization and appropriation so the funding could be deployed responsibly.
After the governor and lieutenant governor were escorted out, the joint session was dissolved. The House then returned to regular business, announced committee meetings, excused absent members, and adjourned until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/29/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:15:22.720><c> to</c><00:15:22.959><c> order</c><00:15:23.360><c> all</c> not have the power to
- order all not have the power to order all basically<00:15:24.240><c> the</c><00:15:24.480><c> same</
- To quote Spider-Man, with great power, right, comes great responsibility.
- </c><04:13:48.319><c> As</c> is such a powerful piece of evidence.
- As is such a powerful piece of evidence.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2774 ensures Missourians have the choice to purchase new fuel-powered equipment that best
- House Bill 2774 ensures Missourians have the choice to purchase new fuel-powered equipment that best
- equipment to compete in the... ...would be supporting policies that allow all fuel sources used to power
- I guess this wouldn't apply to homeowners associations who prevent gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers
- ...prevent gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers and all of that? Nope.
Committee:
House General Laws
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2748. Members considered a committee substitute and adopted a House committee amendment that restored recess language and clarified age-appropriate physical activity provisions. After rolling the amendment into a new substitute, the committee voted the bill do pass by a roll call of 6 ayes, 4 noes, and 1 present.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2774, which would prohibit the state or political subdivisions from restricting the sale or use of equipment, vehicles, tools, or similar items based on fuel source. Representative Knight presented the bill as a short measure aimed at preventing fuel-source restrictions. Testimony in support came from the American Petroleum Institute, Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Missouri Propane Gas Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Golf Association, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free-market fuel policy, and economic benefits for biofuels and related industries.
During questioning, a member asked whether the bill would affect homeowners associations banning gas-powered lawn equipment; the witness said it would not, unless the HOA were a political subdivision. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on HB 2774 was concluded before the committee adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> taller,</c><00:46:23.119><c> get</c> powers kids to grow taller, get powers kids to grow taller,
- To screens power chairs going still.
- </c> driving instability in our power grid. driving instability in our power grid.
- </c><08:28:02.478><c> to</c> at risk of not having enough power to at risk of not having enough power
- </c><09:03:29.200><c> Not</c> powerful people break the rules. Not powerful people break the rules.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Meta's foreign relations and representations to the United States Congress. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Facebook is one of the most powerful companies in the world.
- to do for profit and power.
- Was the editor-in-chief's or the chief editor's power limited to reviewing viral posts?
- Oh, no, it was extensive power.
- It's whatever gets him closest to power.
Keywords:
Meta, Facebook, whistleblower, regulation, China, user data, artificial intelligence, testimony, Congress
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course, the federal government, power is spread over the three.
- But it's also the concept of federalism that spreads power between the states and the federal government
- would be few and defined, while the powers of the states would be numerous and indefinite. the states
- sadly, comical when you read what the founders wrote. about what they expected to be the relative power
- Slide. to power it off. That works every time. Let's do it. Okay, vice-president.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And so Governor DeSantis has remained steadfast.
- I was originally appointed by Governor Scott in 2014 and reappointed by the governor and subsequently
- by Governor DeSantis as well.
- I was originally appointed by Governor Scott in 2014 and reappointed by the governor and subsequently
- by Governor DeSantis as well.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities.
Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines.
The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/15/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #1
Transcript Highlights:
- And the reason is, from what the governor originally put out in November, to what Department of Revenue
- What the governor asked for, I think we delivered... It didn't do any of the business stuff.
- What the governor asked for, I think we delivered, What the governor asked for, I think we delivered
- Those are two things that in the last five years, the Democrats and in the last three years, Governor
- And the governor has to sign it. Oh, you can't write this stuff off.
Summary:
The caucus focused on HB 2153, a tax conformity bill that would align Arizona statute with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions affecting tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bill excludes three federal provisions from H.R. 1: the additional $6,000 senior deduction, the increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $40,000, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. It also adds several Arizona-specific provisions, including a $6,000 deduction for certain retirement distributions for taxpayers age 65 or older, a $6,000 deduction for Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC’s fiscal note was cited as a negative $441.3 million in year one, declining over the next two years.
Chairman Livingston and other Republican members argued the bill was needed immediately because the Department of Revenue had already issued tentative forms assuming full conformity, creating confusion for taxpayers and businesses. They said the state needed a signed law as soon as possible to avoid amended returns, inconsistent filing rules, and uncertainty for small businesses. Livingston emphasized that the bill was intended to protect small businesses from having to keep two sets of books and said he was advising taxpayers not to file until the issue was resolved. Members also discussed the practical impact on small businesses, citing testimony that Arizona has about 700,000 small businesses employing well over a million people.
Several exchanges clarified the difference between the governor’s November direction to the Department of Revenue and the bill before the committee. Staff explained that DOR normally assumes “simple conformity” and that the governor’s directive attempted to add “below-the-line” deductions through a worksheet, but that those items still require statutory authorization. Members said the governor’s action was confusing and characterized it as a press release rather than binding law. The committee also discussed the child care provisions, describing them as a federal-style deduction Arizona has not previously adopted and as one of the main new benefits in the bill. The caucus ended without a vote, and members were told the floor would begin at 10 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Opening Ceremonies Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The President expects that you were very well received by our Governor.
- Thank you, Lieutenant Governor. Mr. President, he also, he also... Senator Torres?
- Well, thank you, Lieutenant Governor. Mr.
- Addressed by Governor Bob Ferguson. Senator Riccelli. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
- Third order of business: messages from the Governor and other state officers.
Summary:
The Senate convened for the opening day of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School ASL students, and an invocation. The President welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and noted the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the challenges of democracy and the need for grace and respect. The Senate then received certification of the November 2025 election results and administered the oath of office to newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter.
The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready for business, confirmed the committee appointed to deliver that message, and adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor rule changes. The President also confirmed the 2026 Senate standing committee memberships. During first reading and referral, several bills and measures were introduced and sent to committees, including bills on toxicology testing, supplemental leave benefits for public employees, crime victims and witnesses, and fire code administration, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 was debated, with support arguing it set the session’s schedule for efficient work and opposition criticizing the traditional budget-and-policy sequence and calling for budget-first reform. The resolution passed. The Senate then received House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, adopted both, and heard messages from the Governor’s office, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Senate, including provisional certifications of initiatives and transmitted bills. The session concluded with notice of an upcoming joint session and committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until the next legislative day.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Apr 3rd, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- That is our legal right to develop those coal seams, those for the power plants.
- We firmly believe this bill is constitutional, and the state can exercise its police powers.
- We firmly believe this bill is constitutional, and the state can exercise its police powers.
- The state of North Dakota has exercised its police powers before.
- The state of North Dakota has exercised its police powers before.
Bills:
SB2339
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee continued work on House Bill 1459, which concerns rare earth and critical mineral recovery from North Dakota lignite coal. Testimony from UND researcher Dan Ludo and industry representative David Straely focused on the urgency of developing the process quickly, the technical differences between extracting minerals from coal versus ash, and the potential value of elements such as terbium, dysprosium, gallium, germanium, and synthetic graphite. Straely argued the bill is constitutional, limited to minerals within the coal seam, and needed to avoid years of quiet title litigation and provide certainty for development and compensation to royalty owners. Committee members raised questions about landowner rights, compensation levels, possible amendments from the Department of Trust Lands, and whether the bill should be modified to address constitutional concerns or sunset provisions. No final action was taken on HB 1459; the chair said parties could work on language until Monday before the committee revisits it.
The committee then returned to House Bill 1579, a high-load study bill with a possible energy infrastructure investment amendment. Jody Smith of the Retirement and Investment Office presented updated language adding guardrails for in-state infrastructure investing, including requiring approved projects to be underwritten and managed by a qualified investment manager or financial institution and to follow the Legacy Fund investment policy. Members discussed whether the amendment had been shared with the House sponsor and noted that the related bill 1330 was still pending, so HB 1579 was being held for the time being.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1566, which had an amendment from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. The committee adopted the amendment 7-0, then passed a due-pass motion on the amended bill and referred it to Appropriations, also by a 7-0 vote. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal impact, including an estimated $580,000 for two FTEs over two years, and clarified that the study component remains in the bill. Senator Gerhardt was assigned to carry the measure.