Video & Transcript : 'Florida Public Service Commission' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Raymond Contreras with Lighthouse Public Affairs.
- Raymond Contreras with Lighthouse Public Affairs.
- I think it is pretty wild to the general public... I think it is pretty wild to the general public.
- We view it as a public shaming measure instead.
- And in fact, I was on the Future of Work Commission, that one of the... ...Future of Work Commission,
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Public Safety will now come to order.
- Welcome again to the final Public Safety meeting. Welcome again to the final Public Safety meeting.
- But as you know, I have a history of service, and I always enjoyed doing that.
- In a general revenue fund or otherwise be used to fund any services other than fire.
- This Public Safety Committee is adjourned. I don't know what I'm going to be.
Bills:
HB3045
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee first considered several gubernatorial nominations. Brent Black of Bixby was renominated to the Forensic Review Board, with Senator Guthrie noting the board’s seven-member makeup and the need for mental health professionals; the nomination was advanced 8-0. Lou Ann Moody of Henrietta was then presented for the Forensic Review Board. Moody described her long legal career, her work as city attorney and in juvenile/dependency matters, and her decision to avoid criminal defense work to avoid ethical conflicts. Members asked about the board’s caseload and meeting schedule, and the nomination was advanced 8-0. The committee also heard the nomination of a retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer, Mr. McCoy, to the OSBI Commission. He emphasized his decades of law enforcement and emergency-management experience, and the nomination was advanced 8-0.
The committee then took up House Bill 3045, with an amendment offered by Senator Reinhart. The amendment would allow certain fire departments, rural fire districts, and fire protection districts in municipalities under 200,000 population to recover accident response fees, while preventing those fees from going into general revenue or funding non-fire services. Reinhart explained the bill was intended to address fire departments’ ability to recover costs while limiting the impact on the state’s two largest cities. Senator Brooks questioned why the exemption would apply only to the largest municipalities, and Reinhart responded that Tulsa and Oklahoma City would see the greatest fiscal impact and that rural departments lacked comparable revenue sources.
Senator Murdoch raised a point that the bill had an unescorted fiscal impact on municipalities and asked for a ruling under the Municipal Fiscal Impact Act. The chair took the matter under advisement and, at the sponsor’s request, laid the bill over rather than proceeding further. The meeting concluded with members offering extended personal remarks thanking the chair and vice chair for their leadership and service, and the chair adjourned the committee.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Select Agencies Subcommittee Jan 5th, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Select Agencies Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- And 11% is our gaming and retailer commission.
- So, all of our retailers that sell our tickets get a 6% commission.
- Over 1.6 million acres for public use. We have 4 state fish hatcheries.
- That produce the majority of the fish that gets stocked into public waters.
- They try to do a lot of positive engagement with the public as well.
Committee:
House A&B Select Agencies Subcommittee
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:35 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Anybody wishing to make public comment, please raise your hand.
- I'm the Deputy Director of the State Ethics Commission.
- We recognize that at the commission, but we believe that...
- We're calling this the Survivor's Truth Commission Bill.
- Anybody wishing to make public comment, please raise your hand now.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, next up we have Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women in support. public defender.
- Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services in support. Hawaii Dental Service in support.
- Services. Um, Department of Health in Services.
- Of the services provided.
- </c> part of the services that are provided. part of the services that are provided.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony.
The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy.
SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 9th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Service Medal.
- Arthur began his career in public service in 1966, working for the late Quincy Mayor James R.
- service.
- Arthur began his career in public service in 1966, working for the late Quincy Mayor James R.
- service.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Many Arizonans ride for transportation, recreation, public service, and community events.
- And whereas, Lela Alston has received numerous awards throughout her years of public service, among her
- And whereas, in addition to her life of public and community service, Lela Alston is a proud mother of
- And whereas in addition to her life of public and community service, Lila Alston is a proud mother of
- to the State of Arizona will long stand as a hallmark of public service and have earned her the respect
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 1, February 9, 2026
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- service.
- </c> personal lives and in our public personal lives and in our public service.<00:05:25.280><c> May<
- </c> of the costs of those services. of the costs of those services.
- </c> such as allowing access to public lands. such as allowing access to public lands.
- access to public um allowed for public access to public lands<01:46:31.440><c> through</c><01:46:31.920
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Omnibus tax finance and policy bill, HF9, passed in Minnesota House 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The purpose of the commission Minnesota.
- When we're talking the public good.
- We're here to fund the public good.
- We're here to fund the public good.
- And we we services motans counted on.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Public comment is welcome in person.
- And the reason that we are having a public hearing now, the reason that we will continue to have public
- And the reason that we are having a public hearing now, the reason that we will continue to have public
- Unfortunately, the California Public Utilities Commission ignores...
- Unfortunately, the California Public Utilities Commission ignores routinely virtually all of these recommendations
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the California Earthquake Authority’s SB 254 report and broader options for reforming California’s utility wildfire recovery system. The chair framed the discussion around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the scale of wildfire-related costs on utility bills, and the need to weigh trade-offs among survivors, ratepayers, utilities, insurers, and taxpayers. The first panel featured wildfire survivors William Abrams and Joy Chen, who described long delays in compensation, housing insecurity, and what they viewed as a system that protects utility shareholders more than victims. They urged greater transparency, clearer accountability for utility spending and safety performance, faster and fuller compensation for survivors, and reforms such as independent audits and better alignment of utility incentives with wildfire prevention and restitution.
The second panel began with Tom Welsh of the California Earthquake Authority, who explained that the SB 254 report was intended as a broad inventory of policy pathways rather than recommendations. He described the report’s process, including stakeholder submissions, workstreams, and a convergence process, and outlined the current wildfire fund structure: utilities remain liable, the fund reimburses eligible claims after a covered wildfire, and the CPUC later determines prudency and possible reimbursement back to the fund. RAND’s Lloyd Dixon summarized compensation data, saying utilities paid about $38 billion between 2017 and 2024, with major shares going to injured parties, insurers, and public entities, while litigation costs and survivors’ own losses remain substantial. He noted that legal fees and delays reduce the amount survivors ultimately receive.
Utility and public-interest witnesses offered differing views on the report’s pathways. PG&E’s Tyson Smith said the report shows inaction is the worst outcome and argued for community wildfire risk reduction, equitable allocation of catastrophe costs, and state-led resilience tools. LADWP’s Fernando Valero emphasized the vulnerability of municipal utilities and cities, and supported inverse condemnation reform, a state-sponsored liability insurance framework, damages and subrogation limits, and stronger insurance access. Consumer Attorneys of California’s John Fisk argued that IOU-caused fires are not natural disasters but the result of negligence and sometimes criminal conduct, and opposed reducing utility liability while supporting stronger oversight and audits. The Public Advocates Office’s Nathaniel Skinner focused on affordability, saying ratepayers already bear large and growing wildfire costs and warning against shifting more costs onto bills without measurable risk reduction and tighter accountability. Committee members then began questioning witnesses about what counts as measurable mitigation, how to define full and fair compensation, and how any fast-pay process should work.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 25-after Call of the Chair Mar 16th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal
- It's not just an issue with traffic but also public safety. I yield for questions.
- Much like a service agreement or home service warranty, it provides a service for the community.
- It's simply like a home service warranty. This is not insurance.
- This shall constitute funeral home service merchandise or funeral services.
Bills:
HR1038 , HB3263 , HB3127 , HB2997 , HB3115 , HB2123 , HB3587 , HB3028 , HB2035 , HB3369 , HB3620 , HB3621 , HB3622 , HB3624 , HB3175 , HB3173 , HB3178 , HB1979 , HB4476
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the pledge, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Major General (ret.) Tony L. Wright, Doctor of the Day Dr. Jeanette Kelly, Capitol Day students, Girl Scouts, and family members of legislators. Members also adopted House Resolution 1038 honoring the Oklahoma Youth Expo and its agricultural education and scholarship impact, including recognition of top ag mechanics exhibitors.
The chamber then considered and passed several bills, including HB 3263 designating the morel mushroom as the state mushroom; HB 315 setting qualifications and a term limit for the Department of Corrections director; HB 2123 revising authorization for an Arkansas River bridge project near Bigsby; HB 3587 allowing court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment; HB 3028 allowing career techs in public schools to pass along credit card surcharges; HB 2035 clarifying transportation protection agreements related to funeral services; HB 3369 allowing food trucks to use two fire extinguishers and training in lieu of an automatic suppression system; and a series of census-related bills creating a census count committee, reestablishing a state data center function, and updating Commerce technology for census address work. The House also passed HB 3624 to standardize county boundary mapping, HB 3175 creating an Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 3173 allowing repurposing of orphaned and abandoned wells for geothermal or energy storage uses, and HB 4476 creating a revolving-fund rebate program to help smaller communities compete for music events and tourism.
Two measures failed on final passage: HB 3178, which would have created a standard depreciation table for county assessors to value farm equipment, and HB 1979, which would have created an Early Childhood Task Force. In both cases, members later served notice of intent to reconsider the failed votes. The House also reconsidered and passed previously failed motions on HB 3127 and HB 2997. Most bills that reached final passage were approved by recorded vote, with HB 3178 failing 43-45 and HB 1979 failing 46-43. The House adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe in our ...services that they have earned and deserved.
- And what we learned is that the Department of Health Services issues licenses in good faith.
- To service our tribal members in the state of Arizona.
- Health and Human Services will meet in SHR2. Excellent. Senator Bolick. Yes.
- All right, Senator, well, Public Safety is going to meet at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room 109.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded quorum, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced several guest groups in the gallery, including the City of Maricopa Youth Council, students from Alpha School in Scottsdale, a student shadowing Sen. Gonzalez, Gilbert EduPrize students, InterWest Energy Alliance representatives, and Kingman city leaders. The chamber adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the Senate also approved a motion to request House consent to adjourn after Wednesday, March 11, until Monday, March 16. A large number of bills were introduced on first reading, and standing committee reports were ordered entered without being read aloud.
The Senate then took up numerous third-reading measures. Bills passed included SB 1654 (elections funding), SB 1711 (school safety/age-appropriate information), SB 1743 (campaign contribution address privacy), SB 1747 (assistive technology content), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rules), SB 1284 (moving violations), SB 1336 (State Land Department-related changes), SB 1365 (property tax exemptions/veterans park discounts), SB 1655 (juror summoning/poll worker recruitment), SB 1662 (probation), SB 1803 (veterans’ services), SB 1818 (vehicle statutes), SB 1494 and SB 1497 (school insurance-related changes), SB 1503 (pension benefit plans), SB 1584 (Department of Corrections staffing), SB 1632 (Department of Economic Security), SB 1723 (bail), SB 1206 (insurance claims on reconsideration), and SB 1827 (aviation appropriations on reconsideration). SB 1134 on political signs initially failed, but the Senate later reconsidered and passed it. SB 1544 (probation) and SB 1585 (sex offender monitoring funding) failed. Several votes were close, and members offered explanations for both support and opposition on issues such as election administration, campaign privacy, health care incentives, veterans’ claims assistance, and criminal justice policy.
The chamber then resolved into the Committee of the Whole for a long series of bills, adopting committee and floor amendments and recommending do pass on SB 1009, SB 1050, SB 1054, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1317, SB 1461, and SB 1672. Testimony in committee focused on topics including high school training standards, veterans’ state park passes, local measures, Arizona Rangers oversight, AHCCCS reimbursement and workforce issues, reentry programming, allied health workforce development, and anti-psychotic drug access. Later, the Committee of the Whole also considered SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1295, and SB 1611. SB 1173 drew debate over whether additional fingerprint/background checks were needed for AHCCCS providers; SB 1234 and SB 1295 addressed juvenile court representation and inmate medical release; and SB 1611, on the American Indian Health Program, prompted extensive discussion about fraud in the program, tribal consultation, and whether the program should be moved out of AHCCCS. The committee adopted amendments and advanced these bills with do pass recommendations, while members on SB 1611 emphasized both the need for reform and concerns about consultation with Arizona tribes.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Three - Wednesday, February 18 -Morning Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To receive a master's in public affairs. And Fong Wen, raised in St.
- Then the lottery commission is the one who issued the licenses for the VLTs.
- It’s just like a lottery ticket to be endorsed by a license by Lottery Commission.
- The Lottery Commission...” “...for everything out there. And so it’d just be a different world.
- The Lottery Commission would regulate. I get that, but it’s kind of giving temp tags, right?
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests and student groups at the Capitol, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university groups, nursing students, and several legislative interns. The chamber also handled a point of order about an unauthorized prop in the room, which was removed.
The first major bill taken up was House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction calculations. Supporters argued it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits and provide fairness to taxpayers, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. After debate, the House passed HB 1766 by a vote of 94-50. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming measure that would criminalize illegal gaming machines, create a regulated framework for video lottery terminals, give local governments an opt-out, and expand enforcement authority for the Attorney General and prosecutors. Members debated whether the bill was a needed enforcement tool or an inappropriate expansion of gambling, with concerns raised about addiction, local control, revenue distribution, and whether the bill should have gone to Fiscal Review. A motion to refer the bill to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill itself passed 83-66 with one present.
The chamber next took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provided just over $3 billion in additional authority, including tax refund authority, disaster relief, St. Louis tornado recovery funding, and major MoDOT funding, along with other smaller items. Members from both parties supported the bill, while also noting concerns about reliance on supplementals and the need to budget more accurately in the future. The House adopted an amendment reducing some general revenue authority, then adopted the bill and perfected and printed it. The meeting ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Service Medal.
- Arthur began his career in public service in 1966, working for the late Quincy Mayor James R.
- service.
- Arthur began his career in public service in 1966, working for the late Quincy Mayor James R.
- service.
Summary:
The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, tax administration, and oversight. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce delays, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment adding $500,000 for Free Period to provide free menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins briefly proposed extending paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance coverage to graduate student workers, but withdrew that amendment for later discussion.
Several amendments were debated and either adopted or rejected. Senator Tarr’s proposal to create oversight of the Group Insurance Commission and fund an Inspector General review was defeated after opposition argued existing oversight was sufficient. Tarr also offered amendments on MBTA deficiency fund withdrawals and on requiring 90 days’ notice before state tax code decoupling changes; both were rejected after standing votes. Senator Driscoll’s amendment for Randolph Public Schools restroom improvements was adopted, while his veterans student loan forgiveness amendment was withdrawn. Additional amendments were adopted for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s pharmacy technician training program for local high school students.
A major discussion centered on school funding and enrollment declines. Senator DiDomenico withdrew an amendment that would have provided $100 million to address Chapter 70 funding losses tied to enrollment drops, but he and Senator Collins used the floor to argue that districts facing declining enrollment and rising costs need a broader state response. The Senate also adopted a new draft of the supplemental budget and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote, with 35 members in the affirmative and 4 in the negative. The chamber then adjourned to meet again Monday, and did so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state legislator, and clerk magistrate.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Public schools will still be able to lobby.
- The Ethics Commission has adjusted that by rule.
- Actually, believe it or not, there are some public schools that have used non-profit funding. public
- Texas, or that public schools in the past, certain public schools, have used private private funds to
- Additionally, this is actually not a public vote.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Manufacturing does not take place at the public, um, at the public works project area and so Mr.
- Madam Speaker, Representative, if they have a public, if they've entered into a public works contract
- It's public money.
- , and public improvements, and then we go down to looks like this public entity is gonna be.
- Commission. Mr.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- or a private servicer violated those requirements.
- I'm a public housing tenant in Wellesley Housing Authority.
- And do not improve public safety.
- I believe public spaces belong to us all.
- One professional role I have is as an expert for the Committee for Public Counsel Services in the field
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness.
Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- demonstrate English proficiency, then the bill authorizes the issuance of what's called an out-of-service
- It's about the regulation of electric public service corporations and says that by the year 2030, 85
- There could be a concern here because under the state constitution, the Arizona Corporation Commission
- I have a feeling that that probably violates some public indecency laws, but I'd have to double-check
- indecency laws but I'd have to double check I have a feeling that that probably violates some public
Committee:
House Rules
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Service Commission.
- So it was, you know, the fact that there could be a surcharge, and the Public Service Commission created
- And the Public Service Commission created the surcharge. We don't like that.
- It was very loosely written, which required the Public Service Commission to develop rules to establish
- The public is welcome to attend.
Committee:
House Utilities
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 02/24/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, Bill number 1701, sponsored by Senator Mayer, an act in Public Service Law in relation to strengthening
- Bill number 29, by Senator Parker, an act to direct the Department of State and Public Service Commission
- Next, Bill Number 2475, by Senator Parker, an act in Public Service Law and Real Property Tax Law in
- An act in Public Service Law in relation to prohibiting the Public Service Commission from approving
- An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation to denial and increased utility rates and charges.
Committee:
Senate Energy And Telecommunications
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered a lengthy agenda of energy- and utility-related bills. The committee discussed measures on utility outage penalties for combination utilities, a NYSERDA-backed electric landscaping rebate program, stronger utility storm response compliance, a study on utility reporting of late payments to credit agencies, a used zero-emission vehicle rebate program, alternative fuels along the New York State Thruway, a property tax exemption for energy-related utility real property, a NYSERDA pilot microgrid at Glenwood Houses, a prohibition on PSC approval of certain utility rate increases, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, a usage monitoring program, and a bill on denial of increased utility rates and charges.
Several bills prompted questions about who would pay for the programs or penalties, with sponsors and staff repeatedly stating that fines would be paid by utilities and that many programs would be funded through NYSERDA or existing appropriations, though members raised concerns about whether ratepayer funds or system benefits charges could be used. The electric landscaping rebate bill drew extended debate over whether its equipment definitions could allow companies to use battery equipment charged by generators, while the microgrid pilot and used EV rebate bills were defended as investments to improve reliability, lower peak costs, and build a secondary EV market. Senator May spoke in support of the Glenwood Houses microgrid and the related investment rationale.
Most bills were advanced after motions and votes, often with some no votes or without-recommendation votes. The committee reported several measures to third reading, including the utility outage penalties bill, the utility storm response bill, the utility rate increase restriction bill, the usage monitoring program, and the denial of increased utility rates and charges bill. Other bills were advanced to the Finance Committee, Budget and Revenue Committee, or Local Government Committee, including the electric landscaping rebate program, the used EV rebate program, the alternative fuels bill, the tax exemption bill, the Glenwood Houses microgrid pilot, and the sustainable aviation fuel tax credit.