Transcript Highlights:

• And I will say that industrial electricity rates are already very high in Minnesota.
• And I will say that industrial electricity rates are already very high in Minnesota.
• And I will say that industrial electricity rates are already very high in Minnesota.
• And I will say that industrial electricity rates are already very high in Minnesota.
• :33:53.159><c> electricity</c><00:33:54.159><c> without</c> free generating electricity without free

Transcript Highlights:

• For electric vehicle charging, a virtual power plant could call on electric vehicles that are...
• Examples of those third parties would be an electric vehicle company... ...for example, an electric vehicle
• It's the same thing if you decide to purchase an electric car.
• I know electrical rates generally trend up.
• And it only applies to the electric generating plant.

Summary: The committee first handled House Memorial 20, which was revised by committee substitute to broaden a proposed study group from renewable energy infrastructure to energy infrastructure more generally. The substitute added the Department of Indian Affairs and allowed the secretary of EMNRD to invite relevant federal agencies. Members generally supported the change, and the memorial received a do pass on a roll call vote. The main policy debate centered on House Bill 311, the Virtual Power Plant Act. The bill would require utilities and public utilities to develop virtual power plant programs that aggregate distributed energy resources such as batteries, smart thermostats, EV charging, and other devices to provide grid services. Supporters argued it would improve reliability, lower peak demand, and reduce long-term costs, while opponents, especially PNM, warned about feasibility, cybersecurity, third-party aggregator risks, cost recovery limits, and possible rate impacts. Committee members pressed the sponsor and expert on customer participation, third-party regulation, opt-in/opt-out protections, equity for low-income customers, and whether solar-only customers could participate. After extensive discussion, the bill passed 6-5. The committee then heard House Bill 329, which would create the Energy, Affordability, and Grid Reliability Council, a Blue Ribbon-style commission administratively attached to the PRC and funded with a $2 million appropriation. Supporters said it would bring together experts to study affordability, grid reliability, and modernization and produce recommendations for future action. Critics questioned the cost, overlap with the earlier memorial, the governor-appointed structure, and whether another task force was needed. The bill passed 7-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 309, which clarifies that energy storage property is valued under the special property tax method used for other electric generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Supporters from the storage and clean power industries said the change would reduce uncertainty and encourage investment. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on HB 309.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2275 creates a new fund to pay claims made against electric utilities for wildfire damage.
• The fund would pay eligible claims from electric utilities for third-party damages from wildfires caused
• I say it because, like the vast majority of fires in the state, that had nothing to do with electric
• My name is Sherry Nelson, and I'm with the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association as their
• This state is already asking much of our electric utilities and their customers right now in terms of

Bills: HB2275 , HB2238

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: wildfire prevention, Washington wildfire council, fire safety, environmental protection, state regulations, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum

Transcript Highlights:

• AAM reflects a new type of aircraft known as electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, which has
• Current designs commonly hold four to six passengers, are fully electric, and are expected to have a
• Since eVTOLs are electric vehicles, they will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the
• And if auto manufacturers are moving towards electric vehicles and electric school buses, it's because
• So we need to make sure to fund electric vehicle charging stations, electric vehicles, and help the technology

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several transportation-related bills, beginning with AB 431 on advanced air mobility. The author and supporters from AUVSI, Joby Aviation, United Airlines, Wisk Aero, the City of Long Beach, and Archer said the bill would create a statewide plan and technical framework for eVTOL/advanced air mobility infrastructure, public outreach, and local implementation. No opposition testified, and the bill passed the committee as amended to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call. Members then took up AB 630 on abandoned or hazardous RVs. The author and supporters, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office, argued the bill would curb a cycle in which inoperable RVs are towed, auctioned cheaply, and returned to the streets by predatory buyers, while adding notice, recovery, and reporting requirements. Opponents from Western Center on Law and Poverty and ACLU California Action warned the bill would destroy RVs that serve as shelter for unhoused residents and could worsen homelessness. After discussion about the bill’s focus on dismantling rather than towing, the committee passed AB 630 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 314, which would support transit-oriented development around planned and existing high-speed rail stations; AB 1223, which gives Sacramento County communities more flexibility to use local transportation revenues for related infrastructure supporting infill development; AB 1111, which adds flexibility to the zero-emission school bus transition for rural and disadvantaged districts; AB 1190, which caps fees charged by DMV business partners and requires clearer disclosure of the official DMV site; AB 987, which limits unreasonable towing fees and related charges; and AB 911, which creates a narrow exemption from Advanced Clean Fleets rules for telecommunications bucket trucks and sail-on-wheels used in emergencies. Most bills drew support from local governments, industry, or consumer groups, while AB 1111 and AB 911 drew opposition from clean transportation and environmental advocates concerned about weakening emissions goals. All of the bills were reported out as amended to the Committee on Appropriations, with recorded roll-call votes and several members adding their names as co-authors or supporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that instability is actually what raises the cost of electricity.
• We may need that energy; ERCOT is demonstrating that we have huge demand for electricity.
• Of electricity scarcity and growing demand, a kilowatt saved is a kilowatt built.
• on electricity.
• Let's use them, defining retail electric providers and what they do on demand.

Bills: SB383 , SB1012 , SB1181 , SB1705 , SB2075 , SB2221 , SB2586 , SB2864 , SB2994

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Um— >> Today, there’s a lot more electrical components in those skid steers.
• That's for electric vehicle owners to pay their fair share of road upkeep and maintenance.
• </c><00:48:06.400><c> So,</c> conversion to electric vehicles. So, conversion to electric vehicles.
• </c> than than the conversion to electric than than the conversion to electric vehicles.<00:50:39.040
• </c> one of those 50,000 with an electric one of those 50,000 with an electric vehicle.<00:51:09.920>

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe this bill was put in place to pave the way for electric OHVs.
• I think the electric vehicle comment is, you know, we don’t really know where that’s going.
• I think the electric vehicle comment is, you know, we don’t really know where that’s going.
• I think the electric vehicle comment is, you know, we don’t really know where that’s going.
• The jury is definitely out with respect to unladen and dry weight and electric vehicles.

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• To ensure the proper management of end of life electric vehicle batteries.
• Recycling end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles reduces the demand for raw materials, thereby
• We're expecting a pretty large wave of electric vehicle battery retirements.
• California has the greatest number of registered electric vehicles or EVs in the nation with over 1.2
• About 80% of the batteries that come out of electric vehicles still have an 80% life, and they can be

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the Clean Miles Standard requires TNCs and drivers to meet an electric vehicle miles traveled
• A perfect storm of high electricity costs, rising interest rates, elimination of federal tax credits,
• A perfect storm of high electricity costs, rising interest rates, elimination of federal tax credits,
• My parents are 85 and 80, and I've been talking to them about an electric vehicle, and they're like,
• And when we start pricing it, it's unaffordable to them to change from gas to electric vehicles.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• where we're going to need additional electricity and how much electricity by when.
• </c><00:37:23.119><c> by</c> electricity and how much electricity by electricity and how much electricity
• And so we ought to in electricity bills.
• ser electric service default electric ser electric service procurement<01:44:51.760><c> and</c><01:44
• </c> though you chose to buy your electricity though you chose to buy your electricity from<01:49:13.199

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• These subsidies were really intended to make it too expensive to not buy electric stoves and electric
• </c> natural gas appliances with electric natural gas appliances with electric powered<02:19:56.000><
• hot</c><02:20:45.200><c> water</c> electric stoves and electric hot water electric stoves and electric
• </c><02:20:52.640><c> That's</c> for buying an electric stove. That's for buying an electric stove.
• </c> appliance, the electric appliance. appliance, the electric appliance.

Bills: HB4626 , HR1075 , SB2503 , HB6329

Keywords: energy conservation, home appliances, affordability, Secretary of Energy, technological feasibility, consumer protection, economic impact, aviation safety, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, air traffic management, pilot training, regulatory compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Or a few states even had an exemption for electricity used by the data centers.
• On the electric, the details of this preference, The details of this preference, we discussed at the
• I'm declaring Electricity consumption evaluation.
• The gas can then be sold as fuel, used to generate electricity, or put to other industrial uses.
• One of them, Land Recovery Landfill in Pierce County, produces electricity.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on August 4, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, welcomed new commissioner Diane Tabilius, and re-elected Andy Knopfsiger Meadows as chair and Dr. Sharon Keiko as vice chair. JLARC staff also introduced two Evans School interns who are assisting with preliminary research for the 2027 review cycle. JLARC presented preliminary findings on seven tax preference reviews, focusing most heavily on the Main Street communities credit, the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the urban data center exemption. Staff concluded that the Main Street preference has helped increase the number of communities and businesses and recommended continuing it, while also recommending that DAHP collect more detailed and standardized business-count data. The Equitable Access to Credit Program was found to support underserved communities and was also recommended for continuation. The urban data center exemption was found to have been used only for refurbishment projects, not new construction, and staff recommended letting it expire; commissioners and Representative Paulette discussed the need for better performance measures, cost-per-job analysis, and clearer legislative intent language in tax preference statements. Staff then reviewed airplane modification, landfill biogas, automotive adaptive equipment, and housing for people with developmental disabilities. The airplane modification preference was found to likely support jobs and state tax revenue and was recommended for continuation. The landfill biogas preference was also recommended for continuation, with a suggestion for more detailed reporting on use and renewable natural gas production. The automotive adaptive equipment exemption was found to continue providing relief to disabled veterans and service members and was recommended for continuation, while the housing transfer exemption for adults with developmental disabilities had not been used and was recommended to expire. No public testimony was taken at this meeting, and the commission noted that public testimony would be heard at its September meeting before final comments are adopted in October.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Next, reliance on 100% zero-carbon electricity resources to serve the hourly needs within five years
• The impact of data centers on the electrical grid is a hot topic of discussion.
• And just so you know, Cyrus, he's the state expert on what's the special oil for electricity?
• You cannot conduct electricity without transformer oil.
• It helps the conductivity and lubricity of electricity through the lines.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• Sat on behalf of Hawaiian Electric. We respectfully oppose HB 22.
• </c> ...giving the electricity free, but still getting the charge to me.
• , nobody's seeing really any significant change in the electric bill.
• Would it help our electric bill?
• </c><00:41:34.079><c> reliable</c> Hawaii electricity reliable Hawaii electricity reliable administrator

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures, with the main discussion centered on energy policy. SB 993 on geothermal exploration drew support from the State Energy Office and others, who described geothermal as a key low-cost, firm renewable resource and said the state should fund community outreach and resource research. However, the chairs deferred further action on SB 993 because a similar bill, SB 1068, had already passed the prior week. SB 202 on renewable energy also received broad support, including testimony that net energy metering benefits households and helps clean energy adoption, while Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s changes to the NEM forfeit feature as unfair to non-solar customers. SB 1588 on nuclear energy drew sharply divided testimony: supporters argued the bill would only study nuclear options and that the state should consider all tools, while opponents from 350 Hawaii and Greenpeace said nuclear is unsafe, costly, and inconsistent with Hawaii’s clean energy goals and constitution. The committee also heard SB 73 on county permits, SB 100 on intoxicating liquor, SB 1234 on government efficiency, and SB 1336 on a greenhouse gas sequestration task force. SB 100 was described as helping a Maui nonprofit recruit board members by addressing liquor commission-related fingerprinting or background-check issues, and the Attorney General’s technical amendments were accepted. SB 1234 was framed as improving coordination among state, federal, and local agencies, though HGEA opposed it as an opening to privatize government services. SB 1336, which would establish a task force to study greenhouse gas sequestration and related mitigation topics, drew some questions about its scope but was supported as a way to study climate mitigation and green infrastructure. In the later portion of the meeting, the committee took votes and adopted recommendations on several bills. SB 73 was passed with an amendment setting a defective date of May 13, 2040. SB 100 was passed with amendments, SB 202 was passed with amendments including technical changes and allowing the PUC to set the customer credit rate, SB 1234 was passed with amendments and a defective date of May 13, 2040, SB 1336 was passed as is, and SB 1588 was passed with amendments and a defective date of May 13, 2040. The committee also took up SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, agreeing to a package of amendments that would soften exemption language, remove some inspection and certificate-of-occupancy provisions, add flood-hazard language, require reporting and a working group, and set a defective date of May 13, 2040; the bill was then passed with those amendments. SB 635 on energy efficiency was passed with amendments assigning the State Energy Office to lead a survey and prioritizing first responder facilities, and SB 700 on renewable energy was introduced with proposed amendments, though the transcript cuts off before its final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, Kent Cous on behalf of San Diego Gas and Electric and SoCal Gas.
• Brandon Ebeck, San Diego Gas and Electric. I agree with everything my colleague just said.
• Brandon Eibb, because of a gas and electric, we probably support SB 38 and this bill too.
• Jose and Z with San Diego Gas & Electric in support.
• Josie and Z with San Diego Gas & Electric in support.

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:

• </c><00:10:00.240><c> vehicles</c><00:10:01.240><c> first</c> companies with electric vehicles first
• I used to own an all-electric vehicle, but what kind of charging capacity does DAGS need to build in
• order to have construction vehicles being all electric?
• order to have construction vehicles being all electric?
• What do we have any capacity right now for the batteries of these electric cars?

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The joint hearing of the Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and the Arts committees considered three bills. SB 1092 would establish a transportation demand management program for state employees, including a parking cash-out option. Testimony was largely in support, including from state planning, energy, labor, and several individuals, while committee members raised concerns about whether the program was mandatory and whether there was a full implementation plan. The bill’s proponents said it was voluntary and intended to reduce long parking waitlists by incentivizing employees to opt out of parking. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1092 be passed with amendments, and the measure was adopted in both committees. SB 1093 would create a parking demand management program and require DAGS to transition state employees from monthly parking to daily-rate parking. Testimony included strong opposition from most individuals and several agencies, with one supporter. A committee question focused on the loss of pre-tax payroll deductions under a daily-rate system, and the Deputy Attorney General explained that the current monthly arrangement allows deductions from gross pay, which would not work the same way with daily payments. Given the opposition and concerns, the committees recommended deferral indefinitely. SB 1121 would establish a procurement preference, beginning in 2027, for construction companies with electric vehicles. Testimony included comments from DAGS, the Department of Transportation, and others, with opposition noted from DOT. Committee members questioned charging infrastructure and battery disposal for electric vehicles used in construction. After discussion, the committees concluded it was in the best interest to defer the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• establishes a regulatory framework for electric bicycle insurance, effective 1/1/26.
• </c><00:22:33.480><c> bikes</c> differentiation between electric bikes differentiation between electric
• Hawaiʻi Bicycling League, in opposition. electric bicycles for Transportation uh electric bicycles for
• </c> HB 184 relates to electric bicycles and requires operators of low-speed electric bicycles to possess
• </c> requirements for electric requirements for electric bikes<00:37:44.400><c> um</c><00:37:44.640><

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on January 28, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of bills dealing with vehicle titles, motor vehicle taxes, window tinting, license plates, electric bicycles, insurance penalties, vehicle inspection fines, and transportation discrimination. For HB 532, which shortens the time to forward a transferred vehicle title from 30 days to 14 days and allows a letter of attestation to serve as an endorsement certificate, testimony was listed in support from Councilmember U. Hajin and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and in opposition from Maui Mayor Richard Bisson and Sylvie Madison. HB 655 would require payment of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties for the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency; the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi stood on written comments, with Tim Rymer and Robert Souza providing comments/support. HB 368, which would exempt certain medically sensitive drivers from sunscreen-device tint limits, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from several individuals. HB 226, lowering allowed windshield tint from 35% to 20%, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from TNT Tinting Specialists; members asked about federal preemption, and DOT said federal guidance applies to manufacturers while states retain authority over aftermarket tinting. The committee also heard HB 543, prohibiting license plate flipping devices and imposing a $2,000 fine, and HB 228, authorizing counties to adopt rules for electronic license plates, repealing flipping devices, and setting a minimum fine for obscuring plates; both measures had DOT support, comments from the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and opposition from Sylvie Madison. HB 70 would require insurance for electric bicycles and create a regulatory framework effective January 1, 2026. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill improperly distinguishes e-bikes from mopeds; PeopleForBikes and the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League opposed it as costly and unnecessary, while the Insurance Division said the bill could conflict with existing no-fault definitions and might fit better in the motor scooter/moped insurance framework. HB 231, increasing the fine for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements from $500 to $1,500, was opposed by the Office of the Public Defender, which argued it would burden low-income residents and add to court congestion; members debated whether higher fines would improve compliance. Later, HB 227 would add fines for operating a vehicle without a current inspection certificate and had DOT support. HB 184 would require operators of low-speed electric bicycles to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional license; Kawaii Path, PeopleForBikes, and Get Fit Kauaʻi opposed it as a barrier to low-cost transportation and noted concerns for riders with disabilities, while DOT later said it would support the measure and was asked to research whether other states have similar licensing requirements. The final major measure discussed was HB 468, which would require the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints involving transportation network company drivers and riders with service animals and allow DOT to issue penalties to the companies. The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaiʻi, the Disability Rights Center, and individual riders supported the bill, saying current protections lack enforcement and that denials still occur; Uber and Lyft opposed it, saying they already prohibit discrimination, train drivers, investigate complaints quickly, and that the bill would duplicate existing law and create unnecessary penalties. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Excel Energy, El Paso Electric, PNM, and Tri-State Electric Co-op providing our lunch.
• Annually on their electric bills.
• I mean, the electric co-ops have been providing electricity for decades and continue to do so.
• But electricity is essential. You don't want to live your life without electricity.
• I don't want to live my life without electricity.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• , we're in addition to the CRNAs, we In addition to the CRNAs, we also have members of the rural electric
• co-ops are in the gallery today, and I ask that they stand and be recognized: the Duncan Valley Electric
• Cooperative, Graham County Electric Cooperative, Navapache Electric Cooperative, Mohave Electric Cooperative
• , Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Co-op, and Trico Electric Co-op.
• The great Mojave Electric Cooperative is here today, and in my opinion, they are the best cooperative

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer by Rabbi Mendel Soup of Lake Havasu and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Carroll, then completed an electronic roll call and approved the journal for January 20, 2026. The chamber recognized several guest groups and visitors, including CRNA Capital Day participants, rural electric cooperative representatives, AEA Retired members, March of Dimes advocates, students and school officials, and other invited guests. Senators used points of personal privilege to highlight the work of these groups and to introduce visitors in the gallery. The body then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including child welfare, public school safety, health insurance, water policy, taxation, housing, elections, public safety, transportation, and abortion-related measures. The Senate also received first-reading introductions and committee referrals for additional bills on subjects such as motor vehicle booting fees, traumatic event counseling, election procedures, assisted living, short-term rentals, and various appropriations and policy changes. No substantive debate or votes on the bills were recorded in the transcript. After committee reports were noted and the Senate briefly recessed for bill assignments, the chamber returned to order and continued with first reading and reference of more bills and resolutions. At the end of the session, the Majority Whip moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The electric horses and real horses—it's a choice again, isn't it?
• We run an electric utility; probably 40% if not more of the electric utility's budget has to do with
• pass-through charges from the electric reliability.
• If natural gas prices go up, the cost of electricity is going to go up.
• Is it the same for the electric utility?

Bills: HB386 , HB1449 , HB1701 , HB2142 , HB2675 , HB2857 , HB3063 , HB3171 , HB3641 , HB3732 , HB4045 , HB4370 , HB4491 , HB4505 , HB4626 , HB5267 , HB5356

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million