Video & Transcript Research : 'tariffs'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Keith Allen (R-Kenyon) Nov 20th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- talked to, either at events or, you know, just people that you speak with, I've heard reports that tariffs
- The tariffs have made things difficult as far as getting parts and things in, but we've been able to
- the biggest response I get back from them is we've always been the bargaining chip when it came to tariff
- Uh the tariffs have nearly as extreme.
- Uh the tariffs have made<00:04:19.680>
things <00:04:19.919>difficult <00:04:20.160>
Summary:
The interview focused on the representative’s first session in a tied House, which he described as record-setting and a lesson in working across the aisle. He said bipartisan support became essential, and he highlighted working with Representative Liz Rehm on a couple of bills and spending the off-season building more bipartisan legislation aimed at issues affecting rural and greater Minnesota.
He also discussed a meeting with MSU Mankato’s president about civil discourse and freedom of expression on campus. His concern was protecting students who might push back against divisive comments from professors and ensuring they would not face repercussions or grade-related consequences for speaking up.
A major portion of the conversation covered agriculture and trade, especially tariffs and their effects on farmers. He said farmers are again facing difficult conditions, though not as severe as the 1980s farm crisis, and noted that recent U.S.-China soybean purchasing agreements helped raise soybean and corn prices. He also said greater Minnesota is facing serious nursing home closures and shortages, which are forcing seniors farther from their communities.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said he is working on several bills: a stop-arm bill to clarify penalties related to school bus violations, a robocall bill requiring callers to identify themselves with a number, and a mass casualty firewall act aimed at allowing charges when someone has assembled materials and plans for a mass casualty event. He said the mass casualty proposal is the one he is most proud of and that discussions with both DFL and Republican leaders have been positive.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- Tariffs. And again, some of this has already been talked about.
- So every day there's new news about tariffs, but we know that there are tariffs on steel and aluminum
- So every day there's new news about tariffs, but we know that there are tariffs on steel and aluminum
- and that there will tomorrow be tariffs on vehicles and options.
- So it would seem... ...is likely to go up because of these tariffs.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn.
Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits.
The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026
Environment, Energy & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill combines the large load tariff provision.
- The tariff must include the requirement that any large... Service Commission for approval.
- The current proposed large load tariff that Delmarva Power put before the PSC reads like a tariff written
- The current proposed large load tariff that Delmarva Power put before the PSC reads like a tariff written
- It's under the recently passed Utility Relief Act as creating their large load tariff.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached.
Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/20/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- be in charge of setting the tariffs does be in charge of setting the tariffs does your<00:15:23.199><
- So is it the commission that approves the tariffs?
- And the commission's obviously approving them, but who's making the determination on the tariffs?
- on the tariffs is it the<00:17:36.640>
puc <00:17:37.120>or <00:17:37.240>is <00 - <00:19:13.720>
become metor and tariffs become metor and tariffs become available<00:19:15.559
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Brooke Rollins, of Texas, to be Secretary of Agriculture. Jan 23rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- , I'm concerned that major across-the-board tariff increases could hurt rural America.
- Also, tariffs. We went through this.
- So this is why I'm particularly concerned about the tariffs. Everyone's talking about tariffs. Mr.
- China retaliated and put 25% tariffs on soybeans, fruits, pork, and some other items.
- So we put on the tariff, got into a trade war, and ended up with our farmers in trouble.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine perspectives from the field, focusing on farmer and rancher views on the agricultural economy. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our farmers, and our state in particular, stand to suffer from these tariffs.
- U.S. pork producers face tariff and non-tariff barriers to our products in many countries, including
- The best way to do this is through comprehensive trade agreements, eliminating those tariff and non-tariff
- So any type of retaliatory tariff back on us would be concerning.
- We're good partners, and once again, any type of tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, especially that would
Keywords:
agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I rise today to oppose Donald Trump's reckless tariffs on food products.
- But who thinks we need tariffs for Corona beer? Who thinks we need tariffs for vegetables?
- Donald Trump put a 25% tariff on it.
- Donald Trump put a 25% tariff on it. So much for lowering grocery prices, Mr. Trump.
- Rising tariffs will only cripple economic growth here.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So we can designate, like I know that President Trump and administration is going with the tariffs right
- now, but we can eventually that's going to phase out and become no non-tariffs and, uh, with the new
- You go in there, shop, you don't have to pay non-tariff.
- free trade area like a no tariff area. free trade area like a no tariff area.
- <00:21:42.400>
Uh don't have to pay non-tariff. Uh don't have to pay non-tariff.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard six bills on February 5, 2026, covering timeshare registration, Agribusiness Development Corporation authority, a North Kohala land parcel, business competitiveness, state enterprise zones, and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For SB 2359, DCCA said the bill would streamline annual renewals and plan amendments for timeshares, though it still wanted review time rather than automatic acceptance. For SB 2169 and SB 2170, ADC and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measures; members asked about condemnation authority and the intended agricultural use of the North Kohala parcel, with ADC stating it had no current lands it was seeking to condemn without authorization and that the parcel would be suitable for crops such as cucumber, eggplant, and tomato.
SB 2263 drew broader discussion about how to measure and improve Hawaii’s business competitiveness. UHERO’s Dr. Steven Bond-Smith supported the bill’s intent but cautioned against relying on a mainland-oriented composite ranking as a benchmark for Hawaii, arguing it could mischaracterize the state’s economy. DBEDT responded that Hawaii must compete within the broader U.S. landscape and that the bill would add accountability and planning around competitiveness goals. On SB 2360, which revises the state enterprise zone program, DBEDT and other supporters said the program helps stimulate business activity and that the bill would better align the program with current business needs; a witness from Min Plastics said the current definition excluded businesses that do substantial custom manufacturing work, and another testifier urged combining enterprise zones with foreign trade zones. Committee questions focused on current zone locations, reporting, and whether technology, aerospace, and creative industries should be included.
For SB 304, which concerns the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, HTDC said the bill would expand allowable uses of funds and help support local companies as federal R&D grant opportunities change; it currently awards about 20 grants from roughly 50 applicants each year. After testimony, the committee recessed and then took up decision-making. It recommended passage of SB 2359 with amendments, including extending a review period from 45 to 60 days; SB 2169 with technical amendments; SB 2170 with amendments blanking out the bond appropriation amount; SB 2263 with amendments and a new definition section; SB 2360 with amendments; and SB 3084 with amendments blanking out its appropriation amount. All recommendations were adopted without objections, and the committee adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so when we actually proposed to the Public Service Commission this large load tariff, we submitted
- In fact, Kansas just passed a similar large load tariff for our Evergy colleagues just roughly around
- And one of the provisions in the tariff, the large load tariff that was passed, calls for an interim
- And one of the provisions in the tariff, the large load tariff that was passed, calls for an interim
- I mean, the legislation required that we file those tariffs with the Public Service Commission.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Tim Walz Media Availability 3/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing we walked in here and talked about was the tariffs, and during that time now we're hearing
- and<00:01:14.200>
during <00:01:14.560>that <00:01:14.799>time about the tariffs - and during that time about the tariffs and during that time now<00:01:15.439>
we're <00:01:15.640 - And as I said, we've had three changes in 24 hours to tariffs numbers that have come out.
- <00:18:38.440>
that <00:18:38.640>warrants administrations on tariffs that warrants
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (7-2-26) - Reupload
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- that has not come in for any HLF tariff that has not come in for any HLF tariff is<00:55:19.560>
- Is that that that—" "They all must comply with their filed tariffs. It's the filed tariff doctrine.
- have an extreme high load factor tariff have an extreme high load factor tariff on<00:56:55.000>
- tariff we're going to ask for." tariff we're going to ask for."
- <01:01:34.080>
So, evaluating the tariff. So, evaluating the tariff.
Bills:
SB8
Keywords:
utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, The first couple minutes of the livestream was cut off. This recording restored the beginning of the meeting
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51
Approval of Minutes 00:02:07
Legislator Comments 00:02:18
LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19
PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18
WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Consensus Forecasting Group (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:19.360>
uh seen the uh imposition of tariffs uh seen the uh imposition of tariffs uh - So while the statutory those tariffs.
- We see consumers experiencing lower tariff rates. The effective average tariff rate in the pes...
- So we've seen a large of tariffs.
- deportations and of course the tariffs. deportations and of course the tariffs.
Summary:
The meeting focused on preliminary fiscal 2026 revenue estimates and the governor’s office request for an official revision to fiscal 2026, with members reminded that any estimate adopted now would not bind the December official estimates. Staff from S&P Global walked through three forecast scenarios—control, optimistic, and pessimistic—based on recent federal tax changes, tariffs, and other policy developments, emphasizing that the outlook remains highly uncertain.
Under the control scenario, the presentation projected below-trend real GDP growth of 1.8% in fiscal 2026, slowing to 1.5% by fiscal 2028, with unemployment peaking around 4.5% and the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times to a long-run range of about 2.75% to 3%. The optimistic scenario assumed lower effective tariffs, stronger growth, and better labor and housing outcomes, while the pessimistic scenario assumed a broader trade war, higher effective tariffs, faster deportations, weaker employment and consumer spending, and unemployment rising to about 6.3%. Speakers also noted that the forecast was prepared before later BLS revisions and that recent data on inventories and AI-related investment made the recent quarters look unusually volatile.
Members discussed how the current fiscal 2026 outlook compared with earlier assumptions and noted that the eventual revenue revision may be smaller than the spread between the optimistic and pessimistic economic scenarios. The governor’s office and committee members also reviewed sector-specific impacts, including manufacturing, housing, light vehicle production, exports, and consumer sentiment, with particular concern about Kentucky’s auto and housing-related industries. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- One is tariffs and trade policies.
- You talked about the tariffs, impact of tariffs, but you sort of glossed over it real quickly.
- :32:26.640>
of <00:32:26.880>tariffs, about the tariffs, impact of tariffs, about the tariffs - You talk about tariff offs and stuff like that because you said the emergency tariff off with fentanyl
- we'll still we'll see more of the tariff we'll still we'll see more of the tariff pass<01:35:44.320
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 8, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:20:07.280>
have <00:20:07.520>created tariff and trade policy have created tariff and - >
going <00:47:00.000>to there's tariffs, how's that going to there's tariffs, how's that - suspending tariffs. suspending tariffs. >> Oh,<01:37:43.360>
okay. - considerable uncertainty on the tariff considerable uncertainty on the tariff front<01:39:50.080
- <01:45:25.360>
changes you uh go through a big tariff changes you uh go through a big tariff
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 24th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, you know, with the Trump Musk tariffs coming down the pipe, a lot of that can increase the cost
- and retaliatory tariffs, would impact this project.
- The President, President Trump, said that "tariff" is the most beautiful word in the English language
- If the President already did put a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, on imports of aluminum and steel,
- And there are probably many other factors that will drive up costs if those tariffs are implemented.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We had to move heaven and tariffs.
- Trump administration to pay out tariff Trump administration to pay out tariff refunds<02:46:48.560
- because of these damn tariffs. Mr. because of these damn tariffs. Mr.
- those import taxes, those illegal tariffs and arbitrary tariffs imposed by a president who'd like to
- those import taxes, those illegal tariffs and arbitrary tariffs imposed by a president who'd like to
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture - 03/10/2026
Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- Tariffs are still out there and they're still wreaking havoc.
- They're talking about tariffs, and she's listening to farmers and business people in that community.
- Also, not just the tariff economic policies, the immigration policies.
- Impacts of tariffs, yes.
- Tariffs and every of the other impacts that you're seeing across the sector.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture first moved through a series of animal welfare bills, reporting all of them to the floor. The measures included bills on sentencing for aggravated cruelty to animals, additional aggravated cruelty provisions, penalties for animal abandonment, requiring owners or lessors of vacated properties to inspect for abandoned animals, and restricting surgical depopulation procedures on dogs and pets. Members generally expressed support, and each bill advanced by motion and voice vote with no noted opposition or recusals; one additional bill was held by the sponsor.
The committee then heard from Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, who gave an update on state and federal agriculture issues. He discussed the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, federal farm bill negotiations, specialty crops, labor and H-2A reform, dairy margin coverage concerns, possible cuts to EQIP, organic certification funding, trade and USMCA review, tariffs and input costs, and disaster concerns affecting Long Island seafood producers. He also highlighted state programs such as Nourish New York, Dairy Modernization, farm-to-school efforts, and workforce development initiatives.
Members asked questions about raw milk sales, H-2A labor, solar siting on farmland, farm-to-school expansion, tariff impacts, and support for farmers facing federal cuts and rising costs. Ball said raw milk sales remain limited to licensed on-farm sales with inspections and warnings, supported reform of H-2A and broader labor policy, urged protecting prime and actively farmed land from solar development, and emphasized the need to preserve food access programs like Nourish New York and farmers market nutrition benefits. The meeting ended after the commissioner’s testimony and member discussion, with no further formal action beyond the earlier bill reports.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/30/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- >
operate <04:03:10.080>in measure, these tariffs operate in measure, these tariffs operate - Tariffs are paid by this point.
- imported in 2025 that did have tariffs imported in 2025 that did have tariffs applied.<04:05:26.560
- because I do believe against all tariffs because I do believe that<04:08:03.680>
tariffs <04:08 - <04:08:37.040>
don't past, we've seen that tariffs don't past, we've seen that tariffs don't
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 2/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- , as did the section 10% section 122 tariffs that the administration announced. tariff rate of 14%, four
- <00:08:51.680>
happened invalidating the AIPA tariffs happened invalidating the AIPA tariffs - the section the 10% section 122 tariffs the section the 10% section 122 tariffs that<00:08:59.760
- trade, tariffs, and immigration. trade, tariffs, and immigration.
- Tariffs some forms of consumer spending.
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits.
State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook.
State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November.
Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There are no limitations on the amount of electrolytic hydrogen that can be produced under the tariff
- So if you sell your house, that's when the tariff changes.
- And if you impose the net billing tariff, it's going to exceed 10 years.
- They are reporting under the new tariff, the net billing tariff, payback periods of as low as four to
- But if you sell your home to me, then I get the tariff that everyone gets today.
Summary:
The committee heard several energy and utilities bills, with testimony largely focused on wildfire mitigation, affordability, clean energy planning, and utility accountability. AB 706, by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, would create a fund to support projects that use forest biomass waste from wildfire mitigation and forest restoration; supporters said it would reduce open burning and emissions while providing reliable renewable power, and the bill later passed 13-0. AB 39, by Assembly Member Zbur, would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning strategies for transportation and buildings; it drew broad support from clean energy, labor, environmental, and local government advocates and passed 9-0. AB 1167, by Assembly Member Berman, would restrict investor-owned utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying, promotional advertising, and similar shareholder-benefit expenses; supporters framed it as an affordability and transparency measure, while utilities argued the bill was overly broad and already covered by existing rules. It passed 7-0, with some members not voting and the roll left open.
The committee also considered AB 1417 on offshore wind community funding transparency, which was amended to remove new fees and instead require reporting on developer support for local and tribal community capacity-building; opposition was withdrawn and the bill passed 9-0. AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, would require water districts in high fire-risk areas of Ventura County to have backup power, full tanks during red flag warnings, and hardened facilities; water agencies opposed unless amended due to cost and liability concerns, but the bill passed 10-0. The consent calendar, including multiple additional measures, was approved 11-0.
Other bills drew more divided testimony. AB 745 would allow securitization to finance utility undergrounding and prohibit a return on equity for undergrounding projects; supporters said it would lower ratepayer costs, while utilities warned it would effectively discourage undergrounding and could raise other rates. The bill passed 7-4 and was left on call. AB 1423 would apply reliability standards to publicly funded EV chargers installed before 2024; supporters said taxpayers should get functioning chargers, while charging-network representatives objected to retroactive requirements and possible conflicts with existing agreements. It passed 13-0. AB 388 would create a narrow exception to utility regulation to facilitate green hydrogen projects using private power lines; supporters said it would unlock low-cost renewable hydrogen and jobs, while utilities raised concerns about customer protections and grid planning. It passed 12-0. The committee also began hearing AB 825, which the author said would address the high cost of financing major transmission and generation buildout, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation and action on that bill.