Video & Transcript Research : 'regulatory amendment'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Jan 29th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It's HJR 3, the environmental rights constitutional amendment, known as the Green Amendment.
- amendment for New Mexico.
- It's not a Green Amendment. This is a sham. It's not a Green Amendment. Hear my words.
- However, that amendment, the pollution control amendment, is directed to us.
- How the amendment With all due respect, that's not exactly how the amendment would be used.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Info Briefing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
that's <00:23:41.520>funded regulatory oversight and that's funded regulatory oversight- our<00:46:37.440>
nuisance Act 269 also amended our nuisance Act 269 also amended our nuisance - understand, OMCCR anticipates amending understand, OMCCR anticipates amending its<00:50:52.400><
- <01:51:33.920>
Um, different regulatory challenges. Um, different regulatory challenges. - <01:57:41.679>
pathway for some kind of regulatory pathway for some kind of regulatory pathway
Bills:
HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692
Keywords:
HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There is an amendment. There is an amendment. There’s actually a substitute amendment.
- to the amendment.
- There are no amendments on this one or substitute amendment.
- And we have an amendment on this bill, Amendment Barcode 342-188.
- Seeing none, show the amendment adopted. No more amendments.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and reported favorably several bills. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; Senator Sharif asked about restitution for victims, and the sponsor said the bill does not create a reimbursement mechanism. CS/SB 576 would create a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing support, grant access, and data-sharing requirements; local government and cybersecurity groups waived in support. CS/SB 1078 would establish transition procedures between gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and access to agency records under a signed confidentiality agreement.
The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 314 on payment stablecoin issuers, CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations and security rules, CS/SB 1614 giving JAC/LAC-related audit findings more enforcement effect for local governments seeking state funds, SB 990 authorizing protective cell captive insurance companies, SB 1588 beginning implementation of the prior gold-and-silver legal tender law, CS/SB 1440 adding cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, and CS/SB 1568 creating a stablecoin pilot program for DFS fee payments. Several bills had support testimony from state agencies and industry groups, and some included technical or guardrail amendments that were adopted without objection.
The committee also received a budget overview highlighting major funding items, including more than $350 million for Florida Forever, $738 million for Everglades restoration, more than $500 million for water quality projects outside the Everglades, $60 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, and more than $250 million for citrus recovery. Members asked questions about school lunch funding, state park improvements, land acquisition, water quality funding, gaming enforcement offices, and staffing for PERC. After the bills and budget discussion, members recorded a few affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to require revisions to regulatory governing the review and handling
- A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to require revisions to regulatory governing the review and handling
- A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to require revisions to regulatory governing the review and handling
- A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to require revisions to regulatory governing the review and handling
- Energy Regulatory Commission or FK. Energy Regulatory Commission or FK.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Commerce committee hearing on HF2149, the 'Consumer Grocery Pricing Fairness Act' 3/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And Representative Gree, there is an A1 amendment.
- Could you discuss the amendment before we take action? Thank you, Madam Chair.
- The A1 amendment simply corrects typos. Thank you, Representative Grieman.
- The motion prevails, and the A1 amendment is adopted. Representative Grieman, your bill is amended.
- <00:13:46.320>
enforcement providing state regulatory enforcement providing state regulatory
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Amendment section show the amendment adopted are now on the bill as amended.
- We're in debate on the amendment to the Amendment.
- The amendment say yea, yea, all opposed no show the amendment to the amendment adopted are now back on
- All amendment as amended show the strike, all amendment adopted. We're now on the main bill.
- The sponsor and the amendment to the Amendment.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-15 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It also improves regulatory transparency and accountability by mandating public reporting of lab testing
- We try to figure out how do we fit it into the regulatory system that we either structure or currently
- And in 2018, Congress passed amendments, passed an omnibus farm bill, with amendments to the Controlled
- Substances Act, which caused... ...an omnibus farm bill with amendments to the Controlled Substances
- We have seen amendments to the Farm Bill out of the last... ...amendments to the Farm Bill out of the
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held a hearing on a broad set of cannabis and hemp bills, with the chairs opening by emphasizing unfinished work on equity, public health, safety, and market stability. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 146, which would create more efficient cannabis testing standards by increasing batch sizes, reducing or eliminating some environmental testing, standardizing lab reporting, and requiring annual scientific review and public data reporting. Industry witnesses, including a representative of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, cultivators, and a testing lab owner, said current testing rules are overly burdensome, costly, and inconsistent, and argued the bill would lower compliance costs while preserving consumer safety. A testing lab witness also said some operators switch labs to obtain higher THC results or pass contaminated batches, and urged greater transparency and better sampling protocols.
A major portion of the hearing focused on intoxicating hemp and related bills that would bring hemp-derived intoxicating products under a stronger regulatory framework. Legislators and industry witnesses described products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores as often untested, not age-gated, and sometimes mislabeled or far above the federal hemp THC threshold. Testimony from attorneys and cannabis business leaders said states can regulate these products more strictly under the Farm Bill’s non-preemption language, and pointed to New Jersey and other states as possible models. Some witnesses and committee members stressed that any new rules should avoid harming non-intoxicating CBD businesses or lawful hemp farmers, while others argued that the products are effectively cannabis and should be regulated like cannabis for licensing, testing, age limits, and taxation.
The committee also heard extensive public-health testimony in support of bills S. 95, S. 96, S. 97 and their House counterparts H. 191, H. 192, and H. 193. Parents, advocates, and public health professionals urged stronger warning labels, THC potency caps, and improved data collection on cannabis-related harms, citing cannabis-induced psychosis, addiction, anxiety, and youth exposure to high-potency products. Several witnesses said Massachusetts has not done enough to track health outcomes or warn consumers, and referenced other jurisdictions such as Connecticut, Vermont, Colorado, Canada, and Quebec as examples of stronger limits or warnings. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Minnesota House passes SF2298, the housing finance bill 4/29/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But I think there is potentially an author's amendment, or excuse me, an additional amendment you'd like
- <00:02:02.119>
would Mr chair and members the amendment would Mr chair and members the amendment - , we can go ahead and vote on the amendment as amended.
- <00:02:29.280>
as <00:02:29.560>amend amendment as amend amendment as amend ended<00:02 - Amendment all right representative Amendment all right representative Schultz<00:19:21.960>
has
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 33 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is not adopted.” “The amendment is not adopted.” “PAC 306, guests of Mr.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Amendment Number 15. Mr.
- The amendment is not adopted. Mr.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Consolidated Amendment A. Mr.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Consolidated Amendment B.
Summary:
The House first recognized several student athletes and teams, including East Bridgewater cheerleaders, Medway athletes and teams, and the Housatonic Valley basketball team, and adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition concerning an extension of a lease authorization for conservation land.
The chamber then took up Senate 2581, as amended, a major education and youth technology bill. The bill was rewritten to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education, including restrictions on personal electronic devices in public schools and limits on social media access for children. Members debated whether the policy should be bell-to-bell or allow more local flexibility, and several amendments were offered. An amendment from Attleboro to preserve district-specific policies was rejected, while a consolidated amendment tightening social media restrictions and related protections was adopted.
The House also considered and passed several other bills, including measures amending the Sandwich charter, authorizing Springfield to help certain residents with local tax obligations, authorizing charity alcohol auctions, and directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific police applicant. In addition, the House rejected concurrence on a Senate version of a higher education infrastructure bill and instead appointed a committee of conference. Later, the House accepted a conference report on modernizing cannabis laws after debate focused on regulatory streamlining, equity, ownership caps, and hemp regulation. The report was adopted by roll call, and the House then passed the amended education bill to be engrossed before adjourning to the next day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - Part 1 - 03/27/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be an amendment to an amendment. Correct, Ms. James?
- It would be a amendment to an amendment. It would be a amendment to an amendment.
- as currently amended, as orally amended.
- . amendment. amendment.
- , the amendment that the A4 amendment, the amendment that the A4 amendment, basically<01:53:36.360
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/31/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- "I want to offer amendment..." "I want to offer amendment 2026-1288s." "Second."
- "Talk to your amendment." "I will.
- All in favor of amendment 1288?" "Aye." "Any oppose?" "Move to pass as amended." "Second."
- sure that this amendment reflected. sure that this amendment reflected.
- All in favor of amendment seeing none. All in favor of amendment 1288. 1288. 1288.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- amended.
- to remove the NEM exclusion amendment.
- With the committee amendment, Senate Bill 931 reauthorizes the essential services. committee amendment
- We were support if amended. We're reviewing the amendments. Thank you.
- We must respectfully oppose unless amended.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments.
The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations.
SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call.
Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there questions on the amendment? Are there appearance cards on the amendment?
- Is there a debate on the amendment? But singing.
- Amendment adopted. We're back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended?
- Are there appearance cards on the bill as amended? Is there debate on the bill as amended?
- body, and not just any regulatory body, but the regulatory body that is really the only guard gate between
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably.
Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate.
The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- CCRCs lack a uniform regulatory body.
- And since CCRCs lack a uniform regulatory body, there is These are not.
- That last point could be amended better in terms of language, please.
- But independent living units don't have a regulatory body overseeing them.
- Okay, that's helpful to know, so we can probably amend this slide. That's helpful to know.
Summary:
The commission met to review its draft final report on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with most of the discussion focused on whether recommendations required unanimous consensus and how to handle disagreements in the report. Members agreed that consensus meant no stated opposition, and several participants argued that unresolved issues should still be described in the report rather than omitted. The chairs said the report would include agreed-upon recommendations, note areas without consensus, and preserve written comments or dissent letters submitted by members.
The draft report’s findings and slides were reviewed charge by charge, including CCRC definitions, financial condition, entrance fee refunds, regulatory oversight, advertising practices, and closure/change-of-ownership procedures. Members suggested several factual and wording edits, including clarifying financial data sources, correcting a presenter’s name, refining language about entrance fee use and refund timing, and revising statements about Attorney General authority and CCRC advertising. There was also discussion about the need to distinguish nonprofit and for-profit CCRCs and to better explain how different care levels and licensing structures are described.
On recommendations, the commission kept the proposal to advance the disclosure bill (S. 478) and update the consumer guide, but removed a recommendation for annual open board meetings after objections that it was inadequate. The group spent considerable time debating whether to recommend resident representation on CCRC boards, timely refund requirements for entrance fees, and possible state registration or definition changes for CCRCs, but no consensus was reached on those items. The chairs said the final report would be completed by the statutory August 1 deadline, with final written comments due before then and the report and meeting materials posted on the legislature website.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment
- The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment
- The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment
- It's regulatory paralysis.
- IT'S REGULATORY PARALYSIS.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 9, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- So you've got amendment barcode 6-71593. You are recognized to explain the amendment.
- Members, we're in debate on the amendment. Anybody wishing to debate on the amendment?
- Show the amendment adopted. Now we're on the bill as amended.
- All right, having explained the amendment, do we have questions on the amendment? No.
- Any public testimony on the amendment? Nope. Debate on the amendment? No.
Summary:
The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance.
Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Surveillance-based price and wage discrimination prohibited 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I also understand that there is an A4 amendment. I will move the A4 amendment.
- your bill as amended. your bill as amended.
- Regulatory uncertainty increases legal Regulatory uncertainty increases legal exposure,<00:23:18.960
- <00:23:31.200>
frameworks impose new regulatory frameworks impose new regulatory frameworks - And with that, we will lay over House File 3749 as amended. 3794 as amended.
Summary:
House File 3794, as amended by the A4 amendment, was heard in committee. Representative Greenman described the bill as a ban on surveillance-based pricing and wage discrimination, with a disclosure requirement for companies using automated data to set individualized prices or wages. The A4 amendment was adopted; Greenman said it updated language based on attorney general and stakeholder feedback and added a burden-shifting provision that would let consumers or workers establish a presumption, which companies could then rebut with data. Greenman and supporters argued the bill would stop companies from using personal data and AI tools to charge different prices to different people, while still allowing ordinary market-based discounts and clearly offered group discounts such as those for veterans, students, or teachers.
Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Farmers Union, a neighborhood bookstore owner, Consumer Reports, and a small business owner. They said surveillance pricing undermines fairness, transparency, and competition, and cited examples such as different online prices based on location, browser history, or loyalty-program data. Testifiers also warned that AI-driven pricing and discounting can be opaque and discriminatory, and that small businesses cannot compete with large firms that control more data. Consumer Reports said consumers should not have to use workarounds like VPNs to compare prices and noted that some discounts based on personal data may also need sunlight and guardrails.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Progress. They argued the bill’s definitions are too broad and could sweep in ordinary business analytics, loyalty programs, targeted promotions, inventory tools, and even spreadsheets, creating compliance risk and discouraging innovation and investment. They also warned the bill could burden small businesses and interfere with workplace management and compensation decisions. During member discussion, several legislators voiced support for the bill as a transparency and fairness measure, while one member noted that the most egregious examples appear to be in e-commerce and said the committee was laying the bill over for further consideration.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-AEN, EIG-HOU, EIG Public Hearings 03-11-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:59.079>
Vice votes I passing with amendments Vice votes I passing with amendments Vice - We would like to make a couple of amendments to this task force.
- We would like to make a couple of amendments to this task force.
- We would like to make a couple of amendments to this task force.
- We would like to make a couple of amendments to this task force.
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050.
The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended.
Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.