Transcript Highlights:

• The producers of electricity are not a public utility.
• The producers of electricity are not a public utility.
• electricity are not a public utility. electricity are not a public utility.
• <00:42:38.079> and are sent out over public utilities and are sent out over public utilities
• and they pay the utility property tax. and they pay the utility property tax.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals attain a 520 certificate; however, they're not utilized as language and culture teachers,
• sometimes utilized as permanent subs and are never really actually teaching language and culture.
• It's just a blessing to have some of the specific feedback from community members was to utilize Navajo
• So rather than contracting the work out, what do we have in PED that we can already utilize?
• So rather than contracting the work out, what do we have in PED that we can already utilize?

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're tying this to is the requirements that retail public utilities have for water conservation
• There hasn't been water use from that utility yet.
• Retail public utility level, it is something that we have a continuing obligation to evaluate.
• I, I would say the number one thing that a utility does to reduce water consumption.
• And in presenting those plans, the utilities rely.

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you utilize technology like AI and you want to use this as a big piece of how you utilize Florida's
• And so when I look at it for Florida specifically, do you see a benefit in utilizing AI?
• We have agencies in other areas of the country that are utilizing—I can't specifically go to them—but
• they're utilizing technology to actually help vet their own ecosystem, actually create an imprint of
• So utilizing technology, I remember one of the things that I had done is we started using more online

Summary: The subcommittee met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and automation in Florida government. Panelists from Worldwide Technology, OpenAI, the James Madison Institute, and the Florida Digital Service described AI as a tool to improve efficiency, constituent services, fraud detection, translation, HR workflows, public safety, and regulatory review, while emphasizing that AI should supplement rather than replace workers. They also stressed the importance of data readiness, workforce training, governance, and having existing technology systems and policies in place before broader deployment. Members asked about public records concerns, vendor vetting, model integrity, and how to balance innovation with privacy and security. Chief Schoonover said agencies are already using or exploring AI in areas such as Medicaid analysis, environmental data, emergency management, tax forms, and child support, and noted that the Digital Service publishes prohibited vendor and application lists. OpenAI discussed its red teaming, safety evaluations, privacy controls, and government products such as ChatGPT Gov, and said it does not train on personal data or target users with ads. The committee also discussed concrete examples of efficiency gains, including reduced call times, faster translation turnaround, and streamlined HR classification work, as well as concerns about job disruption and constituent access. In closing, members raised data center infrastructure and energy needs, with panelists noting that AI depends on substantial compute, power, cooling, and utility capacity. The chair concluded by encouraging continued dialogue and noting that future AI legislation should be targeted to specific problems rather than overly broad.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're looking at how can we get more local, how can we get more utilization out of 5 acres that we
• out of uh 5 can we get more utilization out of uh 5 Acres<00:03:15.319> that<00:03:15.440>
• Uh, many ways to utilize milk and make money on it. Um, we have uh some other things.
• Uh, many ways to utilize milk and make money on it. Um, we have uh some other things.
• does ice cream uh many ways to utilize does ice cream uh many ways to utilize milk<00:13:09.399>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, tell us how the PUC coordinated with the electric utility. ...utilities to restore power to Kerr
• Yes, same with the Utility Commission to be appreciated.
• Same with Connie Corona, Public Utility Commission.
• Was that their municipal utility alone or was that multiple utilities?
• We utilize a workforce of about 230 operators and staff.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, we believe utilities.
• The storm water utility act title 16.
• <00:54:37.520> put if there were going to be a utility put if there were going to be a utility
• Utilities is looking to sell more water. Utilities is looking to sell more water.
• clearly work with our utilities clearly work with our utilities extensively<02:35:36.720> on<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Treatments that they're utilizing are not legal in the U.S., for example.
• ourselves the ability to utilize ourselves the ability to utilize information<02:02:44.880> better
• We have to utilize our tool.
• the uh state case uh we have to utilize the uh state emergency<02:10:39.199> process.
• we have to utilize our our tool.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the things I'm most excited about this bill is that it prepares the agency to fully utilize
• Reliable and affordable utility service.
• Makings where we require the utilities to have a grid plan on a scheduled basis and this alliance of
• So to do that, we've done, as I stated, workshops evaluating utility infrastructures.
• And to do that, we need utilities' investments to align.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm commissioner and interim chair of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission.
• So the uh Public Utilities Commission is the state's economic regulator of uh utilities.
• <00:04:35.680> of with the investorowned utilities of with the investorowned utilities of
• <00:04:58.560> Uh they're an investor owned utility.
• Uh they're an investor owned utility.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the other cost drivers are utilization. So, and acuity for people: how ill are you?
• Eight states have utilized a preferred drug list for some classes.
• the country utilize, and where does the New Mexico Medicaid program fit in?
• Well, they have a higher utilization rate.
• Also, the number of people that are utilizing the service.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we utilize a lot of other different data layers to build that map.
• And working with NRCS to actually utilize their EWP funding to implement a project.
• But what we're utilizing out of all of these disasters is this common denominator.
• So this was about utilizing virtual fencing.
• The smaller scale callers utilize cellular signal to the caller themselves.

Transcript Highlights:

• Increasingly local governmental entities are utilizing non-voter approved debt instruments like CEOs
• Chairman, you highlighted the city of Amarillo who utilized tans to go around that particular failed
• Um, I'm not really aware of any school districts that utilize CO, so those are just two things that I'd
• Um, so I believe that in under Section 1, they, they utilize the term anticipation note to pay, um, just
• I think what this Section 1 gets at is the situation in Amarillo where they, they were utilizing tax

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and re-referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities
• c> environment<00:09:47.839> and<00:09:48.040> climate<00:09:48.480> Mr utilities
• environment and climate Mr utilities environment and climate Mr President<00:09:49.120> glad<
• 10:08.200> committee<00:10:08.560> on<00:10:08.800> energy<00:10:09.920> utilities
• the committee on energy utilities the committee on energy utilities environment<00:10:11.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:49.360> companies responsibility of the utility companies responsibility of the utility
• $100,000 of Port of Public Utilities $100,000 of Port of Public Utilities funding.<00:24:07.039>
• that we've seen from utilities across the country, really.
• Hicks testimony about utilities and Hicks testimony about utilities and preventing<00:29:19.520> some
• <00:29:35.520> that that could happen from utilities that that could happen from utilities

Bills: SF0069, SF0070, SF0016, HB0078, HJ0002, HB0085, HB0086

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management

Transcript Highlights:

• DCCA, Consumer, and Public Utilities Commission will also stand on testimony.
• And Public Utilities Commission will stand on testimony.
• So there is already a way for us to utilize a lower blood alcohol concentration amount.
• <00:47:43.079> under definition of a public utility under definition of a public utility under
• representing uh these public utility representing uh these public utility customers<00:48:34.400

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:47:41.520> from People Act prohibits utilities from People Act prohibits utilities from
• They use up and I think of utilities.
• likelihood of uh with local utility likelihood of uh with local utility board<01:34:28.560> because
• Senate Bill 270 by Senator Bell regarding electric utilities is pending.
• We provide we help reduce utility bills.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would make utility costs go up.
• They would make utility costs go up.
• They would make utility costs go up.
• consumption and utility bills. consumption and utility bills.
• <04:40:35.600> Energy pressure on utility rates. Energy pressure on utility rates.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , raising the risk for stranded utility investment.
• And it's because of utilities not being able to get to them in a timely manner.
• . utilities. utilities. raising<02:30:42.000> the<02:30:42.160> risk<02:30:42.560> for
• So, what stranded utility investment.
• But what this tax as any other utility.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expect anybody else to be here, so I'm going to call to order the Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization
• Both access points have been utilized already, leaving no other access to the remaining land.
• If the tower or any equipment utilized to construct the tower exceeds 100 ft., notice to the Federal
• If the tower or any equipment utilized If the tower or any equipment utilized to<00:02:39.160>
• This will also allow for widening the trail to provide improved access and utility.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee first approved the March 16, 2026 minutes, then took up several Department of Transportation property actions. The committee approved a Greenland access point sale for a cell tower site to Wakefield Investments for $132,800 plus a $1,100 administrative fee, and approved disposal of two Epsom parcels to the town at no cost, with the town assuming demolition of the former depot and the committee waiving the fee. It also approved a Milton access point sale to Jeremy West Champney and Cameron McDermott for $90,000 plus the fee, with conditions requiring permits and other approvals. During the DOT items, members asked about appraisals, access restrictions, and where the administrative fee goes; staff said the fee generally offsets agency administrative costs and may go to a dedicated fund or the general fund depending on the project. The committee then considered three Department of Environmental Services requests for utility easements to bring power to dams so gates can be operated more efficiently and potentially remotely. It approved an easement with New Hampshire Electric Co-op for Pine River Dam in Wakefield, an easement with New Hampshire Electric Co-op for Sunset Lake Dam in Alton, and an easement with Eversource for Suncook Lake Dam in Barnstead. Members discussed whether to waive the $1,100 administrative fee on these items, with some questioning the fee’s purpose and where it is deposited. The committee ultimately approved the DES items as requested, including the fee waivers, while asking staff to research the fee’s history, sufficiency, and use for a future report. Finally, the committee received informational items from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. Members briefly discussed a property at Bloody Point in Newington and the related Sullivan Bridge demolition, and DOT staff said the property had been tabled previously and is now being worked on with Fish and Game for a possible transfer of management and future water access use. No votes were taken on the informational items.