Video & Transcript : 'electric shuttle' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House passes transportation finance bill with increased road funding, transit cuts 4/28/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- electric-assisted bicycle safety on roads, trails, and other areas where safe operation of electric-assisted
- </c><01:49:12.560><c> assisted</c> the safe operation of electric assisted the safe operation of electric
- to the electric motor of electric<01:49:27.679><c> assisted</c><01:49:28.080><c> bicycles.
- </c> electric assisted bicycles. electric assisted bicycles.
- </c> change state law to improve electric change state law to improve electric assisted<01:49:34.000>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-25 (5:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the next bill: Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 382, a bill to be entitled an act relating to electric
- An operator may not operate an electric bicycle at speeds greater than 10 miles an hour if a pedestrian
- created to examine and recommend improvements to state law to encourage the safe operation of these electric
- a third time: Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 382, a bill to be entitled an act relating to electric
- a third time: Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 382, a bill to be entitled an act relating to electric
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator Charlie Dean. Senators also introduced guests, including family members, church leaders, and visiting students. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers.
The Senate passed a series of bills focused on consumer protection, transportation safety, health, and financial regulation. CS/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks passed 37-0 after being substituted for SB 198 and amended to adopt Senate language aimed at limiting fraud and setting transaction controls. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring certain health professionals to complete training on care management. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, and SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program passed 36-0 after amendments expanding the program to ages 1 through 7 and adding drowning-prevention education for new parents.
The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which creates cybersecurity program requirements for certain licensees, expands oversight of some investment advisers, and updates credit union and anti-money-laundering provisions; it passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments tied to related cybersecurity exemptions and reporting requirements. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing certain benefits for foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to certify all passed bills to the House and retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><01:30:35.920><c> making</c><01:30:36.159><c> it</c><01:30:36.400><c> more</c> with electricity,
- </c><01:32:07.040><c> shock,</c> mitigate risk of electrical shock, mitigate risk of electrical shock
- from back feeding prevent electricity from back feeding into<01:32:14.320><c> the</c><01:32:14.480><
- </c> electric code. electric code. >> Got<01:40:12.000><c> it.</c> >> Got it.
- That being said, I'm a little concerned that the national electric codes don't just haven't caught up
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
SPEED Task Force (STF) - Thu Sept 11, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that's building plumbing and electrical that's building plumbing and electrical inspectors.<00:47
- </c> be building, plumbing, and electrical be building, plumbing, and electrical inspectors. inspectors
- </c> review that would be uh electrical review that would be uh electrical plumbing<01:29:42.560><c>
- Simple as that. electoral electrical electrical reviews electoral electrical electrical reviews and<02
- We didn’t change the capacity to handle that. number of electrical mechanical and number of electrical
Summary:
The task force held its first meeting, beginning with roll call and introductions of members and participants in the room and on Zoom. The chair emphasized Sunshine Law transparency, noted the meeting was on September 11, and opened public testimony on the orientation report. No one testified in person or on Zoom, and the chair observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 before moving into the agenda.
The chair then reported on several orientation presentations given statewide between July 18 and September 5, including meetings with transit-oriented development, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber, and the Capo Chamber of Commerce. The main presentation item was a detailed overview from Kauaʻi County on its permitting process. County staff explained that zoning and building permits are handled separately on the outer islands, with zoning focused on form, character, and compatibility, and building permits focused on health and safety. They described a two-tier zoning system: ministerial permits that are automatically approved if not acted on within 30 days, and discretionary permits that go to the planning commission and can become lengthy contested cases if there is intervention. They also discussed special management area review in coastal areas, which can add time, and explained that building permits must conform to what was approved in zoning.
Kauaʻi County staff also outlined the building permit process, including online and in-person submission, coordination with planning, engineering, water, wastewater, health, and fire agencies, and the county’s fully electronic review system using ProjectDox and related software. They noted that applicants are encouraged to check zoning, water, wastewater, and floodplain issues before hiring someone to prepare plans, especially for homeowners. The county shared permit and utility statistics and said the public can check permit history through Click2Gov. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; after the Kauaʻi presentation, the chair opened a question period for members.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian Electric. >> Hi. Um, thank you, Jason.
- Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian Electric.
- Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian wow. Hawaiian Electric.
- Hawaiian Electric.<00:44:57.200><c> Hawaiian</c><00:44:57.520><c> Electric.</c> Electric.
- Hawaiian Electric. Electric. Hawaiian Electric.
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters.
For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways.
For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (01/23/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- is and where some where the electrical is and where some of<00:33:06.240><c> the</c><00:33:06.320><c
- </c><00:33:13.679><c> company</c><00:33:13.919><c> that</c> calls with the electric company that calls
- I guess that was my point, is I know we ran into some underground issues with the electrical.
- In that site selection process, wouldn't they have addressed the issue about water and electrical and
- And some of the Hampstead neighbors insisted that they electric was going to cost. and and electric was
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote.
The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Because electric is still using batteries no matter how you make the electric.
- Bob King continued: “Because electric is still using batteries no matter how you make the electric.
- </c><00:51:41.560><c> You</c><00:51:41.680><c> know,</c> with 100% electric generation.
- You know, with 100% electric generation.
- electric vehicles. On the affordability electric vehicles.
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Jun 2nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Air cooling: higher electricity, but no water.
- It has robust ventilation and electrical systems.
- It is a joint collaboration between NextEra and Basin Electric, and they have a customer.
- It is a joint collaboration between NextEra and Basin Electric, and they have a customer.
- It is a joint collaboration between NextEra and Basin Electric, and they have a customer.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- , and the Electrical Association.
- <01:16:00.639><c> and</c><01:16:01.040><c> the</c><01:16:01.239><c> electrical</c> electricity and the
- electrical electricity and the electrical Association<01:16:03.679><c> um</c><01:16:04.239><c> there
- </c> power applications my electrical power applications my electrical contractors<01:33:00.080><c> are
- I think that's more on the electrical side. I think there was a shift.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Often, any bicycle-shaped device with an electric motor is labeled an e-bike, regardless of power and
- Electric bicycles are the only reliably growing segment of the bicycle market, and they expand access
- Protecting the integrity of what qualifies as a legal electric bike and access to them is essential.
- Protecting the integrity of what qualifies as a legal electric bike and access to them is essential to
- By clarifying the definition of what is not an electric bicycle, SB 1167 ensures that e-motos cannot
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on local transportation funding, roadway safety, e-bike regulation, veterans’ parking access, high-speed rail reporting, autonomous vehicle oversight, and wildlife-vehicle collision planning. SB 1408 would authorize Contra Costa County to place a countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot; supporters said it would continue funding highways, transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and paratransit, while CalTax opposed it over affordability and tax burden concerns. SB 990 would allow targeted Caltrans business-logo signage for Ridgecrest along Highway 395; supporters framed it as a rural safety and economic access measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1167 would tighten consumer protections by clarifying what qualifies as a legal e-bike and requiring clearer labeling and disclosures; supporters included bicycle advocates, medical groups, local governments, and auto clubs, while no opposition testified. SB 1034 would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanent and total by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, with strong support from veterans’ organizations and no opposition. SB 1177 would require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information on revenue options, timelines, and international comparisons; the City of Burbank opposed, while the sponsor argued the bill preserves a historical record and transparency. SB 1246 would impose new remote-operations, response-time, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicles; first responders and labor groups supported it, industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative of recently enacted law and DMV rules, and the committee discussed possible amendments and coordination issues. The committee also considered SB 1279, which would extend Long Beach’s speed camera pilot to Pacific Coast Highway; supporters cited fatal crash data and pedestrian safety, while the CHP association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions. The committee then took up SB 1250, a planning bill to integrate wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation into transportation planning, with the author emphasizing targeted crossings and fencing at known hotspots. Several consent items were approved on a 10-0 vote, and SB 1246 was reported out 7-2, while other bills were held on call pending quorum or later action.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Often, any bicycle-shaped device with an electric motor is labeled an e-bike, regardless of power and
- Electric bicycles are the only reliably growing segment of the bicycle market, and they expand access
- Protecting the integrity of what qualifies as a legal electric bike and access to them is essential.
- Protecting the integrity of what qualifies as a legal electric bike and access to them is essential to
- By clarifying the definition of what is not an electric bicycle, SB 1167 ensures that e-motos cannot
Committee:
Senate Transportation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Typically, solar developers sell electricity to California utilities via 20-year agreements, the price
- These are the very communities where utilities are forced to shut down electricity during high-wind events
- Families who cannot pump water because their wells rely on electricity. I'm one of those families.
- vehicle infrastructure programs... ...which is the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program,
- Julie Malinowski-Ball on behalf of the California Electric Transportation Coalition in support of SB
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call.
Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call.
The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- a thoughtful and evidence-based approach to addressing the growing safety risks associated with electric
- bicycles. ...evidence-based approach to addressing the growing safety risks associated with electric
- , which were referenced quite a bit in the comments of the sponsors, rather than low-speed legal electric
- vehicles or electric bicycles beyond 15 miles per hour.
- Orange County is probably not a whole lot different, and they're early adopters of electric devices,
Committee:
House Transportation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- And placed in service means that the project is ready and fully capable of producing electricity.
- These upgrades can be done by the transmission line owner, like an electric utility, or by independent
- and the state's climate goals are on the line, all while needing to reduce costs on ratepayers' electric
- The focus of my work is California's electricity system, and I'm here to provide a high-level overview
- While California has managed to get significant clean energy online, anticipated increases in electricity
Committee:
House Utilities and Energy
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a huge problem because some of our electric vehicles have already been turned over to the electric
- You can't just rely on electric.
- The ones that we have coming, I know, are electric trucks, electric buses.
- The ones that we have coming, I know, are electric trucks, electric buses.
- I would just say Riverside owns its own public utility, so we have electricity.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The committee first established quorum and then approved several Governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills in two committees and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The main substantive hearing was on the appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Locke Dawson to the Air Resources Board. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic impacts. Senators pressed them on cap-and-trade, leakage and job loss, agricultural costs, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, emergency vehicle and school bus electrification, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters largely supported both nominees. The committee advanced Hopkins 4-0 and Lock Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate.
The committee then heard Andrew Rakestra’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. He described his background in climate diplomacy and regulatory work and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and responsiveness to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like Moss Landing and the Exide cleanup, the hazardous waste management plan, fee-setting, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his nomination to the Senate floor on a 3-0 vote, with two members not voting or abstaining. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:00 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- Workers, Certified Electrical Workers of Washington, IBEW Local 76, Christopher Ellis of the Bricklayers
- 22,000 electrical workers in the state of Washington.
- 12,000 IBEW electrical workers statewide and a journeyman electrician.
- I'm David Uribe from Local 191, the electrical union.
- I was able to take time off because my family and them saw, they were all electrical workers too, and
Committee:
House Labor & Workplace Standards
Keywords:
mental health, PTSD, treatment program, research, pilot program, veteran support, trauma, healthcare funding, labor, communication, Department of Labor and Industries, workplace standards, modernization, collective bargaining, labor relations, employee rights, union representation, non-covered employees, wage enforcement, labor standards
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (11/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We've already had a sizable increase in electric rates, I believe. Is that true?
- >> Uh, there is constant upward pressure on electric and gas rates here in New Hampshire.
- We've already had a sizable increase in electric rates, I believe. Is that true?
- >> Uh, there is constant upward pressure on electric and gas rates here in New Hampshire.
- </c> electric rates, I believe. electric rates, I believe.
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on Friday, November 21st and first approved the October 17th minutes, with one member abstaining because she was not present. The committee then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar after removing two items for separate consideration. On tab four, members discussed item 25282 with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and Public Works staff; the project had been delayed after testing revealed design errors and flaws, and the committee was told the work would restart with test piles the following week and was projected for completion in fall 2027. The item was approved.
On tab five, item 25279 concerned a Health and Human Services facility project and a federally required element added late in the process. Commissioners explained that the project had originally been funded at $21 million, later required additional financing, and that the legislature had recently lifted a restriction so non-ARPA funds could be used. They also said the sale of the existing Manchester property would not be needed to complete the build, that a broker RFP was about to be issued, and that any sale would require further approvals. The committee approved the item.
The committee then approved item 25280 after a brief exchange about rainy day fund estimates and prior budget assumptions, and approved item 25278 without discussion. Item 25272 drew questions about the consumer advocate’s RFP for outside utility-rate-case assistance; the office said it eliminated proposals focused only on return on equity work after the Eversource decision, selected a Michigan firm for spreadsheet and operating-cost analysis, and noted there were no in-state firms doing this specialized work. The committee approved the item, with one member recorded in opposition.
On tab nine, item 25261 concerned a new judicial council budget obligation tied to legislation and public defense staffing needs. The presenter said the request reflected a late-added obligation from the judicial branch, that more requests may still be needed, and that public defense staffing was strained by vacancies and competition from Massachusetts. The committee approved the item. Under informational items, members received an update on 529 plan distributions and on interest and dividends tax refunds, with Revenue Administration saying roughly $21 million more in refunds remained and that the repeal-related refunds were nearly finished. The committee also noted an environmental services item for which questions would be submitted separately. The next meeting was set for December 19th at 11:00 a.m., and the committee adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-TCA, EIG Public Hearings 03-25-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:36:10.240><c> power</c> expensive forms of electric power expensive forms of electric power production
- Add clarifying language that they represented from the electric utility, the geothermal industry, and
- Add clarifying language that they represented from the electric utility, the geothermal industry, and
- Add clarifying language that they represented from the electric utility, the geothermal industry, and
- </c><00:48:37.280><c> utility,</c> represented from the electric utility, represented from the electric
Committee:
Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Summary:
The joint Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Committee on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard several resolutions, with most public testimony focused on Senate Concurrent Resolution 159 and Senate Resolution 129, which urge continued U.S. support for the Ukrainian military. Testimony on those measures was largely opposed, with witnesses arguing Hawaii should prioritize local needs such as homelessness, infrastructure, and cost of living over additional aid to Ukraine; one support testimony was noted from the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Despite the opposition, both committees recommended passage with technical, nonsubstantive amendments, and the recommendations were adopted.
The committees also considered transportation-related resolutions. Senate Concurrent Resolution 182 and Senate Resolution 152 would initiate a summer streets pilot program, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 200 and Senate Resolution 180 would ask AMPO to coordinate a transportation management training program. Testimony on the summer streets proposal included support and opposition, with one witness saying community input should be gathered through existing district and community meetings rather than creating a pilot. The training-program measure drew opposition from a witness who argued it would add unnecessary bureaucracy. Both pairs were recommended for passage, with the summer streets resolutions passed unamended and the training-program resolutions passed with technical amendments.
In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 and Senate Resolution 14, concerning relocation of the Pearl City post office to Navy property, were recommended for passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Concurrent Resolution 136 and Senate Resolution 150, which call for a geothermal energy working group. Supporters included the State Energy Office, PUC, consumer advocate, and others, though the energy office asked to move the report deadline to 2027. Opponents raised concerns about cost, health impacts, environmental risks, and Native Hawaiian representation. The chair proposed amendments to add a Native Hawaiian member, the consumer advocate, and the House and Senate energy committee chairs, clarify participation by utility, geothermal, and nonprofit representatives, and extend the report deadline to 2027. The resolutions were then recommended for passage with amendments, and all recommendations were adopted before adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, again, especially if we're boring or moving facilities underground, the electric utility's got
- For us and all of our members within the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group, we serve every city
- But we're really, in our industry, for the electric industry, we really don't relocate.
- But in our industry, for the electric industry, we really don't relocate.
- And just for clarity, for the electric industry, we typically have two major facilities.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote.
The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation.
A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 14th, 2026
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 2700, Gallagher, utility rates and electric rates, Utility rates and electric rates and utility wildfire
- AB 2124, Pacheco, electricity programs, third-party review, do pass out on an A roll call.
- AB 2111, Pappen, electricity transmission planning, do pass with author's amendments.
- AB 1813, Ward, renewable electricity subscription programs, do pass.
- AB 1813, Ward, renewable electricity subscription programs, do pass.
Committee:
House Appropriations