Video & Transcript Research : 'machine learning'

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NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, if there's any material on it, I would like to learn more about what this means for New Mexico.
  • racing, those people will naturally gravitate to the casino after the races are over and play slot machines
  • I don't think playing a slot machine was necessary.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • requirements were meant to ensure training for medical staff in the safe use of high-powered X-ray machines
  • This will provide a dynamic method for integrating our learnings and changes over time into each strategy
  • And then it would deploy predictive analytics and machine learning to continually inform pre-payment
  • <00:34:56.760> learning<00:34:57.120> to analytics and machine learning to analytics
  • and machine learning to continually continually continually inform<00:34:59.560> pre-payment<
Keywords: 1183, house
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Administrative Rules Committee Jun 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Administrative Rules Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Or is it considered confidential in a different statute, which would be something they'd learn when they
  • Or is it considered confidential in a different statute, which would be something they'd learn when they
  • So again, how much are we giving or how much are we allowing the bars to collect per machine?
  • Is it about $300 because they do work, you know, to allow that pull-tab machine to be there?
Keywords: 908, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Administrative Rules Committee Jun 11th, 2026

Administrative Rules Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Or is it considered confidential in a different statute, which would be something they'd learn when they
  • Or is it considered confidential in a different statute, which would be something they'd learn when they
  • And just a question on that kiosk: how much are we allowing the bars to collect per machine?
  • Is it about $300, because they do work, you know, to allow that pull-tab machine to be there?
Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • individuals who, it's a Saturday, but they would rather be here with us because they want to continue to learn
  • He's here to learn about what we do, and so that when he starts arresting people, he'll make sure that
  • I heard the other day that some people think that wind turbines can be broken up, machined, and then
  • roadway, and we are traveling at the speed that is posted, is that they pull out in front of a big machine
  • And they pull out in front of a big machine like that going 15 miles an hour, there's going to be problems
Keywords: 996, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Every Californian has a right to know whether they're talking to a person or a machine.
  • I just reflect on my own behavior and how different I feel when I'm talking to a human versus a machine
  • I waste my time if I'm trying to connect with a machine that doesn't want to connect with me.
  • I just learned that my feature on my social media would be considered a bot under your bill.
  • they are signing up for a monthly subscription since they pay for their purchase every month, only to learn
Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open. AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs May 6th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Language that improves upon what Chapter 2267 started with and would like to now bring that learning
  • So thank you for this opportunity and learning experience.
  • I think there's an opportunity for us to learn from one another.
  • Is it the same principle, like just cut off your dishwasher or washing machine or something?
  • So again, I think we can learn a lot about the subject of ADER, but I think we can also learn a lot about
Keywords: 1184, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • fight human trafficking and uh what we do under the pink dome is is just a little cog in in the giant machine
  • Be able to go back out into society and lead happy and normal lives and learn how to have healthy boundaries
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-13 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will record their presence.
  • The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum. 97 members voting, a quorum is
  • The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will proceed to vote. Have all members voted?
  • The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote. 88 yeas, 10 nays, Mr. Speaker.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received a Senate message regarding SB 2510, the pre-K through grade 12 education conforming bill. Representative Persons-Mulicka explained that the bill was a Senate conforming measure tied to budget policy, including changes affecting acceleration course weighting and the CAPE program. The House adopted a strike-all amendment to place the bill in the proper posture for conference, then advanced and passed SB 2510 on final passage by a vote of 88 yeas to 10 nays. After SB 2510 passed, the House agreed to accede to the Senate’s request for a budget conference. Speaker Perez then delivered extended remarks criticizing the Senate for breaking the budget framework agreement and arguing that the state budget has grown too large. He said the House remained committed to reducing state spending and revenue, discussed possible budget and tax-cut alternatives, and emphasized that property tax reform and state revenue reduction were separate issues. He also noted the House’s work on property tax relief and said the chamber would continue negotiating. The House then took up HCR 1633, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. Representative Garrison explained that it was identical to an earlier extension resolution except for the new end date. The resolution was adopted, and the House then approved a motion to adjourn for committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business, to reconvene upon call of the chair.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-13 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will record their presence.
  • The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum. 97 members voting, a quorum is
  • The clerk will unlock the machine, and the members will proceed to vote. Have all members voted?
  • The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote. 88 yeas, 10 nays, Mr. Speaker.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved the journal and received a Senate message transmitting SB 2510, the pre-K through grade 12 education conforming bill. The House waived rules, read the bill by title, and heard brief explanation that the Senate version contained budget-related funding and policy changes, including adjustments to acceleration course weighting and CAPE funding. Members adopted a blank strike-all amendment to place the bill in the proper posture for conference, then advanced it to third reading and passed SB 2510 on final passage by a vote of 88 yeas to 10 nays. After passage, the House agreed to accede to the Senate’s request for a budget conference. The Speaker then delivered extended remarks criticizing the Senate for breaking a prior budget deal and arguing that state government spending has grown too much. He said the House remained committed to reducing state revenue and spending, discussed possible budget and tax-cut approaches, and emphasized that property tax reform and state revenue reduction were separate issues. He also noted that the House select committee on property taxes would continue its work and rejected the idea of mailing $1,000 checks as a substitute for tax relief. Finally, the House took up HCR 1633, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The resolution was read by title, explained as identical to a prior extension resolution except for the new end date, and adopted. The House then approved a motion to adjourn subject to the call of the chair for committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Ways and Means (01/29/2025)

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Electronic pull-tab machines were introduced before HHR machines several years ago.
  • Electronic pull-tab machines were introduced before HHR machines several years ago.
  • Electronic pull-tab machines were introduced before HHR machines several years ago.
  • Electronic pull-tab machines were introduced before HHR machines several years ago.
  • Electronic pull-tab machines were introduced before HHR machines several years ago.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They may not want to go to college or learn a trade, but they want to ride a horse.
  • They can go out there and learn what it takes to run a ranch.
  • There are sewing machines, and they have bingo.
  • I learned a lot. I'm sure you all did. That's excellent.
  • One of the things we learned during that conference was that nine separate programs were consolidated
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:53:36.079> today but that's something I learned today but that's something I learned today
  • If you have to hand someone your driver's license, they learn your street address as well as proving
  • someone your driver's license they learn someone your driver's license they learn your<00:56:00.400
  • That's how I learned about it. Um, I do also want to recognize something interesting.
  • That's how I learned about it. with you. That's how I learned about it.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The meeting began with roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, which passed unanimously. Members then introduced the day’s presentations, including one on the Canton network and another on tokenizing real-world assets, with a focus on how blockchain systems can support regulated financial institutions and asset tokenization. Julie, the director of policy and government affairs at Digital Asset, presented on the Canton network, describing it as a privacy-enabled public blockchain designed for regulated finance. She said tokenization should preserve the same legal and economic rights as the underlying asset, and argued that blockchain-based books and records can shorten settlement times, improve 24/7 trading, and reduce friction in capital markets. She identified three main barriers to institutional adoption of public blockchains: lack of privacy, limited throughput/scalability, and lack of control for compliance purposes such as freezing assets, pausing transactions, and meeting AML/sanctions obligations. She explained Canton’s structure as a public, permissionless network with application-level privacy controls, a global synchronizer, and super validators chosen by vote. She also highlighted current ecosystem participants and use cases, including Broadridge, Circle, and the DTCC’s planned tokenization of U.S. Treasuries on the network. Members and online participants asked about the relationship between tokenized assets and the Clarity Act, tokenized deposits, safeguards for faster settlement, and whether the platform could be used for municipal or property records. Julie said Digital Asset was not taking a position on rewards, but supported clearer statutory definitions because tokenized securities should carry the same rights as the underlying assets and investors need to know whether a token is a true tokenized security or a synthetic/reference token. She said the company is agnostic on whether the cash leg is stablecoins or tokenized deposits, though it expects both to develop. In response to concerns about rapid settlement, she pointed to institution-level permissions and SEC disclosure expectations as safeguards. She also said the technology could be used for other records, including potentially property-related records, if those assets can be tokenized.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (02/11/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:12:48.880> quite master's um and uh so I've learned quite master's um and uh so I've learned
  • I would not use the men's room at a machine shop, ever. Never. I would use my own space.
  • <01:43:11.360> shop not use the men's room at a machine shop not use the men's room at a machine
  • I try to get proximate, and I'm learning so much from our community.
  • I try to get proximate, and I'm learning so much from our community.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our teachers' working conditions are my children's learning conditions.
  • Our teachers working conditions are my children's learning conditions.
  • Some thought they had enrolled only to learn too late that their application had not been received or
  • Only later did I learn it was a refund due to being removed from Retirement Plus.
  • When these means fail, the machine gun can always be utilized as a last resort.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Open the machine. Madam Clerk, >> Close the machine. Madam Clerk, there's a quorum present.
  • >> close<00:01:56.560> the<00:01:56.720> machine.
  • <00:01:57.040> Madam<00:01:57.280> clerk, >> close the machine.
  • Madam clerk, >> close the machine.
Summary: The Mississippi House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no select committee reports, and the chamber moved through routine introductions, including a guest introduction from the lady from DeSoto welcoming her husband, Dr. Gaya Remac. No bills were debated on the floor during this portion of the meeting. Members used the announcements period to share several committee and event notices, including upcoming meetings for Energy, Judiciary A and B, Appropriations A, Public Health, Insurance, Gaming, Youth and Family, Rules, State Affairs, and AET. The clerk also announced that tomorrow was the committee deadline day for Senate bills, with the House expected to come in at 2 p.m. and then work Senate general bills on Wednesday and Thursday. One member noted a ticketed Mississippi Tourism Association/Mississippi Gaming Hospitality event, and another reminded members of the Capital Prayer Group meeting. The House also paused for a moment of silence at the request of a member who referenced three military members lost over the weekend and others seriously injured overseas, and another member asked for prayers for Representative Earl Banks after the death of his mother, Miss Evelyn Banks. A separate adjournment-in-memory request was made for Miss Mary Everett, described as a longtime community leader. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the next day.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Apr 24th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • a strong educational foundation for young children with learning disabilities and other disabilities
  • We have learned how to carve our... ...for 35 years, we have evolved.
  • Being five hands, the clerk will unlock the machine and the members will proceed to vote. ...the machine
  • I'm sure you've made some mistakes and you've learned some lessons along the way.
  • Secretary, we'll unlock the machine, and the senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer by Rabbi Moshe Umatz, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar after a motion to reconsider SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. Several bills were also set aside during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included funding for expedited DNA testing grants for local law enforcement (SB 1072/HB 847), additional aggravating factors in capital cases involving religious, school, or government gatherings (SB 984/HB 693), fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients (SB 924/HB 677), commuter rail indemnification for Miami-Dade and Broward counties (SB 916/HB 867), restrictions on disposing of migrant vessels in Florida waters (SB 830), specialty license plates including Miami Northwestern and several colleges and institutions (SB 824), an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign (SB 398), relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University (SB 364), charter school changes allowing parent conversion and municipal job-engine charter schools (SB 140), sex offender registration reporting changes (SB 1654/HB 1351), penalties for assaulting utility workers (SB 1386), juvenile justice revisions and truancy process updates (SB 1344), reporting of student mental health outcomes (SB 1310/HB 969), foster home license transfer simplification (SB 1174/HB 989), water access facility funding and boating industry incentives (SB 1162/HB 735), Florida Virtual School operational changes (SB 1122), school readiness program support for children with disabilities (SB 1102), sexual image offenses involving minors (SB 1180/HB 757), age-related defenses in child sex offense cases (SB 1136/HB 777), tampering with electronic monitoring devices (SB 1054/HB 437), certified recovery residences and local zoning accommodations (SB 954), and the FSU Election Law Center (SB 892). Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 984 and SB 140 drew some opposition. One of the most extensive debates centered on SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office staff, citing emails and campaign-related communications tied to Amendment 4; the amendment failed on a 13-23 vote. Senators then debated the bill’s relationship to state election law, free speech, and the role of faith-based outreach. Supporters emphasized the office’s service network and reported benefits to children and families, while some senators raised concerns about interfaith representation and political use of government resources. The bill was then read a third time and the Senate proceeded toward a final vote as the transcript ended.
WV

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 05:02 pm

West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk will prepare the machine. All those in favor will vote yea.
  • The clerk will prepare the machine. Has every member voted? The clerk will close the machine.
  • Machine results: On this question, 33 yeas, zero nays, one absent, not voting.
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The Senate reconvened, returned to the third order of business, and took up House amendments to Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. The Senate adopted its amendment, which created an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year and was described as giving county boards another tool to fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas. The Senate then concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed SB 155 by a vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, with one member absent and not voting. The chamber then received a series of committee reports advancing House bills on a wide range of topics, including economic development, education, finance, energy, health and human resources, and the judiciary. Measures reported favorably included bills creating Team West Virginia Corporation and the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, school transfer eligibility, the West Virginia Load Forecast Accountability Act, oil and gas well plugging requirements, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the West Virginia Science and Culture Center, a comprehensive energy development policy plan, TANF applicant drug screening, and child protection commissioners. Most of these bills were taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, and advanced. One bill, House Bill 5381 on a comprehensive energy development policy and plan, was also referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., after announcements of upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned.
IN

Indiana 2026 Regular Session

Friday, Feb. 27 part 4

Indiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please indicate your presence when the machine is open. Thank you. All the members, roll.
  • When the machine is open, all those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote no.
  • When the machine is open, all those in favor will vote aye; those opposed will vote no.
  • Roll call has been requested, and when the machine is open on the committee report...
Keywords: 964, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • that we must select a location for a landfill, it is also imperative that we avoid the mistakes and learn
  • that we must select a location for a landfill, it is also imperative that we avoid the mistakes and learn
  • in the state,' and then we'll remove subsection 6 on page two relating to vending machines.
  • in the state,' and then we'll remove subsection 6 on page two relating to vending machines.
  • <01:58:36.079> in deploying reverse vending machines in deploying reverse vending machines
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.