Transcript Highlights:

• We'll talk a little bit about the difference in the housing recommendations.
• We'll talk a little bit about the difference in the housing recommendations.
• We recommended that they utilize their funding.
• The executive recommendation for that was $1.5 million.
• Is that still in the recommendations? Members, Representative, yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which recommends that the house<00:11:10.000> which<00:11:10.320> recommends<00:11:10.720
• by the committee amended as recommended by the committee on<00:15:43.920> judiciary?
• committee on judiciary, which recommends committee on judiciary, which recommends that<00:16:36.000
• The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Judiciary?
• The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Judiciary?

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence honoring four former members who had recently died: Avis Jarvis, Ernie Shan Jr., Ernest Earl, and Malcolm F. Severance. Members then introduced 12 bills for first reading and referral, covering topics including voyeurism and disclosure of sexually explicit images, crime victims’ rights in forensic cases, domestic abuse orders of protection, family court judgments, connected-device security standards, energy storage goals, environmental amendments, municipal votes on cannabis retail, cannabis consumption in prohibited places, elimination of Department of Corrections supervisory fees, an independent monitoring board for body-worn camera footage, and operating under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Each bill was read and referred to the appropriate committee. During announcements, members noted an upcoming Vermont National Guard and Veterans Affairs Caucus meeting, recognized a representative’s birthday, observed a moment of silence for former doorkeeper Cornelius L. Reed, and welcomed a new child in the gallery. The chamber then moved to the orders of the day. The House considered H.28, which would add explicit affirmation language to oath requirements in titles 1 through 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated and make related technical and gender-neutral wording changes. The Judiciary Committee recommended amendment, and the House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading. The House also took up H.409, a strike-all amendment concerning bail revocation procedures. The bill would correct bail-cap language for now-sealable misdemeanors and create a clearer process for prosecutors to appeal denied motions for bail revocation; witnesses from legislative counsel, public safety, prosecutors, defense, and the judiciary supported it. The committee vote was reported as 10-1 after a correction from the floor, the House adopted the amendment, and third reading was ordered. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and 483, has had the same under consideration and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation
• and 472, has had the same under consideration and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation
• No. 403, has had the same under consideration and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation
• and 260, has had the same under consideration and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation
• No. 352, has had the same under consideration and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendation is adopted. Thank you so much, members.
• Recommendation is adopted. Ray Zoda. Hi. Recommendation is adopted.
• Seeing none, recommendation is adopted.
• Seeing none, recommendation is adopted.
• Seeing none, recommendation is adopted. Seeing none, recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:49:10.319> made accept some of the recommendations made accept some of the recommendations
• <02:52:11.000> is recommendation is recommendation is adopted<02:52:13.319> thank<02:52
• Chair, your recommendation is adopted. chair's recommendation is to defect the chair's recommendation
• are now voting on hb3 uh recommendation are now voting on hb3 uh recommendation of<02:54:23.720>
• <02:55:54.960> of now voting on HB 309 recommendation of now voting on HB 309 recommendation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending the following resolutions be adopted: Resolutions filed by
• Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, report recommending
• Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, report recommending
• Committee on Rules and the Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, report recommending
• for Kendra Winner, an employee of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, reports recommending

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules, including ceremonial resolutions recognizing the Concord-Nenezi sister city relationship, the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, and congratulating Rachel Cohen on earning Eagle Scout. The House suspended the rules and adopted those resolutions. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a number of petitions, including proposals involving neuropsychology evaluations for persons with intellectual disabilities, pharmacists’ participation as preferred providers, a sick leave bank for a Department of Transportation employee, and land/easement authority for the City of Lowell. The main substantive issue was House Bill 4001, the fiscal year 2026 state budget, which came from the Senate with a full substitute amendment. The House suspended the rules but voted not to concur with the Senate amendment. The chamber then agreed to reappoint a conference committee, naming Representatives Michlewitz, Ferrante, and Smola to negotiate with the Senate. The House also considered and advanced several Public Service Committee bills establishing sick leave banks for state and local employees, including Kendra Winner, Dana Johnson, Stephen Forget, Daniel Yender, and Martin Kratman; each was ordered to a third reading after suspension of the rules. Later, the House took up Senate No. 2521, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. After suspension of the rules, the bill was read a second time, ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed, and then enacted. The emergency preamble was separately adopted by a recorded vote, and the bill was finally passed. The House also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And given the fact that these events took place very late in the legislative session, the recommendation
• Your recommendation is adopted. >> Thank you. We'll adjourn this. Chair, vote aye. Thank you.
• Your<00:02:14.000> recommendation<00:02:14.760> is<00:02:14.920> adopted.
• Your recommendation is adopted. Your recommendation is adopted.
• so the recommendation so the recommendation uh<00:04:22.000> on<00:04:22.200> this

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection took up House Concurrent Resolution 137, House Draft 1, and Senate Resolution 20, both proposing a Senate draft urging an immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to hostilities in Iran. Only written testimony was submitted, in support, from Barbara Polk, with comments from Kelsey Burien, Sage Colon, River Burien, and late testimony from Azale Guillermo Ramirez. The chair noted that resolutions are non-binding expressions and do not change Hawaii Revised Statutes, and said Senate rules allow substantive changes to the vehicles. Because the matter arose late in the session, the committee recommended passage of the proposed Senate draft for HCR 137 and SR 20. The motion was adopted by votes from the chair, vice chair, Senator McKelvey, and Senator Awana; Senator Lamasao was excused. The committee then reconvened to reconsider House Concurrent Resolution 202, House Draft 2, which would establish a legislative task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways. The chair explained that additional testimony raised concerns about the Public Utilities Commission’s participation and possible ex parte issues, and that the resolution could be construed as creating a closed task force because it did not require open public membership. Since further amendment was not possible without restarting the process, and a similar House resolution already existed, the committee recommended deferral. No comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:00.480> include task force recommendations may include task force recommendations may include
• <00:25:30.000> to determined that any recommendation to determined that any recommendation
• Furthermore, the task force recommends Furthermore, the task force recommends adopting<00:37:27.599
• <00:48:38.559> is beneficiaries and the recommendation is beneficiaries and the recommendation
• questions, but just recommendations. questions, but just recommendations.

Bills: HF3900

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Your recommendation is adopted.
• Chair, your recommendation is adopted.
• Your recommendation is adopted.
• :52.160> is Seeing none, your recommendation is Seeing none, your recommendation is adopted.<00
• :13.840> is Seeing none, your recommendation is Seeing none, your recommendation is adopted. adopted

Bills: SCR63, SCR8, SCR160, SCR90, SCR93

Keywords: disability, accessibility, healthcare communication, sign language interpreters, deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, auxiliary aids, building permits, seniors, health care, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, housing ladder, move-up housing, subsidized housing, public housing, affordable housing, housing mobility

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard several resolutions focused on disability access, housing, and support for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. SCR 63 SD1 would have the Disability and Communication Access Board study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and revise provider guidance; testimony was strongly supportive, including from the board, a physician, and a family member who described harmful delays in care, and the committee later recommended passage as is. SCR 8 would require counties to act within 45 days on completed permit applications for home modifications needed for an older adult or person with a disability; testimony noted delays in permitting and financing, and the committee recommended passage as is. The committee also heard SCR 160, which urges state housing agencies to create a “housing ladder” program to help individuals and families move from subsidized to unsubsidized housing. Hawaii Public Housing Authority and other agencies supported the concept, and DHS described its family self-sufficiency program and said prior federal resident-services funding had declined over the past 20 years. The committee acknowledged the program may already exist in some form but still recommended adoption of the resolution as is. SCR 90 would ask county planning departments to establish kupuna-friendly building permit requirements for parking accessibility in private businesses. The committee moved it forward with an HD1 for technical amendments; a member raised concern that the measure did not specify the age threshold for “kupuna,” and said they would vote with reservations. Finally, SCR 93 would direct DHHL and the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions to develop a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or very low income. DHHL said it is already operating a transitional housing effort called Ka Leo Opu Mama for about 18 beneficiaries using more than $6 million in federal Nah Ho Sa funds, with no dedicated state funding, and the committee recommended passage as is. The meeting ended with the chair thanking testifiers and members and adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission recommended that with additions to the coordinating board's statutory duties it was important
• legislature passed Senate Bill 215, the Coordinating Board Sunset Bill, which included among the recommendations
• We have included many of here office's recommendations.
• Senator Parker moves that Senate Bill 1873 be reported to the Senate with a recommendation that it do
• With a recommendation that it do not pass, but the committee sub adopted in lieu thereof do pass.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations reduce the FTE cap by three.
• Moving on to page two, page two highlights funding changes and recommendations.
• In addition, recommendations...
• Page 11 highlights the riders included in recommendations.
• Page 11 highlights the riders included in recommendations.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a more thorough vetting process over the last year for these recommendations than we probably
• of pages in the full recommendations of pages in the full recommendations online<00:48:54.799>
• We have several policy recommendations there.
• <01:02:31.680> there policy recommendations there policy recommendations there are<01:02:33.599
• Representative Hiltsley, I suppose the easiest thing would be to support our recommendations.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation here is to pass with some amendments.
• The recommendation is to pass with some amendments.
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Questions or concerns?
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Chair Roads, I. Vice Chair Woods, I.
• is to pass with 1285 sd1 recommendation is to pass with amendments<00:01:09.040> chair<00:01:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on Friday morning and considered one bill for decision-making, SB 1285. The bill would establish the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired, set penalties, and require the Department attorney to submit a report to the legislature. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including a new section that would automatically suspend the license of a person arrested for driving under the influence while allowing the person to contest the suspension through the existing ADLRO administrative process. The amendments would also make conforming changes and set an effective date of April 23, 2057. After no questions or concerns were raised, the committee voted to adopt the recommendation and pass SB 1285 SD1 with amendments. The recorded votes were in favor from Chair Roads, Vice Chair Woods, Senator Chang, and Senator Sand Vura, with Senator A excused. The measures were adopted, and the meeting then moved on to other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Adam Walsh Act does not recommend The Adam Walsh Act does not recommend making<01:50:36.960>
• From a national we're recommending.
• <01:52:31.599> or<01:52:31.920> federal statute recommends or federal statute recommends
• of those recommendations.
• result of those recommendations. result of those recommendations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:19:58.480> how have several recommendations about how have several recommendations about
• So we do recommend to improve OBFF's So we do recommend to improve OBFF's accountability<00:24:33.600
• We recommend that the office.
• It really is a recommendation, similar in the way our office makes recommendations to agencies, but we
• <01:02:38.079> It they recommend that they do it. It they recommend that they do it.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Audit Commission heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of the Office of Ombuds for Families (OBFF). Auditors said the office remains important because of Minnesota’s long history of racial disparities in the child protection system, but they found major problems with how OBFF is operating. The report said OBFF’s statutory duties are very broad compared with its small staff and budget, and that the ombuds persons are not carrying out all required duties while spending substantial time on activities not required by law. Auditors also said the office’s recent impact is unclear and that its complaint-handling work has significant deficiencies, including poor documentation, limited data, few policies, inconsistent handling, and failure to follow best practices. The presentation also focused on oversight and accountability. Auditors said OBFF’s three community boards, which are supposed to appoint and oversee the ombuds persons, have not provided adequate oversight: meeting requirements were often not met, attendance was low, and there was little evidence the boards were fulfilling their statutory duties. The auditors further said OBFF’s unusual structure, with no single designated leader and shared authority among the three ombuds persons, creates unclear lines of accountability. Their recommendations included revising OBFF’s statutory duties to better match legislative goals and resources, improving complaint-handling practices, strengthening board oversight, and establishing a single leadership position for the office. Members asked follow-up questions about racial disproportionality in out-of-home care, spending on nonrequired activities, and whether the ombuds persons met statutory qualification requirements. Auditors referred members to the report for more detailed data, said the office does not track expenditures by function, and noted that while the ombuds persons have relevant professional backgrounds, the evaluation raised concerns about whether they are meeting their duties as expected. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. recommendation if we can implement this recommendation if we can implement this program<01
• Your recommendation is vote I chair. Your recommendation is adopted.<02:10:04.239> Okay.
• Your recommendation is adopted.
• Your recommendation is adopted. I chair. Your recommendation is adopted.
• Chair recommendation is adopted. Okay. Chair recommendation is adopted. Okay.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair's recommendation is adopted.
• The recommendation is adopted.
• Shimizu hearing no others recommendation Shimizu hearing no others recommendation adopted<01:16:
• Council statute so we just recommend Council statute so we just recommend removing<01:48:26.119>
• We are... your recommendation is adopted okay your recommendation is adopted okay thank<02:14:27.920>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• of not charging the ACT ear recommended of not charging the ACT ear recommended contributions<00
• the ACT recommended the ACT recommended contributions<00:29:54.919> on<00:29:55.039> the
• charging accurately recommended charging accurately recommended contributions<00:31:04.559> or
• One of the recommendations that we brought to the board in the same review of opportunities was a recommendation
• <01:31:36.360> that opportunities was a recommendation that opportunities was a recommendation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event that the Commission orders a recommended decision or written recommendation to be issued
• And the record exists with or without that recommended decision.
• The recommended decision is only a conclusion.
• The recommended decision is only a conclusion of the record.
• Recommendation from the students.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have recommendations having to do with ratepayer protection.
• We also have recommendations having to do with ratepayer protections.
• it did not emerge as a recommendation of the work group.
• And so that recommendation narrowly failed when it was put up for a vote.
• And so that recommendation narrowly failed when it was put up for a vote.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Energy Supply, Energy Conservation, and Energy Resilience opened by electing Senator Shoemake as chair and Representative Alex Ibarra as vice chair. Members then moved into a series of work sessions focused on data centers, transmission, and workforce needs tied to Washington’s clean energy and grid planning challenges. Kate Bruns and Glenn Blackman presented preliminary findings from the governor’s Data Center work group, created under Executive Order 25-05. They said the group met for six months, received more than 1,000 public comments, and included representatives from agencies, industry, tribes, labor, utilities, environmental groups, and research institutions. The presenters emphasized that data centers are expected to be the largest source of load growth over the next five to ten years, creating concerns about grid capacity, ratepayer impacts, forecasting, water use, backup generation, and compatibility with Washington’s energy and climate laws. They described nine recommendations, including protecting existing energy and climate policy, improving forecasting, seeking more clean power and transmission, and encouraging flexible data center operations. A proposed tax incentive change that would have expanded eligibility while tying the exemption to new clean electricity sources narrowly failed in the work group. Members asked about tribal consultation, cooling technologies, and local benefits from data centers; the presenters said tribal consultation was ongoing and a final report would follow. Keegan Moyer of West Tech then outlined a regional transmission study showing major strain on the Western grid from load growth, electrification, resiliency needs, and limited transmission capacity. He said the 10-year study identified about 12,000 line miles of needed projects across the West, with roughly $56 billion in estimated costs, including planned projects, reliability upgrades, and new interregional transfer projects. He stressed that many projects are upgrades within existing rights-of-way, but new corridors are still needed, and he previewed recommendations on permitting, equipment procurement, cost allocation, and project sponsorship. In response to questions, he discussed the difficulty of crossing jurisdictional “seams,” the role of federal coordination, landowner compensation, eminent domain as a last resort, and the limited role of public financing beyond a federal GRIP grant. Stephanie Scott of Commerce presented the transmission workforce study, which focuses on substation technicians, line workers, and line clearance tree trimmers. She said current workforce levels are far below what will be needed under a clean energy expansion scenario, and that active projects are essential because apprenticeship training depends on thousands of hours of hands-on work. She highlighted barriers such as high upfront CDL and pre-apprenticeship costs, the need for wraparound supports, and the importance of expanding access for women, people of color, and tribal communities. Members asked about tribal utility apprenticeship programs, utility-run training pipelines, and whether the study included funding sources; Scott said the report would include an inventory of apprenticeship programs and tribal considerations, but revenue ideas were outside the study scope. Finally, Brant Johnson of Grid United described the North Plains Connector as a case study in large transmission development. He said the project, a 420-mile, 3,000-megawatt HVDC line connecting Montana and North Dakota, has relied on early stakeholder engagement, route changes, tribal consultation, and coordinated federal and state permitting to reduce risk and shorten timelines. He said the project aims for permits by the end of 2026 and construction beginning in 2028, with an earliest commercial operation date of 2032. In response to questions, he discussed the challenges of crossing regional seams, interconnection queues, land acquisition and compensation, eminent domain, and financing, noting that the project is primarily privately financed with a $700 million federal grant covering a portion of costs.