Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked with one of our largest trade associations on the language.
• We have worked with one of our largest<00:11:56.800> trade<00:11:57.120> associations<00
• :11:58.000> on<00:11:58.160> the largest trade associations on the largest trade associations
• versus a person who does it for a living, who now might have the public at risk because of what practice
• public at risk because of what practice may<00:20:32.799> happen.

Bills: SB274, HB586

Keywords: cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis, HB586, Cullman, Cullman County, City of Cullman, annexation, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, local legislation, boundary adjustment, city limits, municipal expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:12.120> So,<00:36:12.280> this practices are needed.
• So, this practices are needed.
• So, actually the rules of practice—>> I think we broke any sunshine law. Consultation is not...
• So, actually the rules of practice Yeah.
• >> and the rules of practice >> and the rules of practice and and and Yeah,<01:40:01.800>

Bills: HCR13, HCR61, HCR136, HCR185, HCR155, HCR68, HCR174, HCR178, HCR179, HCR91, HCR103, HCR115, HCR199, HR15, HR128, HR175, HR147, HR62, HR164, HR168, HR169, HR83, HR95, HR107, HR189

Keywords: coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks. The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward. Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill continues the Legislature's work to rein in abusive practices within our legal industry while
• special guests at the Capitol today as chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade
• committee and strengthening the partnership between California and Asia, including on our most recent trade
• These breweries stand as a model for sustainable practices.
• These breweries stand as a model for sustainable practices and practice some of the largest conservation

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a series of procedural motions to re-refer bills, suspend rules, and remove items from the consent calendar. The chamber also heard guest introductions recognizing family milestones, a youth leadership program from Assembly District 13, a delegation of Japanese business leaders, and a Michoacan delegation. Later, members adopted several resolutions and consent items, including California Craft Beer Week, the Freedom Flag as a 9/11 remembrance symbol, Probation Services Week, and California Wildfire Week, along with other consent-calendar measures. The main floor debate centered on SB 417, a $10 billion housing bond for the ballot, with supporters emphasizing the state’s housing shortage, homelessness crisis, and funding for multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, farmworker housing, student housing, tribal housing, infrastructure, and preservation of existing affordable units. Opponents criticized the proposal as adding debt without enough reform and objected to the use of veterans in the measure’s messaging. The Assembly passed SB 417 on urgency and on the measure, 54-7, and sent it to the Senate. Members then adopted ACA 20, which would expand and modernize the state Rainy Day Fund by increasing its cap and changing deposit rules; it passed 54-8 and was transmitted to the Senate. The Assembly also approved SB 623, a transportation-related bill addressing rideshare safety and medical lien practices. Supporters said it would curb abusive billing, restrict attorney conflicts and kickbacks, require stronger background checks for TNC drivers, and allow women riders and drivers to request women-only matches. The measure passed unanimously, 67-0. Later, the House adopted ACA 21, which removes ACA 13 from the November ballot, by 62-0, and ACA 22, which amends a ballot measure affecting taxation and local fiscal resources, by 64-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. Dorothy Viola Calvin, followed by announcements, recesses, and final adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can go to a trade school and learn a trade if they want to.
• They can go to a trade school and learn a trade if they want to. So it just makes sense to do this.
• because I understand the reason for that, and that was mostly protecting private information and their trade
• practices.
• I mean, I know this is new turf here, but I'm just practically speaking.

Bills: SR119, SCR65, HCR47, HB196, HB218, HB256, HB325, HB352, HB434, HB448, HB476, HB608, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB749, HB818, HB1059, HB1112, HB1242, HB1249

Keywords: SR119, Senate Resolution 119, D-D Breaux, Sara Breaux, LSU gymnastics, LSU Gymnastics Training Center, LSU Board of Supervisors, facility naming, honorary resolution, public buildings and grounds, women's athletics, Title IX, college gymnastics, SEC gymnastics, Louisiana State University, Tiger Athletic Foundation, women in sports, coach recognition, sports legend, campus naming

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with four members present and took up a long agenda of education-related bills. Early items included SCR 65, which would create a K-12 student success task force to study statewide career and academic pathway advising; the committee adopted a substantive amendment adding designees and then reported the resolution favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SCR 119, honoring Coach D.D. Breaux, after brief remarks about her LSU gymnastics legacy and the request that LSU study naming its gymnastics training facility in her honor. Several bills affecting school operations and student support were heard and reported favorably, including HB 434 on probationary school bus driver employment and superintendent authority over dismissal; HB 484 expanding scholarship benefits for children and spouses of fallen or disabled firefighters and police officers; HB 749 and HB 1059 on savings accounts and TOPS math eligibility alignment; HB 218 adding food insecurity questions to student questionnaires, which was amended and reported favorably; HB 325 expanding TOPS Tech eligibility through dual enrollment and part-time use; HB 476 requiring Safe Haven law postings in middle and high school restrooms; HB 1249 clarifying access to school-based health centers, with an amendment adopted; HB 1242 allowing more than one early learning center license at the same location under certain circumstances; HB 632 improving data protections and functionality for LA First; and HB 352 on behavioral health services for public school students, which was amended to address IEP and dispute-process concerns before being reported favorably. Two bills drew extended debate over transparency, privacy, and school autonomy. HB 608 would create confidentiality for intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing documents; LSU representatives argued the bill was needed to protect student-athletes and competitive information, while PAR and the Louisiana Press Association opposed it as an improper secrecy carve-out for state-generated revenue. Despite the opposition, the committee reported HB 608 favorably. HB 1112, which would exempt BESE-approved non-public pre-K programs from certain licensure and safety requirements and adjust related definitions, was amended and then heard with testimony from the Pelican Institute in support, arguing it corrects overreach from prior law and protects private school autonomy and parental choice.

Transcript Highlights:

• all of us on some of the issues that she sees on a daily basis and has seen over the years in her practice
• IRHA a household name as a leading authority on Brexit preparations to safeguard Ireland's commercial trade
• And whereas the Arizona-Ireland Trade Commission works to promote, Cultural heritage with future generations
• , and whereas the Arizona-Ireland Trade Commission works to promote economic and educational exchanges
• , be it resolved by the cultural heritage with future generations, and whereas the Arizona-Ireland Trade

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized guests including the doctor of the day, visiting family members, and representatives from the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons demonstrating Stop the Bleed techniques. Members also acknowledged a St. Patrick’s Day visit by the Speaker of the Irish Parliament and adopted a proclamation honoring Irish heritage and the Arizona-Ireland relationship. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced several bills. SB 1046, relating to information technology, was amended and given a do-pass recommendation. SB 1066, concerning civil liability and fraudulent scientific research, was amended with a floor amendment limiting liability for certain researchers, universities, and registered drug manufacturers, then advanced. SB 1332, relating to light rail expansion participation, was amended after debate over transit policy and state versus local control, and also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1286, on veterinary prescriptions, was amended to adjust electronic prescribing timeframes for flea/tick and antimicrobial drugs and then advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1009 on school curriculum and AED training, SB 1086 on the Arizona health care cost and payment system, SB 1317 appropriating money to the Attorney General for a coordinated jail reentry program, SB 1580 appropriating money to the Department of Administration, SB 1582 funding school safety, SB 1709 on probation for dangerous crimes against children, SB 1550 appropriating money to the state treasurer, SB 1761 appropriating money to the University of Arizona, SB 1046, and SB 1286. Several members explained votes, including support for reentry programming and school safety, and opposition based on concerns about funding sources, judicial discretion, or program effectiveness. The House requested reconsideration of HB 4027 and HB 2444, and the Senate then recessed, received a list of bills for first reading and committee referral, announced committee meetings for the next day, and adjourned until March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• country's trade pavilion.
• So trade shows, we have lost our trade shows, folks, because we don't have the funding for it.
• country's trade pavilion.
• So trade shows, we have lost our trade shows, folks, because we don't have the funding for it.
• Uh, first one, with the money to do trade missions that are money to do trade missions that are Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:34.480> Corporation stock in a publicly traded Corporation stock in a publicly traded
• So it is called something different, but in practice kind of acts like a sales tax. some um go all the
• So it is called something different, but in practice kind of acts like a sales tax.
• <00:57:54.200> kind something different but in practice kind something different but in practice
• off with one these values often trade off with one another<01:25:27.960> and<01:25:28.080>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met for an organizational and orientation session. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several lawmakers noting their districts, business backgrounds, and interest in tax policy. Chair Greg Davids then opened the committee’s first substantive item: a presentation from House Research and House Fiscal staff on how the committee works and on basic tax concepts. House Research staff Sean Williams and Chris Clayman explained their roles in drafting bills and amendments, writing bill summaries, answering legal and policy questions, and modeling tax proposals. They also described the committee’s key documents, including partisan and nonpartisan bill summaries, revenue estimates, fiscal notes, and supporting materials. Their presentation covered core tax concepts such as tax bases, rates, deductions, exemptions, credits, tax revenues, and tax expenditures, emphasizing that tax expenditures function like spending through the tax code and are reviewed by a legislative commission. The staff then reviewed Minnesota’s major taxes, focusing on the individual income tax and business taxation. They explained that Minnesota’s individual income tax starts with federal adjusted gross income, then applies state additions, deductions, subtractions, and credits, and that the state’s income tax brackets and rates are set separately from federal law. They also outlined the difference between corporate franchise taxes for C corporations and individual income tax treatment for pass-through entities, and discussed how the federal SALT cap led Minnesota and other states to adopt pass-through entity taxes so businesses could preserve federal deductibility of state taxes. Members asked questions about a duplicate “marriage penalty” entry on a slide, the purpose of Minnesota’s marriage penalty credit, comparisons with other states, and the timing and effect of the pass-through entity tax; staff answered that the duplicate was a mistake, the credit offsets bracket-related marriage penalties, and the pass-through entity tax was adopted in response to the federal SALT cap.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the absence of these clear standards, inconsistent insurance practices leave homeowners and tenants
• The task force identified significant gaps in science, testing protocols, and claims practices.
• They should not be left navigating inconsistent insurer practices or paying out of pocket just to prove
• The bill currently holds insurers to two standards, health-based and trade industry.
• In practice, really only small businesses can ever take advantage of the undue hardship.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not initially present, then later established a quorum and heard several bills. The main special-order item was AB 1795 (Gibson), which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, and remediation of wildfire smoke damage in homes, with CalEPA and public health agencies developing science-based standards and insurers required to follow new claims-handling timelines. Supporters, including Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and wildfire survivors, said the bill would bring consistency and safety; insurers and consumer groups generally supported the concept but sought further amendments on scope, standards, and claim handling. The committee voted do pass as amended and refer AB 1795 to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also considered AB 1576 (Ortega) on the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which would make changes intended to reduce litigation and employer assessments while preserving the program’s purpose of encouraging hiring of workers with prior disabilities. Labor-side witnesses supported the bill as a reform step, while business, public entity, and insurance groups opposed it, arguing it did not address the core structural problems and that a trailer bill was a better vehicle for broader reform. AB 1576 was voted do pass to Appropriations, with the roll held open. AB 1931 (Papan) would create an optional limited-lines license for utilities to offer home protection products for repairs to appliances and utility service lines. Support came from HomeServe, utilities, and industry groups, who said the bill would clarify current law and add consumer protections such as training, disclosures, and a free-look period; there was no opposition in the room. The committee passed AB 1931 to Appropriations. AB 2361 (Pacheco) would limit vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platforms like Turo while preserving insurance coverage requirements; supporters said it would align California with other states, while consumer attorneys opposed it as reducing accountability and consumer recovery. The committee passed AB 2361 as amended to Appropriations. AB 2098 (Kalra), heard later, would require employers to allow leave for workers to attend treatment for occupational injuries during work hours, subject to notice and business-necessity limits; labor groups supported it and business and insurance groups sought narrower standards. It was also voted do pass to Appropriations. The committee then completed roll-call add-ons and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is designed to stop this predatory practice. Currently, stories like Mrs.
• This bill is designed to stop this predatory practice of preying on innocent homeowners.
• There are so many out there, and they all have the same practice. Briefly wrap up.
• This bill takes a practical and compassionate approach to resolving these issues.
• This bill takes a practical and compassionate approach to resolving these issues.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness. Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• trades crisis for well over a decade now when it comes to journeymen, plumbers, electricians, and so
• Um so and I hear you on the construction<00:13:45.760> trade<00:13:46.160> side.
• I mean we've construction trade side.
• I think it's into the trade professions.
• a trade in various uh certifications. a trade in various uh certifications.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:14 Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:01 Discussion of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit 01:11:13 Adjournment 01:40:27, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out. The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units. Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because a lot of their people, when they rotate down to Panama, they get that practical experience of
• We shut the border down to get Mexico's attention and, and use it as, as a, you know, trading trade tool
• The most practical frontline tool is feed-through ivermectin.
• I always like to reiterate that we're the oldest trade association in the state of Texas.
• TSCREA is a 148 year old trade association.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand the gold is traded quite a lot of it, but I came across that, or somebody told me that our
• In other words, it's not traded.
• <00:14:25.519> at we're obviously going to be trading at we're obviously going to be trading
• <00:44:10.559> and know follow followed the practice and know follow followed the practice
• as a general business practice as a general business practice throughout<01:10:29.800> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up an amendment to a bill dealing with digital assets, zoning, utilities, and noise. Members discussed removing the “private key” language, clarifying that the bill would prohibit state or local governments from treating digital asset mining differently from other industrial uses, and narrowing several provisions based on feedback from the Municipal Association. There was also discussion about electricity use, rate schedules, and whether the bill would allow payment of electric bills in Bitcoin; members clarified that bills would still be paid in dollars and that discriminatory rates were not allowed. The amendment was approved on a straw vote, and the committee then voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. The committee then considered a separate bill related to a paint stewardship program. The sponsor explained that the amendment would remove references to a fee structure that had troubled him in public hearing, while still preserving the plan and oversight by the Department of Environmental Services. Members discussed whether the bill’s liability and disclosure language affected antitrust concerns, and a representative from the American Coatings Association testified that the program’s environmental management practices and liability provisions were intended to ensure responsible handling and cleanup. The committee ultimately voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. Later, the subcommittee moved to liquor-related business. It first voted unanimously, 7-0, to retain a cannabis-related item. It then discussed a tavern license bill that would create a 21-plus tavern category, with the Liquor Enforcement Division explaining that the restriction was tied to alcohol-only venues and the potential for late-night entertainment and nightclub-style operations. Members raised concerns about local control and public safety, and the discussion referenced existing cocktail lounge rules and the possibility of towns opting into such a license. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on that item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to be the gain and not ...have traded it for.
• people for a pre-apprentice program that assists youth in obtaining opportunities in the skilled trades
• Now, we could change that and not run afoul of the federal government or best practices.
• This is standard practice, as I understand, in the pension world.
• It includes the Pell Grants for technical and trade schools that will qualify high-demand, high-pay,

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal for the prior day by a vote of 118-1. The rest of the session was dominated by points of personal privilege, including farewell remarks from several outgoing members. Those speeches focused on service, family, staff, veterans, law enforcement, integrity, and concerns about lobbyist influence, with members also thanking legislative assistants and recognizing guests and family members in the chamber. The chamber then took up several bills. Senate Bill 1019, dealing with hospital finance and investment authority, was amended to align workplace violence, telehealth, prior authorization, physician licensure, and Lyme disease language, then passed 110-31. Senate Bill 1572, a pensions bill affecting police retirement, MOSERS, EMPERS, and related board provisions, drew extended debate over how to handle retirement overpayments; amendments were adopted to address technical and policy issues, and the bill passed 129-14. Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1196, concerning workforce diploma programs, Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grants, workforce Pell Grants, higher education funding, and university board residency rules, was amended and passed 115-20, but its emergency clause failed 2-132. The House also granted further conference on Senate Bill 1020. Committee reports were read on several other measures, including bills recommended to pass by Fiscal Review. Later, the House began considering Senate amendments to House Bill 2508, an LLC-related bill involving certificates of good standing, court dissolution of LLCs in limited circumstances, and a St. Louis County property-management affidavit process for repeated ordinance violations.

Transcript Highlights:

• we'll have the chance to talk about eventually is for those 45 hours a year, we want to be able to trade
• we'll have the chance to talk about eventually is for those 45 hours a year, we want to be able to trade
• With me today, I'm pleased to have Scott Wedch with the State Pipe Trades Council and Rami Kalon.
• In 2005, the CPUC adopted its Water Action Plan, which sought to apply best practices from the energy
• Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building Construction Trades Council, as well as the District

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I outlawing the practice alto together.
• And if they want to use a practice?
• We passed a bill targeting their trade practices essentially.
• passed a bill targeting their trade passed a bill targeting their trade practices<00:41:53.040><
• And there's the practices essentially.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think that the trade-off is pretty good.
• So, I think that the trade-off is pretty good.
• <00:56:44.840> that arrange for agricultural practices that arrange for agricultural practices
• and um, good practices in in um, um, um, in<00:57:22.240> trade<00:57:23.440> um,<00:57
• already happening in practice. already happening in practice.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters. Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations. The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team. On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jonathan Aaronbaum, on behalf of CTIA, the Trade Association for the Wireless Industry, also in opposition
• Jeremy Smith here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.
• We have not seen these in practice. So...
• We have not seen these in practice. So. These are sort of future technologies.
• We have not seen these in practice.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, and clean energy. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection measure, while utilities and telecom/broadband interests opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about scope and participation in regulatory proceedings. After questions about how it differed from AB 1167 and how PAO discovery disputes are handled, the committee passed SB 327 as amended to Appropriations on an 11-2 vote, later reopening the roll to 12-2. SB 1350 would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with the author and supporters emphasizing hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, grid reliability, jobs, and the Lancaster/ARCHES project. Environmental groups opposed the bill unless amended, warning about NOx emissions, paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on hydrogen sourcing and delivery. The committee discussed amendments, including a minimum 20% hydrogen blend and emissions-related guardrails, and passed the bill to Natural Resources on a 14-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0. SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, would create a framework for small plug-in balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar access, while setting safety standards and limiting system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar; utilities and some public power entities raised safety and backfeed concerns, arguing interconnection review under Rule 21 remains necessary. After extensive discussion of safety, certification, and export limits, the committee passed SB 868 as amended to Appropriations on a 17-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0. SB 1233, a transparency bill requiring additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related reporting, drew utility opposition over duplicative processes and possible delays, but was passed as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote, later reopened to 11-3. The committee also approved the consent calendar unanimously and adjourned after reopening the rolls for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Lujan, this bill actually aligns statute with current practice.
• So totally fine, but as a practice we don't do that. Go ahead, please.
• They traded it and they put together one chunk down there that was the latter's.
• Most of what NRCS does is Farm Bill money, is conservation practices.
• Most of what NRCS does is Farm Bill money, is conservation practices.

Bills: HB2, SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects

Transcript Highlights:

• So what does this engagement from NDFU look like in practice?
• So if a landowner signs late, we practice favored nations.
• We're the primary trade association for the geothermal industry for the United States and Canada.
• I want to address something head-on: No, geothermal does not trade in oil and gas jobs.
• Consulting services or energy trading platforms.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And given the fact that we already have a funding gap, we see this as really one of the most practical
• And these all differ by agency, with practices that are largely driven by the core mission and function
• And then I know I appreciate the kind of trade-offs and menu that you're bringing us.
• And then I know I appreciate the kind of trade-offs and menu that you're bringing us.
• I think it would be helpful to I know I appreciate the kind of trade-offs and menu that you're bringing

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.