Transcript Highlights:

• Nuclear power is considered clean energy.
• That's clean energy technology, different from the RPS because that wraps in things like nuclear and
• That's clean energy technology, different from the RPS because that wraps in things like nuclear and

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote. Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program. The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the executive director of WeThink Waste.
• We own a solid waste facility in San Carlos, California.
• So at our 16-acre solid-waste facility, we have 400 solid-waste workers.
• And I want to say... ...to 30,000 solid waste workers in California.
• If you eliminate a portion, It needs to be treated as hazardous waste.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• conduct chronic wasting surveillance.
• For two reasons: chronic wasting is real. For two reasons: chronic wasting is real.
• We're changing the management practices inside known areas with chronic wasting.
• This baiting ban from Game and Fish isn't about chronic wasting disease.
• Chronic wasting disease and baiting didn't drop the numbers; the state did.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial message listing numerous bills signed by the governor. The chamber also handled conference committee business, including appointing conferees for House Bills 1003 and 1169 after refusing to concur with Senate amendments, and adopting a conference committee report on House Bill 1053, which repealed a Century Code section related to the length of the state highway system. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2137, which would allow supplemental feed for hunting and include an expiration date. The House divided the proposed amendments into two parts. Division A, dealing with baiting limits and setbacks near livestock facilities, drew extensive debate over private property rights, enforceability, livestock protection, and hunting access, and failed 14-76. Division B, requiring chronic wasting disease surveillance and a report to Legislative Management, also drew debate over whether the reporting requirement was necessary or too late to be useful; it failed 44-46. With both divisions defeated, the House then passed the underlying bill 56-34. The House also laid over Senate Bills 2340, 2326, and 2289. Later, it defeated Senate Bill 2325, which would have created a process for non-federal easements on wetland areas, by a vote of 4-84. It passed Senate Bill 2210, directing a legislative management study on watershed-based water management, 85-3; Senate Bill 2387, establishing rights for sexual violence survivors, 89-0; and Senate Bill 269, allowing state agencies to satisfy legal notice requirements by posting on their websites if newspaper publication is missed, 72-17. The House then excused absent members and adjourned until Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tony Hackett with Californians Against Waste, in support.
• Particularly where recalled products may also be classified as hazardous waste under the hazardous waste
• the release of this hazardous waste.
• Disguised vapes are poisoning our kids, causing fires at small, underfunded waste facilities, and wasting
• As local governments, we're charged with managing the state's solid waste and hazardous waste streams

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard five bills, with testimony focused on farmworker climate equity, product recall responsibility, diaper ingredient disclosure, agricultural commissioner fee authority, and vape disposal and youth protection. Members also took up one consent item. The chair reviewed testimony rules, and the committee established a quorum before proceeding. AB 1600 by Assembly Member Arambula would treat farmworker housing as disadvantaged communities for purposes of climate and environmental funding. Supporters said farmworkers face severe climate, housing, water, and pollution burdens but are often excluded from existing DAC mapping tools. The bill passed 4-1 to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 2462 by Assembly Member Pellerin would require manufacturers to take back recalled products at no cost from consumers and additional collection points such as recycling centers, waste facilities, and thrift stores, while strengthening CalRecycle enforcement. It drew support from counties, cities, and waste stewardship groups, and opposition from manufacturers and juvenile product interests concerned about implementation, coordination, and penalties. The bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1901 by Assembly Member Berman would require children’s diaper manufacturers to disclose ingredients online and on packaging. Supporters framed it as a parents’ right-to-know measure, while industry witnesses sought amendments to align it with other California disclosure laws and protect confidential business information. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. AB 2380 by Assembly Member Papin would raise the maximum fee counties may charge to support agricultural commissioner operations and pesticide enforcement; it received support from county agricultural officials and passed unanimously to the Assembly Floor. AB 2667 by Assembly Member Hadwick would ban deceptively marketed disposable vapes, allow household hazardous waste facilities to disassemble them, and direct DTSC to address school-confiscated vapes. School and local government witnesses described widespread youth vaping and disposal challenges, and the bill passed unanimously to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2086, the consent item, also passed unanimously. Later add-on votes confirmed the earlier actions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are against all incineration and waste-to-energy projects.
• </c><00:36:10.240><c> of</c> against all incineration and waste of against all incineration and waste
• There wasn't the capacity on other counties to the waste.
• </c> capacity on other counties to the waste capacity on other counties to the waste we<00:38:31.760>
• That is Senate Bill 964, relating to waste to energy.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard Senate Bill 151 relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and geothermal development on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL and Ulupono Initiative testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance clean energy goals, create economic opportunities, and support DHHL’s mission. Fine Electric also supported the bill. Several members of the public testified in opposition, raising concerns about consultation with beneficiaries, water impacts, land issues, and the scale of the proposed spending. In response to questions, DHHL staff explained slimhole drilling, the permitting distinctions between water exploration and geothermal exploration, and said prior studies and geophysical testing had been done. The chair then recommended passage with amendments, including SMA technical amendments, a directive to establish a permitted interaction group to study geothermal options, removal of the appropriation language, and a new effective date. The committees adopted the recommendation and passed SB 151 with amendments, with one senator voting no and several excused. The joint committees then took up Senate Bill 371 on property damage to critical infrastructure facilities. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill with amendments, recommending broader critical infrastructure language to cover systems such as transportation, gas, power, water, and oil, and suggesting additional changes to improve prosecution. Utility and other supporters also testified in favor. The chairs proposed adopting the AG’s amendments except one, and further expanding the bill to make manslaughter explicit when a death results from disruption of critical infrastructure, and to add water as a covered infrastructure category. The committees adopted the amended recommendation and passed SB 371 with amendments. Finally, the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee heard Senate Bill 585 on special purpose revenue bonds for Bana Pacific. The Attorney General noted a possible issue with the company’s entity status and the bill title, but Bana Pacific stated it was in the process of converting from an LLC to a corporation and was satisfied with the title. The State Energy Office supported the concept, and Bana Pacific described the project as an integrated biogas and green hydrogen facility that would support energy security, create jobs, and reduce emissions. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 964 on waste-to-energy, where the State Energy Office offered supportive comments but many testifiers opposed the measure, arguing incineration is costly, polluting, and inferior to recycling. Written testimony showed more opposition than support, and public testimony focused on environmental and cost concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marketed as disposable, Safety issues at every point in the waste stream.
• I am the executive director of WeThink Waste.
• We own a solid waste facility in San Carlos, California.
• So at our 16-acre solid-waste facility, we have 400 solid-waste workers.
• And I want to say... ...to 30,000 solid-waste workers in California.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard three bills ahead of the house-of-origin deadline. AB 762 by Assemblymember Irwin would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vapes in California, with committee amendments to align implementation dates and allow a sell-through period. The author and supporters, including waste agencies, firefighters, local governments, and public health groups, argued the devices create lithium-ion battery fire risks in waste facilities and burden ratepayers and first responders. Opponents, including cannabis industry and retail groups, argued the bill would not meaningfully reduce battery waste because most problematic products are already illicit, and warned it could worsen the illegal market and reduce consumer access to legal products. After extensive debate, the committee passed AB 762 as amended to Appropriations on a vote with some members not voting or on call. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals created for cosmetic purposes. Supporters said the bill would prevent novelty pet breeding, reduce pressure on already overcrowded shelters, and avoid ethical concerns about modifying animals for appearance alone, while preserving medical and scientific research. Opponents, including the pet industry, argued the measure was unnecessary because regulated products such as glowfish already undergo scientific review and that the bill could create ambiguity and harm lawful commerce. The committee clarified that glowfish and scientific research were exempt, and AB 1382 passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 739 by Assemblymember Jackson would require managing agents in common interest developments to provide homeowners and HOA boards a summary of fees charged for management services. Realtors supported the bill as a transparency measure, while community managers and the Community Associations Institute said they could accept it once promised amendments were adopted to narrow the disclosure and avoid blanket mailings that could raise costs. The author said amendments would be taken in the Housing and Community Development Committee and committed to further consultation. AB 739 passed to Housing and Community Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> businesses that uh that generate waste businesses that uh that generate waste and<01:21:49.360><
• the solid waste working group.
• or soil or other solid waste.
• or soil or other solid waste.
• or soil or other solid waste.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have heard from our local waste management folks, our Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority, and
• Waste to energy is critical infrastructure for Florida.
• Waste to energy allows our state to function.
• Here's some more benefits of waste-to-energy.
• solid waste.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably. SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> waste facility owners. waste facility owners.
• </c><00:51:58.559><c> um</c> here but launching a solid waste um here but launching a solid waste um
• </c> everybody's like, "My gosh, don't waste everybody's like, "My gosh, don't waste the<01:06:47.520
• </c> starting place for reducing food waste starting place for reducing food waste and<01:07:48.880><
• </c> organizations that work on food waste organizations that work on food waste and<01:13:10.320><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to be partners in solving some of the waste, fraud, and abuse that's out there.
• They want to be partners in solving some of the waste, fraud, and abuse that's out there.
• They want to be partners in solving some of the waste, fraud, and abuse that's out there.
• They want to be partners in solving some of the waste, fraud, and abuse that's out there.
• </c> taxpayer dollars that have been wasted taxpayer dollars that have been wasted and<00:14:09.839><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: State Representative Jim Nash and Representative Kristin Robbins discussed a package of fraud-prevention bills, centered on House File 3 and a separate whistleblower-protection measure. HF 3 would require annual reports based on Office of the Auditor (OA/OLA) findings to be sent to ranking members of relevant committees, with the goal of giving appropriators more information about internal controls and follow-up on audit recommendations. Nash said the bill is intended to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, cited the Feeding Our Future case as an example of weak controls, and noted that the OA helped draft the proposal and supports it. He also said the bill’s language is modeled in part on Colorado and on earlier recommendations for more information to be shared with decision-makers. Robbins said her bill would expand whistleblower protections for state employees, including unclassified employees, and add new protected reporting channels and definitions. She said employees are often afraid to come forward because of job and career concerns, and that the bill would better protect reports made to legislators, the OA, governmental bodies, and law enforcement. She and Nash said they were working with DFL members and committee chairs on bipartisan amendments to define “fraud” and “misuse,” and to align the language with the Inspector General bill and prior law. In questions, Robbins explained that current law protects only certain employees and that her bill would broaden coverage and make it easier for employees to report concerns without fear. She said the OA supports the effort and that the added reporting pathways would help with follow-up on agency recommendations. Nash and Robbins both emphasized that the measures are part of a broader fraud-fighting package and expressed hope for bipartisan support, though Nash criticized DFL leadership for not backing the bills more openly. No votes or final actions were taken in the exchange shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• and section seven is related to the permits and licenses that existed before that state hazardous waste
• Waste Management Act.
• House Bill 714 consolidates Idaho’s hazardous waste laws.
• Also with me to provide any technical assistance are two officials from the Hazardous Waste Bureau of
• I’d like to introduce Natalie Walker, who is the chief of the Hazardous Waste Bureau. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12, 16, and 17, 2026. It then heard House Bill 593, a Department of Environmental Quality cleanup bill tied to the DOGE Task Force review. Senator Semmelroth explained that the bill removes obsolete references and repeals outdated provisions related to the state hazardous waste management planning committee and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Act council. After brief support from a Republic Services representative and DEQ’s hazardous waste bureau chief, the committee voted to send HB 593 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Next, the committee heard House Bill 714, which repeals the Hazardous Waste Siting Act and consolidates hazardous waste siting provisions into the Hazardous Waste Management Act. Senator Burkey said the bill streamlines Idaho’s hazardous waste laws while preserving safety, public notice, hearings, and expert review. Republic Services and DEQ testified in support, describing the measure as protective, efficient, and the product of stakeholder review. The committee then voted to send HB 714 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also considered House Bill 788, a pilot program intended to reduce Medicaid prior authorization burdens for certain medical professionals who precept medical students in high-need specialties. Representative Wheeler said the goal is to increase preceptorships by giving eligible providers a temporary “gold card” exemption, and he asked for a sunset date of July 1, 2030. The Idaho Freedom Foundation testified in opposition, arguing prior authorization is a cost-control tool and that the bill could raise Medicaid costs. The committee voted to send HB 788 to amending orders, with several senators recorded as no. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 724, which would establish foster child safety rights, require written notice of those rights, and direct courts and the Department of Health and Welfare to consider safety in placement and visitation decisions. Representative Wheeler said the bill responds to concerns from foster parents and aims to ensure children in state custody have clear protections. Multiple foster parents, a child psychologist, and a former foster youth testified in support, describing serious safety failures and arguing that children need clearer rights and more complete information before reunification or placement decisions. The committee voted to send HB 724 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of waste bills today.
• Clothing and other textiles are a growing part of our waste stream, and the impacts of that waste are
• Heather Trim was Zero Waste Washington.
• the delivery and management of solid waste programs.
• the delivery and management of solid waste programs.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several waste and recycling bills. House Bill 2212 would require microfiber filters on commercial and industrial washing machines, with Ecology authorized to consider residential machine rules later if cost thresholds are met. Supporters, including the sponsor, students, environmental advocates, and scientists, said washing machines are a major source of microplastics and that filtration is a practical way to reduce pollution before it reaches waterways and human bodies. Opponents, including appliance manufacturers, laundromat operators, business groups, and Ecology staff, raised concerns about technical feasibility, worker safety, cost, and the lack of third-party certification for commercial systems. Ecology said the science is emerging and the proposal would create new agency work and costs. No vote was taken. House Bill 2233 would tighten the state’s carry-out bag laws by banning reusable film plastic bags, raising the paper bag pass-through charge to 20 cents, and extending certain requirements to manufacturers, distributors, and third-party sales platforms, while preserving protections for food assistance cardholders. Supporters argued the current thicker-bag approach has not reduced plastic waste, that plastic bags contribute to litter and microplastics, and that a stronger ban would better protect waterways and wildlife. Opponents from grocery, retail, hospitality, paper, and business groups argued the bill would raise consumer costs, create checkout and food-safety problems, and add operational complexity; some also said the state should wait to see the effects of the recent fee increase. Several local government and environmental witnesses supported the bill. No final action was taken. House Bill 1420 would establish an extended producer responsibility program for textiles and apparel, requiring producers to form a producer responsibility organization to manage collection, reuse, repair, recycling, and related infrastructure. The sponsor described the bill as a response to textile waste, overconsumption, and landfill impacts, and said the proposal had been refined through extensive stakeholder work. Supporters from environmental groups, local governments, Ecology, counties, Goodwill, and circular-economy organizations said textiles are a growing waste stream and that producer responsibility could improve collection, reduce dumping, and support repair and reuse. Opponents from business, retail, hospitality, apparel, and medical-device groups raised concerns about complexity, consumer and compliance costs, governance, supply-chain reporting, and possible unintended coverage of uniforms or medical products. The hearing also included a State Board of Health health impact review noting likely increased awareness and collection but limited evidence on large-scale reuse and recycling outcomes. No vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem of improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real problem and is growing.
• The problem of improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real problem and is growing.
• We provide waste dumpsters so that human waste can be separated from garbage and trash.
• </c> Lake we have a one-of-a-kind waste Lake we have a one-of-a-kind waste removal<00:09:41.800><c> program
• dumpsters so that human we provide waste dumpsters so that human waste<00:09:49.560><c> can</c><00:09

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice. Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option. No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 751, HD2, relating to organic waste, establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic
• waste diversion.
• </c> waste reduction and organic waste waste reduction and organic waste diversion<00:02:54.239><c> requires
• </c> plan to divert certain organic waste plan to divert certain organic waste generated<00:03:03.720
• </c> waste reduction and organic waste waste reduction and organic waste Diversion<00:10:19.480><c> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• and section seven is related to the permits and licenses that existed before that state hazardous waste
• Waste Management Act.
• The newly consolidated code maintained... ...laws on hazardous waste.
• Also with me to provide any technical assistance are two officials from the Hazardous Waste Bureau of
• I'd like to introduce Natalie Walker, who is the chief of the Hazardous Waste Bureau. Thank you.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12, 16, and 17, 2026. It then heard House Bill 593, a DEQ/DOGE cleanup measure that removes obsolete hazardous waste planning committee and Big Payette Lake council language from the code; the bill was moved and passed to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 714 followed, which repeals the Hazardous Waste Siting Act and consolidates hazardous waste siting provisions into the Hazardous Waste Management Act. The sponsor and DEQ said the bill streamlines code while preserving public notice, hearings, and safety protections. Republic Services also testified in support, and the committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 788, a pilot program aimed at increasing medical preceptorships by giving certain physicians, PAs, and APRNs who train medical students relief from Medicaid prior authorization requirements for a year. Supporters said the bill would reduce administrative burden and help recruit more preceptors in family practice, OB-GYN, and psychology, while an Idaho Freedom Foundation testifier opposed it as a cost-control concern for Medicaid. After discussion, the committee voted to send the bill to amending orders to add a sunset date of July 1, 2030; several senators voted no on that motion. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 724, the Foster Care Safety Act, which would codify safety-related rights for children in foster care, require written notice of those rights, and direct courts and the department to give greater weight to safety in placement and visitation decisions. The bill drew extensive emotional testimony from foster parents, a foster youth, and others describing abuse, unsafe placements, and the need for clearer protections and fuller information for judges. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with members noting it was informed by prior child welfare review recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here representing the Idaho Solid Waste Association. I'm Nate Francisco.
• I'm here representing the Idaho Solid Waste Association.
• I'm also here representing Southern Idaho Solid Waste, which is a seven-county solid-waste district in
• There is still that ability under this solid waste code to do that.
• There is still that ability under this solid waste code to do that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS drafts and one House bill. Senator Van Orden presented RS 33393, described as a transparency measure related to residential habilitation and future provider rate increases; it would create an audit process to show how funds are used. The committee asked whether it set wage amounts or only an audit, and after brief discussion it voted to send the RS to print by voice vote. Senator Anthon, with law student Elizabeth Marshall, presented RS 33404, which would allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors under the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care. Members discussed the distinction between naturopathic doctors and physicians of naturopathy, and the RS was sent to print. Senator Blaylock then presented RS 33355, which would eliminate the Board of Health and Welfare, remove administrative regions and regional director positions, eliminate regional behavioral health boards, and consolidate rulemaking authority in the department. Senator Wintrow raised concerns about losing advisory capacity, but the committee still voted to print the RS. Blaylock also presented RS 33406, a hospital price-transparency proposal requiring a single-click page with bundled labor-and-delivery pricing and common add-on charges, and RS 33419, which updates newborn screening exemptions to align with vaccine exemption language; both were sent to print without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 555 from Representative John Weber, a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code that shifts solid-waste regulatory authority from health districts to DEQ, adds user-fee funding, and updates technical provisions. Testimony from the Idaho Solid Waste Association emphasized expertise, statewide consistency, and maintaining federal primacy, while questions focused on DEQ capacity and public health protections. The committee voted to send HB 555 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and adjourned after noting a meeting was scheduled for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they said, because we pull so much hazardous waste. facility.
• That includes hazardous waste collection and recycling.
• waste.
• David Krieger for Waste Connections, in support.
• Julie Lachewski on behalf of Rethink Waste, in support. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three main bills after initially lacking a quorum and deferring the consent calendar. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries, such as those used in e-bikes, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, recycling groups, environmental organizations, and battery stewardship interests said the bill would reduce fire risks, improve collection and recycling, and close a gap in existing law. One industry witness sought clarification about off-highway vehicles and a battery association requested guardrails for mixed battery formats; the California Retailers Association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions with the author. SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide, state-funded low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters said many Californians face water debt and that the bill would help address affordability while working around Proposition 218 limits on local ratepayer-funded assistance. Water districts, local governments, environmental justice groups, and conservation organizations testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require refineries to provide advance information on closure, cleanup costs, and timelines to help communities plan for refinery transitions and remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia, environmental justice groups, and advocacy organizations, argued that communities need transparency before closures occur and that other energy sectors already provide similar planning information. Opponents from labor, petroleum, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, burdensome, and could discourage refinery investment or signal premature decline of the industry. After extensive debate, the committee voted to pass SB 1259 as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, and also approved SB 501 and SB 1125; the consent calendar items SB 1253 and SJR 13 were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is clarifying a statutory definition for abuse, fraud, and waste.
• it um currently abuse fraud and waste it um currently exists<00:00:50.719><c> in</c><00:00:50.879><c
• </c> protected but that exact category waste protected but that exact category waste fraud<00:03:20.879
• </c><00:04:47.080><c> Fraud</c> protection for reporting of waste Fraud protection for reporting of waste
• they're quick though, is fraud, waste, and abuse considered a crime under state law?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 23, authored by Representative Robbins, was heard on a motion to advance it to the next committee. The bill, as amended by the A1 author’s amendment, would clarify the statutory definition of abuse, fraud, and waste and expand whistleblower protections for state employees who report those issues to legislators, the legislative auditor, or constitutional officers. Robbins said the measure is intended to protect state workers and align whistleblower language with existing Inspector General definitions; he also cited recent fraud investigations as the backdrop for the bill and noted a Senate companion, SF 475, with bipartisan support. Devon Bruce of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees testified in support of the bill’s protective intent but raised concerns that it only covers classified state employees, creating uneven treatment between classified and unclassified workers and between state and local public employees. Bruce also warned that the bill does not fully address data practices issues, including the handling of nonpublic, private, or proprietary information, and suggested broader privacy protections for whistleblowers’ identities. In response to questions, Robbins said the bill was not meant to change data practices law and that those issues should be addressed separately. Members debated whether the bill was ready for further consideration and whether it should also go to the fraud oversight committee or Judiciary. Motions to lay the bill over and to re-refer it to the fraud prevention and state oversight committee both failed. After a roll call vote, the committee approved the bill 7-6 and sent House File 23 to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> part um to cut down on the fraud waste part um to cut down on the fraud waste and<00:07:58.280><
• to make sure that kids are well fed at school, and some feel that's wasteful.
• to make sure that kids are well fed at school, and some feel that's wasteful.
• to make sure that kids are well fed at school, and some feel that's wasteful.
• </c> from the 54 or $640 million in waste from the 54 or $640 million in waste Fraud<00:41:50.560><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all