Transcript Highlights:

• It's new uses for electricity like heat pumps and electric vehicles.
• </c><00:09:43.600><c> and</c><00:09:44.000><c> electric</c> electricity like heat pumps and electric
• </c> electricity has to come from someplace. electricity has to come from someplace.
• </c> before they're charged to the customer. before they're charged to the customer.
• </c> our charge. our charge.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Final measure, HP 1980, relating to electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, establishes the goal
• > electric</c><01:36:23.760><c> vehicle</c> relating to electrical electric vehicle relating to electrical
• electric vehicle charging<01:36:24.480><c> infrastructure</c><01:36:25.120><c> establishes</c><01:36
• And then House Bill 1980 relating to electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• <01:49:53.920><c> vehicle</c><01:49:54.159><c> charging</c> electric vehicle charging electric vehicle

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• "Solar-charged batteries, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and other customer devices are networked
• When utilities expect peak electricity consumption to approach the amount of electricity they're able
• AB 1975 will help reduce electricity rates by requiring utilities to make better use of the electric
• Kai Klausen, on behalf of the Electric Vehicle Charging Association, similarly to Tesla, we have voiced
• As we move towards electric vehicles, we want to ensure that the EV charging network is thoroughly prepared

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They may not have access to the utilities that it takes to, specifically electricity, to charge this
• to charge.
• They may not have access to the utilities that it takes to, specifically electricity, to charge this
• Well, you plug it into a wall with no electricity. It's probably not going to get charged.
• I know if there is no electricity, they can't be charged.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787. The substitute and the combined bill were then voted do pass, with the final tally clarified as 15 ayes and 0 noes. The committee then moved to hearings on several public safety and corrections-related bills. House Bill 1786, sponsored by Rep. Voss, would raise the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s purchase authority for vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and specialized equipment from $100,000 to $500,000 before separate legislative approval is needed. Supporters said the current cap is outdated because patrol equipment costs have risen sharply, especially for watercraft, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment, while still leaving procurement oversight in place. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without a recorded committee vote in the transcript. House Bill 2885, sponsored by Rep. Hovis, would direct the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Water Patrol Division. Supporters said boating registration revenue has declined while the division’s operating costs have increased, and that the change would better fund water safety, search and rescue, dive operations, and enforcement. The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported DPS funds from end-of-biennium sweeps to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. DPS testified that the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can undermine cash needed for training, lab support, inspections, and staffing, while members raised concerns about fund balances, guardrails, and whether surpluses should instead trigger fee reductions. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1712, sponsored by Rep. Veit, which would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing what sponsors described as a loophole in current law. The sponsor and a Cole County sheriff said some monitored defendants intentionally disable or interfere with devices, while the sheriff explained that electronic monitoring is used selectively after risk assessment and can help keep lower-risk defendants out of jail. Members asked about remote charging access, battery warnings, and whether the system is sometimes difficult for compliant users; the sheriff said most cases involve intentional tampering, but the program remains flexible for legitimate problems. The committee adjourned after the hearing on House Bill 1712, and no opposition testimony was presented on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• should be charged the same electric<00:12:05.360><c> rates</c><00:12:05.760><c> as</c><00:12:06.000>
• electric meter.
• electric meter.
• </c><00:40:23.760><c> electricity</c><00:40:24.440><c> to</c> power supplies electric electricity to
• ><c> to</c> electric meters providing electricity to electric meters providing electricity to pumps<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we have one item on this agenda that is House Bill 344 HD1, relating to electric vehicle charging
• Uh, we have one item on this agenda that is House Bill 344 HD1, relating to electric vehicle charging
• Uh, we have one item on this agenda that is House Bill 344 HD1, relating to electric vehicle charging
• </c> EV charging stations. EV charging stations.
• </c> more charging stations. more charging stations. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cuz Minnesotans are the electric bills.
• </c> they are charging ratepayers they are charging ratepayers millions<00:04:19.400><c> of</c><00:04
• </c><00:04:42.000><c> to</c> amount that they can charge to amount that they can charge to ratepayers
• </c> including at our electric utilities. including at our electric utilities.
• We heard from uh electricity bills.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the complete electric restructuring. the complete electric restructuring.
• The section says the commission shall set the RRB charge per kilowatt hour of electricity for delivery
• </c> charge per kilowatt hour of electricity charge per kilowatt hour of electricity for<00:58:45.359
• </c> they're going to be charging us. they're going to be charging us.
• </c> electricity purchased by the electric electricity purchased by the electric distribution<05:40:17.120

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because everything that affects somebody else electrically affects them electrically.
• Just a point of information: Charge 1 has 51 witnesses and Charge 2 has 156.
• I represent Oncor Electric.
• Electric submersible pumps drove the need for electricity.
• Tanya Tucker on charge two, right? Charge two. We don't charge two.

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held its third interim hearing on Texas electric grid reliability and 765 kV transmission lines/private property rights. Chair Schwertner opened by noting record ERCOT summer demand of 91,089 MW and emphasized the committee’s focus on managing rapid load growth, ensuring adequate generation, and protecting homeowners, businesses, landowners, and ratepayers. The committee also adopted strict two-minute limits for public testimony and planned to hear invited witnesses first, then public testimony. PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, and OPUC Chief Counsel Benjamin Barclay testified on Senate Bill 6 implementation, large-load interconnection, transmission cost allocation, and market design. Gleeson said the PUC has adopted or is finalizing rules on net metering/co-location, large load interconnection standards, and a transmission cost recovery rule that would move from 4CP to 12CP, lengthen the interval to 30 minutes, and add a minimum demand charge to better allocate costs to large loads. Vegas explained ERCOT’s new batch process for large loads, saying it provides year-by-year capacity allocations, clearer financial obligations, and a transmission plan; he reported 205 GW eligible for Batch Zero, with 65 GW classified as baseload, 25 GW in an intermediate category, and 114 GW as allocated load. Barclay supported the changes as better protection for residential and small commercial customers, while warning that the minimum demand charge may need an exit-fee concept to address stranded costs if large loads leave. Members pressed witnesses on whether additional market changes are needed to attract dispatchable thermal generation and whether DRS/DRRS Plus could become a capacity-market substitute. Gleeson and Vegas said the current market still favors solar, batteries, and other low-variable-cost resources, and that more incentives may be needed for gas and other thermal generation; Gleeson said the commission’s reliability standard assessment will begin this year and conclude next year with a 2029 outlook. They described DRS as an ancillary service for intraday reliability and DRS Plus as a proposed real-time revenue mechanism for thermal resources during scarcity, not a forward capacity market. Senators also questioned whether 12CP could still be gamed, whether curtailment authority under SB 6 should be expanded from EEA 2 to earlier stages, and whether the batch process should be bifurcated so traditional industrial loads are handled differently from data centers. Witnesses said the batch process is intended to prevent speculative projects from driving transmission costs, that most large-load projects are data centers, and that future rules may need to better distinguish among types of large loads.

Transcript Highlights:

• This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
• This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
• This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
• This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
• This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Including electric transmission.
• They'll purchase electric vehicles, efficient electric appliances, and gain better access to information
• The fixed charge, a larger fixed charge, becomes a proportionately much larger piece of the lower-income
• The fixed charge, a larger fixed charge becomes a proportionately much larger piece of the lower income
• So you pay a service charge every month, a readiness-to-serve charge, and one tier for water.

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:

• They may not have access to the utilities that it takes, specifically electricity, to charge this ankle
• to charge.
• They may not have access to the utilities that it takes to, specifically electricity, to charge this
• failing to charge.
• I know if there is no electricity, they can't be charged.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787 into one measure. The combined substitute was then voted do pass by a unanimous roll call, recorded as 15 ayes and 0 noes after a brief correction to the tally. The committee then heard House Bill 1786, which would raise the Highway Patrol’s spending threshold for purchasing vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and related specialized equipment without returning to the legislature from $100,000 to $500,000. The sponsor and Highway Patrol witnesses said the current cap is outdated because boats, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment now cost far more than $100,000, while members asked about inflation, the revolving fund, and whether a lower increase might be more appropriate. No opposition testimony was offered. Next, House Bill 2885 was heard. It would redirect the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Missouri Water Patrol Division. The sponsor and Highway Patrol said registration revenue has declined while operating costs have risen, and the division needs the money to support enforcement, search and rescue, dive operations, and boating safety programs. Members asked how much revenue is collected and whether the change would affect other programs; testimony indicated the bill would mainly earmark existing revenue rather than increase overall department funding. The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported funds from the end-of-biennium sweep to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory Account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. The sponsor and Department of Public Safety witnesses said the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can disrupt training, lab support, and safety inspection operations, though members raised concerns about excess balances, guardrails, and whether fee reductions should be considered if reserves grow too large. Finally, House Bill 1712 was heard; it would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing a loophole in existing tampering law. The sponsor, a sheriff, and other witnesses said the bill addresses deliberate attempts to evade monitoring, while members discussed battery warnings, rural access to electricity, and the costs and benefits of pretrial release. No votes were taken on the later bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill defines electric vehicle charging stations and charges a fee for annual testing by the division
• I got charging my car, which was fine. I got the<00:37:16.320><c> electricity.
• So California is doing most of the type evaluations for electric vehicle charging stations.
• </c> for electric vehicle charging stations. for electric vehicle charging stations.
• </c> cross-trained in testing electric cross-trained in testing electric vehicle<00:59:30.559><c> charging

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• vehicle charging, and grid-enhancing technologies.
• Valerie Trelo-Bahos, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
• In the Netherlands, price-informed customers have been able to charge their electric vehicles for free
• And it states that encouraging electric vehicle charging at optimal times can dramatically...
• Encouraging electric vehicle charging at optimal times can dramatically reduce necessary distribution

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote. AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• or have charges that exceed an average of $557 per customer per year.
• or have charges that exceed an average of $557 per customer per year.
• When determining the rates to be charged by each water company, the UTC must adopt rules that establish
• than 1,200 watts behind the common point of coupling with the electric utility.
• It authorizes an electric utility to recover the costs of service charge to include both installation

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Second Substitute House Bill 1906 concerning water systems, focusing on a striking amendment that would require more notice to customers and relevant entities before ownership changes, require certain planning documents to be submitted, and direct the UTC to consider cost of capital, external funding, rate smoothing, notice, and planning compliance when setting rates for private water companies. Testifiers from the Washington PUD Association, Northwest Natural, Thurston PUD, and Washington Water Service generally supported the bill, saying it would improve transparency for customers, help avoid failed systems ending up in receivership, and better inform customers about future costs; one senator asked about PFAS contamination, receivership, and the removal of a right of first refusal, and staff explained the bill’s intent was to improve front-end notice rather than change the back-end takeover process. The committee then moved into executive session and received briefings on several bills and proposed striking amendments, including measures on distributed energy resources (HB 2296), emerging large energy use facilities (HB 2115), AI disclosures (HB 1170), waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act (HB 2416), low-income energy assistance (HB 1903), environmentally sustainable urban design (HB 1742), and the Spark Act AI grant program (HB 1833). Members discussed issues such as utility worker installation authority, data center load and ratepayer protections, AI provenance and disclosure requirements, waste-to-energy allowance timing, reimbursement mechanics for energy assistance, and safeguards for an AI regulatory sandbox. The committee adopted striking amendments and passed HB 2296, HB 2115, HB 1170, HB 2416, HB 1906, HB 1903, and HB 1833 out of committee, generally with due-pass recommendations and referral to Ways and Means where applicable. The committee did not take action on HB 1742. The meeting concluded with members and staff offering personal thanks and farewell remarks to the chair, who was noted to be leaving the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; So, you want to be in charge of this? &gt;&gt; So, you want to be in charge of this?
• electric vehicle for independence and just uh allowing electric vehicle adoption to really run wild
• driving electric offer and electric driving electric offer substantial<00:16:11.680><c> savings.
• </c><00:16:41.680><c> their</c> everyone a chance to charge their everyone a chance to charge their electric
• </c> electricity to wherever the charging electricity to wherever the charging stations<00:21:22.880>

Bills: SB2699

Keywords: fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> felony under this charge. felony under this charge.
• So I I I just I is a higher charge.
• </c><00:40:20.640><c> for</c> that the percentage of the charge for that the percentage of the charge
• </c> its deregulated market, electricity its deregulated market, electricity prices<00:51:04.240><c>
• from the rest of the state electrically from the rest of the electricity<01:03:35.839><c> grid.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It cannot get a triple charge for that.
• And by the way, it's not a triple charge.
• The essence of this bill is to safely store electric vehicles.
• The essence of this bill is to safely store electric vehicles. The U.S.
• We deal with electric vehicles regularly.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard four bills. HB 37 by Rep. Nix addressed the removal, storage, and cleanup of damaged electric vehicles, allowing towing and storage operators to charge an administrative fee when EVs are stored under enhanced safety standards such as a 50-foot separation or protective barrier. The sponsor and towing industry witnesses described post-crash battery fire risks, while Tesla and Enterprise Mobility raised concerns that the bill was too broad and could lead to triple storage charges even when battery damage is not present. Members largely supported the concept, though some urged further narrowing; the bill was reported favorably after debate. HB 401 by Rep. Tant would cap inmate health care compensation at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for Jefferson County, with the sponsor and Sheriff Matt McNeil saying the measure would help a fiscally constrained county control rising outside medical costs and encourage providers to contract in advance. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered HB 4003 by Rep. Benaroch, a local bill for Marco Island that creates a special-election process for council vacancies when the council fails to act; an amendment extended the election window to 130 days and required the governor to call the election if the council does not do so within 30 days. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, HB 407 by Rep. Snyder would modernize the Martin County Health Care Fund and define indigency criteria for county-funded indigent care, including residency, income, asset, and Medicaid eligibility limits. County and hospital representatives supported the measure, and one member suggested comparing the bill’s indigency definition with existing criminal indigency standards for consistency. The bill also was reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Solar charge batteries, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and other customer devices are networked
• When utilities expect the peak amount of electricity consumption to approach the amount of electricity
• AB 1975 will help reduce electricity rates by requiring utilities to make better use of the electric
• Kai Klausen, on behalf of the Electric Vehicle Charging Association, similarly to Tesla, we have voiced
• As we move towards electric vehicles, we want to ensure that the EV charging network is thoroughly prepared

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on clean energy, electrification, and grid planning. AB 1813 (Ward) would revise California’s community renewable energy program to better support community solar and storage, especially for renters and low-income customers, by tying credits to avoided costs and requiring at least 51% low-income participation. Supporters said the current CPUC program is unworkable and has stalled development; utilities raised concerns about cost shifts, CCA impacts, and the bill’s late substantive amendments. The bill was discussed but no vote was recorded in the excerpt. AB 2313 (Berman) would create a gas service line replacement alternative program allowing customers facing planned gas line replacement to instead choose electrification and receive an incentive. Supporters argued it would reduce long-term gas infrastructure costs and give customers more choice, while opponents warned it could divert money from safety-related gas replacement work, create affordability issues, and conflict with the recently approved SB 1221 pilot. Committee members pressed the author on safety, funding sources, and renter impacts; the author said the bill includes emergency replacement exemptions and is intended to lower costs for remaining ratepayers. AB 1975 (Schultz) would require the CPUC to develop a grid utilization metric and consider expanded grid management programs to better use existing distribution infrastructure and reduce the need for costly upgrades. Supporters said better utilization could save ratepayers billions and help integrate batteries and flexible load; utilities generally opposed rigid utilization targets but were open to further discussion. The committee passed AB 1975 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2612, on plug-in photovoltaic systems, passed 9-0 to Appropriations after supporters said it would expand access to low-cost solar and utilities requested clarification that they would participate in the standards process. AB 1849 (Pappin) would direct CARB to study the need for decarbonized gaseous fuels in hard-to-electrify sectors and for grid reliability. Supporters framed it as a technology-neutral assessment for sectors like industrial heat and backup power; opponents argued it was biased toward a preferred fuel pathway and duplicated existing state studies. After a lengthy exchange over the lack of a statutory definition for “decarbonized gaseous fuels,” the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations. AB 2088 (Pappin) would authorize investor-owned utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks, with safeguards for safety, workforce, and ratepayers. Supporters described TENs as efficient, low-emission heating and cooling systems that can use geothermal energy or waste heat; the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• from individuals buying and then charging their electric cars to hyperscaler data centers, we need to
• from individuals buying and then charging their electric cars to hyperscaler data centers, we need to
• </c> Rural Electric Rural Electric Cooperative<00:21:37.200><c> electric</c><00:21:37.600><c> cooperatives
• My neighbor used the energy I produced, but the rural electric co-op or the municipality charges that
• </c> Electric Co-op or the munity charges Electric Co-op or the munity charges that<00:35:03.920><c>

Bills: HF845

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164