Transcript Highlights:

• There are 95,000 tons of this used nuclear fuel.
• nuclear fuel.
• nuclear fuel.
• This is not about nuclear energy.
• This unused nuclear fuel is all over the country. Everywhere there's a nuclear power plant.

Transcript Highlights:

• So yes, you've heard about nuclear energy, and Energy Northwest is a nuclear energy developer.
• So like nuclear and hydrogen?
• Nuclear energy falls into that category.
• The new nuclear will not be ready for years ahead.
• We do know that nuclear waste is being stored in storage casks around the sites of nuclear plants.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several local government bills. HB 2006 would extend the deadline for certain rural counties that collect a sales and use tax for economic development to designate industrial land banks under the Growth Management Act. Supporters, including the sponsor and Kittitas County representatives, said the bill would help counties identify industrial land for job growth and economic development; Futurewise opposed it, citing concerns about large industrial land banks and impacts to agricultural lands. HB 2244 would let a city that forms a fire protection district after July 1, 2026, keep its levy rate without reducing it by the district’s levy, and would also allow online notice and interlocal contracting for fire services. City and fire officials supported it as a practical tool to fund fire service, while one witness opposed the broader trend of appointed taxing authorities. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2316, which would limit shrub-step vegetation inside urban growth areas from being treated as wildlife habitat, critical area, or conservation area, and would bar related mitigation or replacement requirements. Tri-Cities officials, builders, housing advocates, and the sponsor argued the bill would reduce delays and costs for housing and development on already designated urban land, while conservation groups, tribal representatives, and some individuals opposed it as a broad rollback of habitat protections and a harmful precedent for ecosystems and wildlife. No vote was taken on the bills during the hearing. HB 2103 would expand public utility contracting authority so cities, utilities, and joint operating agencies could enter “capability” contracts for renewable or non-emitting generation projects, including nuclear, renewable hydrogen, and fusion, and repeal certain price-limit restrictions. Supporters said it would align older contracting law with the Clean Energy Transformation Act and help utilities plan for future power needs; opponents warned it would shift risk to ratepayers and revive concerns tied to the WPPSS nuclear debacle. The committee also heard HB 2388, which would classify pivot-corner solar and agrovoltaic facilities on agricultural land as distributed energy resources and accessory uses; the sponsor and supporters said it would help meet energy needs without harming productive farmland, while Futurewise asked for clarification to avoid unintended loss of agricultural land. The hearing then returned to HB 2103 for additional testimony, with the same basic split between utility and clean-energy supporters and ratepayer or anti-nuclear opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Western Union testified that they basically sold their nuclear—not secrets, but their nuclear knowledge—to
• And Western Union testified that they basically sold their nuclear, not secrets, but their nuclear knowledge
• I am not 100% completely opposed to nuclear energy. I'm not.
• And again, this bill is about nuclear, but nuclear is a green energy. And that's my opinion.
• And again, this bill is about nuclear, but nuclear is a green energy. That's my opinion. Certainly.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and heard testimony on several measures focused on agriculture, broadband, public health administration, and utility eminent domain. Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington, would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from 20 schools to allow voluntary K-12 agriculture curriculum statewide. Washington said the bill builds on a successful pilot and is intended to help students understand agriculture as a STEM field and broader community issue. Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri N.A., Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all testified in support; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 38 from Representative Louis Riggs, which urges that Missouri’s broadband funding remain in the state and be used for deployment. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in broadband funding but that more than half had been cut or left uncertain, and he argued the money should stay in Missouri to bridge the digital divide. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives supported the resolution, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1699 from Representative Maisie Christensen, a constituent-driven bill to clarify when county health officers/directors’ authority ends if they are not reappointed. Christensen explained the bill addresses ambiguity in older statutes governing different county public health structures; no witnesses testified for or against the bill. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while still allowing grid connection. Pollitt and Farm Bureau argued the bill closes a loophole and protects landowners from having property taken for large renewable projects; Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the measure. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it has no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and appreciates the grid-connection language. Several members debated whether the bill should also address nuclear energy or broader utility siting concerns, and one witness noted transmission and battery-storage limitations as reasons renewable projects are not built everywhere. The hearing on HB 2169 closed with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> facilities built due to the nuclear facilities built due to the nuclear moratorum<03:04:46.319><
• </c><03:08:42.240><c> And</c> load power of nuclear energy. And load power of nuclear energy.
• </c> small nuclear. small nuclear.
• Every part in a nuclear power plant, the existing nuclear power plants are rebuilt with new parts.
• Every part in a nuclear power plant, the existing nuclear power plants are rebuilt with new parts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh nuclear<01:26:28.400><c> energy</c><01:26:28.960><c> is</c> nuclear energy is nuclear energy is uh
• Thorium reactors burn nuclear fuel or nuclear waste in them.
• Thorium reactors burn nuclear fuel or nuclear waste in them.
• Thorium reactors burn nuclear fuel or nuclear waste in them.
• Thorium reactors burn nuclear fuel or nuclear waste in them.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been involved as the non-nuclear components for the nuclear weapons programs, and we also serve
• Sandia's primary mission is with the nuclear weapons program and nuclear deterrence.
• the Fukushima nuclear facility that was damaged by the tsunami in Japan.
• Regarding nuclear deterrence, as I mentioned, we handle all the design of the non-nuclear components
• Those are part of our nuclear deterrence program.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, nobody's just putting up a nuclear.
• The municipal light plants have been longtime supporters of nuclear, and we believe that nuclear will
• nuclear power plants.
• nuclear power plants. and uh and and and filing up at the, uh, nuclear power plants.
• It is only during the nuclear fission phase of nuclear power that it is zero carbon.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can point to the war in Ukraine, China's rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear programs.
• The Middle East perpetually on edge, Iran's nuclear ambition, North Korean WMD and missile programs,
• Russia illegally developed INF-range systems, now used for nuclear coercion and intimidation.
• The U.S. has the most advanced nuclear technologies on offer today.
• Donohoe, I wanted to ask you about nuclear power. specifically.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• But once again, it goes back to, it could be the same situation with nuclear... ...with nuclear.
• And Western Union testified that they basically sold their nuclear, not secrets, but their nuclear knowledge
• I am not 100% completely opposed to nuclear energy. I'm not.
• And again, this bill is about nuclear, but nuclear is a green energy. And that's my opinion.
• And again, this bill is about nuclear, but nuclear is a green energy. That's my opinion. Certainly.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> future uh and often times uh nuclear future uh and often times uh nuclear gets<00:32:44.039><c>
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 387, which would amend MSD governance and spending rules in Louisville. The sponsor said the bill was intended to add oversight and accountability in response to large MSD rate increases, though the original rate-approval provision had been removed because of concerns about contracts and bond ratings in Oldham and Bullitt counties. MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott testified that MSD is a public utility serving more than 800,000 people through wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services, and argued that most rate pressure comes from federal and state mandates tied to a consent decree and other orders. He said MSD already provides annual notice and bond approvals through Metro Council, offers customer assistance programs, and needs flexibility for advertising, public notices, recruitment, and compliance. Members discussed stormwater funding, aging infrastructure, flood control, and the bill’s limits on advertising and other expenditures. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed on a roll call vote. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 22, as substituted, which expressed support for exploring nuclear energy and included language noting Kentucky’s ability to use nuclear waste, uranium tailings, and spent fuel in ways described by the sponsor as cleaner. Supporters said Kentucky faces an energy shortage and that nuclear, including small modular reactors, should be part of the state’s future energy mix. Some members said they would support the resolution but wanted a feasibility study or noted that it does not carry the force of law. The resolution passed. Finally, the committee began House Bill 519, sponsored by Representative Fugate, which would prevent utility companies from passing demolition costs for retired coal-fired or fossil-fuel plants on to ratepayers. The sponsor cited sharply rising electricity bills in eastern Kentucky, the decline in coal employment, and the burden of demolition costs from the Big Sandy plant being placed on customers. He argued that utilities should absorb those costs rather than shifting them to ratepayers. The bill was introduced with a motion and second, and the committee was preparing to hear further questions and testimony when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• efforts and serve as chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council.
• As chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council, I look forward to the partnership with the National Nuclear
• The Air Force is responsible for two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, as she said.
• The nuclear triad, nuclear deterrence, is a huge part of that.
• I've got this big slug of nuclear modernization here as well.

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh power new uh the the nuc- new nuclear uh power new nuclear<01:25:40.800><c> generation</c><01:25:
• ,</c> wanting to learn more about nuclear, wanting to learn more about nuclear, about<01:44:12.120><c
• </c><02:04:30.560><c> study,</c> stipulations on the nuclear study, stipulations on the nuclear study
• <02:07:14.360><c> power</c> nuclear power nuclear power and<02:07:15.760><c> this</c><02:07:15.920><c
• nuclear nuclear study,<02:07:52.440><c> you</c><02:07:52.560><c> know,</c><02:07:52.719><c> that</c>

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• plant, a commercial nuclear plant.
• </c> a nuclear reactor? a nuclear reactor?
• </c><00:44:35.839><c> It's</c> areas of importance in nuclear. It's areas of importance in nuclear.
• So, um, I'll be nuclear.
• </c> actually suppliers of many many nuclear actually suppliers of many many nuclear own<00:52:26.559

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• energy and nuclear waste storage as our state moves forward?
• We learned a lot about the nuclear moratorium. That was all good.
• We've done our due diligence when we look at the nuclear moratorium.
• Now, nuclear is an interesting discussion, but to talk about nuclear and cost-effective in the same sentence
• Nuclear is tremendously expensive, but we can discuss that.

Transcript Highlights:

• plants and high-level nuclear waste dump sites.
• residents. ...that designates a 50-mile radius of any nuclear power plant or nuclear power station to
• They accommodate the nuclear industry.
• Here we address all things nuclear, including understanding the links between nuclear power and nuclear
• Here we address all things nuclear, including understanding the links between nuclear power and nuclear

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing covered several public safety bills and related testimony. On S. 2681, “Colby’s Law,” which would establish safety standards for BMX/motocross tracks, the committee heard emotional testimony from the family of a teen killed at a track and from advocates who said minimum standards are needed for barriers, medical staff, emergency planning, insurance, and oversight. A track owner and rider also testified that safety is important but argued the bill was incomplete and should better distinguish between BMX and motocross and include more specific equipment and weather-related rules. On S. 2680, a bill to expand emergency planning around aging nuclear plants and high-level nuclear waste sites, supporters from Cape Cod, medical groups, and anti-nuclear organizations urged a 50-mile emergency planning radius and stronger state preparedness, citing risks from long-term waste storage and inadequate federal oversight. The committee also heard testimony on a Barnstable home rule petition to allow certain emergency response vehicles to use red lights, with the town supporting the change to improve response times on the water. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on H. 5158, the Protect Act, which would limit state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. County sheriffs testified about how ICE notifications and detainers work in practice, distinguishing between criminal warrants and civil immigration requests to notify, and describing their discretion when people are released on bail or at the end of a sentence. Sheriffs said they generally notify ICE when requested, especially in cases involving serious charges, but emphasized the need to balance public safety, victim notification, and due process. Committee members pressed them on the impact of ICE pickups at courthouses and jails, and several lawmakers and witnesses argued that pretrial detainees taken by ICE can disrupt prosecutions and deny victims their day in court. Supporters of the Protect Act included labor, education, health care, and immigrant advocacy groups. They said immigrants and mixed-status families are living in fear of routine interactions with police, schools, courts, and hospitals, and urged the committee to ban 287(g) agreements, prohibit law enforcement from asking about immigration status or providing operational assistance to ICE, and add stronger protections for sensitive locations such as schools and health care facilities. Medical witnesses described patients and families avoiding care because of ICE presence, and educators said students are missing school out of fear. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and indicated it would continue receiving written testimony before taking action later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need an expensive state study to know that nuclear waste problems remain unsolved, that nuclear
• of a nuclear power plant can fit in half the size of this room.
• of a nuclear power plant can fit in half the size of this room.
• And folks asked me how I knew so much about nuclear.
• is that accounted for in modern nuclear power plants?

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:

• We don't need an expensive state study to know that nuclear waste problems remain unsolved, that nuclear
• of a nuclear power plant can fit in half the size of this room.
• But we Of a nuclear power plant can fit in half the size of this room.
• And folks asked me how I knew so much about nuclear.
• , how is that accounted for in modern nuclear power plants?

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• China has been expanding its nuclear arsenals.
• a strategic doctrine that embraces nuclear first use.
• North Korea continues to expand its nuclear weapons arsenal, correct? Yes, sir.
• with the United States and minimal warning for launch among those nuclear states.
• We use nuclear weapons every single day because they deter and it's by...

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization

Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason for in nuclear energy.
• And they are developing technology to convert that nuclear waste that's just sitting there into nuclear
• fuel for these small-scale nuclear reactors.
• And they are developing technology to convert that nuclear waste that's just sitting there into nuclear
• fuel for these small-scale nuclear reactors.

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• While HB 7 was written to allow for future nuclear reactors to be able to come online and to be able
• nuclear research and test reactors are exempt from the restrictions on high-level radioactive waste
• store HB7 was written to allow for future nuclear reactors to be able to come online and to be able
• A necessary function of nuclear reactors, there is room to clarify the intent of the bill and ensure
• Reed Clay with Texas Nuclear Alliance. We are on the bill, Chairman.

Bills: SB3074 , HB49 , HB2440 , HB3556 , HB3619 , HB3866 , HB4042 , HB4112 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB5033 , HB49

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.