Video & Transcript Research : 'Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026'

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OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, House Bill 2992 is the Data Center Customer Protection Act of 2026. Is there a PCS?
  • Data Center Customer Protection Act of 2026. Is there a PCS? There is a PCS.
  • House Bill 2992 would require data centers to pay their share of infrastructure costs associated with
  • One normal AI data center consumes as much electricity as the city of Edmond, which has almost 100,000
  • Even some of the largest data centers employ less than 150 people, sometimes as few as 25.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Energy REVISED Apr 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • and before the word 'protection,' the word 'ratepayer' on page 4, line 4, by deleting after the word
  • House Bill 2992 requires that large low-data centers and crypto mining facilities pay their portion of
  • Senator Woods, you're recognized to present the exact no of Megan Langley of Westville.
  • the woods, but I'll kind of give you a synopsis of her background.
  • Ending June 1st of 2026. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Bo is a good man. Is there any question?
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is called the Data Center Customer Protection Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026.
  • And a lot of this growth will be coming most likely from data centers coming to Oklahoma.
  • statute where these data centers will pay for their own infrastructure of their power agreements.
  • Chairman, you may or may not be aware of recently in Inpodo they had a data center that was getting electricity
  • How do we make sure we're not only protecting the ratepayer in the state of Oklahoma but also not kicking
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • portion of it from AI data centers and other super users.
  • I'm the CEO of DCIP Group, a Florida-headquartered data center development company.
  • And out of that total, that 5,400 total, 1,100 of those data centers are large-scale and hyperscale.
  • centers are large-scale and hyper-sexual. ...of those data centers are large-scale and hyperscale in
  • a data center.
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPN-EIG, CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2026

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ratepayer Protection Act of 2018 with a follow-up Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026.
  • Protection Act.
  • Protection Act.
  • Protection Act.
  • Protection Act.
Summary: The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m. The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted. A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Tue Apr 7, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • > members<00:32:57.120> of<00:32:57.160> the Acting chair, vice chair, members of
  • data to the Department<00:51:08.760> of<00:51:08.840> Health.
  • our 2018 Ratepayer Protection Act, and we would be stuck with the law that the Consumer Advocate...
  • <01:17:55.760> our<01:17:55.880> 2018 intent of our 2018 intent of our 2018 Ratepayer
  • we<01:17:59.680> would Ratepayer Protection Act, and we would Ratepayer Protection Act, and
Summary: The committee heard several resolutions and one bill focused on energy reliability, utility infrastructure, insurance, tenant rights, and home health licensing. On the energy side, members heard HCR 203/HR 193 on a status update for the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, HCR 204/HR 194 on a comprehensive PUC analysis of cost reduction and risk, and HCR 202/HR 192 creating a legislative task force on future energy pathways. Testimony on the energy measures was generally supportive from the PUC, DCCA’s Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with OHA urging that equity, native Hawaiian impacts, and public trust resources be considered alongside cost savings. The committee also heard HCR 125/HR 117 on coordinating with utilities to address aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; Hawaiian Electric supported the measure, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum said much of the work is already underway and questioned whether the resolution was necessary, and committee questioning focused on existing double-pole tracking and the role of DOT and the PUC. The committee then took up HCR 137/HR 129 on timely reimbursement of health care claims under the clean claims statute. The DCCA Insurance Division and the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the measure as drafted, saying it could be read to require payment beyond policy limits and could raise premiums or reduce market participation. United Policyholders supported the measure, arguing it would simply give policyholders more time to collect benefits they already purchased, and clarified that it was not intended to increase coverage beyond policy limits. The committee later amended the resolution to direct the DCCA Insurance Division to prioritize investigation and enforcement of clean claims complaints. In the decision meeting, the committee recommended and adopted passage of HCR 203/HR 193 as is, HCR 204/HR 194 with an amendment removing the eighth whereas clause, HCR 202/HR 192 with an amendment adding a committee representative to the task force, HCR 125/HR 117 as is, and HCR 137/HR 129 with amendments. The committee also heard SB 2960 SC1 on property insurance, which would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to document replacement-cost claims. The Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurers Council opposed it, warning it could force coverage beyond policy limits and increase premiums, while United Policyholders supported it and said it would help disaster survivors recover benefits they already paid for; members questioned whether similar laws in other states had caused premium spikes and clarified that the bill was not intended to exceed policy limits. The committee also heard SB 2347 SD1 on multilingual tenant-rights notices, with OHA, Hawaii Appleseed, and others supporting the bill but urging restoration of language requiring landlords to directly provide the notice at lease signing. Finally, SB 2272 SD1 HD1 on home health licensing drew support from the Department of Health, SHPDA, and the Health Care Association of Hawaii, with the association requesting an effective date amendment; testimony explained that the bill would allow state licensing compliance to be demonstrated through CMS-approved accreditation or certification surveys, potentially reducing duplication and freeing state resources.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2026.
  • this act. how much education or what kind of training would one undergo if they were going to participate
  • or... abuse, evidence in the commission of another act of domestic violence or abuse by the defendant
  • In this case, all the costs, the counseling, the having to go seek protection, all of those economic
  • of violence.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to address all of these issues that have come to the front and center of the House's concerns
  • You know, I heard a potentially swaths of 10 or 15 1,000 acres that go with data centers and are covered
  • Data centers, when they go in, are spending hundreds of millions of dollars if not billions in their
  • This is called the Data Center Ratepayer Protection Act.
  • , it's tied to loss of life, and while we would like to put things in place to protect the loss of life
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 1995, Florida passed the Labor Pool Act, establishing standards of conduct for labor pools to guarantee
  • and will help achieve the standard set by the Florida Customer Service Standards Act.
  • One of them would be data centers, and then we also did a little bit of work on where... ...and then
  • I know we prohibited golf courses and data centers, but what is allowed? You’re recognized.
  • In your amendment, it mentions, like we said, the prohibited golf courses and data centers, but still
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Community Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026

Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • demand, a significant portion of it is from AI data centers and other super users.
  • This bill revises Florida law regarding the regulation of large-scale data centers.
  • That the large load customers, such as large data centers, pay for their own cost of service and that
  • data centers out of the state of Florida, but just to make sure that residential ratepayers have access
  • a data center.
Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, utility, and transparency bills. SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations, by Sen. Rouson, was presented as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act for transit corridors. After adopting an amendment that removed the bill’s compelling-governmental-interest language in enforcement provisions, the committee heard testimony from local-government and housing interests both supporting and opposing the bill’s zoning preemption approach. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 1614, by Sen. Leek, which was amended to remove stormwater and code-enforcement spending provisions and to tighten restrictions on local governments seeking state appropriations after audits or without required affirmations. SB 1548, the next Live Local Act iteration by Sen. Claddie Ude, was also reported favorably; it expands where Live Local projects may be located and adds fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems, by Sen. McLean, was reported favorably after testimony from builders and energy-related stakeholders, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments to refine permit provisions. The committee then approved CS/SB 698, by Sen. Martin, which allows building permits for single-family homes to be issued before septic permits are finalized if application has been made, while still requiring septic approval before occupancy. Builders testified that septic permit delays were causing lengthy project delays and contract cancellations. The committee also reported favorably SB 1320, by Sen. Martin, requiring county tax-increase referenda to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available; the sponsor said the goal was to give voters more standardized fiscal information, while opponents argued existing law already provides similar transparency. SB 484, by Sen. Avila, on data centers, was reported favorably after an amendment adding a knowledge requirement to the foreign-country-of-concern service prohibition; the bill addresses local planning authority, nondisclosure agreements, utility tariff requirements, and water-use limits for large data centers. The committee also reported favorably SB 1118, by Sen. Avila, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center location and proprietary information, with testimony split between economic-development supporters and transparency concerns. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, by Sen. Mayfield, preempting naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designating Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark conditions; it was reported favorably after questions about local input and airport naming. The committee then heard extensive public testimony on SB 1134, by Sen. Yarbrough, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI and would create penalties and a private right of action for residents. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded DEI programs and cited examples from Jacksonville and other jurisdictions; opponents said the bill was vague, overbroad, and would chill local programs, public education, and civil-rights-related activities. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on SB 1134, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • what the ratepayer impact of that return would be.
  • Department of Energy data.
  • Department of Energy data.
  • and part of that judgment call is thinking about the impact of the cost of that return to the customers
  • of that return to the impact of the cost of that return to the<00:52:34.160> customers.
Summary: The committee approved the March 5, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3458, as amended, which would exempt tribes from utility exclusive rights and assigned service areas. The bill’s author and the Upper Sioux community chairman said the measure was prompted by a dispute over a solar project at the tribal casino and argued the issue is really about tribal sovereignty, not solar, citing tribal civil regulatory authority and prior court cases. The amendment A1 was adopted before testimony. Testimony was split. Chairman Kevin Jensel of the Upper Sioux community strongly supported the bill, saying the tribe should not be forced to follow utility service territories and that the state should correct a long-standing omission in law. Derek Mo of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association opposed the bill, warning it would undermine the regulatory compact, reliability, long-term planning, and financing for electric service, especially in tribal areas. Justin Johns of East Central Energy also opposed the bill, but emphasized that many cooperatives have productive tribal partnerships and said his co-op has worked successfully with the Mille Lacs Band on solar, resilience, and workforce efforts; he cautioned that removing service obligations could leave difficult-to-serve areas underinvested. Members discussed whether the Public Utilities Commission process already underway should be allowed to resolve the dispute and whether the bill’s scope could extend beyond the current solar issue. The chair responded that the bill was a legislative approach to a problem that had not been resolved and said the amendment addressed concerns about removing the obligation to serve. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted to re-refer House File 3458, as amended, to the General Register.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • The PAC Act is a linchpin of modern-day protection of veterans.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and whistleblower protection act of 2017 provided the
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 provided VA with
  • and addiction therapy quality of care act and the vet pass act of 2025 and caring survivors act of 2025
  • Amendment Protection Act from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the National Disability
Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The majority of us are captive customers of regulated for-profit monopolies.
  • needs of our our atrisisk customers. needs of our our atrisisk customers.
  • would become part of the ratepayers' cost because you don't just eat all of those.
  • would become part of the ratepayers' cost because you don't just eat all of those.
  • would become part of the ratepayers' cost because you don't just eat all of those.
Bills: HF4236, HF4122, HF4377
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Third reading of the bill, House Bill 2947 by Greggo of the House and Woods of the Senate, an act relating
  • Third reading of the bill, House Bill 2980 by Banning of the House and Guthrie of the Senate, an act
  • Third reading of the bill, House Bill 3082 by Kelly of the House and Hines of the Senate, an act relating
  • House Bill 4335 by More of the House and Hamilton of the Senate, an act relating to animals.
  • for data centers.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I appreciate the goals of the Fix Our Forest Act, which we will discuss more today.
  • those of us on the ground to act quickly because we can break free of this. cycle of catastrophic wildfire
  • land use planning, adoption of building codes, supporting protection of critical watersheds and water
  • Act. This is really about all types of landscapes impacted by fire.
  • I think the other piece of this is the value of the Fireshed Center in helping states like North Dakota
Bills: HB471
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.