Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to adjust and reasonable rate of return. to adjust and reasonable rate of return.
• It also ensures that our rates are fair and reasonable.
• It also ensures that our rates are fair and reasonable.
• Our rates are fair and reasonable.
• c> the</c><01:04:28.319><c> public</c> are just, reasonable and in the public are just, reasonable and

Bills: HF3458, HF3777, HF3778, HF3912

Keywords: electric utilities, service areas, Tribal lands, Minnesota statute, energy regulation, utility rates, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, ratepayer, consumer protection, affordable energy, energy affordability, ability to pay, just and reasonable rates, rate regulation, electric rates, natural gas rates, energy conservation, renewable energy

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's just not how it works. So I just say that on the front end.
• And also, if we do have the bill, we just want the TCEQ to decide what treatment... ...and then y'all
• There have been two rate increases, and we received letters saying that there would be maintenance and
• And I think one of the issues is just lack of education and awareness.
• You can come in and literally the trees are just orange and black. It’s awesome.

Bills: HB630, HB685, HB1318, HB2692

Keywords: outboard motors, certificate of title, vessel regulation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, marine documentation, HB 685, municipal utility rates, water rates, sewer rates, local government code, rate discrimination, tax-exempt entities, sales tax exemption, ad valorem tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, charitable organizations, municipal water service, municipal sewer service, utility billing, public utilities

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with no quorum at the start, but later reached quorum and took up several bills. House Bill 2692, codifying the San Antonio River Authority’s enabling legislation and making non-substantive modernization changes, received brief supportive testimony from the River Authority and was left pending before later being voted out favorably. House Bill 685, which would prevent municipalities from charging higher water or sewer rates to tax-exempt entities than comparable customers, also drew support and was reported favorably. House Bill 1318, clarifying compensation issues when a municipality decertifies part of a retail water utility’s service area, was heard without opposition and passed out of committee. House Bill 630, exempting certain older outboard motors from title requirements, likewise passed and was placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 2497, relating to filtration systems for certain public drinking water systems. Senator Zaffirini described the bill as a response to ongoing secondary water quality complaints, while TCEQ testified that such contaminants are aesthetic rather than health-based and that the water remains safe to drink if primary standards are met. The Texas Rural Water Association opposed the bill as written, arguing filtration may not solve most water quality problems and could be costly for small systems, while a consumer witness from Floresville supported it and described repeated rate increases and brown water after a filtration system was removed. Members discussed narrowing the bill through a committee substitute and emphasized the need for flexibility and technical expertise; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Kolkhorst later asking to be recorded as voting no. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2850, which would create a pollinator task force to study habitat loss, public education, and best practices for protecting bees and other pollinators. Senator Menendez and invited witness Erica Thompson of Texas BeeWorks highlighted major colony losses and the economic importance of pollinators to Texas agriculture, and Environment Texas and the Texas Beekeepers Association supported the measure. Members discussed monarch butterflies, native grasses, milkweed, and conservation efforts, and the bill was reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. After testimony, the committee also voted out several pending items, including House Bill 5560 with a committee substitute addressing water-loss penalties and infrastructure improvements, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water contaminants and repeated excessive rate increases.
• want it fixed, and that's just not how it works.
• And the reason is that we are very interested, and we really agree that good water quality is something
• There have been two rate increases, and we received letters saying that there would be maintenance and
• She keeps telling me red tabs, and I'm just keeping order.

Bills: HB630, HB685, HB1318, HB2692

Keywords: outboard motors, certificate of title, vessel regulation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, marine documentation, HB 685, municipal utility rates, water rates, sewer rates, local government code, rate discrimination, tax-exempt entities, sales tax exemption, ad valorem tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, charitable organizations, municipal water service, municipal sewer service, utility billing, public utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just saying that because what happened and the article starts spinning and they say they directed
• If I go down to the beach and just pick up a fish, will they ticket me? just pick up a fish.
• Will they ticket me and charge me? I just don't think that's right.
• It just washes up under people and makes a big mess of rocks and... Big mess of rocks and...
• The TVA, the local sheriff, yeah, yeah, and that's the reason they...

Bills: HB55, HB212

Keywords: fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, HB212, aquatic plants, public waters, state waters, waterways, water management, aquatic vegetation, weed removal, vegetation control, lake management, river management, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR

Transcript Highlights:

• agencies about their liability and such, and I just want you to go over that.
• that children are protected from potentially harmful content and interactions. age ratings and secure
• Um, and so I would just... a couple of things, I guess, for...
• Um, and then the only question, I guess that was just clarification in my mind.
• Does that relate to just whoever buys a phone and sets up and adds that child as a minor?

Bills: HB285, HB317

Keywords: HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, law enforcement, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law, Section 12-12-56, Children and Senior Advocacy, House Judiciary, reasonable effort

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the old rate system for this process and the old rate system for this process and it's<00:03:01.800
• </c> rate moratorium exception process and rate moratorium exception process and periodically<00:04:43.800
• rates that attract and retain providers.
• rate and allocates minimum reimbursement rate and allocates minimum one-time<00:08:43.680><c> funding
• 00:26:37.120><c> your</c> service animals and just go to your service animals and just go to your property

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• understand why and what the rate should have been, because obviously you can't just keep taking money
• rates are developed and finalized.
• And of course, buying down rates with reserves is sometimes prudent. Rate caps can be prudent.
• So I'll just be brief and say that although it is a...
• “Just quickly, and we can talk offline. And Tammy and I’ve discussed this a little bit also.

Bills: SB6136, SB6188, SB5944

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial insurance, premium rates, rate transparency, actuarial rates, contingency reserves, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, risk classifications, employer premiums, insurance regulation, rate setting, premium increase limits, workers' compensation advisory committee, retrospective rating, state insurance fund, accident and medical aid funds, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> they</c><00:25:07.880><c> will</c> and the reason why they're in they will and the reason why they're
• And when the PUC just recently approved And when the PUC just recently approved this<00:50:33.040><c>
• And can I just add to the discussion here?
• </c> just pull and fix all of this at once. just pull and fix all of this at once.
• </c><01:32:39.040><c> prices</c> and instead of just raising prices and instead of just raising prices

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:17.160><c> so</c><00:02:18.000><c> we</c> rate um process I guess and so we rate um process
• </c><00:02:35.120><c> it's</c><00:02:35.760><c> um</c> rate system for this process and it's um rate
• facility rate moratorium exception process<00:04:16.560><c> and</c><00:04:16.880><c> periodically</c
• nursing home rate when these things<00:04:33.680><c> happen</c><00:04:34.639><c> and</c><00:04:34.800
• They're kind of just in an area there where they just missed her, and we think that they should qualify

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um the reason I Chair and members.
• And, and just an observation, um, two observations.
• c><00:13:30.399><c> observation,</c> And and and just an observation, And and and just an observation
• And I'll just say, too, Mr.
• down</c> and I think it's and it just comes down and I think it's and it just comes down to<01:08:38.960

Bills: HF4133, HF3419

Keywords: homeowner's insurance, peace officer, property damage, just compensation, exclusion policy, corporate powers, entity law, business corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC, limited liability company, cooperative, partnership, trust, foreign entity, campaign finance, election spending, political spending, ballot measure, ballot initiative

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lFg9jQehW8, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Today's meeting is also being broadcast with closed captioning on ‘Olelo Community Media's channel 49 and on the online stream: http://olelo.granicus.com/player/event/5589?view_id=13 Just press the CC button when you hover your mouse over the video screen. Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Monday, March 30, 2020 Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 1:00 p.m. Office of the Governor Ms. Linda C. Takayama, Chief of Staff 1:30 p.m. Department of Budget and Finance Director Craig Hirai 2:00 p.m. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Scott Murakami 2:30 p.m. Department of Human Services Director Pankaj Bhanot, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• four overall rates based on over 300 risk classes and also base individual rates on the experience of
• So we are asking L&I to publish the indicated rate for each class, and what that rate should have been
• rates are developed and finalized.
• We're trying to behave consistently with our priorities of steady and predictable rates, and so that's
• There are reasons for this transparency and equity.

Bills: SB5847, SB6067, SB6136, SB6014, SB5972, SB5869, SB5874, SB6058, SB6039, SB5944, SB6188

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial insurance, injured workers, medical provider network, occupational health, occupational medicine, medical care access, L&I, Department of Labor and Industries, self-insured employers, state fund claims, utilization review, provider credentialing, provider network, treatment guidelines, evidence-based medicine, claims management, claims managers, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have another member, but I just want to add one thing: the reason I brought up those dedicated
• And so I just want to start by work.
• /c> Um, and I I guess I would just really Um, and I I guess I would just really highlight<00:44:18.880
• </c> and I'm going to have uh Miss Parra just and I'm going to have uh Miss Parra just explain<01:08:
• And so I the reason why this bill is here and the reason why we were looking at it here is because, you

Bills: HF751, HF3550, HF3764, HF1490

Keywords: parental notification, school safety, bullying, harassment, violence, prohibited conduct, student discipline, charter school, school district, data practices, student privacy, parent rights, guardian notification, school incident reporting, cyberbullying, restraint, reasonable force, anti-bullying policy, school administration, student conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll just go back and I'll ask my ranking to begin, and then we'll just go back and forth.
• And I would love just a little bit more follow-up and understanding.
• The program started out at a 0.4% premium rate, and the most current rate, which just started in January
• And I think we do have time. I just want to make, I'm just going to check with.
• family and medical leave rates.

Bills: SB6014, SB5972, SB5869, SB5874

Keywords: pregnancy accommodations, pregnant workers, workplace accommodations, reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, lactation, breastfeeding, express milk, maternity leave, childbirth, pregnancy discrimination, employment law, labor and industries, L&I, confidential records, public records exemption, health care certification, workplace standards, employee rights, employer obligations

Transcript Highlights:

• for the ratepayers is anything but fair, just, and reasonable.
• But if you need more infrastructure, you just amortize it, get the rate, and recover through the rates
• Reasonable is the basis for all rate-making regulations, and awarding rate case expenses to one side
• without equal opportunity for the other side is anything but fair, just, and reasonable.
• , and reasonable decision.

Bills: SB1169, SB1285, SB1583, SB1611, SB1898, SB1976, SB2160, SB2161, SB2658, SB2661, SB2662, SB2692, SB1055, SB1359, SB2660

Keywords: water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer

Transcript Highlights:

• Limits are there for a reason, and if they choose to violate them, there will be consequences.
• Then at 30 days, you get to $300,000, and at 60 days, it remains $300,000. That's just $18 million.
• And that's what you just pointed to.
• PUC and TCEQ, and I just do worry a little bit about this falling into that trap of who does what and
• And I'm just reminded that this is important, but nothing's more important than who we do it with.

Bills: SB1169, SB1285, SB1583, SB1611, SB1898, SB1976, SB2160, SB2161, SB2658, SB2661, SB2662, SB2692, SB1055, SB1359, SB2660

Keywords: water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, that's Just the result of using the arithmetic that is in 36.102 today, it is unnecessary
• And that's what you just pointed to.
• Uh, judge ain't going to do that for public health and safety reasons.
• Ed McCarthy. chairs in the rates OK. And we'll go and call up Ashley Myers as well.
• TCEQ and I just do worry a little bit about this falling.

Bills: SB 1169, SB 1285, SB 1583, SB 1611, SB 1898, SB 1976, SB 2160, SB 2161, SB 2658, SB 2661, SB 2662, SB 2692, SB 1055, SB 1359, SB 2660

Keywords: water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer

Transcript Highlights:

• And just one final note, the attorney general even penned an opinion in 2006 and kind of confirmed that
• and just financial devastation.
• And I just feel that at this time, with the high rate of crime. I'm in the city of Houston.
• in service and it's just totally opposite.
• The issues are real and eviction. and civil judgments are important to litigants, and we just want everyone

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will just tell you, I spent half of the day, a week and a half of it, with all this on my docket
• Just thank you so I appreciate your time and circling back with the committee Just wanted to say thanks
• And it's not just me. It's the whole court.
• So it's it's just very hard to attract them without you know some reason for them to come and and I and
• And I understand. Not just based on the research and the data that I testify on, but I am.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Bills: HB109, HB136, HB 109, HB136, HB694, HB 1201, HB1716, HB2071, HB2216, HB2358, HB2807, HB2886, HCR78

Keywords: taxation, ballot propositions, public funding, voter information, transparency, training, public officials, candidates, requirements, political education, mental health, inpatient psychiatric facility, juvenile treatment, residential treatment facility, emotionally disturbed juveniles, Department of State Health Services, Health and Human Services Commission, state grant, facility construction, facility expansion