[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6636334,"mediaKeyId","2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2","parentId",2611286,"title","Committee weighs bill to bar utilities from charging customers for lobbying, trade dues","audioSeconds",80,"startMs",295000,"endMs",375000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2&start=295&end=375","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2/thumbnail_295000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6636334/Maryland/Committee-weighs-bill-to-bar-utilities-from-charging-customers-for-lobbying-trade-dues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636334-cc24523a578e3a1d770f1281dcd861bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1776245423&Signature=aAV4r1kweG7hOC~Bfb9rwX6Wl755HZBuM7cANIXuc46CxJQAHM0JAJL907U2L-PTKuG7Y0yMnYB3HhzxP16xf8IcvLCHX9XbOHDIdPju7w59wu9WfHgcVEhPB~m62lzv3aDCmQHHmx73Uhjglq3vS1YwNRRucNCAFqsWpUsj~f4gT6IBBxG0Gi2HVFMAWDeSXCnKdIu0ySA7f11xx~L0tVjp3aSsmz9o6Gbijb~ka0kiQ0z9lGrN-H6W4uxXbxDAjJLxKYa9z1cGerv0AlqYFLQtcuwIxkxcmATZ6T44R6vWrZXiwOYxRrwoPcT1QxN~2OSgY-O1m6Vl~TbzQn6j2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Economic Matters","date","2025-03-13T19:52:55.04Z","article","Members of the House Economic Matters Committee heard hours of testimony on House Bill 960, the \"Ratepayer Freedom Act,\" which would tighten limits on the corporate expenses that investor-owned utilities can recover through customer rates, and would require itemized disclosures to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Proponents, including consumer advocates and policy groups, said ratepayers should not unknowingly underwrite lobbying, public-relations campaigns, entertainment or trade-association expenses. \"This bill does not prevent utility companies from engaging in lobbying activities or political activities, but what it does is it makes the utilities use their own money instead of rate payer dollars,\" a witness said. Supporters pointed to studies and recent decisions in other states where regulators disallowed recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars as evidence that clearer law and reporting would yield savings and accountability.

Utilities and industry representatives urged an unfavorable report. Witnesses from BGE, PEPCO/Delmarva and Columbia Gas said existing statutes, PSC regulations and rate-case scrutiny already limit or exclude recoverable lobbying expenses and warned the bill's expanded definitions could sweep in routine planning and technical work. BGE testified that lobbying costs as defined in Maryland ethics law are already charged to shareholders, not customers, and that the bill would inappropriately single out investor-owned utilities.

Committee questions focused on the bill's definitions (including how to treat industry membership dues and whether briefings or invited appearances count as lobbying), administrative burdens, and the fiscal note. Panelists debated examples from other states and past rate cases: supporters cited Connecticut and Colorado regulators who disallowed over $600,000 and $775,000 respectively in requested recoveries; proponents also referenced a 2011–2020 national figure cited in testimony of about $1.1 billion in recovered lobbying costs. Utilities countered that PSC review already assesses the portion of trade-association dues attributable to lobbying and that fare allocation is made in rate-case proceedings.

No formal committee vote was recorded during the hearing. Supporters asked for a favorable report to allow the bill to proceed; utilities requested an unfavorable report, saying the proposal is duplicative and would impose new compliance costs and uncertainties.

Supporting testimony and written materials were entered for the record; committee staff indicated some written testimony would be added to the bill file for members' review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ECM Committee Session, 3/13/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","House Economic Matters Committee members heard testimony on HB 960, the Ratepayer Freedom Act, which would bar utilities from charging customers for lobbying, certain advertising and trade-association expenses and require itemized reporting to the Public Service Commission.","taxTitle","Economic Matters Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15059,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6636337,"Panel hears bill to add domestic-violence awareness training to barber and cosmetology licensure",56,66000,122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2&start=66&end=122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2/thumbnail_66000.jpg","/articles/6636337/Maryland/Panel-hears-bill-to-add-domestic-violence-awareness-training-to-barber-and-cosmetology-licensure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636337-76a87198db5050e81a29d468606aa838/orig.mp4?Expires=1776245423&Signature=SQSA-Fc4zD46PAb9uvZULneIHa0~uhHgVn6KqbcMObJu24X-Zt96mCIXSjyAqcj3NSsQhqNsYZw4I4D4SFI36mqadbIUjE3exHauoNxbht5VQpjnkaOv4W7P4ulyfECeydxLgp6gcf8CiMkx8L3ZeR6slhPv3PT98J9bUaREwuWkNFY-iFwTGNyjREZjq7fMKf8nnh64satJ4kNeIpdE5D-bzFa26WuLwhw-FF8L8RziDJjDlggqgrRFbcAqeQQRApd-v7LfTOo9xLpi5Ij3clwjDn-lf676k3BDggqpqPt1h1eMQLz6sZc5tYxRwdMDKk66ohC7lXoLuDWHLzttTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Economic Matters Committee members heard testimony in support of House Bill 1547, which would require barbers and cosmetologists to complete a one-hour domestic-violence awareness training as part of licensure requirements.

Supporters said salons and barbershops are places where victims sometimes disclose abuse and that a short, standardized training would help cosmetology professionals recognize warning signs and connect clients to resources. \"HB 1547 ensures barbers and cosmetologists complete a 1 hour training program developed by the Maryland Department of Labor,\" a testifier said, adding the training would teach recognition, compassionate engagement and referrals.

Testimony emphasized the training is intended to be additive to existing protections and not punitive. A testifier who identified having personal experience with isolation and domestic violence urged a favorable report, saying the bill helps ensure victims \"never be standing alone.\"

Committee members asked brief clarifying questions about the bill's scope and documentation; no formal vote was recorded at the hearing. The sponsor and proponents requested a favorable committee report so the legislation can proceed to later stages of consideration.","A House Economic Matters Committee hearing featured testimony in support of HB 1547, which would require a one-hour domestic-violence awareness training developed by the Maryland Department of Labor for barber and cosmetology licensure.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6636320,"Committee reviews cleanup bill clarifying storage, aggregation and VPP rules from DRIVE Act",204,5322000,5526000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2&start=5322&end=5526","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2/thumbnail_5322000.jpg","/articles/6636320/Maryland/Committee-reviews-cleanup-bill-clarifying-storage-aggregation-and-VPP-rules-from-DRIVE-Act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636320-07b6c39ac581f5ffd84e29bb70380981/orig.mp4?Expires=1776245423&Signature=XEE18H3lKUUVjT9mYNWC3apCqgliYPx2KL9XBV75PQGLRFRnUdR40iYlzNDh657rPL2VhetCvV4VJYSk0gJBTm1NN6kismIxzeot20lFN42khv2O5Ew2xBncQfk5kjmrbHTbFjIBJlO1LVRLPqRW7b0Eu77mgdaGxGkxcl8xfvOTTKGBT8qU4cid77d5~trtAfYsvqlMC2e6-FHlBKvCpxE8hbblBHFChoJr63zi8u-W4GPyTdlFvwVoyiULr4H8gvuKO5vXhGo9wgVJL6fOGxFbEus~pvVnC2ETF2Sg9Nxi35Q9XuF1Hanhos31w-Xuu7lDvYM25KX6o~fhajQHRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Economic Matters Committee members reviewed House Bill 1419, presented as cleanup and clarification to the DRIVE Act passed last year. The bill removes language classifying certain costs as a regulatory asset (a change sponsors said eliminates the treatment and its associated recovery), clarifies that behind-the-meter aggregators are not electric companies, directs the Public Service Commission to review energy-storage systems enacted in other jurisdictions and permits use of telematics where utilities lack smart meters to enable participation in programs.

Supporters including Sunrun said the bill helps clarify regulatory treatment for distributed energy resource (DER) aggregators and virtual power plants (VPPs), enabling more customer participation in aggregated battery programs. Witnesses described case examples — including use of vehicle-to-grid-capable batteries for peak demand reduction — and urged passage to accelerate program launches.

Committee members had no extended objections during the hearing; sponsors characterized the bill as technical cleanup rather than a substantive policy change. No committee vote was recorded at the hearing.","HB 1419 amends the DRIVE Act provisions passed last year: it removes a proposed regulatory asset treatment, clarifies that behind-the-meter aggregators are not electric companies, directs PSC to evaluate storage practices in other states and permits use of telematics where utilities lack smart meters.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6636325,"Bill would direct DGS to pilot renewable natural gas procurement and fund a university study on biogas",873,4178000,5051000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2&start=4178&end=5051","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2/thumbnail_4178000.jpg","/articles/6636325/Maryland/Bill-would-direct-DGS-to-pilot-renewable-natural-gas-procurement-and-fund-a-university-study-on-biogas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636325-85427c3e5ff08a2383eab78187fcaa5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776245423&Signature=gAgy0NYEFRQXClhOBmFlsGWiR~JOn-Gp3~gpqRToTND86Viwt6dj0129Maiu~TM-2R9Grn0bRRIL3o6PvKOelgpva5cnwyFzqBkKKjfck18If3VNw75J3gQWVfYnDMDf3ylWfg8cQrwTFw5CNdCmgiX5SElol7IJsS9jLrLjGIRb4mCzScXuoJyAUdmIRCwo3eWYGZsdB3ROPTAF4WDvmdFK7Viljlqb~kc8KEOAmXG4Vzn0-zUVm777k0HzrZCbIo2jm89aI-8JZhL4b1HscD2KL3IyC4OvA08I6FH6~lHUhfiaLA7m77p15VOtW6x0TMVk3u0Z7sjbtp2xObO~Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Chris Adams introduced House Bill 1417, which would establish a clean-energy procurement pilot within the Department of General Services (DGS). The pilot would require DGS, when purchasing natural gas for state facilities, to review availability and price of renewable natural gas (RNG/biogas) and to procure RNG if commercially reasonable. The bill also requires an environmental life-cycle study by the University of Maryland assessing biogas advantages relative to fossil natural gas.

Industry witnesses and proponents, including representatives of companies working in anaerobic digestion and a university researcher, described biogas as a ready, pipeline-compatible fuel that can reduce methane emissions when diverted from landfills, wastewater or manure lagoons. A University of Maryland professor who testified said capture and use of methane from organic waste converts a potent greenhouse gas (methane) into biogenic CO2 when combusted and can provide further emissions reductions by offsetting fossil fuels.

Testimony reviewed existing operations in Maryland (including a digester in Jessup and farm-scale digesters) and discussed barriers such as infrastructure, capture rates at landfills and the price differential between RNG and fossil natural gas. Witnesses noted the bill leaves procurement decisions to DGS if price and availability are adequate and that the pilot aims to spur market growth rather than mandate purchases at unfavorable cost. Utilities and industry witnesses expressed general support for the pilot approach.

Committee members asked technical questions about life-cycle emissions, capture rates, infrastructure constraints and procurement flexibilities. No vote was recorded; proponents requested a favorable report.","HB 1417 would create a Department of General Services pilot to check annually for available renewable natural gas (RNG/biogas) when procuring gas for state facilities and requires a University of Maryland environmental life-cycle study of biogas.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6636330,"Bill would create streamlined CPCN path for 2–5 MW community solar projects, proponents say",910,3211000,4121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2&start=3211&end=4121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611286-2957544979e4d78ecda8830dbd4c01f2/thumbnail_3211000.jpg","/articles/6636330/Maryland/Bill-would-create-streamlined-CPCN-path-for-25-MW-community-solar-projects-proponents-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636330-ed9a88f8d3ade50985f1317b002f24a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776245423&Signature=mItQTCBX1h0ANRiTVY9eNvZ1UBRQF99Jo7pNLxaTe~JnaxpqXA4DbvMIMjm8G7BoBncu2JhMptJoGbhNl5Ry7Mruc~q3MCo9oL0OGBkZOoxp-tDafKcyJ0biesKiJ5JfGY9yFN9RnWgeppoi~z2GOCz-oh4ai1NlPOMuq0T0LMATa61Yih52vF45uwE-sjJrlWQkpqhtFw165vswuV61zb0xzhiyAcJgvNbOXK93w2~Sdv7FwIVtP95SeeeJ0KeYPrCY-4yT7CTLsE1C~gSR-bbuIsqGF67OLKdskBMkS~e50Ei3R91HAtxztR0~4f31~nw2yVMQ84fvRYlRhrDxLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 827 would create a separate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) pathway for community solar projects sized between 2 and 5 megawatts, allowing the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) to set standardized siting and design requirements aimed at faster project review.

Sponsor remarks and industry witnesses described the permanent community solar program adopted in 2023 as successful and said a substantial increase in applications has created a backlog. Advocates and industry groups told the committee the current CPCN process is designed for large power plants and imposes time-consuming, evidentiary procedures on small community solar projects; HB 827 would create a right-sized DG CPCN with objective standards developed through a stakeholder process led by PPRP.

Witnesses said the proposed process would require PPRP to convene stakeholders to develop standards for setbacks, stormwater, erosion control, landscape screening and public safety, aligned with the state's renewable energy goals. Proponents indicated the standards are expected to be more stringent but would be published in advance, giving developers the option of meeting them for a faster review or proceeding through the regular CPCN process. Industry witnesses said a DG CPCN could reduce administrative burden for regulators and reduce project variability.

Committee members asked technical questions about project footprint (witnesses estimated roughly 5–8 acres per megawatt) and whether public hearings would still be required; proponents said hearings would continue. Panelists noted amendments had been circulated to address fiscal impacts and to allow PSC and PPRP cost recovery so the fiscal note could be offset. No final action was taken during the hearing.","HB 827 would establish a distributed-generation (DG) CPCN process tailored to 2–5 megawatt community solar projects, with stakeholder-developed siting and design standards meant to speed permitting while adding upfront, objective requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee weighs bill to bar utilities from charging customers for lobbying, trade dues

Panel hears bill to add domestic-violence awareness training to barber and cosmetology licensure

Committee reviews cleanup bill clarifying storage, aggregation and VPP rules from DRIVE Act

Bill would direct DGS to pilot renewable natural gas procurement and fund a university study on biogas

Bill would create streamlined CPCN path for 2–5 MW community solar projects, proponents say