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Committee approves housekeeping changes to Department of Energy; HB 266 placed on consent calendar
Summary
The Science, Technology and Energy Committee voted 17-0 in executive session to report HB 266 "ought to pass as amended," adopting a representative-proposed amendment described as housekeeping to clarify Department of Energy and Public Utilities Commission coordination; the measure was placed on the committee consent calendar.
The Science, Technology and Energy Committee voted 17-0 in executive session to report House Bill 266 "ought to pass as amended," adopting an amendment committee members described as a housekeeping change to clarify how the Department of Energy and the Public Utilities Commission coordinate.
The amendment (2998h) was introduced by Representative Harrington, who told the committee the change is intended to correct organizational and procedural problems that emerged after the Department of Energy was created without public hearings. "It's not that big of a deal. It's just an adjustment. It's like I say, it's housekeeping," Representative Harrington said during the morning work session.
Why it matters: committee members said the amendment clarifies responsibilities without creating new policy, and both agencies worked on the language before filing. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the amendment converted discretionary language into a mandate and noted a change from "may" to "shall" in one line; Harrington said the language was intended to make responsibilities more explicit and that the wording reflects existing statute and the interagency agreement.
Committee action and next steps: during the executive session Representative Harrington moved the committee report "ought to pass as amended" and Representative Nader seconded. The amendment 2998h was adopted on a 17-0 roll call, and the final motion to report HB 266 "ought to pass as amended" also carried 17-0. Committee leadership said the bill will go on the committee's consent calendar and Representative Harrington will prepare the calendar summary.
Details from the record: the amendment was characterized repeatedly as organizational housekeeping to resolve coordination issues between the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that emerged after the DOE's formation. Committee members said the changes were worked out with both agencies.
Looking ahead: the committee placed HB 266 on its consent calendar after the unanimous votes. The measure will move to the next stage of the legislative calendar with the committee's recommendation as amended.
