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House Energy schedules ADS bill markup; plans broad testimony on energy-economy study next week
Summary
The committee laid out a week of testimony including an Agency of Digital Services review, FY26 budget discussion, and broad data testimony on H.125 (energy economy study); the committee emphasized written testimony and asked agencies to state their positions on bills in advance.
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee used part of its Feb. 14 meeting to preview next week’s agenda, telling members they should expect extended testimony on H.125, an energy-economy study bill, and possible markup and a vote on Agency of Digital Services (ADS) legislation later in the week.
"If we feel that it's ready ... we'll have a committee discussion of the ADS bill," Representative Kathleen James, chair, said while describing the committee’s plan for legislative council to assist during markup. The schedule includes testimony from Secretary Riley Hughes of the Agency of Digital Services on the ADS reporting bill and on ADS’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, plus witnesses from the auditor’s office, the Joint Fiscal Office and the Department of Public Service.
Committee members said they want agencies to supply written testimony and to state their positions on bill language when testifying. "Where do they stand on it? Thoughts on the language, feedback on the language," James said, urging that this become standard procedure for invited agencies.
The committee’s planning notes include half-hour blocks for officials to explain where relevant data lives, who maintains it, and what gaps exist. The goal for H.125 testimony is to compile data sources and draft language to help the committee decide next steps for the energy-economy study.
Members also noted scheduling for industry testimony: CTIA representatives will appear in two back-to-back slots addressing different broadband bills in the afternoon; Claire Buckley of Lanon Public Affairs, representing CTIA, told the committee that "the bill does apply to fixed wireless," signaling that wireless carriers expect portions of pending wired-broadband legislation to cover fixed-wireless services.
The committee is tentatively planning a Friday markup and possible vote on the ADS bill depending on how testimony develops. Members emphasized that committee business tied to budgets (ADS FY26) and bill language will drive how quickly the committee moves items to markup.
No formal actions or votes were taken during the scheduling discussion; committee staff will distribute a more detailed weekly plan and members asked staff to remind witnesses to provide written testimony and a declared position on bills before appearing.
