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House approves HB34 to require energy emergency plans; fiscal note and confidentiality provisions debated
Summary
House Bill 34 requires cities, counties, utilities and some private businesses to develop energy emergency plans coordinated by the Department of Public Safety; an amendment permits sensitive plans to be kept private under GRAMA; floor discussion highlighted a $70,000 fiscal note and limits on using Homeland Security funds.
The House approved House Bill 34, which requires local governments, utilities and certain private businesses to prepare energy emergency plans and gives the Department of Public Safety responsibility for coordination.
Representative Allen, sponsor of the bill, said the 1980 energy emergency plan needed updating and that modern risks include immediate pipeline failures and other sudden disruptions. Amendment No. 2 clarified that energy emergency plans could be kept confidential under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) to prevent operational details from public release.
Representative Falk asked about a $70,000 fiscal note; Allen and other members explained the amount represented expected costs to develop plans and that Homeland Security funds originally hoped for were restricted to WMD planning, so general funds or future appropriations would be needed. Representative Bigelow reminded newer members that fiscal notes above $10,000 require Senate holds and separate appropriation action; passing the bill does not guarantee funding.
The bill passed on the floor by recorded vote, 70 yes, 0 no; it will be referred to the Senate for consideration. Sponsors emphasized the law is intended to improve statewide readiness and clarify the governor's emergency powers for swift action.
