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Committee sends narrow transmission-permitting bill to general register

Energy Finance and Policy Committee · March 5, 2026

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Summary

House File 3802, which creates a narrow exemption from the certificate-of-need process for certain 69 kV rebuilds to 115 kV-capable structures while preserving route permitting and public engagement, passed the Energy Finance and Policy Committee and was referred to the general register.

Representative Hollins moved House File 3802 and its A1 amendment, which she said reflected stakeholder agreement including Great River Energy, the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Commerce. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Stacy Fujii, director of governmental affairs for Great River Energy, and Dan Lesher, GRE’s manager of transmission permitting and land rights, testified the measure would exempt narrow rebuild projects — generally under 100 kV and with at least 80% of work within existing right-of-way — from a full certificate-of-need review while leaving route-permit review and public engagement requirements intact. Lesher told the committee GRE operates about 3,000 miles of transmission under 100 kV and that many miles of 69 kV line statewide are aging.

Representative Hollins renewed her motion that HF3802, as amended, be referred to the general register; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The bill moves to the next step in the legislative process, with proponents saying it will streamline modest rebuilds that preserve existing corridors while preserving landowner notice and routing reviews.