Committee approves amendment to HB 15‑42 to redirect some renewable‑energy funds to general fund; bill reported Ought to Pass as amended

A House Ways and Means committee on April 16 adopted an amendment to HB 15‑42 that changes how money in the state Renewable Energy Fund is used in the near term.

Krisha, a legislative budget analyst, told the committee that the bill as amended would move about $6.45 million a year out of renewable energy programs and, for the 2026–27 biennium, transfer leftover fund balances to the general fund rather than rebating them to retail electric ratepayers. "The bill is amended currently, moves about 6,400,000 each year out of the renewable energy programs and sends it back to the rate payers," Krisha said while presenting the fiscal note.

The amendment that the committee adopted (amendment 2026‑10858) also removes language referring to "incentive payments" and explicitly directs administrative costs and funding for the Office of Energy Innovation before any transfer. Krisha said the change preserves funding for the office at roughly $300,000–$350,000 a year and allows the office to remain staffed and operational.

Committee members asked whether the proposal eliminates the Renewable Energy Fund or alternative compliance payments; Krisha replied that the alternative compliance payment revenue would continue to flow into the fund but that the amendment directs a portion to administration and, for the first biennium, to the general fund. She said the amendment would fund five positions but that the original bill would have jeopardized up to nine positions, yielding a net reduction of about four positions compared with current law.

Members split along policy lines. Representative Elberger said the budget is the legislature’s key policy statement and argued the change risks a "bait and switch" on renewable projects; Representative Opel and others countered that maintaining an Office of Energy Innovation preserves the state’s ability to pursue future innovation and grants. Several members questioned long‑term impacts on electricity prices and local renewable projects; DRA/LBA staff said precise long‑term price effects would require further analysis.

After debate, Representative Ulm moved adoption of amendment 2026‑10858. A roll call by the clerk recorded 10 yes, 8 no, and 1 absent; the amendment passed. The committee then voted to report HB 15‑42 Ought to Pass as amended; that motion likewise passed on a 10–8 roll call. The clerk announced the results: "The vote being 10 to 8, the amendment OTP on the amendment passes." The record shows Representative Ullery, Soddy, Steven Smith, Tierney, Cole, Breyer, Mary Ford, Mary Murphy, Chairman Genigian and others voting yes; the transcript includes the roll‑call list and each vote as called by the clerk.

Next steps: HB 15‑42 will proceed with the committee’s majority report to the full chamber; a minority ITL (inexpedient to legislate) report was also recorded. The committee indicated it expects further floor debate and potential amendments as the bill moves forward.

Ending: The committee closed its executive session on the bill after recording the votes and proceeded to other hearings on the calendar.