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HJ 46

Study resolution on data centers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Millett

HJ 46 would have directed a legislative interim study to examine data centers’ energy use, grid impacts, siting, incentives, and policy options.

(S) Died in Standing Committee
#energy #legislature #interimstudies #utilities
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Bill Summary · HJ 46

Summary — HJ 46: Study resolution on data centers

Status: Died in Senate Standing Committee (S) — 2025-05-22
Introduced: 2024-11-07
Primary sponsor: Rep. Tom Millett
Bill type: Joint resolution (study resolution)
Subjects: Energy; Legislature; Interim Studies; Utilities
Related: LC 933 (replaced by HJ 46)

Purpose and intent

HJ 46 is a legislative study resolution directing the legislature to examine issues related to data centers. As a study resolution (a non‑binding joint resolution), its primary purpose is to authorize an interim study to gather information, hear testimony, and develop findings or recommendations for future legislative action concerning data centers and their interaction with energy and utility systems.

Key provisions (based on classification and subject)

The bill text is not included in the provided record. As a study resolution, HJ 46 would typically have done the following if enacted:
- Establish an interim study committee or direct an existing legislative committee to study data center issues.
- Specify topics or questions for study (likely focusing on energy demand, utility grid impacts, siting and permitting, incentives, environmental effects, water use, workforce needs, and regulatory or policy options).
- Require committee meetings, public hearings, and stakeholder testimony.
- Set a reporting requirement to the legislature (e.g., a final report with findings and policy recommendations by a specified date).

Because the formal text was not provided, the exact scope, membership, reporting deadlines, or any directive for staff/appropriations cannot be confirmed from the available information.

Who would be affected

  • State and local legislative committees (would conduct or oversee the study).
  • Utilities and utility regulators (subject of study regarding grid impacts, interconnection, and rates).
  • Data center operators, tech companies, and developers (subjects of study and potential witnesses).
  • Host communities, environmental stakeholders, workforce and training programs.
    Note: HJ 46 itself would not change law or impose regulatory requirements — it would only direct study and reporting.

Procedural history and timeline

  • 2024-11-07: Drafting process initiated (drafter assigned; draft on hold).
  • 2025-03–04/2025: Draft stages completed and bill introduced in the House.
  • 2025-04-04: Introduced in House; referred to House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations.
  • 2025-04-08 to 04-10: House committee hearing and executive action; committee reported bill passed.
  • 2025-04-15 to 04-16: Passed 2nd and 3rd readings in the House; transmitted to the Senate 04-16-2025.
  • 2025-04-17: First reading in Senate and referred to Senate Energy, Technology & Federal Relations.
  • 2025-04-24: Senate committee hearing; HJ 46 was tabled in committee.
  • 2025-05-22: Died in Senate Standing Committee (did not advance to the Senate floor).

Impact and next steps

  • Because HJ 46 died in committee, no formal interim study under this resolution was authorized and no report was produced under this measure.
  • If policymakers want the study, they could reintroduce the resolution in a future session, attach similar study language to other legislation, or direct a legislative committee or the nonpartisan staff (e.g., legislative research office) to undertake comparable work.
  • A completed study could inform future legislation on utility planning, incentives, permitting, environmental protections, and workforce development tied to data center growth.

If you want, I can draft a likely scope-of-study outline (specific questions and stakeholders) that a committee using HJ 46 might have pursued.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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