HB 1723-FN (2026): requiring utilities and electric grid operators to assess and report the vulnerability of high-voltage transformers to geomagnetic and electromagnetic disturbances, and to recommend mitigation measures to protect the state electric infrastructure.

HB 1723-FN (2026)

requiring utilities and electric grid operators to assess and report the vulnerability of high-voltage transformers to geomagnetic and electromagnetic disturbances, and to recommend mitigation measures to protect the state electric infrastructure.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Science, Technology and Energy
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Energy and Utilities
• Chapter law: 310

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Science, Technology and Energy committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 14, 2026, with 4 people signed in online: 3 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee held a work session on February 2, 2026. The committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026 and March 3, 2026. The majority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0935h), and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 13–3. The report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0935h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 12, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 12, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 31, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1307s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1307s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 9, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 9, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote, then referred it on to the Senate Finance committee. The committee voted unanimously, 7–0, to recommend that the Senate study it after the session ends, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on May 7, 2026. On May 7, 2026 the Senate adopted “Special Order to 05/14/2026, Without Objection”. The committee voted unanimously, 7–0, to recommend that the Senate study it after the session ends. On May 14, 2026 the Senate failed “Refer to Interim Study” on a voice vote. A floor amendment (2026-1811s), offered by Sen. David Watters, was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 21, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1811s and 2026-1307s” on a division vote 186–153, on a motion by Rep. Vose. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2026-2158e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor signed it on July 10, 2026, making it Chapter 310 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Rita Mattson (R - Ches 18) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Keith Ammon (R - Hills 42)
• Rep. Brian Cole (R - Hills 26)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. Kat McGhee (D - Hills 35)
• Rep. Mary Murphy (R - Hills 27)
• Rep. James Qualey (R - Ches 18)
• Sen. Denise Ricciardi (R - SD9)
• Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinière (R - Rock 30)
• Rep. John Schneller (R - Hills 2)
• Rep. Douglas Thomas (R - Rock 16)
• Rep. Michael Vose (R - Rock 5)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 14, 2026, 1:00 PM: public hearing, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• February 2, 2026, 10:30 AM: subcommittee work session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• February 17, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• March 3, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 159
• March 12, 2026: floor debate, House
• March 31, 2026, 9:00 AM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103
• April 9, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• May 7, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 12, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0935h — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1307s — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Refer to Interim Study — voice vote, failed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1811s — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1811s and 2026-1307s — yeas 186, nays 153, passed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 33
• HC 10, page 72
• HJ 8, pages 63 and 65
• SJ 7
• SC 12
• SC 13
• SJ 8
• SC 17
• SJ 11
• SC 18
• SJ 12
• HJ 14, page 22
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, pages 48 and 56
• SJ 15