Transcript Highlights:

• Thermal energy networks are an innovative technology that Minnesota should continue to advance.
• an Thermal energy networks are an Thermal energy networks are an innovative<00:03:10.320> technology
• That could change a lot if the advancements in drilling technology continue, and so it is certainly feasible
• 00:08:21.520> drilling amazing advancements in drilling amazing advancements in drilling technology
• uh now all over the country, technology uh now all over the country, and<00:08:24.360> so,<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4122, and Representative Halons moved that the bill be laid over for possible inclusion. The committee first adopted the DE3 author’s amendment without objection. Halons explained that the bill, developed through the Thermal Energy Network Deployment Work Group and extensive stakeholder negotiations, would allow public utilities to build thermal energy networks and recover costs, while keeping the projects under Public Utility Commission oversight similar to electric and natural gas services. He noted a small technical correction may still be needed in the cost recovery language. Testimony was uniformly supportive. Aurora Vautrin of 100% Campaign said the bill advances Minnesota’s leadership on thermal energy networks and thanked the authors, work group, labor, and utility partners. Jamie Fitzke of CenterPoint Energy described the company’s planned thermal energy network pilot as part of the 2021 Natural Gas Innovation Act framework, emphasizing that the technology is promising but still new, especially in Minnesota’s extreme cold climate, and that the amended bill reflects substantial compromise and preserves PUC oversight and customer protections. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA supported the bill as a way to create jobs and use existing labor skills from gas, water, and related infrastructure work, while also noting that geothermal cost and drilling challenges remain. Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and its potential to make Minnesota a leader in thermal energy networks. In closing, Halons said the bill had gone through many iterations and acknowledged the compromise language, but stressed that it is a major step because it explicitly authorizes utilities to build TENS and rate recover, creating a foundation for future utility planning. The bill was then laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the substitute opens the door using technology like phone or video options in line with existing
• The problem we run into is technological, uh, needs not being met and the fact that we had a problem
• We don't have the technological, uh, accommodation when we do it at the HOA building.
• So you guys, you said you used, uh, video technology.
• Well, as long as we, you know, we can accommodate our technological needs, I don't see a problem with

Transcript Highlights:

• The requirement for cooling technology and perinatal bereavement care counseling options could expand
• Cooling technology to support family-centered bereavement care is an option that may be desired by families
• While this technology is available in many facilities, the cost is prohibitive for others, particularly
• This technology gives families the gift of time.
• structure that's in the committee substitute: first for facilities that don't already have this technology

Bills: HB18, HB742, HB754, HB1644, HB2187, HB1887, HB 1275, HB37, HB1503, HB1699, HB1700, HB2735, HB1741, HB1731, HB1675, HB18, HB37

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting, good faith report

Transcript Highlights:

• A 4.1 or 4.8 million total for information technology upgrades is adopted.
• Item 3, 78,000 for information technology upgrades is adopted. Now on page 37.
• Item D, advancing cybersecurity protections and technologies.
• Item B, maternal mortality and morbidity, information technology.
• Item 14, modernized surveillance utilization review technology.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Previous to this, he worked for Representative Priglian and was the executive director of the technology—was
• it the technology caucus?
• So perhaps we can also bring technology to bear. On our law enforcement along the border.
• And some possible solutions in terms of technology and other ways that we can also help combat issues
• Employing advanced tools to repel would-be illegal aliens and utilizing enhanced technology to interdict

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, there's work to be done, but we've also got multiple technology systems that need performance
• How can we accommodate that leveraging technology and virtual after-hour service deliveries?
• And of the $1.9 million, only $30,000 was spent on manufacturing and $10,000 on technology.
• But that's not great for our employers that need people in data security and cyber technology.
• And especially with the changes in our society due to AI and technology, we have many students.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a technology that has kind of rolled out, and we're catching up.
• This is a... ...technology that has kind of rolled out, and we're catching up.
• Technology all around us is developing all the time, and a lot of it is utilized.
• But specifying that we are going to purposely prohibit a technology that we have...
• I mean, it's a constant battle for technology. And distribution centers.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• So the use of grid-enhancing technologies, the use of non-wire solutions, the usage of voltage control
• I think their plan is let's try to bring this technology back.
• And they've activated enhanced geothermal systems as a potential clean firm technology.
• Enhanced geothermal systems as a potential clean firm technology. That was not before activated.
• Advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing. The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue. Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is technology just like any other technology.
• Any other technology, early investors are typically high-end, higher-wealth individuals.
• Just to clarify, Department of Tax, you said that was the high technology tax credit or the solar tax
• No, so the renewable energy technology tax credit.
• No, so the renewable energy technology tax credit. Thank you. Any other questions?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did contract with a company called CTC Technology and Energy, not to be confused with CTC, one of
• And then the technology feasibility: again, looking at the technologies, understanding the dollars we
• with a company called CTC uh technology with a company called CTC uh technology and<00:40:53.960
• c> then the technology feasibility so again then the technology feasibility so again looking<00:41:14.720
• > at<00:41:14.920> the<00:41:15.520> Technologies looking at the Technologies looking

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• supplies have increased technology supplies have increased technology minute<00:15:05.600> concerns
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities. Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years. MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• enterprise technology services. enterprise technology services.
• thinking on overnight about technology thinking on overnight about technology in<00:10:09.120>
• invested in technology invested in technology and<00:10:41.600> got<00:10:41.839> so
• in technology to catch up to the system. in technology to catch up to the system.
• the technology replacement request. the technology replacement request.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• technological technological leadership<01:53:08.560> the<01:53:08.719> next<01:53:09.079
• Technologies Technologies so<04:18:52.080> uh<04:18:52.720> if<04:18:52.880> it's
• overruns this is an emerging technology overruns this is an emerging technology and<04:31:09.520
• <04:31:12.720> that but it's it's a technology that but it's it's a technology that currently
• limited justifiable and Technology limited justifiable and Technology neutral neutral neutral they

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You will walk through the technology on this equipment.
• <00:10:30.079> through<00:10:30.880> uh<00:10:30.959> the<00:10:31.279> technology
• <00:10:31.760> on<00:10:32.000> this walk through uh the technology on this walk through
• uh the technology on this equipment<00:10:32.560> when<00:10:32.720> we<00:10:32.880><
• <00:10:39.440> um through and the advanced technology um through and the advanced technology

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman. Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made. In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal of 4402 is to ensure safety on Texas roads as autonomous truck technology becomes more common
• This gap creates immediate real-world safety risks as technology often advances faster than our ability
• So if there's no driver of the truck, are we going to go chase down the manufacturer of the technology
• The technology has not, not been there for them to take the driver out of these 18 wheelers.
• And, uh, you know, and then you're, you're finding out, uh, if they are, if they do have the technology

Bills: HB 341, HB 469, HB 971, HB 1624, HB 2721, HB 2959, HB 3365, HB 3731, HB 3793, HB 3861, HB 3946, HB 3966, HB 4348, HB 4401, HB 4402, HB 4924, HB 4966, HB 5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• specialties, a very busy emergency department, and a broad range of diagnostic and innovative technologies
• Supply chain issues have been particularly acute for the past five years in the construction and technology
• So we had to flip from one day to the next, quite literally, to use technology for delivering coursework
• Beyond infrastructure, the Higher Education Fund is also instrumental in technology acquisition from
• Sam Houston and universities across Texas to make targeted investments in deferred maintenance, technology

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• REQUIRING AI SOFTWARE PROVIDERS TO ADD PROVIDENCE DATA TO ANY CONTENT THAT IS GENERATED BY AI USING TECHNOLOGY
• SOFTWARE PROVIDERS TO GIVE USERS THE OPTION TO ADD DATA TO A AI MODIFIED IMAGE THAT IS CREATED USING TECHNOLOGY
• A NATIONAL BIPARTISAN NETWORK OF TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVES THAT PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF THE INNOVATION ECONOMY
• TECHNOLOGY POLICY ANALYST FOR JAMES MADISON HERE IN TALLAHASSEE.
• EVEN IF THE DEFINITION WERE NARROWED THE BILL MANDATES THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY THAT SIMPLY ISN'T READY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is a shuns and universities to make it even stronger through our commitment, growth, quality and technology
• It requires quality because it's the application of science and technology to the legal system.
• Another emerging technology is ability to use rapid DNA technology, and that can give limited DNA results
• families to identify 27 sets of remains last year alone through extensive research and emerging technology
• Additionally, it's important to note that just at the forefront of technology and to be able to solve

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Keeping up with that technology is very helpful for avoiding impacts to the state, and that's part of
• As you've heard during the hearings, information technology and cybersecurity are huge concerns as we
• assets... ...to the information and technology assets and cyber threats.
• Funding for information technology may enable the community college to keep pace with technology needs
• And we've also had turnover in our information and computer technology.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first up, Trung Lam for Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Thank you.
• I guess, uh, Hawaii Technology Development.
• And the last bill, HB 2545, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.
• and therefore should be changed to federal small business innovation research or small business technology
• transfer award and business technology transfer award and making<00:35:35.240> any<00:35:35.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years. HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it. The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.