Transcript Highlights:

• So, there's kind of some underlying technology that could be utilized, but after talking with finance
• that backs crypto and things like that, is the security of the network and the security of the technology
• The security of the technology underlying it. Right. I second that. Okay.
• This work is from OIT, the Office of Information Technology.

Bills: HB227, HB556, HB543, HB542, HB482, HB483, HB484

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Grayson Gee, and I serve as a technology policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Repair should also make secondhand technology more affordable and accessible.
• With advances, our technology must remain competitive, and this bill offers a clear roadmap for that
• Modernizing manufacturing by adopting digital Technologies and automation is essential.
• I mean, there's been incredible advancements in technology when it comes to the manufacturing industry

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 3862, which would restrict social media app use for minors and limit smartphone/social media access in classrooms. Supporters, including representatives from Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media are linked to addiction, distraction, cyberbullying, and worsening youth mental health, and said the bill would help parents and schools protect children. After testimony, the committee left HB 3862 pending. Members then heard HB 3712, a construction retainage bill that would stop owners from withholding reserved funds on specially fabricated materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted, while still allowing retainage for labor and installation. Witnesses from the precast concrete industry said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk for subcontractors and suppliers. The bill was left pending after closing. The committee also heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for owners and independent repair providers, with carve-outs for medical devices, vehicles covered by existing repair agreements, trade secrets, and security protections. Support came from consumer, environmental, repair, and policy groups, while one witness from Safelite was neutral and urged removal of the MOU reference for auto manufacturers. HB 2963 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4308, which would create county industrial development districts to attract industrial employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and a board structure. Supporters, including the Fort Bend County commissioner, said the bill would help counties diversify tax bases and create jobs; the bill was left pending. Later, the committee took up several pending bills and voted to report HB 74, HB 112, HB 2214, HB 3016, HB 3133, HB 3173, HB 3807, HB 4063, HB 4115, HB 5008, and HB 2652 favorably to the full House, with some sent to the Local and Consent Calendars. The committee also heard HB 3874 on construction contract transparency and HB 4196 on creating a task force to modernize manufacturing, both of which were left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for re-roofing contractors; supporters said it would curb storm-chasing and protect homeowners, while one roofing contractor opposed it as too restrictive and argued existing fraud laws are sufficient. HB 3344 was also left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Repair should also make secondhand technology more affordable and accessible.
• With advances in technology, we must remain competitive.
• With advances in technology, we must remain competitive.
• Modernizing manufacturing by adopting digital technologies and automation is essential.
• She said there have been incredible advancements in technology in the manufacturing industry, which is

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• The period cycles have decreased every year and now they average every 18 to 24 months for a technology
• My name is Grayson Gee, and I serve as a technology policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Repair should also make second-hand technology more affordable and accessible.
• As technologies advance, Texas must remain competitive, and this bill offers a clear roadmap for that
• Technology is universal. The young lady who just testified...

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyHQgbx6HQk, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Ka ‘Aha Kenekoa THE SENATE Ka ‘Aha ‘Ōlelo Kanakolu THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE ‘Aha Kau Kānāwai 2020 REGULAR SESSION OF 2020 Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair Ke Kōmike Hana Aupuni COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS Kenekoa/Senator Laura H. Thielen, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair Kenekoa/Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair ‘Ōlelo Ho‘olaha No Ka ‘Aha Ho‘olohe NOTICE OF HEARING Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 11, 2020/ Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Hola / TIME: 1:00 PM Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 229 / Conference Room 229 Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street Papa Kumuhana A G E N D A SB 62, SD1 (SSCR2422) Status & Testimony RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY. Requires the legislature, state departments, and boards and commissions to livestream its public hearings and develop procedures for receiving remote testimony. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1) TEC/GVO, WAM Inā lawa ka manawa, e ho‘oholo mana‘o ma hope pono. Decision Making to follow, if time permits., 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• have individual charter schools, but those charter schools have their own boards that are totally autonomous

Bills: SB1521, SB372, SB1232, SB1307, SB1338, SB1390, SB1451, SB1463, SB1558, SB1567, SB1595, SB1621, SB1734, SB1749, SB1827, SB1833, SB1991, SB1992, SB63, SB2063, SB2180, SB1198, SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SRXoF8fbBI, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Scheduled for February 4, 2020 Ka ‘Aha Kenekoa THE SENATE Ka ‘Aha ‘Ōlelo Kanakolu THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE ‘Aha Kau Kānāwai 2020 REGULAR SESSION OF 2020 Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair Ke Kōmike Ikehu, Ho‘omohala Waiwai, a me ka ‘Oihana Ho‘okipa Malihini COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM Kenekoa/Senator Glenn Wakai, Luna Ho’omalu/Chair Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Hola / TIME: 2:45 p.m. Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414 Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street Papa Kumuhana A G E N D A SB 2527 RELATING TO BROADBAND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE. Establishes the broadband service infrastructure grant program to award grants to applicants to extend deployment of facilities used to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the State. Makes an appropriation. TEC/EET, WAM Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Peleluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Hola / TIME: 2:50 p.m. Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414 Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street Papa Kumuhana A G E N D A SB 2837 RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STEERING COMMITTEE. Preserves the continuity of the Information Technology Steering Committee to properly administer 27-43, Hawaii Revised Statutes, while redefining the composition of the committee. TEC, JDC SB 2243 RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE TESTIMONY. Requires the house and senate to permit remote testimony, via telephone, at public hearings. TEC, WAM SB 2432 RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION. Amends the factors the director of commerce and consumer affairs must consider when determining whether cable service should be made available upon a new application of a cable franchise. Requires that the director require cable operators to provide cable service to residences in their service area where there is a minimum density of at least twenty-five homes per linear mile, with certain exceptions. TEC, CPH Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair Ua Ho‘opane‘e ‘ia nā Pila a i ka Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020 MEASURES DEFERRED TO Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Hola / TIME: 2:55 p.m. Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414 Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street Ka Ho‘oholo Mana‘o ‘ana ma nā Pila i Helu ‘ia ma Lalo Nei: DECISION MAKING ON THE FOLLOWING MEASURE(S): SB 2307 RELATING TO STATE PROCUREMENT OF WIFI AND INTERNET SERVICES. Requires that all state and state funded facilities have internet computer and wireless access filters to block access to pornography sites. GVO/TEC, WAM SB 2836 RELATING TO THE ACCESS HAWAII COMMITTEE. Gives agencies more flexibility and online options to provide enhanced digital services to the public in order to better serve the public and businesses TEC/GVO, JDC No Ka ‘Ike ‘Ē A‘e, E Kelepona Aku I Ke Kākau ‘Ōlelo Kōmike Ma (808) 587-7217. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT (808) 587-7217., 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HF1758, HF4437, HF4353

Keywords: infertility, health insurance, fertility preservation, medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, prediction markets, sports betting, online wagering, event contracts, election betting, political betting, sportsbook, gambling regulation, lawful gambling license, Gambling Control Board, unauthorized gaming, esports betting, financial technology, payment processor, advertising restrictions

Transcript Highlights:

• undermine rights but those technologies undermine rights but those technologies still<00:31:37.760
• <00:45:35.200> you you don't rec regulate technology you you don't rec regulate technology
• filled with these kinds of technological filled with these kinds of technological changes.<00:57
• . technology. technology.
• going to be using these technologies going to be using these technologies every<01:26:14.800>

Bills: HF1316, HF4369

Keywords: HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, 1099, W-9, W-4, newly hired workers, rehired employees

Bills: HB3057, HB3130, HB3310, HB3314, HB3985, HB4113, HB4486

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval

Bills: HB2352, HB2388, HB2418, HB2499, HB2500, HB2579, HB2584, HB2804

Keywords: funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment made by companies owned or controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to prevent sensitive genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was little public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2804, a rural development and housing tax credit bill that would let the Department of Housing allocate up to $2 million per year in credits for qualifying rural affordable housing projects, with the program set to expire in 2037. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, and housing investors and developers, said the credit would leverage federal LIHTC dollars, attract private capital, and help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural Arizona. Opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, and hard to oversee. The committee passed the bill 13-4. The committee also heard HB 2388, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due by June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study could help Arizona plan for future energy and data-center growth, while opponents argued the agency already has other funding sources and should not receive additional money for the study. The amended bill passed 10-7. After a presentation from Auditor General Lindsay Perry on county treasurer procedural reviews and the Santa Cruz County embezzlement case, the committee approved HB 2352, which provides $2,385,900 in FY 2029 for the Auditor General to continue county treasurer reviews, on an 11-7 vote. The committee then unanimously approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five major incident task force counties and codifies the longstanding distribution practice. Finally, the committee took up HB 2499, the first of two ESA administration bills, which would appropriate $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration and oversight beginning in FY 2027; the bill drew extended debate about ESA growth, accountability, testing, and spending oversight, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• to enhance coordination among federal, state, and local authorities in the deployment of C-UAS technologies
• Congress to support and coordinate. coordinate the deployment of counter-unmanned aircraft systems technologies
• Chairman, I will add that with all the new technology as they happen, drones are now playing a very important
• The war in Ukraine is a good example of advancing technology and the drones that are being used, so it's

Bills: HCR98, HB180, HB180

Keywords: counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels

Bills: HB2987, HB3026, HB3076, HB3288, HB3315, HB3467, HB3711, HB3885, HB4427, HB4359, HB4363

Keywords: kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents, age eligibility, teacher certification, alternative teacher preparation, education reform, employment opportunities, teacher recruitment, physical education, elementary school, prekindergarten, recess, health and fitness, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents

Transcript Highlights:

• I haven't looked into... ...university or college and any technology center, so it should be for public

Bills: HB2950, HB2978, HB3132, HB3242, HB3467, HB3700, HB3701, HB4115, HB4274

Keywords: postsecondary education, standardized test scores, educational equity, higher learning access, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, HB2978, school libraries, library media center, library media program, community standards, sexually explicit conduct, obscene material, age-appropriate materials, school curriculum, book challenges, book banning, censorship, public schools, school board, education committee

Transcript Highlights:

• rectify a flaw in our code as it applies to children that are born through assisted reproductive technology
• Reproductive technology is a method of having children when it is accomplished without sexual intercourse
• A doctor is unnecessary for that type of assisted reproduction technology.
• So it applies to every type of assisted reproductive technology.

Bills: HCR16, HB782, HB2159, HB2288, HB3281, HB3819, HB4656, HB4696, HB5494, HCR16

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, technology is moving fast.
• California's regulatory framework supports the continued development of autonomous technology while prioritizing
• 500,000 autonomous miles.
• 500,000 autonomous miles.
• CTA supports a clear policy framework that enables the safe deployment of autonomous vehicle technology

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard testimony on the DMV’s finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with a focus on how the rules update California’s oversight of testing, deployment, reporting, and enforcement. DMV and CHP officials said the new framework expands data collection beyond crashes to include immobilizations, hard-braking events, system failures, and notices of noncompliance, while also creating clearer requirements for first responder interaction, remote operations, and heavy-duty AV testing and deployment. Members raised concerns about safety, emergency response delays, freeway and work-zone operations, and whether the state has enough data to compare AVs with human drivers. Witnesses from consumer and labor-related groups emphasized transparency and accountability, arguing that the prior rules were outdated and that public access to the collected data is important for regulators, researchers, and injured parties. Industry representatives said California now has the nation’s most comprehensive AV permitting and reporting system, with phased permits, mileage thresholds, and broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. They supported the regulations as a path to safer, more transparent deployment, while noting that the rules stay within state operational authority and do not replace federal standards for vehicle design and performance. A second panel focused on first responder interactions and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described AVs blocking emergency scenes and generating “sleeper calls” when passengers fall asleep, consuming significant fire and EMS resources. Waymo said it maintains 24/7 emergency contacts, first responder plans, geofencing protocols, and remote support that can help move vehicles or allow first responders to override them. Members asked about license requirements for remote personnel, redundancy during communication outages, and how companies handle sleeping passengers before calling 911. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, technology is moving fast.
• California's regulatory framework supports the continued development of autonomous technology, while
• autonomous miles.
• I mean... ...we're talking about technology, and the beauty—and there are some beauties to technology
• CTA supports a clear policy framework that enables the safe deployment of autonomous vehicle technology

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard an informational hearing on California’s newly finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with DMV and CHP officials describing the updated framework and committee members pressing them on safety, enforcement, and first-responder impacts. DMV said the rules, effective April 28, 2026, expand reporting, create a phased permitting system from testing to deployment, add requirements for safety cases, remote operations, and first-responder coordination, and open a path for heavy-duty AV testing and deployment while still prohibiting oversized loads and hazardous materials. CHP said it worked with DMV on enforcement tools, first-responder interaction plans, and training local agencies on the new notice of noncompliance process. Members asked about crash data, immobilizations, freeway and construction-zone safety, weigh-station enforcement, and whether foreign licenses can qualify for remote assistants or drivers; DMV and CHP said the rules are intended to keep AVs accountable and that heavy-duty AVs will be held to the same roadway standards as human-driven commercial vehicles. A second panel focused on data collection and enforcement. Consumer attorneys argued the prior rules were too limited because DMV stopped collecting meaningful data once AVs moved from testing to deployment, making it difficult for the public and litigants to understand incidents; they supported the new regulations but urged that the collected information be made public. The industry association said California now has the nation’s most robust AV oversight, with monthly or quarterly reporting of collisions, system failures, immobilizations, harsh braking, vehicle miles traveled, and notices of noncompliance, plus broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. In response to questions, the industry said it generally supports the new framework, believes the regulations are clear, and does not favor full federal preemption of state AV rules, though it wants federal standards for design, construction, and performance. A third panel addressed first-responder interaction and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described repeated AV interference with emergency scenes and said AVs have generated hundreds of “sleeper calls,” where passengers fall asleep and trigger 911 responses; the department said these incidents consume significant staff time and it wants better protocols to reduce unnecessary dispatches. Waymo said it has trained thousands of public-safety personnel, maintains a 24/7 emergency line, uses geofencing/avoid-the-area messages, and can allow first responders to manually override or move vehicles when needed. Committee members asked about sleeper-call prevention, remote assistant licensing and drug testing, communication redundancies during outages, and how manual overrides work for vehicles without traditional controls; Waymo said it is collaborating with responders and that its vehicles are designed to reach a safe stop if connectivity is lost. The final panel began with testimony on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. A transportation researcher said freight is essential to California’s economy and that heavy-duty AVs pose distinct safety risks because of their weight, stopping distance, and the potentially severe consequences of crashes or immobilizations on highways. He said the new regulations are important because they create a regulated pathway for heavy-duty AV deployment, require a safety case, set mileage thresholds, and add reporting categories that can serve as leading safety indicators. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, with additional testimony expected from labor and industry witnesses on heavy-duty AV deployment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair members, autonomous driverless vehicle technology is advancing rapidly and companies are
• Autonomous vehicle technology may also expand mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities
• Autonomous<00:25:15.040> vehicle<00:25:15.440> technology<00:25:16.160> may<00:25
• :16.440> also Autonomous vehicle technology may also Autonomous vehicle technology may also expand
• It's the experience was very, very, um, good as autonomous itself. Uh, and technology is rising.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Advances in level four and five autonomous vehicle technology have the potential to significantly reduce
• Autonomous vehicle technology may also expand mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities
• :27.360> also Autonomous vehicle technology may also Autonomous vehicle technology may also expand
• autonomous driving technology company autonomous driving technology company with<00:18:36.720>
• ,<00:33:44.240> including<00:33:44.640> autonomous technologies, including autonomous technologies

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 5313, a bipartisan bill to create a statewide framework for autonomous vehicles in Minnesota. The author said the bill is intended to improve safety, provide regulatory clarity, avoid a patchwork of local rules, and support economic development and mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill was described as a work in progress, and the committee adopted three author amendments: A12, a technical correction; A15, which states MDOT and Public Safety can absorb the bill’s incidental costs within existing resources; and A14, which added clarifying airport-related language requested by the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport/MAC. The Minnesota Department of Transportation testified in support of continued discussion but said the bill needs more work in several areas, including an annual MDOT permitting process for AV operators, defining operational design domains, adding stronger enforcement authority, clarifying remote assistance roles, and requiring fully automated vehicles to be registered with Public Safety. MDOT said it has worked with the governor’s connected and automated vehicles council and more than 70 stakeholders on recommendations. Industry and transit witnesses strongly supported the bill, citing existing AV deployments and safety benefits. Southwest Transit’s CEO said its Eden Prairie AV service has carried 27,000 riders over 112,000 miles with no accidents, strong customer satisfaction, and increased ridership. A Whimo representative said the bill would create regulatory certainty and help expand AV deployment. Several public witnesses emphasized accessibility and safety. A disability advocate described how autonomous vehicles could improve independence for people who cannot drive, including those with epilepsy and other disabilities, and urged passage of the bill. A former 911 dispatcher and state patrol employee said AVs could reduce crashes and protect drivers, pedestrians, and officers, contrasting a dangerous human ride-share experience with a safer autonomous ride. Another disability advocate and blind Minnesotan testified that AVs could help address transportation barriers, though he also noted ongoing discrimination problems with ride-hailing services for blind riders with guide dogs. After the amendments were adopted, the bill was moved to the Commerce Committee.

Bills: SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB1250, SB710, SB1489, SB2045, SB1614

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, schools, public school districts, education technology, edtech, student privacy, FERPA, data privacy, data security, emerging technologies, machine learning, generative AI, classroom technology, instructional technology, teacher oversight, human-in-the-loop, student data, parental consent, opt-out