Transcript Highlights:

• Children and society will continue to pay a price. I hope this hearing and Ms.
• turned a blind eye when kids, as pointed out by the other senators, joined their platforms, used algorithms
• Protected their own children from what might have been an exploitation, which you've described here, the algorithm
• Senator Kennedy and I, as a side, have a bill to push negotiations. for the price of content, which I

Keywords: Meta, Facebook, whistleblower, regulation, China, user data, artificial intelligence, testimony, Congress

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• using satellite imagery data that you've trained on ground truth data for our machine learning algorithms
• We send those signals to our machine learning algorithm that's been trained on past faults.
• 1934 Communications Act established the Federal Communications Commission and required affordable prices
• and it kind of seemed to depend on, you know, whoever in government or others that negotiated the prices
• I mean, we were talking about in 2020 when these prices were set.

Transcript Highlights:

• They end up increasing the price for mobilization and the workers' comp and all those things.
• They end up increasing the price for mobilization and the workers comp and all those things.
• So it delays us. the price for mobilization and the workers comp and all those things.
• These tools use algorithms and data to help decide who gets hired.
• These tools use algorithms and data to help decide who gets hired.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gas prices are too high. Grocery prices are too high. Health care prices are too high.
• Gas prices are too high. right now. Gas prices are too high.
• Health care Grocery prices are too high.
• And too many prices are too high.
• Families across the country have paid the price, Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But those algorithms would constantly be adjusted and changed at random times that the workers didn't
• <00:02:04.640> that<00:02:04.759> were having algorith algorithms that were having
• algorith algorithms that were presented<00:02:06.079> by<00:02:06.280> the<00:02:06.719
• would constantly be adjusted algorithms would constantly be adjusted and<00:02:15.239> changed
• that had been programmed to algorithm that had been programmed to direct<00:02:48.480> their<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can standard traditional algorithm.
• algorithm algorithm the<00:15:05.839> way<00:15:05.920> that<00:15:06.160> most
• and<00:15:27.279> effective algorithms are sufficient and effective algorithms are sufficient
• These in these foundational algorithms These in these foundational algorithms in<00:18:02.400>
• I do think it has a high price tag. I'm going to go ahead. I'll be voting for it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what is the algorithm and why does it need to be updated?
• They looked at problems with the algorithm.
• and some of the changes to the algorithm.
• the flaws in the existing algorithm.
• algorithm to supersede the existing algorithm?

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the new director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on implementation of House Bill 1103. The director said APD is working to update the funding algorithm through a contracted study due November 15, 2025, expand transparency on its website, launch an online crisis application by the end of 2025, improve client choice in qualified organizations and waiver support coordinators, and coordinate with AHCA on the managed care pilot and Florida HealthFinder listings for APD providers. He also said APD is working on family resource materials, a monthly newsletter, and stronger transition planning with DCF. Members asked about whether the new algorithm would include transportation and what services might change, but the director said the replacement model is still being developed and any new methodology would be implemented through rulemaking. Questions also focused on Family Care Councils, including the statewide council’s membership and appointment process; the director said the statute sets the process and APD is helping councils recruit and organize. On transparency, members praised the website improvements and asked for more interactive data tools. The director said APD would consider suggestions and continue expanding public reporting. The committee also discussed eligibility and waiver notices, including concerns about outdated language in APD letters and how autism cases are reviewed. The director said clinicians and behavioral analysts review cases and asked to see the specific letter. On the pre-enrollment list, the chair asked about the wait list, and the director said APD recently sent 5,612 service offers to people on the list and is working to better distinguish those who truly need services from those who do not. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inflation, about prices going up, having a hard time meeting their prices, it's not because prices are
• price of Bitcoin was less than a penny.
• In 2024, the price is projected to be $434,000.
• This is nominal pricing for houses in the United States.
• Price should be interesting to us to think about.

Transcript Highlights:

• So so what is the algorithm and why does it need to be updated?
• Now, the algorithm was last updated in 2016, so it's nearly 10 years old.
• They finished the first phase with a look at our current algorithm.
• You talked with us a bit about the algorithm is the changes to our algorithm.
• looked at the for the flaws in the existing algorithm.

Transcript Highlights:

• expect a utility-scale quantum computer to do. ...be able to do, but cracking what's called Shor's algorithm
• transistors you could fit on a single chip has doubled and usually about doubles in power and halves in price
• Two, a utility-scope quantum computer, as they're currently priced, can range between $30 and $60 million
• and XAI has about 500,000 computer chips in order to try to develop their artificial intelligence algorithm
• It's very difficult to look under what's called the black box of artificial intelligence algorithms and

Transcript Highlights:

• And lots of times what's going on is that these images are being put through an algorithm or a technology
• algorithm, and they're not accurate.
• And whether you make widgets or you provide insurance, your final price is ultimately based upon what
• Could be 5,000 items, and we put prices on everything and submit that to the insurance company, and I
• they offer $54,000, and we settled for $163,000 because they left out things and they improperly priced

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on affordable housing insurance, homeowners insurance practices, climate resilience, and consumer protections after property losses. Senators and representatives testified in support of a resolve to create a commission on affordable housing insurance (S. 768/H. 1279), arguing that rising premiums and deductibles are threatening the viability of affordable housing properties and new development. Supporters also backed bills to establish private flood insurance standards (S. 719), create climate-resilient home retrofit grants (S. 720), expand the MVP climate resilience program (H. 1310/S. 686), and protect urban trees and limit insurer-driven tree removals (H. 1316). Several lawmakers and advocates said these measures would help reduce risk, preserve insurability, and address the effects of increasingly severe storms and flooding. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing insurer use of aerial imagery (H. 1242/H. 2142) and notice periods for nonrenewals or repairs (H. 4042 and related measures). Supporters said insurers should be allowed to use drones and satellite images but with stronger guardrails, including current photos, disclosure of risk factors, an appeals process, and time to cure defects. They argued that homeowners are sometimes blindsided by nonrenewals based on inaccurate aerial photos or given too little time to make repairs. Opponents from the insurance industry said aerial imagery is already regulated by the Division of Insurance, that additional statutory requirements could create confusion and litigation, and that existing notice rules already provide 45 days for nonrenewals and 60-day limits on cancellations. Industry witnesses also warned that some proposed timelines conflict with current law and could restrict useful underwriting tools. Another major topic was H. 1077, which would restrict solicitation by restoration companies and public adjusters at fire scenes. A homeowner described being approached immediately after a house fire by restoration and public-adjuster representatives and said the experience was intrusive and overwhelming; supporters said homeowners need time and space to make informed decisions after a disaster. Public adjusters and restoration contractors opposed the bill, saying they provide needed guidance, emergency mitigation, and claims assistance when homeowners are under stress, and that some existing protections already allow consumers to cancel contracts. The hearing ended after all listed witnesses testified, and the committee voted to close the hearing; no bill dispositions were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• in stores to actually use that data to go after price gouging and price surging.
• IN STORES TO ACTUALLY USE THAT DATA TO GO AFTER PRICE GOUGING, AND PRICE SURGING.
• using surveillance pricing.
• USING SURVEYS LANCE PRICES.
• was getting the same price.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• They could have a value that could fluctuate on the basis of what a purchase price.
• They could have a value that could fluctuate on the basis of what a purchase price.
• They could have a value that could fluctuate on the basis of what a purchase price.
• They could have a value that could fluctuate on the basis of what a purchase price.
• > stable<01:55:08.000> coins, things like algorithmic stable coins, things like algorithmic

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met on November 12 and first approved the September 17 and October 15 draft minutes unanimously after brief discussion. Members also identified themselves for the record, including a new member from Bumpsk Bank, a staff attorney from the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Securities Regulation, a prior crypto commission participant, and a uniform law commissioner involved in tokenization projects. The main presentation was by UNH law professor Seth Orinberg, who discussed the federal GENIUS Act and the pending Clarity Act and how they affect New Hampshire’s options in the digital asset space. He described the GENIUS Act as governing payment stablecoins/stable tokens, defining them as blockchain-based assets used primarily for payments, redeemable for a fixed amount of national currency, and required to maintain stable value. He said the law creates three possible state roles: hosting federally qualified issuers, becoming a state qualifier for issuers up to a $10 billion threshold, or exploring state-backed issuance as a sovereign. He noted that the state-qualification path would require conforming legislation, examination capacity, and coordination with Treasury, while the sovereign-issuer theory is legally uncertain and may become a test case. Orinberg also outlined the core compliance framework he said applies to covered issuers: 100% reserve backing in high-quality liquid assets, monthly public reserve reporting, no yield or interest-like rewards, segregation of reserve assets, immediate redemption at face value, and anti-money-laundering/know-your-customer obligations. He then turned to the Clarity Act, describing it as a broader market-structure bill that would create categories such as digital asset, digital commodity, digital security, and ancillary asset, with self-certification procedures for issuers. He said the two federal laws together would separate payments from investments, preempt inconsistent state standards for covered payment stablecoins, and likely reshape the boundaries of state authority over digital assets.

Transcript Highlights:

• algorithms.
• pricing.
• pricing.
• And when they are being price-gouged, they are unaware of it.
• And when they are being price-couched, they are unaware of it.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This algorithm that we haven't been able to see.
• Algorithms in general, do you know what a data point is? I do know a little bit about algorithms.
• It's based on a mathematical formula, an algorithm.
• That's what the algorithm uncovers a pattern.
• That's how an algorithm works.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have anything like that, or can you set your own prices? Can you set your own prices?
• <04:57:21.760> for and historical net price for and historical net price for prescription
• price transparency efforts.
• That's a problem in an algorithm.
• It can be an algorithmic result and an algorithmic solution, as opposed to there being stuff combined

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:42.920> being of company policy AI algorithms being of company policy AI algorithms
• rather than algorithmic guidance rather than algorithmic<01:09:20.199> management<01:09:21.199
• > algorithmic algorithmic management algorithmic algorithmic management algorithmic management
• So when you think about how AI goes from an algorithm to a model, right, algorithm, think about it in
• to a model right from an algorithm to a model right algorithm<01:43:32.280> think<01:43:32.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But those algorithms would constantly be adjusted and changed at random times that the workers didn't
• testified to having algorith algorithms testified to having algorith algorithms that<00:03:02.280
• that had been programmed to an algorithm that had been programmed to direct<00:03:45.959> their
• <00:09:46.399> that of um there could be an algorithm that of um there could be an algorithm
• When it comes to these algorithms, somebody has to write them. An algorithm is simply a code.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Escalating prices, stagnant wages, and rising interest rates have created a challenging environment.
• providers because they're going to be the ones what are the actual recommendations we can do to change algorithms
• providers because they're going to be the ones what are the actual recommendations we can do to change algorithms
• providers because they're going to be the ones what are the actual recommendations we can do to change algorithms
• providers because they're going to be the ones what are the actual recommendations we can do to change algorithms

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that We've seen that there are algorithm algorithms targeting kids.
• Yeah, the bill is very specific about slowing down the algorithm for kids.
• The algorithm might see that and they'll send you more content like that.
• So the algorithm won't Won't tag that to send them more content like that right away.
• use algorithms, because that is a primary piece of social media and how it's used.