Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, we also have tools deployed that help agencies ensure the safe use of artificial intelligence
• I mean, it's a technology hearing, so you've got to mention artificial intelligence.
• As a CISO, I can find that there are good models for how to pull together an artificial intelligence
• We window that down leveraging all our artificial intelligence tools to a handful.
• So are the artificial intelligence systems that are being used, are they being used appropriately?

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management held a joint informational hearing focused on maximizing the value of state cybersecurity investments, especially by fully using security features already included in existing vendor contracts. The first panel included representatives from Microsoft, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks, who described the products and services they provide to California and generally agreed that agencies often have strong adoption in some areas but still face challenges from tool overlap, limited staff, lack of awareness of available features, and the need for ongoing training and configuration support. They also discussed major threats such as ransomware, data loss, attack-surface exposure, IoT/OT vulnerabilities, and the growing role of AI in both attacks and defenses. Members pressed the vendors on whether state departments underuse purchased cybersecurity tools, how to improve utilization, and how to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage. The vendors said utilization is often constrained by staffing, procurement complexity, and the need to align tools with agency missions and maturity levels, but emphasized that training, leadership buy-in, and regular vendor-agency collaboration can improve results. They also discussed how AI can help with phishing triage, data-loss prevention, and security operations, while warning that agencies must manage AI safely and with human oversight. The second panel featured officials from the Department of Technology, Cal OES/CalSIC, and the California Military Department. They described statewide oversight efforts including audits, independent security assessments, continuous monitoring, advisory services, vulnerability disclosure programs, and workforce development initiatives such as the Information Security Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Education Summit. Officials said some underutilization is real, but it is often tied to differing agency maturity, overlapping tools, and deliberate feature restrictions to reduce attack surface and complexity; they emphasized a balanced approach using people, process, and technology, with plans of action and milestones to hold departments accountable. They also noted federal uncertainty around MS-ISAC and the state and local cybersecurity grant program, saying California is advocating through federal partners and monitoring the impact. The hearing ended after public comment and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout about artificial intelligence throughout about artificial intelligence throughout
• <01:05:32.400> intelligence the use of artificial intelligence the use of artificial intelligence
• <01:06:31.520> intelligence<01:06:32.160> systems<01:06:32.960> for artificial intelligence
• <01:06:49.680> intelligence<01:06:50.319> systems of artificial intelligence systems
• And that's artificial intelligence.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you have heard several artificial intelligence bills this session.
• It clarifies that existing law applies to artificial intelligence and makes sure a human is always accountable
• Artificial intelligence is nonsentient, and responsibility must stay with people.
• I've said it, It does. innovation with artificial intelligence in our state, driving investment in our
• Yeah, there's some discrepancy in the definition of artificial intelligence.

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, but proceeded with public hearings on two Senate bills. Senate Bill 944, sponsored by Sen. Carla May, would update the statutory salary range for the City of St. Louis sheriff’s attorney, which she said has been unchanged since 1990 and no longer reflects inflation, modern legal demands, or comparable compensation in other jurisdictions. Rep. Fuchs offered supportive remarks, and there was no opposition or informational testimony. No vote was taken on SB 944 during the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1012, sponsored by Sen. Nicola, a broad artificial intelligence bill intended to clarify that AI is not a legal person, that humans remain responsible for AI-assisted decisions, and that licensed professionals must retain independent judgment. The bill also addressed companion chatbots, election-related AI disclosures, and other consumer protections. Supporters of the bill’s general accountability approach were not present in testimony, but opponents from Americans for Prosperity and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry argued the bill was overly broad, could chill innovation, and contained numerous drafting and cross-reference errors, including unused definitions and inconsistent metadata requirements. Members questioned how liability would apply to end users and noted the need for clearer drafting. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session on SB 1012. A motion was made for do pass, but the roll call resulted in zero ayes and 11 noes, and the bill was voted failed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Artificial intelligence is one of those new technologies.
• Our work in artificial intelligence...
• Our work in artificial intelligence...
• Our work in artificial intelligence is guided by strong shared governance.
• The CSU recently made a significant investment in artificial intelligence.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Higher Education and the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an oversight hearing on the California State University’s AI-empowered initiative, including the systemwide rollout of ChatGPT EDU and broader AI integration across CSU campuses. Opening remarks emphasized both the promise of AI for student success, workforce preparation, and access, and the need to address risks such as bias, privacy, misinformation, environmental impacts, and mental health harms. CSU representatives said the initiative grew out of Academic Senate recommendations and a systemwide generative AI committee, and that the goal was to provide equitable access, training, governance, and workforce alignment across the 23-campus system. CSU officials described systemwide contracts for AI tools, the AI Commons training hub, and faculty grant programs supporting AI-related curriculum innovation. They said more than 93,000 ChatGPT EDU accounts had been activated, over 4,300 faculty had taken voluntary training, and $3 million had been awarded to 63 faculty-led projects from more than 400 submissions. San Jose State University highlighted its own AI-focused programs, courses, orientation training, faculty fellows, student ambassadors, and interdisciplinary efforts to build AI literacy and responsible use into instruction and co-curricular programs. CSU also said it was tracking metrics on adoption, academic outcomes, workforce outcomes, and environmental impacts. Faculty, staff, and student representatives welcomed the educational potential of AI but raised concerns about the rollout, saying it had moved quickly and without enough consultation or consistent systemwide policy. They urged stronger protections for academic freedom, intellectual property, privacy, equity, and worker input, and warned about bias, surveillance, job displacement, and the environmental cost of AI. Legislators pressed CSU and OpenAI representatives on training requirements, data privacy, bias reporting, discipline for misuse, liability, sycophancy, and safeguards against harmful uses such as non-consensual imagery or self-harm-related interactions. CSU said interactions in the licensed tool are private, data are not used to train models, and campuses retain their own conduct processes; members also asked CSU to follow up on systemwide training, policy consistency, and additional safeguards.

Transcript Highlights:

• int intelligence but and uh artificial int intelligence but also<00:14:03.880> other<00:14:04.160
• um cyber security and artificial um cyber security and artificial intelligence<00:27:11.440>
• <00:28:32.799> intelligence<00:28:33.799> to security and artificial intelligence to
• <00:29:07.880> what artificial intelligence and I think what artificial intelligence and I
• security artificial security artificial intelligence<00:29:47.960> that<00:29:48.120>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see right before you, we're looking at artificial intelligence.
• The growth in enrollments includes artificial intelligence, computer-aided design, recording arts and
• Now artificial intelligence, again, almost 418.8% increase.
• Yes, we are moving into a new experience with artificial intelligence. You're absolutely right.
• When you look at the forecasts for artificial intelligence, we look at a lot of economic forecasts.

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later. Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm artificial intelligence and so I'm artificial intelligence and so I'm hoping<01:25:09.760>
• > intelligence definition of artificial intelligence definition of artificial intelligence system
• and<01:43:38.000> C, artificial intelligence, A, B, and C, artificial intelligence, A, B,
• artificial intelligence system. artificial intelligence system.
• <01:48:13.520> intelligence, of artificial intelligence, of artificial intelligence, that<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• University of Minnesota, um, and some of the challenges that artificial intelligence really, you know
• intelligence within our state.
• intelligence within our state.
• That is exactly the sort of ethical use of artificial intelligence within the workforce that I had hoped
• <00:04:59.759> intelligence ethical use of artificial intelligence ethical use of artificial

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational discussion on three proposed bills authored by Representative Gottfried addressing artificial intelligence in the workplace. Gottfried said the bills are intended to create labor protections around AI use, focusing on mitigating harms to workers while preserving innovation. House File 4369 would require notice before implementing technology that could displace jobs and provide a transition period for retraining, reskilling, or upskilling. The other two bills would regulate electronic monitoring systems and automated decision systems by requiring pre- and post-use notice when used for substantive employment decisions, giving workers access to data and a right to appeal decisions based on inaccurate or erroneous data, and setting prohibited and permitted uses. Melissa Heising of the Minnesota AFL-CIO supported the overall approach and said the bills are an important step toward common-sense workplace AI regulation. She praised the notice, appeal, and anti-discrimination protections, but urged stronger provisions, including mandatory impact assessments, independent third-party review, regular updates, a cease-use requirement if discriminatory outcomes are found, and anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise concerns or refuse to follow harmful automated outputs. Committee members from both parties generally agreed that AI policy should balance worker protections, business competitiveness, and innovation, and several said the issue is urgent because the technology is advancing quickly. No vote was taken. Chair and members emphasized that the hearing was informational and that the bills were not formally before the committee for action. Several members expressed interest in continued discussion, and Representative Schultz said he had an interest in working with Representative Gottfried on the issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see right before you, we are looking at artificial intelligence, computer-aided design, recording
• Now, artificial intelligence again shows an almost 418.8% increase.
• We are moving into a new experience with artificial intelligence. You're absolutely right.
• So not only do we have artificial intelligence, but we have all of really Industry 4.0 being applied
• Artificial intelligence and computer learning don't need humans to understand it, right?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost
• As artificial intelligence becomes a core driver of productivity and competitiveness, Main Street Cannot
• Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate in real time, and while large corporations
• Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate in real time.
• Thanks to emerging technologies like Artificial intelligence, the time to create informed and resourced

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:05.840> intelligence<00:03:06.400> and regarding artificial intelligence and
• Artificial intelligence is currently a technological wild west.
• They're worried about national security and our national adversaries and how artificial intelligence
• description is usage of artificial description is usage of artificial intelligence<00:21:16.920>
• By applying that same principle to artificial intelligence, I'm just not comfortable at this time putting

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senators Erin Maye Quade, Eric Lucero, Liz Boldon, and Chair Ron Latz discussed a package of bipartisan bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence and related technology in Minnesota. The speakers argued that AI can be beneficial but has been rolled out without adequate safeguards, citing concerns about consumer surveillance, insurance claim denials, dynamic pricing, chatbot harms to children, and the use of AI in healthcare utilization review. Maye Quade and Boldon emphasized protecting kids, consumers, and constitutional rights, while Lucero framed the issue as keeping law aligned with rapidly changing technology and protecting individual liberties. A major focus was the “reverse warrant” bill, which would restrict law enforcement from using warrants that start with an unknown suspect and sweep up data from everyone in a location or search terms in a broad area. The senators said such warrants are the opposite of the Fourth Amendment’s particularity requirement, though they noted ongoing conversations with the BCA and police chiefs about balancing privacy and public safety. They also discussed a bill to prohibit minors from accessing chatbots, describing chatbots as conversational, addictive, and uniquely harmful to developing brains; Maye Quade cited examples of self-harm, sexual content, and dangerous advice allegedly given to minors. The senators said the package was intentionally heard in Judiciary first so it could be referred to Commerce, and they expressed hope for further hearings there and in the House. Lucero said he did not support all the bills, naming the dynamic pricing bill and the AI utilization review prohibition as measures he had reservations about, while supporting the reverse warrant, disclosure, and minor-access restrictions. The discussion also touched on federal preemption concerns, with the senators saying states are stepping in because federal action has lagged and the harms cross party lines. No formal votes or committee actions were described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see right before you, we're looking at artificial intelligence.
• Artificial intelligence, again, almost 418.8% increase.
• Yes, we are moving into a new experience with artificial intelligence. You're absolutely right.
• When you look at the forecasts for artificial intelligence, we look a lot at economic forecasts.
• So not only do we have artificial intelligence, but we have all of really Industry 4.0 being applied

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first session of the year, took roll, welcomed new member Senator Bracey Davis, and had members briefly describe their backgrounds and interest in higher education. Chair Harrell framed the committee’s focus on maintaining Florida’s top national ranking in higher education and workforce development, with an emphasis on funding decisions tied to student success, workforce needs, and the state college system. Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell presented the Department of Education’s workforce and Florida College System budget requests and data. He described requested increases for adult education, Florida College System program funding, workforce development, and several grant programs, including workforce capitalization, apprenticeship/teacher apprenticeship, Open Door, and CAPE industry certifications. He highlighted record enrollment and completion growth across Florida’s colleges and technical centers, major gains in career dual enrollment, and expansion in programs such as nursing, AI, cybersecurity, welding, HVAC, and manufacturing. Members asked about labor-market demand, the impact of artificial intelligence on future job training, teacher apprenticeship details, mission creep and duplication in CTE programs, student placement and wages after graduation, and articulation between technical college clock hours and college credit. South Florida State College President Fred Hawkins testified about challenges facing a rural college, including low local college-going rates, long travel distances, limited faculty recruitment due to salaries, and the need for more operational funding to expand capacity. He cited strong job placement and licensure outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography, and said the college is exploring AI tools to improve student services and reduce staffing pressure. Pinellas Technical College Executive Director Mark Hunter described strong dual enrollment, high job placement, employer partnerships, and a reported 400% return on investment, while also warning that many programs have waiting lists because of staffing and equipment constraints. He explained how technical college coursework is aligned with state college credit through content-based articulation agreements. The committee then opened the floor for public comment, but no additional business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• intelligence systems in our state's public sector.
• intelligence.
• intelligence through inventorying and standardized notices.
• intelligence, but more so the council.
• I think a lot of agencies are doing a great job, um, using artificial intelligence to increase efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3893 would regulate artificial intelligence from engaging in psychotherapy and from engaging
• c> health artificial intelligence in mental health artificial intelligence in mental health therapy
• TechNet supports thoughtful approaches to regulating artificial intelligence in sensitive settings like
• Laneyro said TechNet supports thoughtful approaches to regulating artificial intelligence in sensitive
• intelligence and therapy.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3893, which would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy and counseling, was heard with an A3 amendment adopted by voice vote at the start of the meeting. The amendment was described as the product of stakeholder discussions and was intended to clarify the roles of licensing boards, the attorney general, and other stakeholders, including language about large corporations versus individual practitioners. The bill author argued that AI chatbots should not be allowed to provide psychotherapy or counseling, citing concerns about suicide risk, the need for licensed human professionals, and examples of harmful chatbot interactions. Supportive testimony came from Eric Meshy of SAVE, who said AI cannot assess risk or intervene in crises, and from Dr. Steven Gerardo of the Minnesota Psychological Association, who said AI is designed to keep users engaged and monetize conversations rather than provide treatment. A virtual testifier from TechNet supported the bill’s overall goal but urged clearer definitions so the measure would not unintentionally restrict supervised, administrative, or wellness uses of technology, and asked for clearer limits around emotional distress and AI’s role in treatment decisions. Members raised several concerns and questions, including why religious counseling was exempted, whether the bill could conflict with interstate licensure compacts, privacy issues around AI used for scheduling or administrative support, and whether chatbot screening language would itself require analyzing sensitive mental health disclosures. The author said the bill was still being refined and that the attorney general language was intended to apply to AI companies, while boards would handle individual licensed professionals. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to re-refer House File 3893 as amended to the Committee on Commerce, Finance, and Policy, and the motion prevailed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's afternoon feels like as you recall, Speaker Perez designated this week as artificial intelligence
• So when we talk about artificial intelligence, we need to balance the risk with innovation.
• for the responsible, secure and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
• Another tool we have is this asked tool called A to artificial intelligence data assessor.
• Having just come back from a national meeting that focused a lot on artificial intelligence.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not the outcome of artificial intelligence, but went, in my opinion, way too far in trying to regulate
• that seeks to regulate artificial that seeks to regulate artificial intelligence.<00:49:25.200><
• > went,<00:49:28.240> in<00:49:28.359> my artificial intelligence, but went, in
• my artificial intelligence, but went, in my opinion,<00:49:28.880> way<00:49:29.040> too
• <00:49:44.160> intelligence specializes in artificial intelligence specializes in artificial

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 17, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee reports. Senate Services reported several bills and resolutions as correctly printed or engrossed. The Appropriations Committee advanced Senate Bill 5 with amendments, and reported a large slate of House bills 1150 through 1179, most with favorable recommendations and many recommended for the consent calendar. The Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 46 with amendments and reported several appointments for confirmation, including members of the Financial Services Board and the Advisory Committee to the Property Tax Administrator. The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee postponed Senate Bill 33 indefinitely and sent Senate Bill 48 to Appropriations. The Senate also approved an appointment filling a vacancy on the Legislative Audit Committee, naming Senator William Lindstedt. On third reading, the chamber passed Senate Bill 11, concerning search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, by a vote of 31-2 after no votes from Senators Basley and Zamora Wilson. Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants, passed 33-0. The Senate then resolved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of Senate Bill 7, concerning medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients in health facilities, and Senate Bill 54, concerning a security deposit exemption for post-closing occupancy agreements; both were adopted, amended, and advanced to third reading. Later, the Committee of the Whole considered House Bill 1027, which would allow retiree executive directors of boards of cooperative services to keep retirement benefits and clarify BOCES funding eligibility; after brief discussion, it was adopted and advanced. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 84 until February 19 and Senate Bills 37, 31, 53, and 43 until February 23. During announcements, senators noted committee meetings and caucus gatherings, including Statutory Revision, Transportation and Energy, Judiciary, Capital Development, and Democratic and Republican caucuses. Senator Jaquez marked the start of Ramadan and invited members to observe with local Muslim communities. Senator Priestly used personal privilege to criticize the state’s AI policy and the relocation of Palantir, prompting a reminder that policy debate should occur in the proper forum. The Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• intelligence in the provision of mental health services.
• intelligence in the provision of mental health services.
• House Bill 816 is an act relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of
• provision artificial intelligence in the provision artificial intelligence in the provision of<00
• regulating the use of artificial regulating the use of artificial intelligence<00:16:29.240>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read HCR 307 honoring Representative Kevin “Coach” Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership, long career in education and public service, work on equity and human rights, and his vocal performances. Several members offered remarks praising Christie’s service and announcing that he would not seek another term, while expressing appreciation for his contributions and wishing him well amid recent health challenges. During announcements, members recognized a visiting guest, shared caucus notices, and one member spoke about the connection between military appreciation month and mental health awareness month, citing high suicide rates among service members and urging attention to veterans’ mental health. The House then moved to the day’s orders and took up two bills related to mental health. On H. 817, concerning mental health literacy and peer-to-peer supports in schools, the House suspended rules to consider the Senate’s proposal of amendment. A member from Winooski explained that the Senate strike-all amendment directed the Department of Mental Health and the Agency of Education to inventory related work, recommend integration of peer-to-peer youth mental health programming and school/after-school literacy efforts, and consider grant support beginning in July 2028, with funding recommendations to be included in the FY28 budget. The House concurred in the Senate amendment. The House then suspended rules to take up H. 816, relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, and adopted the Committee of Conference report. Supporters said the conference changes addressed concerns from mental health clinicians about digital therapeutics, clarified where clinical guidance is needed, aligned definitions, allowed research and development to continue through universities such as Dartmouth, and added the Board of Medical Providers and the Office of Professional Regulation to the AI Advisory Council. The House adopted the report and then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in my role at WATech, I get to see different uses of artificial intelligence and different ideas.
• That's called impossible travel, and we should use artificial intelligence to help ...that's not possible
• That's called impossible travel, and we should use artificial intelligence to help accelerate the protections
• Behavior and capability that is now beyond their own understanding of artificial intelligence.
• So the next presenter is the AI Task Force, the artificial intelligence task force, and we have an update

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• about the fundamentals of artificial about the fundamentals of artificial intelligence<01:18:29.280
• artificial intelligence in our teaching. artificial intelligence in our teaching.
• <01:25:36.639> intelligence<01:25:37.280> to plants um use artificial intelligence
• bachelors in artificial intelligence. bachelors in artificial intelligence.
• <01:32:57.920> intelligence who believe that artificial intelligence who believe that artificial

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum present and approved the minutes from the August 14 meeting. The first presentation was from the National Retail Federation on artificial intelligence in the retail sector. NRF described AI use cases in three areas: consumer-facing tools such as chatbots, product descriptions, and marketing; employee-facing tools such as company-specific apps trained on employee manuals; and internal uses such as supply chain forecasting, inventory planning, fraud detection, cybersecurity, and coding support. The presenters said retail has been among the top deployers of AI and emphasized that the goal is to improve both customer and employee experience. NRF also outlined its principles for responsible AI use, organized around governance and risk management, customer engagement and trust, workforce applications, and business partner accountability. The group said retailers should maintain strong internal oversight, be transparent with customers, ensure compliance with existing laws, closely review workforce-related uses because they can be high-risk, and clearly define responsibilities between retailers and third-party developers. In policy discussion, NRF urged a tiered approach focused first on high-risk uses such as hiring, health care, financial, mortgage, and rental decisions, warned against fragmented rules that could favor only the largest firms, and encouraged voluntary standards and worker upskilling incentives. In response to a question about dynamic pricing, NRF said its members do not target consumers based on pricing and offered to follow up with more information. The committee then moved to a follow-up discussion on energy policy and data centers, hearing from Bartley Cleland of NetChoice. He explained that AI runs largely in data centers and that cloud computing shifts processing and storage away from individual devices, which he argued improves efficiency and can reduce costs. He said electricity demand has been rising over time and that AI will increase compute-related electricity use, but framed electricity as a normal input to economic growth. No votes or formal actions were taken after these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clarification: on line 2.2, it says very clearly, it's more than just cybersecurity, artificial intelligence
• So cybersecurity and artificial intelligence seem very defined, but then after that, on line 2.2, it
• intelligence.
• And if it's directly related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, then I'm fine with it because
• Instead of just the artificial intelligence and other emerging areas in computing, that will be the appropriate