Video & Transcript : 'app store regulations' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Jun 9th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • place without understanding fully what the implications of the regulations are.
  • We put regulations in place without understanding. what's a growing category of we put regulations in
  • place without understanding fully what the implications of the regulations are.
  • And then when it rains, that goes into our water system, our storing grain system.
  • The federal regulators continued to apply pressure throughout the period.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And across the state, illegal fireworks are being imported and stored at unprecedented levels.
  • in their communities and can characterize what's being stored and the level of risk.
  • And across the state, illegal fireworks are being imported and stored at unprecedented levels.
  • in their communities and can characterize what's being stored and the level of risk.
  • such potentially dangerous equipment and just a little bit more safety regulations, if you will.
Summary: The committee opened with quorum calls and several members offering brief farewell remarks to the chair and staff, praising the committee’s collegial, nonpartisan work and congratulating the incoming chair. The committee then took up its consent calendar and two bills by Senator Cabaldon. SB 719 would extend the reporting window for state oversight of automated decision systems and artificial intelligence use in state government. The author said the first required report showed no current use, but continued monitoring is needed as the technology evolves. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was approved on a unanimous roll call. SB 828 responded to the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion that killed seven people. The bill requires applicants for a state fireworks license to disclose all storage locations, prove local permits, and allows the State Fire Marshal to notify local agencies and deny or revoke licenses if proof is lacking. Support came from fire officials and fireworks industry representatives, while committee members raised concerns about training, enforcement, and broader systemic gaps. The author said the bill is a first step and pledged to keep working on related reforms. SB 795, on consent, also passed unanimously. After holding items open for absent members, the committee later reconvened and recorded 14-0 votes to move SB 795, SB 719, and SB 828 out of committee.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Governmental Organization Committee Jan 13th, 2026

Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:
  • And across the state, illegal fireworks are being imported and stored at unprecedented levels.
  • in their communities and can characterize what's being stored and the level of risk.
  • in their communities and can characterize what's being stored and the level of risk.
  • When dangerous materials are stored in our communities, everyone responsible for public safety should
  • such potentially dangerous equipment and just a little bit more safety regulations, if you will.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 25th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • United States, or WOTUS, and gutting the Clean Water Act, defanging the EPA and seemingly every regulation
  • In the Minnesota Department of The insurance industry is housed as the chief regulator.
  • This division has worked marvelously well in the Minnesota Department of the state regulator of insurance
  • What happened was the chief regulator in this state no longer has an investigative and prosecutorial
  • And we actually have an app right now through the BCA that people can use, and we'd like more information
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-05-20 - 1:22PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under current law, when a vehicle is believed to be abandoned, the entity storing the vehicle can apply
  • 08:57.280><c> entity</c> believed to be abandoned, the entity believed to be abandoned, the entity storing
  • 08:58.600><c> can</c><00:08:58.760><c> apply</c><00:08:59.320><c> for</c><00:08:59.480><c> an</c> storing
  • the vehicle can apply for an storing the vehicle can apply for an abandoned<00:09:00.000><c> vehicle
  • The amendment also directed regulations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Despite existing regulations, bad actors continue to exploit loopholes disregard local ordinances and
  • Bill seeks to eliminate redundant regulations.
  • Still required to have a secure and safe room that we can store these metal tags in.
  • I'd have to store 625 metal tags just for new vehicles.
  • And I have to store it and file it, so I can find it. And when I sell that.
Bills: SB35 , SB284 , SB296 , SB305 , SB857 , SB995 , SB1121 , SB1555 , SB1902 , SCR25 , SB 35
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee Meeting Jun 18th, 2026

Elections & Government Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Register of Regulations is maintained and published at the Division of Legislative Services.
  • public notice of proposed regulations that are to be adopted, amended, or repealed.
  • The Register indexes regulations by agency and subject matter.
  • This is simply a home being stored on a lot, much like a car being kept at a storage facility.
  • They technically, I guess, are storing a house on... Manufactured housing community.
Bills: HB89 , HB328 , HB344 , HB365 , HB283 , HB89 , HB328 , HB344 , HB365 , HB283
Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 10 draft minutes, and then heard a long agenda of bills. HB 89 (home improvement fraud dispute resolution) was presented as a consumer protection measure developed with DOJ to address contractor fraud, especially against vulnerable homeowners; members voiced support and asked to be added as sponsors. HB 283 updated realty transfer tax exemptions to use gender-neutral “spouses” language and add a direct grandparent-to-grandchild transfer exemption; it drew supportive public comment. HS1 for HB 390 would let DelDOT choose electronic-only bidding for projects, remove newspaper bid-opening notices, and clarify bidding records, with no opposition raised. HB 328/H.A. 2 modernizes the Register of Regulations statute, keeps newspaper distribution requirements, and delays some effective dates to 2027; it was described as a technical update. HB 365 would create the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, prompting supportive testimony from Indigenous community members and some discussion about representation and internal tribal اختلافs, but no formal opposition. HB 423 would automatically enroll new state employees in the 457B deferred compensation plan unless they opt out, with exclusions for collective bargaining units and implementation tied to payroll readiness; it was presented as a retirement-savings measure. SS1 for SB 342 would modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to support a broader film/media incentive package, with support from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a request to help attract productions to Delaware. The committee also heard SB 331, a cleanup bill on garagekeeper liens for manufactured housing and related assets. The sponsor and an attorney explained it as clarifying who can recover funds and attorney’s fees in lien sales, but the Chief Magistrate and the manufactured housing association said the issue should be addressed more carefully and possibly in another section of code; they were open to further work. HB 436 would update the Smyrna charter, including school impact fees, election challenge procedures, vacancy rules, domicile standards, Board of Elections terms, and meeting schedules. HS1 for HB 376 made technical and organizational changes to the Millville charter, including a tiebreaker for municipal elections and a property tax cap, with the town solicitor saying there was little substantive change. HB 460 would require New Castle County municipalities to submit permit data monthly rather than on a much slower schedule, limited to closed permits with certificates of occupancy, to improve property assessment data; it was presented as part of broader reassessment/data-quality efforts. Public comment was heard on several items, especially HB 365 and SS1 for SB 342. Indigenous speakers supported the commission as a way to preserve heritage, improve representation, and create a formal seat at the table. The Delaware Arts Alliance supported the film commission modernization bill as part of a broader creative-economy plan. No recorded votes were taken on the individual bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they can audit me while owning their own stores.
  • When they hit me with very strict audits, maybe patients might switch to one of the stores that they
  • But I'm a little troubled by the lack of regulation of bad actors, which could happen. ...of bad actors
  • Custodians are entities that would be newly regulated.
  • Custodians are entities that would be newly regulated.
Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026

Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they can audit me while owning their own stores.
  • When they hit me with very strict audits, maybe patients might switch to one of the stores that they
  • will do, and what legal tender is essentially, is when you have gold, you know, you can go into a store
  • Custodians are entities that would be newly regulated.
  • Custodians are entities that would be newly regulated.
Bills: S0326 , S0598 , S0632 , S0786 , S1110 , S1256 , S1380 , S1588 , S7042 , S7044
Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 7042 on legal tender and SB 1380 before taking up the remaining agenda. The committee first reported favorably C.S. for SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and what oversight applies. It then reported favorably SB 1256, which standardizes PBM pharmacy audits by requiring uniform audit standards, scope, frequency, penalties, and due process protections for pharmacies; testimony from pharmacists emphasized concerns about conflicts of interest, excessive audits, and disproportionate penalties, while preserving fraud investigations. The committee also reported favorably C.S. for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services after adopting an amendment that removed provisions on civil damages caps and phasing out direct disposers; the bill updates licensure and contract rules and addresses unclaimed remains. SB 632, which sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies during the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup, was reported favorably despite opposition from an attorney who argued the existing coverage framework should not be reduced. C.S. for SB 786, creating a nonjudicial process to close out undisputed trusts and discharge trustees, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 1110, a major bill expanding Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity limbs, and requiring annual reporting. After adopting an amendment clarifying eligible recipients, the committee heard extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the medical, developmental, and financial importance of prosthetic coverage, and members spoke in strong support before the bill was reported favorably. Later, the committee considered SB 1588, which implements last session’s legal tender law by refining definitions, narrowing custodian provisions, eliminating unnecessary examination requirements, and repealing the sunset clause; members raised questions about verification and anti-money-laundering concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7044 as a committee bill to expand public records exemptions to records relating to newly regulated custodians of gold and silver. The meeting concluded with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026

Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they can audit me while owning their own stores.
  • When they hit me with very strict audits, maybe patients might switch to one of the stores that they
  • But I'm a little troubled by the lack of regulation of bad actors, which could happen. ...of bad actors
  • Custodians are entities that would be newly regulated.
  • Custodians are entities that would be newly regulated.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • As we've been hearing, surface water really isn't well regulated.
  • I think now it's somewhere around 40 horsepower, but we do regulate that. So thank you. Okay.
  • So I actually just downloaded a dB monitor on my phone, an app.
  • This balance is achieved through carefully structured regulations to prohibit conflicts.
  • This balance is achieved through carefully structured regulations to prohibit conflicts.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026

Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • As we've been hearing, surface water really isn't well regulated.
  • I think now it's somewhere around 40 horsepower, but we do regulate that. So thank you. Okay.
  • So I actually just downloaded a dB monitor on my phone, an app.
  • This balance is achieved through carefully structured regulations to prohibit conflicts. Thanks.
  • This balance is achieved through carefully structured regulations to prohibit conflicts.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, again, this HB 250 does not remove any rules and regulations that exist pertaining to family
  • The Board of Examiners for Psychologists does not regulate medical psychologists.
  • But again, at the end of the day, our state board regulates what happens in Louisiana.
  • So is this an app, or how would it— It would be software that would be incorporated into our...
  • And then it will leave in the bill the telephone communication regulations.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 1071, which creates a public records exception for certain aerospace facility and activity records, including blueprints, plans, technical data, operational documents, and security information tied to federally regulated work and contracts with the U.S. Department of War or intelligence agencies. The sponsor and several members emphasized protecting Louisiana aerospace and defense-related work, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 181, as amended, which authorizes the legislative auditor to review confidential income tax records to help LDH verify Medicaid eligibility, and, after amendment, SNAP eligibility as well. Supporters said the bill would help identify ineligible recipients, reduce fraud, and improve the state’s error rate to avoid federal penalties; opponents argued tax returns are outdated and unreliable for current eligibility, could create false flags, and might burden or discourage eligible low-income residents. After extensive debate, the committee adopted Amendment Set 2633 and reported HB 181 favorably by a 10-6 vote. Later, the committee considered HB 250, which removes the requirement that immediate family members of appointed board or commission members disclose certain employment information, while leaving existing ethics prohibitions in place. The Ethics Board said the bill would not change substantive conflict-of-interest rules, only the disclosure requirement, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 544, authorizing a citizen’s advisory referendum election, was briefly explained as a nonbinding, petition-driven local ballot question process, but the sponsor deferred it for further consideration and the committee deferred the bill. The committee also heard HB 1036, which clarifies when a group is considered a “committee” for campaign finance purposes by using a more objective spending threshold rather than the current “primary purpose” standard. Ethics officials said the change would give clearer investigative guidance without changing other disclosure rules, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 210 was amended to address retroactivity concerns in a prior ethics-related provision affecting school board and local governing authority members employed by entities with contracts or business before June 5, 2024; the amendment grandfathered earlier situations while requiring disclosures going forward, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Healthcare

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB132 is the bill with the hemp regulating substitute. In front of you, I have a summary.
  • So, they'd have to be sold in a store that has an ABC permit for that.
  • to allow these uses for adults in a regulated environment and those that...
  • We need to do some figuring on how much to regulate it.
  • We have to get enough out of it to regulate it.
Bills: SB191 , HB84 , HB79 , SB132 , HB108 , HB109 , HB110 , HB114 , HB118 , HB120 , HB122 , HB124 , HB126 , HB128 , HB129 , HB131
Committee: Senate Healthcare
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • As a result of litigation, DPR was compelled to adopt regulations, but the regulations were designed
  • Regulated entities, if you guys can come on up. regulated entities, if you guys can come on up.
  • of the state laws and regulations.
  • The draft regulations also expanded the use of rodenticides to new places like grocery stores and restaurants
  • I think it's critical. and local regulators and many other stakeholders.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
  • By many legislators to resist regulating big tech.
  • Regulations in terms of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
  • It removes the democratic rights of local communities to regulate the location of these stores relative
  • and package stores.
  • It would allow a hemp retail store that does not sell marijuana. ...allow a hemp retail store that does
Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call. Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate. Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Jun 9th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill aims to address the conflict between the state's ICT regulation for zero-emission fleets and
  • We put regulations in place without understanding fully what the implications of the regulations are.
  • in place without understanding fully what the implications of the regulations are.
  • And then when it rains, that goes into our water system, our storing grain system.
  • The federal regulators continued to apply pressure throughout the period.
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several measures, with most of the agenda taken up by AB 1944, AB 2453, and SJR 16 after a consent calendar of eight items was approved. AB 1944 by Assembly Member Alex Lee would delay the schedule for reducing the allowable axle weight limits for zero-emission buses while keeping the final cap in place, to give transit agencies and manufacturers more time to develop lighter buses with sufficient range. Supporters, including the California Transit Association and several transit districts, said the bill would help agencies comply with zero-emission bus mandates. Opponents, led by the League of California Cities, argued heavier buses would accelerate pavement damage and increase local maintenance costs. Senators raised concerns about infrastructure impacts and environmental tradeoffs, while others supported the bill as a practical adjustment to technology timelines. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote, with the roll left open and later completed. AB 2453 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would clarify authority for first responders and peace officers to use off-highway vehicles in official duties, including limited travel on public roads to reach remote areas. The author and supporters, including the Carlsbad Fire Department and the City of Ontario, said the bill would improve response times for beaches, trails, deserts, and special events and reduce burdensome workarounds. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SJR 16 by Senator Caballero urged Congress to act on federal actions affecting California commercial truck drivers after a fatal crash and subsequent federal scrutiny of California’s commercial licensing practices, including English-language proficiency standards and rescinded credentials. The author and Teamsters California said the federal response had unfairly harmed experienced drivers and the supply chain. No opposition was presented. The resolution passed on a 9-3 vote, with the roll also left open and later completed. The consent calendar items were adopted 13-0.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 12, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Or maybe federal regulation.
  • . regulations. regulations.
  • to</c><01:14:50.320><c> do</c><01:14:50.520><c> with</c> regulate and regulations have to do with regulate
  • So, by all legal farm store.
  • </c><02:17:48.840><c> and</c> when it comes to the regulations and when it comes to the regulations and
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so we have no regulation.
  • And so we have no regulation.
  • Six are regulated, combined of 20.
  • Currently, I believe, five are regulated. Six. I'm sorry. Six are regulated. Combined of 20.
  • to regulate with consistency.
Summary: The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination. Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • know, you're going on a... ...road trip with your family, and you all decide you're going to go to a store
  • , and you decide you don't want to go to that store anymore, you'll go to a different store, and then
  • pretty soon you want to go back to that store again.
  • Okay, we were at this store before, but now we're going here.
  • What I've seen so far is reluctance on being regulated on the AI front, on the AI decisions, and of course
Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.