Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the most consequential technologies in the world.
• , quantum and biotechnology and fusion technology.
• One of the technologies I'm most interested in is storage because of the.
• And yes, I completely agree on the importance of storage technology.
• the discovery and commercialization of new technologies?

Keywords: nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation

Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:54:05.279> race lead in the global technological race lead in the global technological
• <03:15:10.160> and Precision agricultural Technologies and Precision agricultural Technologies
• <03:19:27.960> like<03:19:28.199> artificial Technologies like artificial Technologies
• a dramatic shift in US technology a dramatic shift in US technology leadership<03:23:51.840>
• Advanced Industrial Technologies I urge Advanced Industrial Technologies I urge my<04:00:02.600> colleagues

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requesting Hawaii Technology uh requesting Hawaii Technology Development<00:15:41.120> Corporation
• next, Sandy Kanei, uh Hawaii Technology next, Sandy Kanei, uh Hawaii Technology Development<00:16
• I know when uh senator car technology.
• ,<00:16:39.360> Kim tried to do the Milani technology, Kim tried to do the Milani technology
• HR156 requesting Hawaii Technology HR156 requesting Hawaii Technology Development<00:26:44.640><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions. Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused. Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products. The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• :27.360> also Autonomous vehicle technology may also Autonomous vehicle technology may also expand
• the emerging transportation technology the emerging transportation technology and<00:04:59.280><
• we don't know what this is technology we don't know what this is technology is.<00:15:55.839>
• autonomous driving technology company autonomous driving technology company with<00:18:36.720>
• this technology can have to safety. this technology can have to safety.

Keywords: 1183, house

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

Transcript Highlights:

• that, it has the technology back then, seven years ago, this technology where you could type in on a
• Technology for law enforcement.
• We are not just a technology company.
• And that's why I'm confused because technology is so advanced.
• But I do agree, it's not a complicated technology solution.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And not only that, it has the technology back then, seven years ago, this technology where you could
• We are not just a technology company.
• And that's why I'm confused because technology is so advanced.
• And that's why I'm confused because technology is so advanced.
• But I do agree, it’s not a complicated technology solution.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard presentations on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, beginning with remarks from Senator Kevin Payne, who described the program as a response to school shootings and 911 overloads, and said the goal is to let schools trigger a panic-button alert that immediately shares video, floor plans, and location information with law enforcement and other responders. Several members echoed support for the concept, while also raising concerns about whether the systems are actually working as intended and whether school resource officers remain necessary or should be supplemented by technology. Auditor General Lindsay Perry summarized the JLAC-directed special audit, explaining that the office reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She said the office had tested a sample of systems with vendors, schools, and law enforcement, and that some agencies had not provided requested follow-up information. Members questioned Pinal County’s lack of response and the status of its reports and payments, and committee leaders criticized the county sheriff’s claim that the committee had treated staff unfairly. Representatives from Mutualink, Motorola Solutions, and Navigate 360 then defended their systems and described implementation challenges. Mutualink said its platform connects schools, dispatch, and responders across jurisdictions and claimed it can reduce response times, but acknowledged that implementation depends on training, infrastructure, and cooperation among schools and agencies. Motorola said it had deployed systems in Maricopa and Yuma counties and that some delays stemmed from school participation and procurement issues. Navigate 360 highlighted Cochise County as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented and that the company had added maps, emergency management tools, and training support after audit findings. Members repeatedly pressed the vendors on statutory criteria, procurement practices, rural infrastructure, and why some counties or schools were not fully operational; the vendors generally said the biggest barriers were local readiness, training, and interagency coordination rather than the technology itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• and emerging technologies in this space. and emerging technologies in this space.
• about technology cost curves and learning how to work with the technology, where in fossil fuel stuff
• In these new technology areas, we're generally talking about technology cost curves and learning how
• <00:33:42.720> is the point at which the technology is the point at which the technology is
• resources other technology other resources other technology<00:40:07.359> types<00:40:07.760>

Bills: HF4059, HF76

Keywords: climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, financing, sustainability, environmental policy, renewable energy, Minnesota Climate Innovation Financing Authority, earned incentive release credit, release credits, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, sentence reduction, good time, prison time, incarceration, violent offenses, murder, criminal sexual conduct, sex offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I move the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment be adopted. Very good.
• Chairman, I move the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment be adopted. Mr.
• Let's read the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee amendment. Mr.
• Chairman, I move the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment be adopted. Mr.
• Let's read the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee amendment. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Technology Readiness Initiative has helped grow the technology economy by connecting New Mexico businesses
• to Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs to mature technology for commercialization.
• I'm the Technology Engagement Entrepreneurship Lead at Los Alamos. Good morning, Mr.
• My name is Norasaka, director of the state's technology and innovation office.
• This business licensed some technology, a prototype from Sandia National Labs.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members of the committee, that There is geographic adoption of this technology and this
• Thank you. work at zero as we provide this type of technology as well.
• Yes, sir, that suggests that it's technologies and things that already exist.
• Hopefully, we get some better technology in the future, and we can carry on. But that's it.
• So anything concealed carry would not be identified by this technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• BASED ON YOUR TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR USER.
• I IN GENERAL ON THE TECHNOLOGY OF WATER.
• TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AND IMPROVE AND BECOME MORE EFFICIENT.
• THAT IS OF ANY TECHNOLOGY.
• THE CONCEPT OF AI AND TECHNOLOGIES IS NOT THE SAME THING.

Transcript Highlights:

• acquisition, in order to vet the potential application of AI technologies by state agencies and the
• <00:02:08.959> and of generative AI uh technology and of generative AI uh technology and around
• enterprise<00:03:43.120> technology of our overall enterprise technology of our overall enterprise
• <00:08:05.759> um the responsible use of the technology um the responsible use of the technology
• <00:25:19.600> and their their own uh technology and their their own uh technology and processes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We really do try to protect our technology.
• And how can we impact the world with this new technology?
• and engineering. technologies throughout our company.
• , which is now the Technology and Innovation Office.
• Great one: information technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you mandate this technology in autonomous vehicles? Mandate what technology?
• cost impact of the technology.
• All this technology is required to be required in autonomous vehicles.
• this technology.
• They market it as full self-drive technology.

Keywords: transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, co-chair of the Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology
• , including, but not limited to, personalized firearm technology and microstamp technology.
• and any legal or constitutional issues related to such technologies, an investigation of the accuracy
• Proceeding that, we had two hearings on microstamping technology.
• Today, we will hear public testimony on these emerging technologies.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology convened its fifth hearing, led by co-chairs Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Senator Michael Moore, with a quorum present. The co-chairs reviewed the commission’s charge to study emerging firearm technologies, including personalized firearms and microstamping, and to assess their feasibility, utility, legal issues, commercial availability, and potential costs and impacts in Massachusetts. They noted prior hearings on smart guns and microstamping and said this session was for public testimony. The only registered speaker was Matthew Nugent of Beverly, who urged the commission to recommend microstamping legislation. He argued that microstamping could help identify crime guns, solve shootings, and hold traffickers accountable by imprinting a unique code on cartridge casings when a firearm is fired. He cited other states, including New Jersey, California, and New York, as having adopted similar requirements and asked Massachusetts to follow suit. No other oral testimony was offered, though the co-chairs reminded the public that written testimony would continue to be accepted and posted for commissioners. Senator Moore thanked attendees for their input, and the commission then voted to adjourn without any substantive action or recommendations taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• > allow<00:03:20.640> that new modern technology will allow that new modern technology
• , families, information technology, families, information technology, somebody<00:05:08.960> in
• The IG is going to need technology too, of course.
• <00:13:08.800> backbone uh modernize the technological backbone uh modernize the technological
• I appreciate ecosystem for technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:14.760> is driverless vehicle technology is driverless vehicle technology is advancing
• vehicles and integrate this technology vehicles and integrate this technology so<00:43:21.720>
• ,<01:20:11.400> while not follow, on this technology, while not follow, on this technology
• I think technology is phenomenal.
• allowing that technology to come here. allowing that technology to come here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pieces like the motorized technology pieces like the motorized devices<04:31:49.199> somebody
• They're adaptable, responsive, and resilient. No single prosthesis can replace all of that.
• The technology exists. It works.
• The<04:39:30.799> technology<04:39:31.359> exists.
• <04:39:32.959> But The technology exists. It works. But The technology exists. It works.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal funding and other things over the last few years, and we've had to take austerity measures to adapt

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal funding and other things over the last few years, and we've had to take austerity measures to adapt

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations and took executive recommendations on several Department of Human Services divisions, including Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services; Children and Family Services; County Operations; Developmental Disability Services; and Medical Services, with most divisions showing little or no significant change in total appropriations. Staff and agency witnesses repeatedly explained that many large appropriations are maintained for flexibility, federal matching requirements, or contingency needs, even when actual spending is much lower than the authorized amount. Members also raised concerns about staffing vacancies, long-vacant budgeted positions, and the use of excess appropriation authority across DHS. In Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health, members questioned federal funding levels for mental health and substance abuse grants, the status of senior centers and Meals on Wheels, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, community alcohol safety grants, and the veterans mental health grant. Agency officials said federal block grants are largely committed, that senior center funding had been delayed by shutdown timing but was now back on track, that the tobacco settlement program had been moved internally within DHS, and that the veterans mental health appropriation remains unfunded. Senators also criticized the adequacy of support for seniors and asked for more detail on how transportation, meal services, and local contributions are funded. In Children and Family Services, members asked about rising appropriation levels, foster care and adoption subsidies, professional fees, the number of children in foster care, and the Children’s Trust Fund. DHS said increases reflect added flexibility for residential treatment, adoption subsidies, and prevention services, while the foster care population has remained fairly steady at about 3,400 children. The Children’s Trust Fund was described as supporting primary prevention programs such as Baby and Me and community schools, and members asked whether it could be administratively combined with other efforts. Questions also covered TANF subgrants, with DHS explaining that it had reduced outside subgrants after discovering over-obligation and was rebuilding reserves. In County Operations, members focused on the summer EBT program, SNAP employment and training, the farmer’s market program, and the state’s TANF reserve position. DHS said summer EBT is still being funded through temporary appropriations because it is a newer program, SNAP employment and training is largely federally funded and may expand under a pending policy change, and TANF reserves were drawn down after prior over-obligation but are now being stabilized. In Developmental Disability Services, members asked about vacancies, human development center staffing, facility construction funds, and the Booneville work program, and DHS said the program has reopened and staffing recruitment continues. In Medical Services, members asked about FMAP, the Our Kids B CHIP program, school-based Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home distress funds, and several large appropriation lines that far exceed actual spending; DHS said these are maintained for claims payment, nursing home receivership contingencies, and other flexibility needs. Each division reviewed was adopted by executive recommendation after questions concluded.