Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Deputy Secretary of Economic Development at the department.
• So looking at overall what we do, here are our four pillars: economic development, community development
• , workforce development, and, as a department, community development, workforce development.
• We also do have the Community Development Block Grant Program.
• That's our economic development toolkit.

Summary: The committee heard two informational presentations: one from the Department of Commerce and one from the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy and tools, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, defense, life sciences, and international trade. He described programs such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the Rural Community Investment Program, the Florida Opportunity Fund, the Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Job Growth Grant Fund, performance-based tax credits, and disaster recovery loans, and cited examples including ServiceNow, Williams International, NeoCity, and Point Blank Enterprises. Members asked about small-business grants, foreign investment interest, workforce needs, and whether additional tools are needed; Mahon said most Commerce programs are loan-focused and noted ongoing workforce and site-readiness challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, highlighting congestion relief, express lanes, bridge and interchange work, and accelerated delivery methods. She cited projects such as Golden Glades, I-95 improvements, the NASA Causeway Bridge, the DuPont Bridge, I-4 corridor work, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, A1A seawall work, and Turnpike projects, along with examples of cost savings and schedule acceleration. Senators asked about how express lane locations are chosen, toll revenue use in South Florida, the status and cost of the I-395 downtown Miami project, and whether EV and rideshare access to express lanes should be preserved. FDOT said it would follow up on several of those questions, and the committee adjourned without taking any legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• our technology to push that feed out. our technology to push that feed out.
• the technical skills in the areas of power, structure, and technology.
• first tech conference, Technology first tech conference, Technology Empowered<00:35:52.800> Careers
• and technology to business, science, and skilled<00:36:42.040> trades.
• <00:37:27.880> across investing in youth development across investing in youth development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with the first presentation, which is from the Department of Information Technology.
• Chair, moving on to page 8, we can see the Economic Development Department.
• That includes $25 million to establish a research and development deployment fund.
• I am Emily Hilla, the LFC analyst for the Department of Information Technology.
• The Department of Information Technology has been supporting us for two years.

Transcript Highlights:

• The darker line shows technology modernization appropriations specifically for the AIMS development and
• So it's excellent technology.
• Are you seeing the development of the new housing developments?
• Response: ...the development of the new housing developments?
• Are you seeing the development of the new housing developments?

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Digital technology Great. Thank you. Sorry, is that on? It's on. Great. Thank you, Mr.
• Digital technology has made participating in these agreements easier, but detecting them harder.
• of thousands of California businesses that are using the technology for security.
• Developers are using finite public resources to build energy-intensive technologies that generate massive
• I am head of strategy and partnerships for Rain, autonomous aerial suppression technology.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open. Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is scaling up its operations for its quantum dot technology, which was developed at Los Alamos National
• And technology.
• So think of it as a savings technology.
• Fiat currencies, by design, are a bad savings technology.
• And that gets into the details and technology behind this.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anytime your brain health is affected, to develop a dementing disorder.
• We have developed psychological interventions designed to support both parties.
• These mice, when they were developing embryo... in the embryonic development, they developed abnormal
• So I don't know of genetic technology, DNA technology, as it exists today, that will allow me to do that
• So part of the reason we have developed this technology.

Bills: HB5, HJR3, HB155, HB513, HB5, HB155

Keywords: dementia, research, health care, Texas Institute, grants, medical breakthroughs, oversight, prevention, funding, healthcare, Texas, autopsy, confidentiality, public records, medical examiner, law enforcement, HB 513, surgical smoke, surgical plume, smoke evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• Corpus Christi is a breeding ground for that economic development.
• Um, so you have self-reported water loss reports to Texas Development Water Development Board.
• You know, the Water Development Board, I saws.
• We will also use a ball technology. It really depends on the size.
• We're doing all kinds of economic development things.

Transcript Highlights:

• Developing water supply is navigating a very complex network of statutes.
• The development and optimization of desalination technologies, and especially.
• And before that, I was at the Water Development Board for 23 years.
• They were not easy to develop.
• I spent half my life dedicated to developing new water resources.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Office of Skills Development reported directly to the Secretary.
• economic development projects, and that they are closely aligned from an economic development perspective
• Okay, and those are the economic development...
• The state workforce development board is in place today.
• The state workforce development board is in place today.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Partnerships develop these pathways.
• it from there and develops that talent and keeps them in the state.
• We have science, technology, engineering, and math.
• We are headquartered in the NDSU Research and Technology Park.
• They're moving that over to economic development.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• He has over 30 years of experience in the technology industry as a software developer, patent attorney
• We have a patchwork of very up-to-date technology, and then some technology that's not quite so up-to-date
• Our agencies to get access to the resources and technology they need.
• Is it at a technology readiness level of one, or A, right? Where are we? Can it be done?
• So, there are many companies in Texas that are developing the next space station.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Information Technology Budget and Policy Subcommittee will now come to order.
• Who is truly in charge of overseeing state technology and...
• Who is truly in charge of overseeing state technology in Florida?
• They manage the enterprise technology.
• Information Technology Budget and Policy Subcommittee got it right.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1183, by Rep. G. Lombardo, as amended by a strike-all. The bill would provide liability protection for local governments and private-sector entities that substantially comply with certain cybersecurity practices, including multi-factor authentication, disaster recovery plans, and related policies and procedures. Rep. Lombardo said the measure is intended to create incentives for better cybersecurity and to limit class-action exposure after incidents, while still allowing suits where negligence can be shown. Supporters included TechNet, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, the Florida League of Cities, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, and Dr. Edward Long of the James Madison Institute; Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Blanco, and Rep. McFarland also spoke in favor. Ranking Member Bracy Davis opposed the bill, saying she was not comfortable granting liability protections to entities that may have contributed to breaches and questioning whether substantial compliance would be self-attested. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by a 14-2 vote. After the vote, the committee shifted into an extended discussion about Florida’s state IT governance structure, procurement, and project management. Members criticized the current federated model as fragmented and lacking clear accountability, with repeated references to long-running problems such as cost overruns, weak vendor oversight, workforce shortages, and the troubled I-Connect system. Several members argued that the state needs a single accountable leader or stronger enterprise authority over agency technology decisions. Ranking Member Bracy Davis raised concerns about the impact of broken systems on vulnerable populations and asked about the role of advisory councils. Rep. G. Lombardo, Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Groh all emphasized the need for centralized leadership, better alignment of authority and budget, and more disciplined procurement and integration practices. A public witness, Victoria Zep of Team 180, testified in support of a more enterprise-wide approach and said the private sector also wants more organization and transparency. She criticized short procurement timelines, limited competition, and poorly written scopes, and urged the state to post procurements more openly and seek broader vendor input. She also discussed the need to respect agency-specific federal requirements while still improving statewide coordination. The chair closed by asking members to bring forward ideas for immediate and long-term reforms, including review of Senate Bill 7026, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, waste-to-energy technology is safe, reliable, and proven.
• And certainly waste management is a very valid technology.
• There is a lot of great technology out there in waste-to-energy facilities.
• There is a lot of great technology out there in waste-to-energy facilities.
• Christian Camera, waving in support from the Consumer Technology Association.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably. The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Look, my union has no desire to halt technological progress.
• And now, what have these model developers done? Rather than taking the data...
• And now, what have these model developers done?
• We required every single technology company in the state to require this.
• We required every single technology company in the state to require this.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee met with a new membership roster and adopted its committee rules after quorum was established. The hearing then began with AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, which would require generative AI developers to provide copyright holders notice when registered copyrighted works are used in training data. The author and supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, the Transparency Coalition, voice actors, writers, labor groups, and other creators, argued the bill would give artists a practical way to learn whether their works were used and to vindicate their rights. Opponents, including EFF, CalChamber, RIAA, CCIA, Chamber of Progress, Bay Area Council, BSA, and TechNet, said the proposal was technically unworkable, could burden startups, conflict with existing law and pending litigation, and raise federal preemption concerns. Members discussed the bill’s amendments, including a fingerprinting approach and narrowing the bill to model developers, and the committee voted 8-2 to pass AB 412 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard AB 446, which would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or the use of personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. The author and supporters, including Consumer Watchdog, UFCW, labor organizations, and consumer/privacy groups, described examples of differential pricing tied to device type, location, shopping behavior, and digital price tags, and argued the bill would protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory pricing. Business and industry opponents, including CalChamber, grocers, retailers, travel, broadband, and other associations, said the bill could conflict with the CCPA, interfere with loyalty and rewards programs, and create confusion about personalized discounts and dynamic pricing. The discussion focused on how the bill would treat loyalty programs, whether existing privacy law already covers the issue, and whether the proposal would unintentionally affect legitimate discounts and promotions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are staying in compliance with our technology aspect.
• fine arts, technology, robotics, and science.
• Basic geography, basic math, basic technology.
• Since 2020, $2.8 billion in bonds were marked solely as technology, with billions more having a technology
• in place, and for how much of the day technology is used.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that are developed here and build businesses out of.
• programs focused on economic development.
• The fact that they are known as research and development companies, or will be doing research and development
• In addition to research and development, we're also seeing actual deployment of some of these technologies
• We're, I mean, the Economic Development Department and the city Economic Development Department, probably

Transcript Highlights:

• With 12 active transportation faculty and approximately, Economic development.
• With the advance of AI technology and other advanced technologies, these bad actors can adjust these
• They're developing communications. They're developing all sorts of tools in a toolbox for them.
• And so We want to keep supporting that technological transformation.
• We were asked to develop some listening sessions, which we would have done.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh your committee on economic development,<00:11:49.160> housing,<00:11:49.440> and<00:
• 11:49.520> general development, housing, and general development, housing, and general affairs
• or the an actor or to develop a or the developer<00:16:24.080> of<00:16:24.160> a<00:16
• :24.200> generative<00:16:25.040> artificial developer of a generative artificial developer
• Housing and General Affairs Development Housing and General Affairs Committee.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• experience develop.
• the utilities is not on the technology the utilities is not on the technology side.<00:21:50.320
• <01:26:48.880> it technology is. And again, it is safe. it technology is.
• has cellular technology on them.
• developing anything. developing anything.

Keywords: 1189, house, all