Video & Transcript Research : 'voting technology'
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NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So a vote in support of Teresa Padilla is a vote in favor of the state of New Mexico and the people that
- She was A voting member when we did modernize our classification and compensation system.
- Seeing none, with a vote of seven.
- And I urge you all to vote DO PASS. Thank you.
- I urge the committee to vote to pass on this important and historic Memorial. Thank you.
Keywords:
land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 114 WILL BE REPORTED FAVORABLY.
- , COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND CAREER EDUCATION.
- SO RESPECTFULLY I'M GOING TO VOTE IN OPPOSITION TO YOUR BILL TODAY.
- BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SB 1624 WILL BE REPORTED FAVORABLY.
- DOES ANY SENATOR WISH TO BE RECORDED ON ANY VOTES THAT THEY NEXT? NO?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll leave the vote pending for the vote. Thank you. 239 Thank you. Thank you for watching!
- Voting. Thank you very much.
- I'm with the Center for Democracy and Technology. Thank you. for Democracy and Technology.
- Do you want to leave that pin here or go ahead and vote?
- We're going to vote this slate of bills out as you see.
Bills:
HB166, HB2000, HB3248, HB3513, SB155, SB1659, SB1730, SB1778, SB1790, SB1848, SB2017, SB2105, SB2794, SB2917, HB2756, HB353, HB166
Keywords:
child endangerment, controlled substances, penalty group, elderly protection, disabled individual rights, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, defense, peace officers, local government, security, juvenile board, Moore County, appointments, juvenile justice, county legislation, dangerous dogs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So I’m thinking, I don’t mind if you guys want to vote to say this committee handles that.
- Overall commission vote as well. And my only negative on that is nothing.
- That’s fine if people vote to do it. So I don’t have a negative on it.
- Whether it’s technology—oh, well, people with autism want to do technology, or people should be at the
- Whether it’s technology—oh, well, people with autism want to do technology, or people should be at the
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward.
A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models.
The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- While technology can improve underwriting, To address insurers' use of aerial imagery.
- Some will argue that legislation bans a useful technology. This does not.
- Technology should serve people, not surprise them.
- So the final vote on this act is going to be taking place on September 30th.
- Aerial imagery is an emerging technology that allows insurers to more safely and efficiently inspect
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on affordable housing insurance, homeowners insurance practices, climate resilience, and consumer protections after property losses. Senators and representatives testified in support of a resolve to create a commission on affordable housing insurance (S. 768/H. 1279), arguing that rising premiums and deductibles are threatening the viability of affordable housing properties and new development. Supporters also backed bills to establish private flood insurance standards (S. 719), create climate-resilient home retrofit grants (S. 720), expand the MVP climate resilience program (H. 1310/S. 686), and protect urban trees and limit insurer-driven tree removals (H. 1316). Several lawmakers and advocates said these measures would help reduce risk, preserve insurability, and address the effects of increasingly severe storms and flooding.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing insurer use of aerial imagery (H. 1242/H. 2142) and notice periods for nonrenewals or repairs (H. 4042 and related measures). Supporters said insurers should be allowed to use drones and satellite images but with stronger guardrails, including current photos, disclosure of risk factors, an appeals process, and time to cure defects. They argued that homeowners are sometimes blindsided by nonrenewals based on inaccurate aerial photos or given too little time to make repairs. Opponents from the insurance industry said aerial imagery is already regulated by the Division of Insurance, that additional statutory requirements could create confusion and litigation, and that existing notice rules already provide 45 days for nonrenewals and 60-day limits on cancellations. Industry witnesses also warned that some proposed timelines conflict with current law and could restrict useful underwriting tools.
Another major topic was H. 1077, which would restrict solicitation by restoration companies and public adjusters at fire scenes. A homeowner described being approached immediately after a house fire by restoration and public-adjuster representatives and said the experience was intrusive and overwhelming; supporters said homeowners need time and space to make informed decisions after a disaster. Public adjusters and restoration contractors opposed the bill, saying they provide needed guidance, emergency mitigation, and claims assistance when homeowners are under stress, and that some existing protections already allow consumers to cancel contracts. The hearing ended after all listed witnesses testified, and the committee voted to close the hearing; no bill dispositions were taken during the session.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water; HB 2803, Expenditure Limitation; HB 2809, Statewide Science and Technology
- corporation 2330 line sitting vectors 2330 one electrical service providers 2332 Prohibition MRNA technology
- contracts public works. 2698 rental assistance study committee, 2699 contracts public works, 2700 technology
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Committee on Science and Technology will not be meeting today
- Those in favor, vote aye. Those opposed, vote nay. The ayes have it, so ordered.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch of Legislative District 12. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes advocates, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and other constituents and visitors in the gallery.
The chamber then handled routine floor business: attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused; committee substitutions were announced; HB 2677 was removed from the Judiciary Committee and additionally referred to Public Safety and Law Enforcement; and a large slate of House bills and one concurrent resolution were first read and referred to committees. The clerk also read a lengthy list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including education, health care, housing, taxation, elections, water, labor, public safety, and other policy areas.
No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred during the floor session beyond the referral actions and procedural announcements. Members made announcements about upcoming blood donations, a Veterans Caucus coffee and donuts event, and several committee meetings scheduled for later in the day or the following day. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 051 Mar 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any no votes?
- Are there any no votes?
- Are there any no votes? Are there any no votes?
- Are there any no votes?
- Are there any no votes? >> With a vote of 35 eyes, zero no, zero absent, and zero excused.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 journal, and received committee reports advancing several bills, including House Bills 1182, 1067, 1040, 101, and 1041, and Senate Bills 62, 113, and 120, along with a set of appointments to the Building Decarbonization Enterprise Board of Directors recommended for consent calendar confirmation. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole for second-reading consideration of bills on the consent calendar.
House Bill 1020, concerning calorimetric field drug testing in drug possession cases, was adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out of Committee of the Whole as passed on second reading and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. Senate Bill 63, concerning non-emergency medical transportation services for Medicaid members, was laid over until March 9, and Senate Bill 40, concerning the affordable home ownership program, was laid over until March 6.
Senate Bill 95, concerning measures to support victim survivors of certain crimes, was removed from the consent calendar, amended with L6 to clarify appellate procedure for the anti-SLAPP provision, and then passed on second reading. During debate, Senator Zamora Wilson raised concerns about language allowing individuals in the room with the victim and possible coaching or bias, while supporters said the amendment clarified the issue. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, sending SB 95 to third reading and keeping SB 40 and SB 63 on the calendar.
The Senate also confirmed several governor’s appointments on the consent calendar, including members of the Colorado Aeronautical Board and the Colorado School of Mines board of trustees. Steven Fenberg’s appointment to the School of Mines board drew extended, mostly humorous floor discussion about his qualifications and punctuality, but it was ultimately confirmed 35-0. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming committee hearings, a Colorado Optometric Association reception, and a Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance event, followed by recess until 11:00 a.m. that day.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- their technology we're talking technology<00:03:01.920>
here <00:03:02.080>and <00:03:02.239 - I'm I'm a yes on the on the vote I'm I'm a yes on the on the vote representative<00:41:16.599>
- Representative Flanery, yes. to be several members come in so vote to be several members come in so vote
- So you want to do vote? Okay. She didn't miss any votes. Yeah, you made every vote.
- I'm just checking to see if you voted. you want to do vote to okay um she you want to do vote to okay
Keywords:
Call to Order 00:00
Roll Call 00:05
HB 566 Discussion 01:34
HB 566 Vote 16:42
HB 39 Discussion 19:15
HB 39 Vote 23:10
HB 70 Discussion 24:48
HB 70 Vote 27:36
HB 72 Discussion 28:58
HB 72 Vote 39:45
HB 79 Discussion 41:45
HB 79 Vote 42:58
HB 223 Discussion 45:34
HB 223 Vote 46:24
Adjournment 47:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure.
The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor.
Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Six members having voted in the affirmative and 31 members having voted in the negative, the amendment
- Cronin votes yes.
- Lewis votes yes.
- Nick Collins votes yes. Senator from First Worcester. Robyn Kennedy votes yes. Thank you. Robin K.
- Kennedy votes yes.
Summary:
The Senate considered a campaign finance and ballot question transparency bill, taking up a series of amendments. Several amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on safety-based redactions, standardized valuation/liability reporting, higher contribution limits, municipal ballot question reporting, tax-exempt entities in ballot campaigns, and post-election audits for all statewide elections. Amendments by Senators Rausch and DiDomenico were adopted, including late contribution reporting and retroactive reporting with an emergency preamble. Senator Feingold’s amendment to prohibit pay-per-signature arrangements for petition gathering was also adopted after a roll call vote. The bill, Senate No. 2898, An Act improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees, was then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote.
The Senate next took up Senate No. 2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, which would provide specialty license plates at no charge to the parent, child, or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing the sacrifice of officers and their families, including the recent funeral of Officer Stephen LaPorteur. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote.
The chamber also approved several committee extension orders. These extended deadlines for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Education, Public Service, and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, with members noting the limited number of bills and the need for additional time to complete review, cost analysis, or respond to commission reports. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and adjourned in memory of Stuart H. Altman.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Mar 27th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We hope this committee will vote favorably for SB 1824. Thank you.
- All this technology, whether it's wind, solar...
- I ask you to vote against Senate Bill 819.
- Therefore, I respectfully urge you to vote no on Senate Bill 819.
- Please vote against this bill.
Bills:
SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706
Keywords:
insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh as you very technologically adept.
- beyond Vo and existing technologies beyond Vo and landline<00:35:50.320>
adoption. - I vote I. Vice Chair Lee is excused.
- I vote I. Vice Chair Lee is committee. I vote I.
- I'll vote yes. >> Vice Chair votes yes. >> Senator Hashimoto. >> Hi. >> Senator Morowaki. >> I. >> Senator
Keywords:
Smart911, 911, 911 Board, emergency response, public safety answering point, PSAP, next-generation 911, NG911, dispatch, dispatcher, emergency profile, safety profile, medical information, disability access, access needs, functional needs, kupuna, aging, developmental disabilities, communication access
Summary:
The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle.
The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.
The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, wrong vote. Wrong bill book. What's the bill book? 4313. Okay, a little minor indiscretions.
- I urge you to vote in favor of this crucial legislation.
- One of the barriers home builders find in using this technology is... is the impact fees they pay.
- Everyone's going to vote for it, and you can vote it out today as soon as we walk out.
- To collective bargaining unless they do a ratification or a vote.
Bills:
HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158
Keywords:
housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 4, February 12, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I urge an I vote. fairly. And I urge an I vote.
- Closing vote.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 35 ayes, 25 no, two excused. Vote closed. 35 I, 25, no. Two excused.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 59 aye, three excused.
- <02:43:34.560>
Three Closing vote. Vote closed. 59 I. Three Closing vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Jan 31, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair, please call the vote. Okay, voting on HB 671.
- Vice Chair, please call the vote. Voting on HB 639.
- discussions Vice please call the vote discussions Vice please call the vote voting<00:52:58.400>
- <00:54:41.240>
voting <00:54:41.599>HP chair please take the vote voting HP chair please - > votes no any votes with votes no any votes with reservation<00:54:52.559>
okay <00:54:52.760>
Summary:
The House Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, including HB 671 on Native Hawaiian data tabulation, HB 639 on AI chatbot disclosures and consumer protection, HB 1391 on a proposed Hawaii/Irish trade commission, HB 1361, HB 1384 on an AI advisory council, HB 1292, and HB 1308 on online sports wagering. Testimony on HB 671 focused on clarifying how Native Hawaiian categories should be defined for data purposes, with Eugene Tian noting Census data can tabulate Native Hawaiians alone but not those in combination with other races without special tabulation. HB 639 drew support from DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, which said the bill should advance but may need amendments to align with existing consumer protection law and preserve OCP enforcement authority. HB 1384 received support from ETS, which said an AI advisory council would help establish governance and standards for state AI use. HB 1391 drew comments in support from DBEDT and one testifier who urged a broader U.S./Hawaii/EU framing rather than a bill focused on Ireland. HB 1361 was heard with no testimony in the excerpt, and HB 1292 received support from the Hawaii Community Development Authority and opposition from HGA, which warned the measure could open the door to privatizing or outsourcing government services. HB 1308 drew extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters arguing legalized online sports betting could generate revenue for education, housing, health care, child care, and problem gambling treatment, while opponents raised concerns about regulation, oversight, and the social impacts of gambling. Supporters included BetMGM, DraftKings, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, while the Department of Taxation and Office of Information Practices also provided comments. The committee then moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 671, HB 639, HB 1391, and HB 1384 with amendments, while HB 1361 and HB 1292 were deferred. For HB 1308, the chair outlined a substantial HD1 with changes including limiting the bill to internet-connected mobile or digital wagering platforms, shifting regulatory responsibility from DBED to DCCA, adding confidentiality language tied to UIPA, and using committee notes to reference other states’ tax percentages and agency testimony; members discussed the need for guardrails, and one member changed from a no vote to reservations, but the excerpt ends before the final vote is shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology exists, the infrastructure exists.
- I urge you to vote OTP on SB 259, and I have copies that I'll hand in. Thank you. "Thank you."
- <00:52:33.520>
they moment someone uses the technology they moment someone uses the technology - This is an ongoing wrongful death lawsuit against Character Technologies right now.
- We have floor amendments afterwards, but I think we vote on the ought-to-pass first.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Aug 26th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Technologies to the use of the nation.
- quantum technologies by enhancing.
- We have added a quantum technologies award.
- that technology.
- I am the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vast Vision Technologies. of Vast Vision Technologies
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- technologies, integrated their systems and security equipment.
- of rural areas not wanting to adopt some of the technology.
- So back on those items, you know, we come from a technology, an emerging technology point of view.
- The fact is coming into that and in terms of in-cabin technology.
- And in a Florida has been many, you know, in the forefront of this technology.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology and regulatory framework are in place.
- I'm here to testify on two bills that I work with very closely with Vote Solar.
- And I do again want to thank the Vote Solar policy team, including Lindsey Griffin, who I know is here
- There are two technologies which have come online ...in particular.
- I mean, this is, I think, a case of the technology getting ahead of the regulations.
Summary:
The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals.
A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities.
Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers.
No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Nov 4th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- But by your vote, CS for SB 96 is reported favorably. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you.
- By your vote, SPB 7,000 is favorably reported as a committee bill. Thank you.
- An example of what might be purchased is some type of technology that would help with memory care.
- Okay, everyone is here for the voting. Is there any other business before the committee?
- Okay, everyone is here for the voting. Is there any other business before the committee?
Summary:
The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met to consider SB 96, which originally proposed a new veterans dental care program but was amended to expand the existing Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The amendment raised eligibility from 300% to 400% of the federal poverty level and added a recurring $500,000 general revenue appropriation. Members discussed whether expanding eligibility without guaranteed additional funding could dilute services for veterans already being served, while supporters argued it would help veterans currently turned away for dental care. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 96 favorably by roll call vote, with Chair Wright voting no.
The committee also approved two committee bills continuing public records exemptions: SPB 7000, covering the address and telephone number of people staying in public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events, and SPB 7002, covering certain Department of Military Affairs records stored in or transmitted through Department of Defense systems or related to military cyber operations. Both were moved as committee bills without objection and were favorably reported.
Members then received presentations from Dr. Pia Woodley of the Florida Veterans Foundation and Joe Marino of Veterans Florida. Dr. Woodley outlined the foundation’s dental initiatives, emergency assistance, transportation support, benefits guide distribution, new programs for state veterans’ homes and community grants, and recent audits with no findings. Marino described Veterans Florida’s SkillBridge, entrepreneur, and workforce programs, including outreach and federal partnerships, and noted legislative priorities to allow stipends for training at UF IFAS AGVets facilities and to rename a program in statute for clarity. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, you know, you may be wondering what energy-efficient technologies are.
- So it's a wide range of energy-saving technologies that we can be incorporating. Using.
- On behalf of the workers here in Texas and across the country, we urge you to vote yes on HB447.
- So, please vote for HB446. Thank you. Members, any questions? Thank you for your testimony.
- I ask the committee to support us and vote in favor of this bill. Many thanks and God bless.
Keywords:
heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster