Bills: HB1519 , HB1541 , HB1737 , HB1782 , HB1854 , HB1860 , HB2023 , HB2104 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB2455 , HB2468 , HB2551 , SB177 , SB411 , SB874 , SB2053 , SB2069 , SB2108 , SB2268 , SB2360 , SB2363 , SB2405 , SB2407 , SB2530 , SB2543 , SB2568 , SB2803 , SB2818 , SB2851 , SB2907 , SB2934 , SB2969 , SB2999 , SB3097 , SB3103 , SB3233 , SB3238 , SB3245 , SB3001 , SB3138 , HB1946 , HB389 , HB1510 , HB469 , HB1573 , HB1705 , HB1858 , HB1875 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB2001 , HB2093 , HB2096 , HB2097 , SB888 , SB2169 , SB2367 , SB2557 , SB2575 , SB2698 , SB3082 , HB344 , HB939 , HB1688 , HB1853 , HB2443 , HCR103 , HCR117 , HCR180 , HCR112 , HCR18 , HCR105 , HCR173 , HCR35 , HCR98 , HCR42 , HCR53 , HCR181 , HCR101 , HCR179

Keywords: campaign contributions, lobbyists, transparency, election funding, ethical regulations, HB1541, Act 057, Department of Health, Hawaii State Hospital, Developmental Disabilities Division, civil service, civil service exemption, HRS 76-16, HRS 334-4, mental health program, state hospital, secure psychiatric rehabilitation facility, associate administrator, project manager, security manager

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> changes that were needed in innovation changes that were needed in innovation um<00:08:37.519><c
• </c> excellence and it created an innovation excellence and it created an innovation fund.<00:09:24.160
• hub for artificial intelligence so that our agencies could innovate and innovate in a way that brought
• </c><00:20:04.480><c> security</c> the very first enterprise security the very first enterprise security
• </c> and they're again leveraging enterprise and they're again leveraging enterprise doing<01:15:51.520

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ... explain the benefits to the enterprise from the enterprise to insurers.
• Enterprise means the Strengthen Colorado Homes Enterprise. 9.
• Enterprise Board. A. The Enterprise is governed by the...
• The Enterprise is governed by the Enterprise Board. B.
• Enterprise bonds issued by the enterprise and the income from any bonds issued by the enterprise are

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:55.280><c> Integrity</c><00:01:55.920><c> leadership</c> Innovation Integrity leadership Innovation
• Enterprise the human resources and Labor Enterprise the human resources and Labor Relations<00:07:23.160
• </c><00:10:15.800><c> to</c> Specialists across the Enterprise to Specialists across the Enterprise to
• </c><00:10:27.360><c> Labor</c> includes two FTE for Enterprise Labor includes two FTE for Enterprise
• </c> session and it's an enterprise-wide session and it's an enterprise-wide effort<00:13:51.120><c>

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I'm flagging enterprise services, enterprise services bring money, revenues into the general
• Who's eligible for these innovation hubs? So, Mr.
• According to what I can find, we have an Innovation Hub in Albuquerque.
• Rio Rancho, interesting Intel part of that innovation hub.
• an NMFA fund. ...of the Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Fund is that it is an NMFA fund.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How are you going to incentivize private industry innovation to make sure that we stay, either regain
• or stay in the lead for nuclear innovation around the world?
• Also look for, obviously, innovative technologies or innovative ways to design weapons or weapons materials
• Lots of little tents are stood up saying we're going to change innovation for acquisition.
• If confirmed, certainly it will be a priority to look across the enterprise movement plan.

Committees: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requires the Food innovation network.
• </c><00:57:16.960><c> to</c> and Product Innovation Network to and Product Innovation Network to integrate
• </c> food and product innovation network. food and product innovation network.
• </c> Tourism to evaluate or adopt enterprise Tourism to evaluate or adopt enterprise zone<00:57:41.200
• </c><01:29:43.520><c> So,</c> enterprise zones in one measure. So, enterprise zones in one measure.

Bills: HB1621 , HB1880 , HB1831

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: pesticides, environmental impact, agriculture, 1,3-dichloropropene, chlorpyrifos, land management, wastewater compliance, state funding, survey issues, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Agriculture and Food Systems and Energy and Environmental Protection heard three bills. HB 1621 would create a conservation, agriculture, and soil health incentive program under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with annual reporting and funding. Testimony was broadly supportive from the Climate Commission, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Farmers Union, White Alliance for Progressive Action, and the Farm Bureau, and the bill was described as a way to advance soil health and support producers. HB 1880 would prohibit, beginning in 2027, the use of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone). The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered written comments, Hawaii Farmers Union supported the ban citing drift and health concerns, and the Farm Bureau opposed it, arguing growers need such tools; the bill also drew discussion about crop rotation and other pest-management practices. HB 1831 would authorize funding to address survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on certain non-agricultural parklands; the Attorney General’s Office warned the bill as written may violate the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause and suggested revisions, while the department and Farm Bureau supported the measure’s intent. The committees later took up decision-making and voted to pass all three measures with amendments, with the effective dates changed to July 1, 3000 and HB 1831 amended to reflect the Attorney General’s suggested changes. The Agriculture and Food Systems committee then heard HB 1572, which would establish a four-year restorative aquaculture development program to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure and workforce capacity, create pilot sites, and convene an advisory council. The Attorney General noted a technical issue about whether council members would be compensated, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union all expressed support for streamlining aquaculture and promoting restorative aquaculture. Members asked about the bill’s focus on restorative aquaculture, and the department said the program would give the area dedicated resources and a framework. The committee also heard HB 219, which would temporarily reestablish the coffee berry borer pesticide subsidy program and manager position; the department, Waimea Coffee Association, Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union supported it. HB 2139 would fund University of Hawaiʻi research on treatment methods for the Queensland longhorn beetle. Testimony from DLNR, the invasive species council, university researchers, farmers, and the Farm Bureau emphasized the beetle’s spread and damage to trees and crops, and described nematode biocontrol as promising but labor-intensive and in need of more research and scaling. Members asked whether the funding was for research rather than a position, whether the current nematode approach is sufficient for large orchards, and whether other controls are being explored; the response was that the bill funds testing and that more work is needed, including local production of nematodes if the method proves effective.

Transcript Highlights:

• Five million of that, $15 million, is for the Aerospace Innovation Fund.
• Five million of that, $15 million, is for the Aerospace Innovation Fund.
• Question about the Florida Rail Enterprise. Last year, we had it at $301 million.
• Question about the Florida Rail Enterprise. Last year, we had it at $301 million.
• Next, the enterprise business solution.

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes, 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to reward commercial innovation by making it possible for innovative companies to work with the
• More and more, they resemble state-owned enterprises instead of the innovative, founder-driven companies
• Innovation doesn't need capital.
• We're really good at innovating.
• The adoption of innovation.

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Transcript Highlights:

• I intend to bring that... drive for innovation to the department.
• The central element necessary for all this is innovation at speed.
• I'm excited about the future of military medicine and the opportunity to drive innovation and improve
• Regularly I think that we all agree that technological innovation is the way forward for the Defense
• innovations in their IP remain in our hands?

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.

Transcript Highlights:

• DOE's national labs have pushed the boundaries of innovation and strengthened our national security.
• America leads the world in discovery and innovation. No one else comes close.
• the global standard for discovery and innovation.
• The United States has long been a global leader in scientific discovery and technological innovation.
• We are an open, innovative society. It is the key driver of our economic success.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Keywords: national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security

Summary: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our work advances innovation in industries foundational to Washington's prosperity: agriculture, health
• Our School of Medicine leads a broad and comprehensive research enterprise looking at cancer, diabetes
• And the same principle applies to our innovation system.
• Since my work bridges research and manufacturing, I see clearly when innovation moves forward and when
• This isn't just halting innovation at its source, but it's sidelining Washington's next generation of

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, opening a public hearing on Senate Bill 6321, which would authorize up to $6 billion in state general obligation bonds over six years and create the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement within the Department of Commerce. Staff explained that the institute would oversee grants for scientific research and facilities, with the proposal requiring voter approval for the debt and institute creation. Senator Slatter, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to stabilize research funding in Washington in response to federal cuts and uncertainty, and noted it was modeled in part on similar efforts in California and Texas. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. Representatives from Washington State University and the University of Washington described the state’s research enterprise as an economic engine and emphasized the importance of stable funding for jobs, innovation, and competitiveness. University of Washington witnesses said federal funding disruptions had reduced new NIH awards, cut student support, and threatened research programs in medicine, mental health, clean energy, forest resilience, and climate adaptation. Several early-career researchers and union members testified about personal impacts from grant terminations, furloughs, and delayed career transitions, arguing that the bill would help protect scientific work, workforce development, and public health outcomes in Washington. After closing the hearing on SB 6321, the committee moved into executive session. It voted do pass on Substitute House Bill 2525 and sent it to the Rules Committee. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation, and then adjourned after thanking staff and members for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We drove data collection, transparency, and innovation through our funding partnerships, built those
• I'd lastly note that are the policies that the Opportunity Enterprise Board has established...
• The Opportunity Enterprise Board recommended that we look at 20...
• The Workforce and Innovation in Opportunity Act.
• I think I had an extra end on there. the Workforce and Innovation in Opportunity Act.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In-work priority changes: enterprise modernization and integration, statewide enterprise program establishing
• John is our Director of Enterprise State CIO, and Sylvia.
• I would really point to the graphic that you see on this enterprise architecture slide.
• We've brought an enterprise architect on board and have staffed that.
• across the enterprise.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director and CEO of Blue North, one of the Kentucky Innovation Hubs.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub program.
• The bill also strengthens the Kentucky Enterprise Fund by expanding its purpose to better recruit and
• </c> Kentucky Entrepreneurship and Innovation Kentucky Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub<00:04:00.959
• ><c> Kentucky</c> The bill also strengthens the Kentucky The bill also strengthens the Kentucky Enterprise

Committee: House Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll call: 01:22 HB 577 discussion: 03:04 HB 577 vote: 05:26 HB 392 discussion: 06:55 HB 392 vote: 09:54 HCR 16 discussion: 11:00 HCR 16 vote: 14:07, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also support all the workforce innovation and the federal workforce statutes.
• The Texas Enterprise Fund is one of the most well-known programs that we have.
• The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is... is a tool for local communities to partner with the state to
• The Texas CHIPS Act established the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium. the Executive Committee
• , and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund.

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:43.120><c> technology</c> of our overall enterprise technology of our overall enterprise technology
• </c> innovation among others. innovation among others.
• It's available through the state's enterprise learning management system.
• It's available through the state's enterprise learning management system.
• </c> enterprise IT has really been cemented. enterprise IT has really been cemented.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Five million of that, $15 million, is for the Aerospace Innovation Fund.
• Question about the Florida Rail Enterprise. Last year, we had it at $301 million.
• So the Florida Rail Enterprise program was actually funded with doc stamp revenues.
• So the Florida Rail Enterprise program was actually funded with dock stamp revenues.
• Next, the enterprise business solution.

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness. In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have enterprise, and we do have some hyperscalers as well.
• -made innovation. This is a U.S. technology, okay? This is a U.S.
• Enterprise architecture—does that align with the enterprise architecture?
• Of course, if you're going to purchase something, enterprise architecture—does that align with the enterprise
• Does it fit with the enterprise strategy? Is it secure?

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Five million of that, $15 million, is for the Aerospace Innovation Fund.
• Question about the Florida Rail Enterprise. Last year, we had it at $301 million.
• So the Florida Rail Enterprise program was actually funded with doc stamp revenues.
• Question about the Florida Rail Enterprise. Last year, we had it at $301 million.
• So the Florida Rail Enterprise program was actually funded with dock stamp revenues.

Summary: The committee met to hear the Governor’s proposed budget for the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development silo and to consider one bill. The Governor’s Office outlined a $117.4 billion state budget, including $18.3 billion for the TED area, with major allocations for the Department of Transportation, Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, State, Military Affairs, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard. Agency heads then presented their priorities, including housing and disaster recovery funds at Commerce; pay, vehicles, aviation, and data systems at Highway Safety; facility modernization, recruitment, retention, and maintenance at Military Affairs; election audit, conservation lab, and historic preservation funding at State; transportation, aviation, seaport, and safety investments at DOT; and emergency response, flood mitigation, grant systems, and alerting at Emergency Management. Members asked questions about Visit Florida’s private match, FHP’s role in immigration enforcement and body cameras, National Guard deployment tempo and staffing, State Guard staffing and facilities, arts grant rules, rail funding, and the number of detainees at the Everglades detention site. Several notable positions were expressed during questioning. Visit Florida said it met and exceeded its private match requirement and described the match as important to ensuring value from public dollars. The Highway Patrol said its aviation assets have been used more heavily in immigration enforcement and that in-vehicle camera systems were a higher priority than body cameras at present. The National Guard and State Guard both emphasized heavy operational demands, readiness needs, and the importance of additional funding for facilities, personnel, and equipment. The Department of State said its audit funding would help counties move to automated post-election audits and that its arts grant rule changes were intended to create more consistent scoring rather than reduce access. The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units. The bill requires local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, preserves homestead treatment for the primary residence portion, limits parking restrictions, and extends density bonus incentives to housing for military families receiving basic housing allowance. An amendment was adopted removing reusable tenant screening reports and clarifying that compliant ADUs are allowed by right without a separate hearing or permit. Testimony from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, especially the long-term rental requirement, as a tool to help workforce housing. The committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote, and then adjourned.