Video & Transcript Research : 'Emerging Technologies'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 30th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. ...293, Section 7, and declaring an emergency.
- We're on final passage of Senate Bill 19 with an emergency clause. The vote is now open.
- We're on final passage of Senate Bill 19 with an emergency clause. The vote is now open.
- clause has duly passed this house. with an emergency clause has duly passed this House.
- Speaker, by nature of life, there will be no changes unless there can be an emergency.
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- An assistive technology device might be something that the child needs.
- An assisted technology device child.
- placed in the budget for emergency placed in the budget for emergency assistance<01:10:39.440>
might be an assisted technology device. might be an assisted technology device.- >
we <01:51:44.239>wouldn't assisted technology device, we wouldn't assisted technology - >
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC-CPN Joint Info Briefing - Tue Jan 13, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- exist if unintended consequences emerge? exist if unintended consequences emerge?
- <01:52:21.280>
room is in an emergency room is in an emergency room uh<01:52:23.160>in - All of them are high emergency rooms.
- <02:06:31.400>
and basically they bring a technology and basically they bring a technology - know what happens in the emergency room? know what happens in the emergency room?
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, September 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had two national emergency declarations.
- Water damage, as emergency declarations.
- But this is not just about discriminatory technology.
- But this is not just about discriminatory technology.
- <06:06:15.600>
We emissions control technology. We emissions control technology.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The division also licenses boiler operators, electricians, electrical and technology system contractors
- The division also licenses boiler operators, electricians, electrical and technology system contractors
- <00:22:25.039>
system <00:22:25.600>contractors <00:22:26.600>elevator technology - system contractors elevator technology system contractors elevator constructors<00:22:28.200>
High - Industries one that I wanted to emerging Industries one that I wanted to highlight<00:37:26.319>
Summary:
The committee met under a new Senate power-sharing arrangement with co-chairs, began with member and staff introductions, and then received a jurisdiction overview from Senate counsel. The overview explained that the Labor Committee’s jurisdiction has not changed from the previous biennium and covers fair labor standards, minimum wage, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, and related agencies and boards such as the Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation Services, PERB, and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. It also noted that some topics, including paid leave, fall under other committees, while earned sick and safe time remains within Labor and Industry jurisdiction.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach and Josiah Moore then gave a detailed Department of Labor and Industry presentation. They reviewed the department’s funding sources, emphasizing that workers’ compensation funds and construction codes/licensing revenues make up most of the budget, while the general fund is a small share. They described the department’s major divisions, including workers’ compensation, construction codes and licensing, labor standards, nursing home workforce standards, and OSHA consultation and compliance, and highlighted practical examples of their work.
Examples included return-to-work assistance for an injured worker, compliance training that reduced penalties for self-insurers and claim administrators, and use of the Special Compensation Fund when an employer lacked workers’ compensation insurance. The labor standards section highlighted enforcement actions involving unpaid overtime, pregnancy and parental leave retaliation, wage deductions, and child labor violations, along with totals for 2024 collections and inquiries. The presentation also noted the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s adopted rules, the expansion of construction licensing exams statewide, and OSHA consultation programs such as Min-SHARP and MINSTAR, including a Minnesota employer that recently achieved MINSTAR status. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So around emerging policy work, a couple of highlights.
- The evolution of technology classrooms.
- And I don't think technology education.
- protocols expect to know in an emergency protocols expect to know in an emergency situation<01:37
- We cannot remove technology from it.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- maybe where it is in its uh, technology maybe where it is in its uh, technology life<00:52:18.319
- There are certain technologies that no matter what you do, it's not going to drive down the price.
- But there's a lot of technologies where that's not the case.
- our hardware and software technologies our hardware and software technologies that<01:27:08.239>
- ,<01:27:19.520>
but and deploying GETS uh technologies, but and deploying GETS uh technologies
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- As noted, I will now provide a brief overview of the information technology, or IT, security controls
- As noted, I will now provide a brief overview of the information technology, or IT, security controls
- We footnote and reference the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- We footnote and reference the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- We incorporate that into our operating adjustment asks, keeping up with technology.
Keywords:
sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
- Now, technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
- Another issue on technology that is important to the Auditor's Office: cybersecurity.
- When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.
- When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.
Summary:
The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses.
Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself.
The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings.
The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
- Now, technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
- Another issue on technology that is important to the auditor's office: cybersecurity.
- When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.
- When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.
Summary:
The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations.
Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose.
The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria.
The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And in that time, the technology has improved and gotten exponentially better.
- And I think that getting a handle on this technology and making sure that we are using our resources
- to regulate and to put guardrails around this type of technology is significant.
- <00:03:00.840>
has And in that time, the technology has And in that time, the technology has - ketoacidosis, a medical emergency. ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.
Keywords:
nudification technology, image rights, privacy protection, sexual exploitation, cybersecurity, recreational camping, utility fees, electricity charges, consumer protection, energy policy, health insurance, insulin, step therapy, diabetes, patient care, prescription drugs, pet shops, animal welfare, dog sales, cat sales
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll just quickly say technology has improved dramatically, especially with seed treatment.
- I have returned every year since then, and I've seen some sporadic emergences, but nothing like that
- We heard a lot about<01:35:59.440>
technology, <01:36:00.400>so <01:36:00.639>I < - we can about technology, so I think we can probably<01:36:01.920>
do <01:36:02.159>better. - also on their land access and emerging also on their land access and emerging farmer<01:40:32.719
Keywords:
pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology
US
Transcript Highlights:
- The common thread in my private sector work was technology.
- And I will bring a deep understanding of technology markets to the DOJ.
- of highly concentrated markets in parts of the AI technology stack.
- You're saying that a technology company can't be sued?
- And these technology companies, a shield nobody else gets, special privileges nobody else gets.
Keywords:
nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 25, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the technology is changing.
- So, it was the technology is changing.
- So I would draft those emergency rules.
- EO technology they're using. EO technology they're using.
- I'm pretty sure that was the flood technology, not the production technology, but see what law says.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We also do emergency preparedness, food security, housing support, and early childhood services, to name
- NCO has really led the way with emergency preparedness programs such as Listos and Neighbor Fest, and
- NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, did a lot of research on fencing material
- We manage the state of emergency process. We do a lot more than just participate in the CWMP.
- I would suggest you might consider a hearing on technology.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- NCO has really led the way with emergency preparedness programs such as Listos and Neighbor Fest and
- You know, there's no question that part of the solution to the problem is somehow we need technological
- NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, did a lot of research on fencing material
- We manage the state of emergency process. We do a lot more than just participate in the CWMP.
- I would suggest you might consider a hearing on technology.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation held an oversight hearing on home hardening and defensible space as wildfire mitigation strategies. The chair opened by stressing that California has reached a tipping point, with repeated community-scale wildfire losses, rising insurance costs, and growing utility wildfire mitigation expenses. The hearing was organized around four panels: what home hardening and defensible space are, community risk reduction and coordination, evaluation of current defensible space programs and proposed investments, and the future of home hardening and the California Wildfire Mitigation Program.
The first panel featured IBHS, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and local wildfire mitigation advocates. IBHS described wildfire spread through embers, flames, and radiant heat, emphasizing that structure separation, removing combustible materials within the first five feet of a home, and combining multiple mitigation measures significantly reduce loss. It highlighted its Wildfire Prepared Home and Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood standards, including an “essential” and “enhanced” level, and said California is ahead of other states but still needs scalable, standardized, and sustainably funded mitigation. The LAO outlined key policy questions for the Legislature, including the state’s role, intergovernmental coordination, cost-effectiveness, program design, measurement of success, long-term sustainability, and barriers to implementation. The chair and panelists discussed estimated costs, including roughly $15,000 for a basic retrofit and about $50,000 for more extensive ignition-resistant construction, and whether state funding should focus on the most cost-effective initial measures.
The second panel focused on scaling adoption through local coordination, education, financing, and community-based programs. Megafire Action argued that home hardening is a market adoption problem and said the state should not try to pay for every home, but instead target high-leverage interventions across the “customer journey,” including education, financing, trusted certification, and neighborhood network effects. Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council described free home assessments, small retrofit grants, Firewise community support, and the importance of neighborhood-level action, local capacity, and cultural change. Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority described its locally funded model, grant program, public education efforts, and an Ember Ready program that helps residents navigate home hardening and Zone Zero compliance. The chair repeatedly emphasized the need for a coordinated statewide marketing campaign, stronger incentives, better insurance discounts, and more use of local, utility, federal, and private funding sources.
The third and fourth panels addressed Cal Fire’s defensible space inspection program, the proposed defensible space financial assistance program, and broader state investments. Cal Fire said homes lacking compliant defensible space are far more likely to be damaged or destroyed and requested ongoing funding and staffing to stabilize inspections statewide; the LAO suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as GGRF or a reinstated SRA fee. Cal Fire and the State Fire Marshal explained that Zone Zero sets a minimum standard, local governments cannot go below it, and grant prioritization will favor jurisdictions that submit inspections. Cal Fire also said the new defensible space financial assistance program would focus on ember-resistant zone-zero work and, in the Southern California counties covered by the legislation, would assist about 3,125 homes at an estimated $8,000 per home. In the final panel, the State Fire Marshal described California’s layered strategy of parcel-level home hardening, defensible space, and neighborhood-scale mitigation, along with technical support, financial assistance, and incentives such as insurance discounts and builder marketing. The overall theme was that California must move from isolated efforts to a coordinated, science-based, and scalable statewide approach to reduce wildfire losses.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 24, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have comments from the Consumer Technology Association and one individual in support.
- c> Consumer We also have comments from the Consumer We also have comments from the Consumer Technology
- <00:07:03.840>
Association <00:07:04.560>and <00:07:04.880>one Technology Association - and one Technology Association and one individual<00:07:05.599>
in <00:07:05.919>support. - So we will emergency conditions as well.
Keywords:
conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively.
The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards.
Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- services, education, welfare reform, ethics, health care, aging, government oversight, science, technology
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, a concurrent resolution to approve an extension of the state of emergency
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, a concurrent resolution to approve an extension of the state of emergency
- Well, you have a chance today to adopt this resolution and vote yes to extend the emergency declaration
- It'll save a few bucks for all of our residents all across the summer, and this will extend the emergency
Summary:
The Senate convened with 30 members present, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary excusals. The chamber received gubernatorial appointments to multiple boards and commissions, then recessed and later took up resolutions and legislation. It adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, a tribute memorializing former Senator and Representative Robert Geake, after remarks honoring his long legislative career and public service; the resolution was adopted and all members and the Lieutenant Governor were added as co-sponsors.
The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which approved an extension of a state of emergency related to gasoline prices through Labor Day. Senator Camilleri argued the extension would help lower fuel costs for residents, while Senator McBroom later criticized the resolution as political theater and urged action on substantive energy legislation, including a pending Upper Peninsula-related bill. The resolution passed by roll call, 36-1.
In floor action, the Senate introduced and referred several bills, including measures on the Income Tax Act, Michigan Trust Fund Act, road classification, the Food Law, Motor Fuels Quality Act, and automated decision tools in employment. The chamber then passed three bills on third reading: Senate Bill 480 on child care organization licensing and regulation, Senate Bill 517 amending the Revised School Code, and Senate Bill 278 amending the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. The Senate adjourned after statements and a final motion to adjourn until June 25 at 10 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 13th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- There's technology available through... ...to get the data from.
- Well, your first job when you get hurt, right along the same time you’re going to get your emergency
- You know, in my company, we have an emergency procedures plan. Power goes out. What do you do?
- I was told to block an emergency exit. I was told to block an emergency exit.
- And emergency workers should not be guessing.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a workers’ compensation overhaul creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and setting up confidentiality, rulemaking, and penalties. Senator Myers said the bill was meant to modernize a paper-based system, speed injured workers back to care and work, reduce disputes through a more predictable fee schedule, address outliers and abuse, and generate reliable data for future fee-schedule decisions. Representative Melarine then offered a large amendment package combining portions of House Bills 780 and 1101 into SB 408, adding preliminary-determination procedures, changes to benefit durations, fraud language, and a deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached. Supporters said the package would create a more complete reform; opponents argued the additions were rushed, not germane, and would harm injured workers, especially those without lawyers, by adding technical filing burdens and stricter fraud consequences. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment package, then adopted a follow-up amendment removing the word “potential” from a fines provision and deleting the fraud section, and finally reported SB 408 with amendments on a divided vote.
Testimony on SB 408 was sharply split. Proponents, including Alton Ashy and Trey Mustian, argued the bill’s transparency and data-collection provisions were the most important part, that the system needs a modern fee schedule, and that the added reforms would help control costs and speed payment. Opponents, including Shannon Lindsay and another injured-worker advocate, said the original bill was a good compromise but the added provisions changed its character and would disadvantage pro se claimants, remove materiality from fraud law, and reduce benefits for seriously injured workers. Committee members also questioned the timeline for the database and fee schedule, the effect of historical data gaps, and whether the reforms would help employers and injured workers alike. The committee ultimately agreed the bill still contained its core goals of faster care, predictable fees, anti-abuse measures, and modernization.
The committee then moved to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, a workplace-violence/safety measure for small-box discount retailers. Chasson explained that the bill had been narrowed to require retailers to submit an existing written workforce safety plan, or develop one if they do not already have one, with no penalties attached. The committee adopted a substitute bill incorporating prior amendments. Representative Glorioso noted continuing concerns about civil-liability implications and the duty to protect against third-party criminal acts, but the bill was advanced from committee after the substitute was adopted.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of firearms is automatically prohibited during that local state of emergency?
- just because they declared a state of emergency for a pandemic.
- local government declaring an emergency to take away our rights.
- A local can do a state of emergency also.
- States of unrest where they declare the state of emergency, we've seen looting.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.