Transcript Highlights:

• know that, um, um, um, they are investing millions and millions and millions of dollars into this technology
• ><00:15:57.959> this and millions of dollars into this and millions of dollars into this technology
• technology technology just<00:16:00.880> for<00:16:01.760> fun?
• And House DFLers can step in and regulate some of this technology before it is too late.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press event outlining an affordability agenda focused on housing, child care, health care, groceries, energy, and taxes. Speakers argued that Minnesota families are being squeezed by rising costs and income inequality, and said the caucus would pursue policies aimed at lowering everyday expenses and shifting more costs onto corporations and wealthy residents. Representative Bierman said health care costs are pushing people to skip care and called for system reforms, including moving toward a more universal model and reducing the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Representative Kotiza-Wazhushk said the caucus is pushing for universal or low-cost child care, expanded pre-K and community-based care, and a bill to stop grocery surveillance price gouging. Representative Acomb and other energy leaders said the House DFL wants to lower utility bills through more energy assistance, weatherization, renewable energy support, limits on utility cost recovery for lobbying and executive pay, and stronger PUC authority to prevent shutoffs and limit rate increases. Representative Agbaje described housing as unaffordable for many renters and homeowners, cited a shortage of housing units, and said the caucus supports restricting private equity and corporate purchases of single-family homes. Leader Stevenson framed the agenda as a response to a budget picture that he said reflects gains for corporations and wealthy Minnesotans, and he criticized federal tax policy and Medicaid cuts. In response to questions about cost, he said several proposals would not require state spending, while others could be funded by looking at new revenue and at those who benefited most from recent tax changes. The event also included a detailed explanation of the grocery surveillance pricing proposal, which would restrict the use of personal data and AI to set individualized prices and limit rapid electronic shelf price changes. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also go to acquiring digital forensic technology and investigative tools specific to this area
• As technology has improved and how we've moved as a society to more convenient ways of doing business
• And one form is using technology, whether it's computers, whether it's their cellphones.
• talk to law enforcement, when you talk to OSBI, they're dealing with more and more cyber-related, technology-related
• And what we do see is the cyber-related, technology-related crimes.

Bills: SB1936, SB1612, SB1543, SB1260, SB1988, SB1859, SB2041, SB1257, HB4272, HB3277, HB3148, HB3651, HB3323, HB4287, HB4105, HB3304, HB3345

Keywords: forfeiture, criminal offenses, law enforcement, Class D1 offenses, property seizure, SB1612, mandatory reporting, violent injury reporting, gunshot wound, stab wound, poisoning, burn injury, explosive injury, medical reporting, healthcare providers, law enforcement notification, evidence preservation, patient video records, confidentiality waiver, misdemeanor penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is actually a technology bill because it has to do with remedies.
• It was not just for electioneering; it was from a technology standpoint. Bluetooth came into play.
• This is a technology bill.
• But I also recognize the technology issue. That's right.
• So it's really, from my standpoint, I'm like, why are we using this massive technology?

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Transcript Highlights:

• ADDITIONALLY, IT ALLOWS MEMBERS TO ATTEND MEETINGS USING COMMUNICATION MEDIA TECHNOLOGY AND SHARING THAT
• AMENDMENT IS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL AND WORKSHOP USING COMMUNICATION MEDIA TECHNOLOGY
• SENATE BILL 7008 ON OGS OUR FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY SANDBOXED BY BANKING INSURANCE.
• SALES REPEAL PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN RECORDS RECEIVED BY OIR RELATED TO FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
• AND THE PROVISIONS OFFER FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS AT A MORE FLEXIBLE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO OPERATE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The inventory management system using technology will allow dealers and tax assessor collectors to order
• So leveraging some technology, we hope that some efficiency will be real.
• that we can print a paper plate or someone can fraudulently print a paper plate, but what with technology
• There are new technologies in paper that are more difficult, I wouldn't say impossible to reproduce,
• Anything is counterfeitable, but there is newer paper technology that makes it more difficult. to reproduce

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What about this, our technologies? They seem to be driving isolation.
• , even though we know all of these things, is there any evidence that you've seen about how our technology
• Taking perspective across technology, I'm also the chief medical information officer at my organization
• But I want to come to the other part of technology for our older adults.
• The wearable technologies are rapidly accelerating.

Keywords: health policy, lifespan, quality of life, community health, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions surrounding health policies aimed at enhancing the lifespan and quality of life for the community members. The chairperson initiated the session with personal reflections on the importance of extending not just the years of life but also the quality of those years, especially from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Members engaged in thoughtful dialogue regarding potential legislative measures that could address public health in a more holistic manner, emphasizing the need for community outreach and effective health education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at the bottom right of the screen here, you'll see some unique technology that Florida Highway
• That's a technology-based university USF has their job, their cyber capability.
• trooper, you know, I think about my 35 year career in law enforcement, helpings of change Hill technology
• Aircraft sets as director Colonel mention of the technology is analyst and software and artificial intelligence
• important that we drive the safest vehicles on the road that are the best equipped with the best technology

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We used multiple types of non motorized data technology counters.
• to support Bird reports and airfields for landings and takeoffs identified routes and corridors, technology
• with some of the other things as it relates to local governments interactions with some of these technologies
• mean, we've seen some of the pitfalls as it relates to, you know, these these steps forward and technology
• quaternary effects of this Im pulling people off the grid, moving them into dissimilar way utilizing new technology

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at the bottom right of the screen here, you’ll see some unique technology that the Florida
• We have UCF, that's a technology-based university. USF has their cyber capability.
• Technology has changed. We talk about drones, aircraft assets, as Director Turner mentioned.
• The technology is in analysts and software and artificial intelligence, and just how things have progressed
• important that we drive the safest vehicles on the road that are the best equipped with the best technology

Summary: The committee heard a series of domestic security and law enforcement presentations from the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Highway Patrol, and FDLE. Sheriff Rob Hardwick outlined the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, focusing on adding xylazine to Florida’s trafficking statute and increasing penalties for luring or enticing a child under 12 from a misdemeanor to a felony. He also discussed domestic security coordination, fusion center intelligence sharing, and jail-based reentry efforts. Members asked about xylazine prevalence in Broward County and whether canine units can detect it; Hardwick said he would follow up with data and noted that dogs are not specifically trained for xylazine, though fentanyl-certified dogs may alert on mixtures. Chief Charlie Vasquez of the Florida Police Chiefs Association presented three priorities: stronger protections for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their families when threatened because of their jobs; faster and more consistent access to blood-borne pathogen testing results after exposure incidents; and mandatory life without release for anyone convicted of murdering a police or correctional officer, reviving a version of the Jason Raynor Act. Senators asked about delays in blood testing after exposure, and Vasquez said officers can be forced to take prophylactic medication while waiting for results and that the process should be streamlined. Florida Highway Patrol Director Dave Kerner described FHP’s domestic security role, including criminal interdiction, canine units, traffic homicide investigations, aviation, drones, border operations, and responses to threats such as human smuggling and the October 7-related security posture at synagogues and campuses. He said staffing remains constrained by vacancies and pay disparities, so he was not seeking more authorized troopers at this time. FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder then reviewed the state’s domestic security structure, fusion centers, critical infrastructure assessments, and grant funding, warning that federal homeland security dollars have declined sharply while threats remain high. He highlighted work on drone mitigation, radiological detection, vehicle barriers, and school security assessments, and emphasized the need for continued interagency coordination. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I technologies, a bunch of other things.
• <03:06:23.359> that investors to know the technologies that investors to know the technologies
• And the technologies in my role before.
• be used in this techn technology. be used in this techn technology.
• Hampshire a hub for this technology. Hampshire a hub for this technology.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Information Technology Support and Systems Department. Thank you.
• add more options using modern technology add more options using modern technology mailing<01:30:
• We have been looking at other jurisdictions that are leveraging technology.
• Illinois or Ohio is one of the jurisdictions that currently uses the technology.
• We have been looking at other jurisdictions that are leveraging technology.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the department utilize any type of technology analysis to identify fraud, such as, uh, an earned
• with the amount of savings technology with the amount of savings that<00:27:31.919> would<00:
• The report for information technology projects for service delivery is now almost four months late.
• You may not know what our chief business technology officer is.
• That system is 1980s and 1990s technology that the agency started using in the 1990s.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, of course, streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and reducing costs are win-win scenarios
• Additionally, they could conduct the inspection in person or leverage technology to do so virtually through
• This bill creates efficiencies at TCEQ and uses time, technology, and, most importantly, human resources

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum initially lacking, then took up several bills and heard brief testimony. HB 206, by Rep. Craddick, would prohibit counties from requiring cash bonds as a condition for pipeline construction approvals, while still allowing other forms of financial assurance; the sponsor and a Target Pipeline witness said cash-bond mandates create unnecessary costs and uncertainty, and the bill was left pending. HB 2890, by Rep. Patterson, would create an interstate compact among Gulf Coast states to coordinate and support the liquefied natural gas industry; the sponsor emphasized LNG’s economic importance and said the bill mirrors prior compact language that does not require congressional approval, and it was left pending after no public testimony. HB 1238, by Rep. Geren, would let TCEQ use third-party inspection reports and remote technology when reviewing proposed Class I injection wells; the sponsor and a uranium industry witness said it would streamline regulation and support industry, and it was left pending. HB 2970, by Rep. Paul, the House version of SB 410, would require the Gulf Coast Protection District’s final gate design to accommodate two-way vessel traffic and allow the governor to appoint the district’s presiding officer; the committee substitute was explained and the bill was left pending. With members scattered in other committees, the chair said the committee would recess and later reconvene to vote and complete its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sharon Stroeber, Co-director of Technology and Policy.
• of surprised and taken aback a little bit at how far we've come in 10 years. even with existing technologies
• , existing technologies like

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A whole new kind of an expansion of the Bakken solely because technology has gotten better, which is
• A whole new kind of an expansion of the Bakken solely because technology has gotten better, which is
• This is the ability and the technology of the completion companies to be able to get you just as much
• But it's really all about technology from this point forward.
• But it's really all about technology from this point forward.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• and meaningful way requires good program space and requires us to be able to have access to good technology
• and meaningful way requires good program space and requires us to be able to have access to good technology
• Able to have access to good technology and good physical plant locations and all of this other stuff
• As we're kind of going through the wondrous multitude of possibilities for tablets and other technology
• can spend as much time as they can with the individual, but at the same time utilizing all this technology

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the July 11 minutes and then received a detailed follow-up presentation from the Department of Correction on facility footprint, mission-driven housing, programming, and technology. Commissioner Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Peterson explained recent and planned facility changes, including the closures of Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction, and MCI Concord, the transition of the Plymouth Section 35/Mass Act program to Health and Human Services, the return of Bay State to DOC control for possible future use, and the Shattuck Hospital move to East Newton Pavilion. Members asked about operational capacity, the exclusion of support beds from occupancy figures, and the status of mothballed or unused facilities. Framingham drew particular attention because of its historically low women’s population and planned renovations; members raised concerns about the cost and the need to consider the broader women’s correctional system. A major portion of the meeting focused on mission-driven units and evidence-based programming. DOC described specialized units for health services, nursing care, clinical stabilization, mental health, residential treatment, protective custody, reentry, emerging adults, education, and substance use recovery, and noted that security threat group support beds are not used. Staff explained the distinction between general population beds and support beds, and between programming and treatment. They said core recidivism-reduction programs are based on risk-need responsivity and COMPAS assessments, with Spectrum Health Systems as the current vendor, and presented recidivism data showing lower reoffending among participants who completed programs such as violence reduction, criminal thinking, and the Correctional Recovery Academy. For women, they highlighted the pathways model at MCI Framingham, which combines trauma-informed, gender-responsive services, and reported strong outcomes for those engaged for at least 26 weeks. Members asked about how needs are identified and counted, how declinations are handled, and how the department distinguishes completion from ongoing maintenance. DOC said participation is voluntary, individuals are re-recommended over time, and completion is recorded in the system when criteria are met. They also discussed educational supports for learning disabilities and trauma, including IEP/504 coordination, tutoring, and a new school psychologist for testing. Questions were raised about family reunification programming, and DOC pointed to family-focused services, mediation, Read to Me Mommy, and the Brave unit for young fathers. Sheriff Cabral and Sheriff Cochie praised the presentation and emphasized the importance of family reunification and the realities of trauma in incarcerated people’s lives. The final section highlighted the expanded use of tablets across all facilities. DOC said tablets now support free phone calls, emails, video visits, surveys, educational content, medical updates, sick-call requests, and an earned-good-time app, while also helping with communication during facility closures and with ongoing programming. Staff said the tablets are used both for learning and recreation, and that more than half of the incarcerated population uses them monthly for educational purposes. Members discussed whether user feedback or “reviews” of programs could help increase participation, and DOC said tablet-based surveys make that possible. The meeting ended with general agreement that the department has expanded programming and technology substantially and is using them to support reentry, communication, and facility operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• from discriminating against service animal users, they have the resources, both financial and technological
• When you said that they have the technology available, is it discriminatory to have a rideshare user
• Or is there some— When I'm talking about the technology, I'm talking about their location technology.
• That's what I mean by the technology. Thank you, Nora, for your testimony.
• side, my staff Sumia, who is always sitting here right next to me, LIS for making sure that our technology

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the co-chairs introducing House and Senate members and explaining the hybrid format, three-minute testimony guidance, and the deadline for written testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on S. 2665, which would require employers to post notice to employees when an I-9 audit or similar federal immigration inspection is underway. Supporters, including immigration attorneys, a pediatrician, a labor leader, and an affected family member, argued the bill would protect privacy, give workers time to gather documents and consult counsel, and reduce fear and wrongful arrests. One witness from Illinois described a similar law there and said it had not caused the problems employers feared, while others said recent ICE enforcement has made notice especially important. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1360, a bill affecting collective bargaining rights for State Police, with the State Police Association arguing that a statutory gap lets departmental rules override their contract and that the bill would restore intended bargaining protections. A separate labor bill, S. 1305, was also briefly supported by the AFL-CIO as part of broader worker-classification protections for app-based delivery drivers. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 2066, which would impose fines on transportation network drivers who refuse rides to people with disabilities using service animals. Testimony from blind and disabled riders, service dog users, advocates, and the Disability Law Center described repeated ride cancellations, drivers pulling away after seeing a service animal, and the difficulty of enforcing existing anti-discrimination laws through MCAD or other agencies. Witnesses said the current system leaves riders without practical recourse because drivers are hard to identify and complaints can take years, and they argued that fines on individual drivers would create a real deterrent. Several witnesses also described the impact on employment, medical appointments, and daily independence. Committee members asked about service-animal verification, whether refusals are ever appropriate, and whether penalties should target drivers or companies; witnesses said legitimate refusals are limited to misbehaving or unsafe animals and that companies already have policies and some training, but enforcement remains weak. The committee also heard from a witness supporting a related bill on rideshare accessibility and from advocates describing broader transportation discrimination issues. One witness discussed a separate proposal to study service-animal denial, and others noted that Uber’s self-identification feature and company policies have not solved the problem. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended after the final witnesses on the service-animal bill and a brief organizational discussion about related legislation and committee business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public Employees Retirement System on the modernization program and the legacy stabilization and technology
• public employees retirement system on the modernization program and the legacy stabilization and technology
• multi-bania, information, The modernization program is a large-scale, multi-biennium information technology
• $1,800,968 for the core retirement system modernization program and the legacy stabilization and technology
• $1,800,968 for the core retirement system modernization program and the legacy stabilization and technology

Summary: The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment. A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed. The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections. In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Systems and injection-based and then CO2-assisted technologies, like what are we looking at or for?
• hybrid, are three that I had been researching, whereas enhanced is basically using like fracking technology
• to be able to pressurize, crack Using like fracking technology to be able to pressurize, crack the rock
• As technology advances, the fact that Louisiana has an extremely long history of drilling capabilities
• and borehole technologies and Drilling capabilities and borehole technologies, and advanced drilling

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , then the statute puts something in law that he fears will open a litigation floodgate against technology
• He added that Louisiana already has a lot of economic development in the technology sector and he would
• He said he fears the bill will open a litigation floodgate on technology companies and could drive another
• This document does not say who the author is, but since we're talking about technology, I'll just remind
• Louisiana has invested serious dollars in attracting and supporting a robust technology sector when it

Keywords: 974, senate, all