Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:09.519> and and upskilling driving innovation and and upskilling driving innovation
• AI innovation does not with each other.
• But allows AI innovation to continue.
• And I actually don't think innovation.
• <01:23:39.520> have again as new waves of innovation have again as new waves of innovation

Bills: HF1316, HF4369

Keywords: HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, 1099, W-9, W-4, newly hired workers, rehired employees

Transcript Highlights:

• Doing place-based growth innovation as opposed to just things happen to happen in a place, right?
• The innovation is incredible. I really appreciate it.
• New Mexico, as a cohesive place for innovation, is really helpful.
• towards innovation.
• So the innovation hubs—so that's the quantum innovation hub that was dedicated for $20 million or up,

Transcript Highlights:

• Innovation Zones.
• LFC has zeroed out that appropriation and included Innovation Zones as a public education reform fund
• So I'm trying to figure out Innovation Zones. Mr.
• Chair, I'll probably need some help from the Director to sort of explain Innovation Zones.
• Sounds like we don't have good data on the Innovation Zones. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our ports, our trade relationships, our innovation economy.
• California innovates in industry-leading businesses.
• We think that's part of what makes us so vibrant, and innovative, and interesting.
• I want to welcome the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
• The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We both recognize the importance of our nation's small businesses and innovation in promoting national
• We can promote innovation and competition by strengthening programs like SBIR, the Small Business Innovation
• And I agree wholeheartedly that merit drives innovation.
• Related technology, research, and innovation that is so important to this country. Thank you.
• It's called the Ramp for Innovation Innovators Act.

Transcript Highlights:

• And members, more importantly, I have two freedom to innovate for their students freedom to innovate
• <00:41:11.599> At decision-making and innovation. At decision-making and innovation.
• instructional framework and innovation instructional framework and innovation aspect<00:48:06.079
• <00:48:38.000> and into developing innovation and into developing innovation and creativity
• So produce the innovation folks thought.

Bills: HF3714, HF4399, HF4176, HF2544, HF60, HF4231, HF4232

Keywords: foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, education, school board, elections, local governance, school district, site-governed schools, education reform, local control, autonomy, interchange, bond issuance, transportation, infrastructure funding, Sherburne County, student eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be finalizing our procurement for the Rural Health Sustainability and Innovation Center.
• Chair, Madam Secretary, the last one I have is the tech innovation.
• How could we use technology to really be innovative? And that's really what that is about.
• Then they were using a portion of the $40 million for something called innovation zones.
• That went up a little, and the pilot project related to innovation zones, which Mr.

Bills: SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• demonstrating the kind of innovation demonstrating the kind of innovation Minnesota<00:14:06.040
• <00:14:11.040> and the Minnesota Climate Innovation and the Minnesota Climate Innovation and
• Minnesota-developed innovation. Minnesota-developed innovation.
• <00:26:05.920> community think the kind of innovative community think the kind of innovative
• this innovative way. So, thank you. this innovative way. So, thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• wave of innovation.
• <00:32:22.639> Alliance<00:32:23.440> an nuclear Innovation Alliance an nuclear Innovation
• <00:32:41.320> Alliance bill at the nuclear Innovation Alliance bill at the nuclear Innovation
• there we could have Innovations there we could have Innovations<01:02:45.039> in<01:02:45.160
• <01:02:47.200> in necessary we could have Innovations in necessary we could have Innovations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I gave this background, and so 30 years later, we have another amazing innovation.
• So I gave this background, and so 30 years later, we have another amazing innovation.
• In December 2023, we reported on innovative affordable housing strategies in other states, including
• I'll now present on our report on other states' innovative housing strategy. Mr.
• In general, I'll tell you that information on the effectiveness of innovative programs was limited and

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs held its first meeting and heard presentations focused on affordable housing implementation under the Live Local Act. Florida Housing Finance Corporation described its role in administering rental and homeownership programs, including SAIL, SHIP, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, disaster recovery efforts, supportive housing, and the Live Local funding and tax incentives. Officials said the first year’s $150 million Live Local rental allocation was fully committed to 23 developments producing 3,171 units with mixed-income set-asides, and they outlined how projects were selected through competitive solicitations tied to statutory priorities such as mixed-use development, publicly owned land, foster youth, rural areas of opportunity, redevelopment, and housing near military installations. They also discussed the tax credit contribution program, the missing-middle property tax exemption, sales tax rebates, and the year-one ad valorem exemption for qualifying affordable projects. Members asked detailed questions about the data and program design, including the use of area median income figures, per-unit subsidy levels, county targeting, tenant relocation during redevelopment, and whether the programs were helping lower-income households. Florida Housing said it uses competitive scoring and data from the Schimberg Center and that redevelopment projects are supposed to include tenant relocation plans. The homeownership portion of the presentation covered the Hometown Heroes program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans. Staff said the program has assisted more than 21,000 families and leveraged over $6.5 billion in first mortgages, and members asked about repayment rates, credit scores, and whether participants were staying in homes long enough to show the program was serving intended buyers. The committee then heard from OPAGA on two required Live Local evaluations: affordable housing strategies in other states and affordable housing policies in Florida. OPAGA reported that Florida has a high share of cost-burdened households, with 1.5 million households cost burdened and 1.4 million severely cost burdened, and that Florida’s counties and municipalities reported more than $1.4 billion in affordable housing expenditures in fiscal year 2023-24. The report identified 13 innovative out-of-state programs, with three considered high-potential for Florida implementation, and summarized Florida local government practices such as SHIP-funded homeownership and rental assistance, expedited permitting, mixed-income zoning, rehabilitation programs, and interlocal cooperation. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the United States has an incredible history of agile and innovative manufacturing.
• encourage innovation, particularly from small other companies.
• What innovative approaches have you either seen in the Army or do you foresee?
• Part of working in venture capital and when it comes to innovation is thinking outside the box.
• That type of innovation, I think, could be spread further around the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our innovative spacecraft—sorry about that, that's not how that slide is supposed to look—but our innovative
• We will never stop innovating.
• Israel Innovation Authority.
• It's okay to innovate.
• It's okay to innovate.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on Florida’s space economy and related infrastructure. SpaceX Vice President Kiko Donchev described the company’s Florida operations, launch cadence, reusable rocket program, Starlink service, and plans for future Starship activity at the Cape. Senators asked about Florida employment, expansion plans, satellite lifetimes, disaster-relief uses of Starlink, and recreational connectivity; members also praised SpaceX’s hurricane response and broader public benefits. Donchev said SpaceX’s Florida workforce has grown to about 1,600 and that the company hopes to add Starship pads and continue expanding in the state. The committee then recognized Commander Dennis Baker for his military service and veteran advocacy, including his leadership of the Florida Veterans Foundation, grant work, the Walk of Honor, and the Gadsden Flag license plate program. Members highlighted that revenue from the plate helps fund veterans’ dental care and noted upcoming dental services for veterans in Volusia County. Baker received a flag flown over the Capitol and a framed gubernatorial proclamation. Newview CEO Clint Grumman presented the company’s commercial satellite LiDAR mapping system, describing its Lake Nona headquarters, Florida ownership, planned jobs, and applications for infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. He said the company’s satellite data could improve accuracy and lower costs, and noted partnerships including a Department of Defense contract and a European Space Agency moon-mapping effort. Space Florida then outlined its role as the state’s aerospace finance and business development authority, emphasizing its pipeline of projects, spaceport improvement program, workforce academy, and efforts to address infrastructure constraints and seek tax-exempt bond authority for spaceports. NASA’s Kelvin Manning closed with an update on Kennedy Space Center, highlighting Artemis progress, rising launch demand, commercial partnerships, economic impact, and the Florida University Space Research Consortium. No bills were voted on, and the meeting adjourned after comments from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Innovation has been an important component of Minnesota's past economic success, and it will be one of
• Businesses that innovate and create new products and services tend to be more profitable and stronger
• for our future businesses that innovate for our future businesses that innovate innovate<00:48:41.119
• and create new products and innovate and create new products and services<00:48:43.160> tend<
• They say, okay, well, in the OLA report it's supposed to create jobs, spur innovation.

Bills: HF4, HF173

Keywords: tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief, state surplus, fiscal forecast, wealthy taxpayers, high-income exclusion, 2026 ballot, referendum, surplus distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an innovative method of financing housing, which has not been used in California before, but
• the state's quantum computing economy and establish California as a leader in quantum innovation.
• This means that California has limited time to establish itself as a leader in quantum innovation to
• AB 940 allows two or more cities and counties to establish themselves as quantum innovation zones.
• Just because I'm curious, where do you guys think these innovation zones will be created?

Summary: The Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee met in person and established quorum after beginning briefly as a subcommittee. The committee adopted its rules and then heard several bills focused on economic recovery, housing, technology, retail theft, and utility infrastructure. AB 265 (Caloza) would create a $100 million state-funded small business and nonprofit recovery program for organizations affected by declared emergencies; it drew broad support from small business, nonprofit, chamber, city, and community groups, with no opposition voiced. AB 797 (Harabedian) proposed a zero-cost state financing structure using CRA-backed securities to help community nonprofits buy wildfire-damaged properties at fair market value and prevent predatory investor purchases; it was presented as a community stabilization tool and received support from the California Community Foundation, with no opposition. AB 940 (Wicks/Ellis) would establish quantum innovation zones to strengthen California’s quantum computing economy, and AB 949 (Shiavo) would create a retail theft grant program for small businesses to fund security improvements and theft prevention measures; both bills were supported by business and university witnesses, though one member said they would not vote for AB 949 due to concerns about broader crime policy. AB 1347 (Carrillo) proposed a pilot program to speed utility interconnections in priority growth regions, including allowing developers to trade expedited connections for upfront infrastructure cost recovery and use microgrids in some cases; it had no opposition in the hearing. Committee members generally expressed support for the bills, especially those aimed at disaster recovery and small business resilience. Questions on AB 940 focused on where quantum innovation zones might be located and how local governments and universities would coordinate; the author and witnesses said the zones should be open statewide and could build on existing research centers such as Berkeley, Stanford, Caltech, UCSB, UCLA, and UCSC. On AB 797, members discussed the need to protect homeowners from below-market offers after wildfires. On AB 949, the author emphasized that modest grants could help small businesses make security upgrades and prevent repeated theft losses. The committee voted to send AB 265, AB 797, AB 940, AB 949, and AB 1347 forward, generally on party-line or near-unanimous votes, with the bills reported out of committee and placed on call as needed. The consent calendar, including AB 254, AB 415, AB 655, AB 1232, AB 1254, AB 1477, and HR 27, was also approved. The hearing adjourned at 10:33 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rebecca Connor Miller on her selection of the 2026 Doctor Laura Hummel Technology Innovator of the Year
• Connor Miller on her selection for the Doctor Laura Hummel Technology Innovator of the Year Award.
• Who demonstrate innovation in program development, a commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication
• flexibility to use CAN LEVERAGE PRIVATE SECTOR INNOVATION THROUGH COMMERCIAL LICENSING.
• AT A TIME WHEN COMMERCIAL SPACE INNOVATION IS ACCELERATING RAPIDLY.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the first time in more than a year, I called to order the brand new Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
• As I said before, this ties into our innovation and national security sector.
• But also, we don't want this type of innovation... ...kids at home.
• But also, we don't want this type of innovation.
• We do want to encourage innovation, and I think overall we'll be much better off for it. Perfect.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The newly formed House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee held its first meeting with member and staff introductions, followed by adoption of the committee rules. Staff explained that the rules mirror House rules, including the chair’s control of the agenda and testimony, and deadlines for amendments and agendas. The committee adopted the rules without objection. The chair then delivered an extended presentation on artificial intelligence, describing AI as a rapidly evolving tool that is already affecting many sectors, including note-taking, media, healthcare, workforce, data centers, and semiconductor manufacturing. He emphasized both the opportunities and risks of AI, including misinformation, deepfakes, job displacement, privacy concerns, and potential misuse by governments, while also highlighting Arizona’s role in chip fabrication, infrastructure, and innovation. He said the committee would meet weekly, hear short presentations from industry and subject-matter experts, and focus on responsible governance that supports innovation without overregulation. Members then shared their perspectives. Several expressed cautious optimism, noting AI’s potential in healthcare, education, public administration, and business, while stressing the need for guardrails, cybersecurity, and human oversight. Members also discussed personal uses of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grok, and transcription apps, and raised concerns about older adults, children, and people with disabilities being affected by AI-generated content or automation. The chair closed by saying the committee would be bipartisan, Arizona-focused, and likely to consider bills as the session progresses, then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, can you explain to me the difference in innovation zones?
• that Innovation Zone money went out to school districts first for a lot of school districts who had
• So there is some CTE built into that Innovation Zone model, depending on what school districts decide
• The reason that I think it's recommended that they put it in PERF is that Innovation Zones have been
• It sounds like we don't have good data on the innovation. Mr. Chair, Representative, yes and...

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to today's hearing on an act relative to energy, affordability, independence, and innovation.
• We are the number one state for innovation.
• The world's top innovators are here in Massachusetts, developing things like new battery technologies
• MMWEC also runs the innovative demand response program Connected Homes.
• Ultimately, the legislation enhances energy independence and innovation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the director of the Technology and Innovation Office at the New Mexico Economic Development Department
• Um, the Technology and Innovation Office, as you know, is apologies, uh, members, we're on tab D, so
• Um, as you know, the Technology and Innovation, uh, division was created, uh, earlier this year in House
• Uh, we're calling it TO to have a nice pithy little name for it, Technology and Innovation Office.
• across New Mexico, including awarding grant funds for early stage companies, commercializing innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• Cancer Institutes, also known as the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation
• And more recently, the Cancer Innovation Fund, which was funded at $60 million last year, a new initiative
• In addition, a recent innovation is the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund.
• Maybe I would just add that Florida is a very innovative state. I trained in Rochester.
• Maybe I would just add that Florida is a very innovative state.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s cancer research and funding programs, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, the Bankhead-Coley Research Program, and Live Like Bella. Dr. Ladapo and leaders from Moffitt, Sylvester/University of Miami, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic described how state funding has helped Florida’s four NCI-designated cancer centers expand research, recruit faculty, increase clinical trials, and build collaborations. They emphasized that the programs are intended to improve cancer care statewide, support innovation, and encourage more institutions to pursue NCI designation. The Governor’s budget recommendation was noted as including additional funding, and members asked about the cost and requirements of becoming NCI-designated and eventually comprehensive. Panelists said NCI designation requires major infrastructure, compliance, research, and training investments, with de novo development estimated at about $1 billion. They described Florida’s collaborative model as unusual nationally, with annual symposia, shared pilot funding, and joint projects across the four centers. Members also asked about rural access, home-based care, and recruitment/retention. Mayo described its “Cancer Care Beyond Walls” home-treatment model and said it could expand to rural counties within months; Moffitt and UF discussed mobile screening, satellite sites, and affiliations with local hospitals and practices. Several members raised concerns about workforce shortages, licensure delays, and the need to reach underserved areas. The discussion also covered outcomes, data reporting, and the broader economic impact of the cancer centers. Panelists cited growth in jobs, federal research funding, and clinical trial enrollment, and highlighted advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T, TIL therapy, carbon ion therapy, AI-driven screening, and the firefighter cancer initiative. They said the Florida Cancer Data System is being expanded to track recurrence and quality-of-life measures. Members also asked about philanthropy, medical tourism, and federal funding risks, including possible indirect cost reductions that could affect research budgets. The meeting ended with general support for continued investment, while some members noted an ongoing policy debate over whether future cancer research dollars should be concentrated in the four NCI centers or spread more broadly across the state.