Video & Transcript Research : 'Technology'
Page 144 of 426
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Next I'm going to talk about using our technology to streamline our process.
- Next I'm going to talk about using our technology to streamline our process.
- So, in using our technology, we're able to visually look at the property, review applications, We're
- We're able to enhance our prescribed burning through our technology.
Summary:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met with a quorum and heard two Department of Agriculture presentations. First, the Director of Rural and Family Lands described the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which buys development rights through perpetual conservation easements on private agricultural land to preserve farming, wildlife habitat, water resources, and open space while keeping land taxable and avoiding state maintenance costs. He said the program has expanded rapidly since 2023 through streamlined applications, templates, and an online portal, increasing acreage protected from about 66,000 acres through 2022 to more than 210,000 acres, with a higher share in the Florida wildlife corridor. He also said review times were reduced by more than 85 days and that projects under $5 million can move faster under statutory authority. The department is seeking $200 million in nonrecurring funding on top of $100 million recurring, citing 203 existing projects and 224 new applications totaling nearly $2 billion in estimated need. Members asked about the scientific ranking process, South Florida participation, project prioritization, maintenance responsibilities, and whether landowners can exit the program; staff said land remains privately owned, easements are in perpetuity, and partnerships and cost-sharing are prioritized.
The committee then heard from the Florida Forest Service director, who outlined the agency’s dual mission of wildfire response and land management. He said the service responds to roughly 2,200 to 2,500 wildfires annually, manages 38 state forests and one ranch totaling more than 1.1 million acres, and receives about 15 million visitors each year. He highlighted the impact of Senate Bill 1638 gaming compact funds, which provided $32 million for land management, recreation, equipment, roads, invasive species control, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, reforestation, and staffing support. He said Florida leads the nation in prescribed fire, with 277,818 acres burned on state forests last year and 2.47 million acres burned statewide, and noted ongoing restoration work such as Picayune Strand. He also described challenges including aging equipment, deferred maintenance, contractor availability, and timber market instability caused by hurricanes and mill closures, and suggested longer-term funding and a higher capital asset allowance. Members discussed timber markets, public communication and marketing, recreation fees, and coordination with other agencies and FDOT. The meeting ended with the chair noting that next week’s meeting would report out agency conversations and budget recommendations, and the committee rose.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-15 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They know what the technology is out there.
- They know what the technology is out there.
- of tech affordability of that technology of tech affordability of that technology is is is and<00
- those technologies those technologies are<00:52:40.920>
flourishing <00:52:41.560>in - <01:53:58.960>
development balance future technological development balance future technological
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- that that is always new technology that that is always evolving<00:50:21.359>
and <00:50:21.680 - You know, technology, advanced technology, you have new methods, you have new technologies, you have
- You know uh you know<02:15:10.960>
technology <02:15:12.079>advanced <02:15:12.560>technology - <02:15:13.280>
you know technology advanced technology you know technology advanced technology - They are very different, and of course technology changes too, right?
Bills:
HB1846, HB2205, HB1802, HB1571, HB2047, HB2434, HB2426, HB2361, HB2395, HB1712, HB2544, HB1619
Keywords:
coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed.
Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- It notes approximately $1.5 million in one-time information technology cost, $4.5 million in ongoing
- Since then, AI and the technology used to embed and detect these disclosures has evolved rapidly and
- Since then, AI and the technology used to embed and detect these disclosures has evolved rapidly and
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 7008 is a bill on the financial technology sandbox.
- exemption for certain records received by the Office of Financial Regulation relating to financial technology
- The sandbox provisions offer financial technology innovators a more flexible regulatory framework to
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably.
Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, members, we have PCB GOS-25-03, OGSR Financial Technology Sandbox.
- entity's application to offer an innovative financial product or service through the Financial Technology
- Sandbox. ...an innovative financial product or service through the Financial Technology Sandbox.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider three proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, each aimed at preserving a public records exemption that would otherwise repeal on October 2. PCB GOS 25-01, presented by Rep. Nix, would keep confidential property photos and personal identifying information tied to applicants or participants in housing assistance programs used for disaster recovery after a presidentially declared disaster. Members discussed the need to prevent fraud and protect distressed property owners from being targeted after disasters. The bill was reported favorably.
PCB GOS 25-03, presented by Rep. Sapp, would preserve the exemption for certain sensitive business information submitted to the Office of Financial Regulation for the Financial Technology Sandbox. Supporters said the confidentiality is necessary to encourage companies to submit proprietary information and participate in the program. The bill was also reported favorably.
PCB GOS 25-02, presented by Rep. Weinberger on behalf of Rep. Basabe, would continue the exemption for site-specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species. Members noted the importance of protecting Florida’s unique ecosystem and preventing poaching of both animals and rare plants. This bill was likewise reported favorably. Each bill received no amendments or public testimony, and the meeting adjourned after all three were approved.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:24:47.960>
and protected by robust technological and protected by robust technological - Why consider this technology? It is a lever, a tool.
- <01:37:03.159>
vov <01:37:03.679>Tech lead to technology vov Tech lead to technology - technological innovation and ultimately technological innovation and ultimately bigger<01:37:07.040
- <01:37:14.880>
before government adopt this technology before government adopt this technology
Summary:
The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops.
Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight.
Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/15/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> It's always that question with technology, right?
- <00:52:50.360>
and aligning with today's technology and aligning with today's technology and - ,<01:08:00.960>
DHS, support and funding for technology, DHS, support and funding for technology - The modernization of Minnesota's human service technology systems and the changes needed to implement
- Although kids from the 1980s tend to be pretty awesome, technology from the '80s is not.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- technology tools that assist<00:10:04.320>
them <00:10:04.720>in <00:10:04.959>their - Though implementation of this technology would require an additional $1 to $1.5 million annually, this
- before implementing a new technology before implementing a new technology process<00:21:08.480><
- I believe we do have technology side.
- Again, that is more on the business side, not on the technology side.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- the voting equipment grant account and transfers the remaining balance into the voting operations technology
- for the benefits and the management of the benefits, and some other provisions relating to the technology
- 00:37:33.440>
relating <00:37:33.839>to <00:37:34.480>the <00:37:34.880>technology - provisions relating to the technology provisions relating to the technology platform<00:37:36.359
- , technology, and elections resources<01:33:15.600>
funding <01:33:16.400>that <01:33:16.800
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 information technology budget totals $529 million.
- Members, this is the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 information technology budget. Thank you.
- And there is also a local community pharmacy that does not have access to the same technology that these
- big-box stores have. ...pharmacy that does not have access to the same technology that these big-box
- I understand that we are trying to be more technologically savvy and be more efficient and all that type
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then adopted the special order report and moved into a series of budget-related bills. The chamber first took up HB 5011/SB 2506 on environmental resource management and natural resources funding, where Democrats argued the bill would reduce recurring support for the Resilient Florida program, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. Supporters said the change would shift money from recurring to nonrecurring funding so the Legislature could reassess priorities each year and rely more on private-sector stewardship. After a strike-all amendment and conference posture change, SB 2506 passed 97-12. HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves, passed 108-0, and HB 5501, redirecting documentary stamp tax distributions from housing and transportation trust funds into general revenue, passed 82-26 after extended debate over its impact on affordable housing and transportation funding.
The House also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, which requires DMS to develop a formulary management system and was described as producing significant savings; members raised concerns about prescription access and implementation, but the bill passed 109-0. HB 5201 on state financial accounting and HB 5203 on the Capitol Center both passed unanimously, as did HB 5009, which creates a Florida Accountability Office and reorganizes audit functions. The chamber then passed HB 7031, a major sales tax reduction bill lowering the state sales tax rate and several related rates; supporters framed it as permanent relief for all Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more meaningful and that the sales tax cut would also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. HB 7031 passed 112-0.
The House then began consideration of HB 501, the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget, totaling $112.9 billion and emphasizing reduced recurring spending and large reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined their budget silos: K-12 education at $20.6 billion with teacher raises, school hardening, literacy, transportation stipends, and security funding for Jewish day schools; health care at $47 billion with full Medicaid and KidCare funding, opioid settlement spending, mental health beds, and senior services; transportation/economic development at $18.5 billion; agriculture and natural resources at $5.8 billion with reduced Everglades spending but continued water, resiliency, and land management funding; higher education at $8.7 billion; state administration at $2.9 billion; justice at $7.3 billion; and IT at $529 million for Florida PALM, FX, and other systems. Members then began questioning the K-12 budget, focusing on FEFP funding, proration, voucher growth, stabilization dollars, mental health and school safety funding, and whether districts would be held harmless under the proposed allocations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen recently the continued evolution of the use of technology, misinformation, disinformation,
- We've seen recently the continued evolution of the use of technology, misinformation, disinformation,
- <00:53:14.920>
misinformation use of Technology misinformation use of Technology misinformation - advances uh in of our own technological advances uh in the<00:53:28.280>
United <00:53:28.599> - continued evolution of this technology continued evolution of this technology and<00:53:35.720><
Summary:
The Senate Elections Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first considered the reappointment of Steven Swanson to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Swanson described his background in legal aid, lobbying, judging, and international rule-of-law work, and said he wanted to continue serving the public. Committee members praised his experience and discussed the importance of campaign finance oversight, including preventing corporate participation in Minnesota elections. Senator Wosinski moved to recommend Swanson’s confirmation, and the motion was adopted.
The committee then heard Senate File 529, a proposed constitutional amendment to state that elections shall be free, fair, and equal, and that no civil or military power may interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. Senator Dibble presented the bill as a way to strengthen voting rights and provide a constitutional basis to challenge voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unfair campaign practices. Testimony in support came from David Fischer of Clean Elections Minnesota and Jean Massie of Fair Vote Minnesota, both of whom argued the amendment would protect access to voting, increase confidence in elections, and align Minnesota with other states that have similar language.
Members discussed whether the amendment’s broad language could invite judicial interpretation or affect future election laws. Senator Koran questioned how the proposal would improve Minnesota’s already high turnout, while Senator Grant raised concerns that the terms “free, fair, and equal” were undefined and could shift power to the courts. Senator Lucero proposed an oral amendment to add “ensuring one eligible citizen, one vote” after the word “equal,” saying it would address concerns about future voter ID laws. The amendment was restated by counsel and discussed, with Senator Dibble saying it did not significantly harm the bill but suggesting it might imply a requirement he did not intend. The transcript ends during discussion of that oral amendment, and no final vote on the bill itself is shown.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I work remotely as a manager of technology projects.
- I work remotely as a manager of technology projects.
- Oh, you're—we've got technology. Yes, I'm looking for the presentation.
- We've got technology issues. Keith, do you get bonus pay when you help with technology?
- Keith, do you get bonus pay when you help with technology too? Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies.
Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Snyder, you are recognized to explain the information technology budget portion of the
- Members, the fiscal year 2025-2026 information technology budget totals $527 million.
- Members, while this is the fiscal year 2025-2026 information technology budget, I can tell you we'll
- Speaker, that is the technology portion of the GAA. Thank you.
- And then, secondly speaking, in conjunction with technology, consumption is way down, specifically in
Summary:
The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage.
Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed.
The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/07/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Science and Technology Committee who spent a ton of time on this.
- <04:04:49.399>
may <04:04:49.560>have energy I mean the technology may have energy - I mean the technology may have its<04:04:49.880>
place <04:04:50.159>but <04:04:50.359>< - <04:26:04.680>
and that you ask the science technology and that you ask the science technology - But it still wasn't enough for the available heat pump technology to heat my house.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is really, um, it should make everything more technologically efficient for everyone involved
- just because they have this continuity of a technology contract that all their systems can, you know
- efficient for everyone technologically efficient for everyone involved<00:05:16.479>
just <00: - <00:05:20.080>
contract <00:05:20.560>that continuity of a technology contract that - >
gene <01:06:25.760>therapy now have technologies like gene therapy now have technologies
Keywords:
healthcare, WIC, community health, licensing, speech-language pathology, audiology, contract term limits, healthcare services, provider enrollment, disenrollment, premium payments, medical assistance, substance use disorders, mental health, children's mental health, early childhood, early intervention, consultation grants, Head Start, child care
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS-CPN, CPN-HWN, CPN-LBT Public Hearings 02-06-2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Labor and Technology Committee on Labor and Technology uh<01:41:26.239>
to <01 - Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. >> Thank you very much.
- And for the committee on labor and technology on Senate Bill 2387, same recommendation as CPN.
- And for the committee on labor and technology, same recommendation as CPN on Senate Bill 2757 to pass
- technology to defer. technology to defer.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned.
For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted.
The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/24/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Is this the best use of money, uh, with new technologies, etc., etc.?
- Things like rocket technology, space exploration, and a lot of the future technologies that we'll rely
- Things like rocket technology, space exploration, and a lot of the future technologies that we'll rely
- > exploration, technology, space explor exploration, technology, space explor exploration, and<01
- and a lot of the future technologies and a lot of the future technologies that<01:53:06.960>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/26/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- of the contract funds for expenses, but it's interesting that there's a list of those expenses: technology
- in career readiness sessions, enrolling in courses to improve administrative communication and technology
- training and marketing and technology training and marketing and and<01:42:40.320>
advertising - <01:42:49.920>
Center <01:42:50.239>so emerged career and Technology Center so emerged - career and Technology Center so it<01:42:50.520>
is <01:42:50.639>a <01:42:50.800>true
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So you guys can use the six vacancies in information technology and position reprogramming and having
- this technology.
- We should only have one technology band B position, I believe that's vacant.
- We should only have one technology band B position, I believe that's vacant.
- renewable energy PR and Technology renewable energy PR and Technology let<01:03:56.760>
me