Transcript Highlights:

• economic difficulty, more people turn to their public libraries for free internet and help with technology
• Just last week, we had a patron in tears at our technology bar.
• Some of that funding was for the training of our employees on new technologies.
• The dollar figures that we present to the committee are not maybe what is in science and technology.
• Do you have an idea of how much you would need to secure to continue where you left off?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that really struck me is that they're using this technology.
• They are using this technology to exchange guns. That's how they're getting guns, a lot of them.
• technology tells me that vehicle's not insured.
• A van travels our roadways every year using LiDAR technology to determine pavement conditions.
• Quintana went through his projects, we've secured 330.5 million. 330 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there security issues with cloud?
• Is there security issues of cloud?
• Technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
• When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.
• When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
• Now, technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
• And all of that extra is the support, the software, the license, the security.
• When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.
• When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I love technology. I even asked AI to analyze this House amendment. I was curious.
• I love<00:33:39.960> technology. love technology. love technology.
• Then the director of Homeland Security Then the director of Homeland Security asked<01:28:13.440
• ,<05:24:36.320> and Committee on Science, Technology, and Committee on Science, Technology
• Yet our technology and our strength did Yet our technology and our strength did not<06:11:04.520>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• city of Pharr understands how important it is for our trade partners to increase efficiency and security
• From a border security perspective, I think there is some peril to the public that lives in the area,
• And the only way to do so when partnering with school districts is to equip the safety technology on
• The capital investment of equipping camera technology on the entire fleet is an expensive proposition
• Right now with all technology, technology can be for us or against us if we have a cell phone.

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though technology brings amazing opportunities for education and growth.
• Just as new technologies are being developed that exacerbate... to children on lines, so too are technologies
• Now, Senator Klobuchar and I are going to lead the Privacy Technology and Law Subcommittee.
• I don't know how many do but I don't know if they're using technology but they should.
• Of this technology. We know what technology was when you and I were much younger. Everything.

Keywords: child safety, Big Tech, CSAM, legislation, online exploitation, bipartisan, social media

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding child safety online, with a particular emphasis on recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation and harmful content accessible through social media platforms. Senators engaged in a heated discussion regarding the implications of Big Tech's lobbying efforts against vital bills such as the Stop CSAM Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. Noteworthy testimonies highlighted real-life impacts of online dangers, including tragic cases of child exploitation and drug-related fatalities linked to social media interactions. The bipartisan nature of the committee's commitment to address these issues showcased a collective determination to make the digital environment safer for the younger generation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then making making sure at security and then making making sure at the<00:34:28.560> same
• behind some of these road Technologies behind some of these road map<00:39:08.760> initiatives
• address the different um technologies address the different um technologies that<00:39:23.640>
• We have lots of conversations about security and privacy in many of our efforts, but by having someone
• and privacy in many of our security and privacy in many of our efforts<00:49:42.000> but<00:49

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses. Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze. Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors. The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.

Transcript Highlights:

• . security. security.
• <04:00:11.359> a consideration, and hopefully secure a consideration, and hopefully secure
• <04:08:45.920> to incorporate enhanced technologies to incorporate enhanced technologies to
• To secure these federal dollars, we require state match dollars.
• To secure these awarded to that state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lot of other directors here too from the Law Enforcement Records Bureau, our labs, Information Technologies
• It seems essential to ensure that the cybersecurity is secure. Mr.
• I mean, I think a big focus that we have had on the technology front, especially on intelligence-led
• One is for regional water planning, and the other one is for the Water Security Planning Act.
• So line 67, science technology business Startup grants. How would those be set up?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that it's for their own security? that it's for their own security?
• <01:08:28.400> and anything that provides me security and anything that provides me security
• in line 12 where it says such security in line 12 where it says such security measures<01:14:16.320
• <01:15:47.360> system you buy a, you know, security system you buy a, you know, security system
• technology is, um, a little hard for me. technology is, um, a little hard for me.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, after discussions with our in-house technology experts and external vendors, we determined that
• file upload capabilities, image validation technology, third-party software, testing, and implementation
• one-time implementation costs could approach $10 million, with additional ongoing operational and security
• file upload capabilities, image validation technology, third-party software, testing, and implementation
• one-time implementation costs could approach 10 million with additional ongoing operational and security

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Labor and Technology has a 3 p.m. agenda. It is Friday, April 4th, 2025.
• that it is a very important program that has the capability of making the difference in financial security
• > or<00:02:32.560> not<00:02:32.959> for<00:02:33.360> the financial security
• or not for the financial security or not for the retirements<00:02:34.400> of<00:02:34.720>
• So, on behalf of the Labor and Technology Committee, we'd like to again congratulate all the nominees

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives. Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees. After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh get a handle on when our technology uh get a handle on when our technology will<00:06:32.599>
• complexity uh by providing technologies complexity uh by providing technologies that<00:08:03.000
• technology and right now our technology technology and right now our technology is<00:22:08.320>
• The creation of technology, its very infancy — punch card technology.
• technology um neutral right technology technology um neutral right technology uh<02:34:30.000>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And now on they do increase security.
• , some aspect of security, some aspect of security, but<00:26:06.600> it's<00:26:06.800>
• But I think newer technology, right?
• . technology. technology.
• A lot of it happens with technology, you know? A lot of it happens with technology, you know?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , part of my job as governor is to help us provide what the federal government isn't: stability, security
• investing in economic engines in our state: research and science, driven through the DRIVE Act, defense technology
• We're a technology state. We love our technology. We invest in our technology.
• We invest in our technology. And we've got to find a way to protect our kids. I know we can do it.
• know of pain caused by the mistreatment of the stranger, the vulnerable, those without safety and security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker. Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media. The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• because these technologies because these technologies are<00:21:10.440> difficult<00:21:11.000
• . technology. technology.
• <01:09:00.600> risks request if safety or security risks request if safety or security risks
• . security. security.
• unreasonable risk to safety or security. unreasonable risk to safety or security.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.

Transcript Highlights:

• Forefront of technological Forefront of technological advancement<00:46:14.119> at<00:46:
• I represent the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
• Peach I represent the Securities Peach I represent the Securities industry<00:58:45.559> and<
• <00:58:54.760> and together we represent the Securities and together we represent the Securities
• things so that she can have a Secure things so that she can have a Secure Retirement<00:59:49.880

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• will begin next year, It's limited to five years, after which the Commission will have to try to secure
• We use that for other quality improvement type efforts, whether that be technology modernization, like
• Ground, but I would say there is work that's being conducted behind the secure treatment area— where
• Yes, Civic Rx, our nonprofit partner, has secured the drug substance from an entity and is making good
• Christman has been there, and we’ve secured a supplier for the drug substance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 503 will specifically require that AI technology used in health care facilities be identified if it
• SB 503 is thoughtful, forward-looking policy that balances the need for technological advancements with
• It's a false sense of security. But we're living with the false sense of security right now.
• , not 100%, but some sense of security for individuals to be able to go into restaurants and not have
• , not 100, but some sense of security for individuals to be able to go into restaurants and not have

Summary: The committee heard several health-related measures. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would revise and expand California’s CARE Court by limiting the expansion to people with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the definition of “clinically stabilized,” and narrowing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including behavioral health officials and family members, said the bill would reduce dismissals and better serve people with severe illness; opponents warned the expansion would strain county staffing and housing resources and could undermine voluntary engagement. The bill passed on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety. SB 503 by Senator Weber Pierson would require AI tools used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente and the California Medical Association said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust and safety. The committee discussed the need to clarify developer and deployer responsibilities, and the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require restaurants to provide written allergen information for the top nine food allergens, with tiered flexibility for smaller establishments. The bill was supported by patients, families, nurses, and allergy organizations, who described severe reactions and the difficulty of relying on verbal disclosures alone. The California Restaurant Association opposed unless amended, seeking broader use of the national model food code and additional liability language. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 403 by Senator Blakespear, which would remove the sunset from the End of Life Option Act; supporters described the law as a compassionate, well-functioning option for terminally ill patients, while faith-based groups opposed it. The bill passed to Judiciary. Later, SB 41 by Senator Wiener was introduced to rein in pharmacy benefit manager practices that steer patients to mail-order pharmacies and reimburse community pharmacies below cost; community pharmacists and several health organizations testified in support, describing pharmacy closures and patient access problems.