Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a policy analyst of the James Madison Institute, focusing on technology and innovation.
• First off, thank you, Senator Avila, for taking the time to meet with us to express... ...on technology
• You know, we've certainly seen how technology more and more is playing a pivotal role in our lives.
• We want to maintain that we are at the forefront of technological advances.
• We want to be a leader in technology, just like we want to be a leader in logistics, just like we want

Bills: S0484, S0698, S0706, S0968, S1118, S1122, S1134, S1320, S1342, S1548, S1614

Keywords: data centers, large load customer, large-scale data center, electric utility, public utility tariff, Florida Public Service Commission, FPSC, water permit, consumptive use permit, reclaimed water, groundwater, surface water, water management district, DEP, OPPAGA, economic development, land use, comprehensive plan, zoning, ratepayer protection

Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, utility, and transparency bills. SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations, by Sen. Rouson, was presented as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act for transit corridors. After adopting an amendment that removed the bill’s compelling-governmental-interest language in enforcement provisions, the committee heard testimony from local-government and housing interests both supporting and opposing the bill’s zoning preemption approach. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 1614, by Sen. Leek, which was amended to remove stormwater and code-enforcement spending provisions and to tighten restrictions on local governments seeking state appropriations after audits or without required affirmations. SB 1548, the next Live Local Act iteration by Sen. Claddie Ude, was also reported favorably; it expands where Live Local projects may be located and adds fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems, by Sen. McLean, was reported favorably after testimony from builders and energy-related stakeholders, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments to refine permit provisions. The committee then approved CS/SB 698, by Sen. Martin, which allows building permits for single-family homes to be issued before septic permits are finalized if application has been made, while still requiring septic approval before occupancy. Builders testified that septic permit delays were causing lengthy project delays and contract cancellations. The committee also reported favorably SB 1320, by Sen. Martin, requiring county tax-increase referenda to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available; the sponsor said the goal was to give voters more standardized fiscal information, while opponents argued existing law already provides similar transparency. SB 484, by Sen. Avila, on data centers, was reported favorably after an amendment adding a knowledge requirement to the foreign-country-of-concern service prohibition; the bill addresses local planning authority, nondisclosure agreements, utility tariff requirements, and water-use limits for large data centers. The committee also reported favorably SB 1118, by Sen. Avila, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center location and proprietary information, with testimony split between economic-development supporters and transparency concerns. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, by Sen. Mayfield, preempting naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designating Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark conditions; it was reported favorably after questions about local input and airport naming. The committee then heard extensive public testimony on SB 1134, by Sen. Yarbrough, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI and would create penalties and a private right of action for residents. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded DEI programs and cited examples from Jacksonville and other jurisdictions; opponents said the bill was vague, overbroad, and would chill local programs, public education, and civil-rights-related activities. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on SB 1134, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• payroll for 24 local sheriff and county clerk's offices as well as our current system also does the technology
• system<00:03:18.000> also<00:03:19.040> does<00:03:19.280> the<00:03:19.519> technology
• system also does the technology system also does the technology administration<00:03:21.440>
• You made me a lot more aware of technology than I've ever been [laughter] or wanted to be, probably.
• than I've ever been technology than I've ever been [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> or<00:24

Keywords: 00:14 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:10 Information Items and Introduction of Personnel Cabinet 02:44 Discussion of KHRIS HR system and need for replacement 05:52 Discussion of Challenges in managing HR for employees and records 09:16 Discussion of Employee Health Plan Record Management 12:56 Software and Hardware Discussion 16:15 Security Concerns 17:00 Costs, Staffing, and Implementation 24:09 Discussion of Data Integration and Hosting 32:20 Payment Methodology 35:20 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance held its first meeting and heard a presentation from personnel cabinet officials on a major request to replace the Kentucky Human Resources Information System, known as CHRIS, which currently handles HR, payroll, tax compliance, and health plan administration for state government and several local offices. Officials said the system supports payroll for about 48,000 employees, covers all three branches of government and 24 sheriff and county clerk offices, and stores records for nearly 475,000 current and former users. They explained that SAP has said the system will reach end of life and lose support by 2030, creating risks around security, maintenance, and tax compliance if it is not replaced. Commissioners and staff emphasized that the replacement is needed not just as an upgrade but as a full system replacement, especially because the current platform no longer receives meaningful HR enhancements and will eventually lose security updates and tax tables. They also described the Kentucky Employees Health Plan as a major driver of the project, noting it serves nearly 300,000 covered lives, many school boards, pre-65 retirees, and more than 700 entities, with significant complexity in billing, premium collection, and regulatory compliance. Officials said the new system would help address current manual workarounds, support changing insurance rules, and better protect personally identifiable and health information. Members asked detailed questions about the $151 million request, including why the estimate had risen by more than $50 million, what would happen if the project missed the 2030 deadline, how progress would be tracked, how vendor costs were estimated, and what the largest cost components would cover. Officials said the increase was mainly due to inflation and changing requirements, and that there was no real backup plan if the replacement was not completed before support ends. They said the project would be managed through an RFP process expected in July 2026, with kickoff in January 2027 and go-live by July 2030, and that oversight would include an enterprise steering committee, monthly updates, and existing quarterly COT reporting to LRC. They also explained that the largest share of the request is for implementation and integrator services, with additional amounts for software licensing and hosting, independent verification and validation, dependent verification, FSA administration, and limited contract support, and that payments would be tied to deliverables and acceptance testing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, technology always seems to be moving pretty quickly.
• But other departments and agencies in the state, I don't know what process or if it's a technology issue
• I was understanding that because of the technology we try to incorporate there, they do; they all have
• ; we're looking. at all the agencies and the technology that could be affected by the HR-1.
• So that's another piece of technology that we're utilizing actively.

Transcript Highlights:

• solution that evolves our current transportation funding sources without singling out a specific technology
• <00:04:11.519> For<00:04:11.760> those<00:04:12.000> reasons, technology type
• For those reasons, technology type.
• So, EVs are kind of a new technology. You don't see that many of them out there. you can hear me.
• . you don't see that many of technology. you don't see that many of them<00:10:07.680> out<00:

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, in Florida, we have been extremely forward-thinking in the deployment of technology infrastructure
• And one thing I mentioned, just touched on earlier, is the technology piece of this.
• Again, technology and data are very, very important to what we do.
• . global trade and logistics, financial and professional services, information technology, aviation and
• is a way to upskill those employees so that they can now stay with the business and use the new technology

Summary: The committee met to receive a base budget overview for agencies under its jurisdiction, which include the Division of Emergency Management, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Staff explained the budget format and noted that the Legislature appropriated more than $20.2 billion to these agencies in the current fiscal year, a 66.7% increase over 10 years. The Department of Transportation then presented on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing it as a $7 billion effort to advance 20 major congestion-relief projects statewide. Secretary Jared Perdue said the department is ahead of schedule, with 14 of 20 projects expected to be underway by the end of the calendar year. He highlighted major projects including I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties, I-75 improvements, Southwest 10th Street in Broward County, Fruitville Road, Capital Circle in Tallahassee, and I-275, and discussed innovations such as aggregate supply grants, modified phase design-build, workforce hiring events, and voluntary acceleration. Senators asked about business impacts from construction, tourism-related transit funding, aggregate sourcing, and labor shortages; the secretary said FDOT works with local businesses and that additional revenue sources for transit would require legislative action. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reviewed motorist services, revenue collection, licensing, vehicle titling, specialty plates, insurance compliance, driver safety, and commercial driver licensing. Officials said the department collected about $2.9 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023-24 and described modernization efforts, including electronic verification systems, Real ID compliance, mobile licensing units, and a planned digital driver license. Members asked about the driver license backlog in Miami-Dade and Broward, and the department said service delays were driven by growth and staffing constraints but should improve with $7.5 million in recent funding and the eventual transition of services to county tax collectors. Questions also addressed temporary paper licenses and birth certificate fraud prevention. The Department of Commerce presented on the Job Growth Grant Fund and Visit Florida. Commerce said the grant fund, created in 2017, has awarded $257 million to 70 projects in 37 counties since 2019, with demand exceeding supply about four to one. Officials emphasized that the program supports targeted industries and workforce and infrastructure projects, and they highlighted examples in CDL training, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and health care. Senators raised concerns about small businesses affected by transportation construction, and Commerce said it has an Office of Small Business Innovation and other tools, though the grant fund is limited by statute to targeted industries. Visit Florida then described its public-private tourism marketing role, saying the state’s $80 million appropriation is matched by private investment and that the latest EDR review found a $3.30 return in tax revenue for every state dollar spent. Visit Florida reported record visitation and tourism spending, along with hurricane recovery marketing and rural promotion efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been working with the North Dakota Information Technology Department to try to help provide these
• Do you know if other states have gone to this approach of really changing the technology so that it's
• So is that risk management has taken that into consideration with the rising cost of technology, or maybe
• So is that the risk management has taken that into consideration with the rising cost of technology and
• We can leverage technology where all of these programs can be interlinked.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So digital equity includes the accessibility to internet services, technology...
• It's the accessibility to internet services, technology, resources, and tools used by Washingtonians.
• ... ...devices, accessible and inclusive online resources, and the skills to safely use digital technology
• Could digital equity... ...and effectively connect Washingtonians to technology?
• skills and literacy, and the affordability of high-speed internet services and internet-connected technology

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is important life-saving technology. Other states are deploying Next Generation 911.
• Require best available technology. C.
• Require best available technology in order to restart operations. D.
• But if you had up-to-date technology, we wouldn't be here. And I wouldn't be here right now.
• I'm concerned about the best available technology definition as well, because it's very vague, right?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, when you think about this type of technology that's being used currently... ...but Austin.
• So again, when you think about this type of technology that's being used currently in law enforcement
• China has spent years exploiting our open economic system and the technology supply chains of the United
• China has spent years exploiting our open economic system and the technology supply chains of the United
• One of the things I remember when this conversation went on before had to do with the technology and

Bills: HB2134, HB2253, HB2270, HB2402, HB2404, HB2673, HB2941

Keywords: critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, law enforcement, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, investigative files, due process, retaliation, county seal, law enforcement authority, sheriff's posse, public safety, county governance, ambulance services, certificate of necessity, emergency medical services, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• second question I have, the one that you may not be able to answer, is: as you know, the growth of technology
• Where are the hospitals in our state at implementing these technologies and bringing these technologies
• Are we keeping up with the technology, or are we going to be last, or where are we at about?
• Because if we can bring these technologies to the state, better outcomes to our patients obviously would
• We want to invest in technology, but we're just going to have to have the revenue and the resources to

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please ensure that New Mexico will not allow technology to be used to harm, intimidate, or surveil our
• Goals that they are after, as well as continues to ensure this important piece of public safety technology
• **Senate Bill 40** strengthens both by ensuring that technology is used responsibly and does not endanger
• Madam Chair, Representative, we're dealing here with emerging technology that is relatively unregulated
• that have been raised for a very good reason about the scope of surveillance that this type of technology

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, like many things when we're regulating technology and a number of other things, oftentimes
• Unfortunately, like many things when we're regulating technology and a number of other things, oftentimes
• And whoever is in charge of this technology has been notified, and they will strike it from the record
• For those vendors that engage in this service or use this piece of technology, it will require some due
• So, you know, advanced equipment and advanced security technology for pharmacies and hospitals and all

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They do, but they do not have a professional obligation to stay with the times, learn new technologies
• , implement these practices, and too often we... ...technologies, implement these practices, and too
• So certainly the technology is there, even for the consumer to see an outage in real time.
• As you know, population increase, aging utilities, and new technologies are all among the core causes
• and, ...in the state with new technologies and infrastructure that's diminished.

Bills: S0468, S0822, S1234, S1260, S1580, S1706

Keywords: animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably. The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the state taking up that additional 25% that that cost is largely borne by staff as well as the technology
• There's some other smaller technology updates and things that we're also in the process of doing.
• Technology will be a part of that. But again, technology is not going to solve the problem.
• I'm not aware of any specific apps or sort of technology that we've deployed or are in the process of
• And so I don't think that all the technology and resources will make as much of an impact as it could

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the... ...we left those kids behind, and we should be amplifying the trades because we live in a technology
• ... and we don't have kids or students trained for this emerging technology right now, and it's a demand
• for those kinds of technology schools and those trades, and we should be making sure that kids who don't
• and we don't have kids or students trained for this emerging technology right now and it's a demand
• for those kinds of technology schools and those traits and we should be making sure that kids who don't

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in Paramount as part of its “Pocketbook Tour,” focused on affordability, cost pressures, and household impacts in Los Angeles County. The first panel centered on workers and learners, with testimony from the UCLA Labor Center and the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board. Speakers described how rising living costs, tuition, and low wages force many students to work long hours, often in unrelated, low-wage jobs, while struggling with food, rent, bills, anxiety, and limited financial aid. Recommendations included expanding state-funded work study, creating a statewide internship tax credit for small businesses, improving financial aid formulas to reflect regional cost of living, increasing flexibility for students, and strengthening worker-rights education and career pathways. The second panel focused on microbusinesses and small business affordability. Testimony from microenterprise advocates, the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network, and local business owners described rising commercial rents, labor costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, insurance, utilities, and disaster-related pressures as major threats to small businesses. Witnesses emphasized that small businesses are central to local economies and asked the state to expand technical assistance, low-interest financing, disaster support, supply-chain development, and community-based outreach. They also urged more intentional support for microbusinesses and home-based entrepreneurs, including networks that connect them to resources and help them build collective buying power. Committee members asked about possible state actions, including tax credits for hiring local workers or interns, support for trades and apprenticeships, and ways to partner more closely with SBDCs and chambers of commerce. Public comment echoed the hearing themes, with speakers highlighting student hardship, nonprofit mental health funding, renewable energy jobs and internships, and the need for state support for clean-energy incentives. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks and adjournment at 11:05 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resources for the purchase and replacement of vehicles, equipment, computer and information technology
• and Means, makes appropriations to the Department of Corrections for various purposes relating to technology
• and Means, makes appropriations to the Department of Corrections for various purposes relating to technology
• makes appropriations to the Department of Education for professional development costs, information technology
• It's a powerful technology, and when practiced with ethical standards and a respect for life, can be

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For more than 75 years, the United States has been the world leader in scientific research and technological
• Years following World War II, the U.S. emerged as the global leader in science and technology, accounting
• An FDA with this expertise is critical to having the potential of these technologies. advances realized
• It's also led to the development of things like the technologies that we use for imaging.
• And that is a, it's a technological thing, it's a sociological thing, it is a relationship-based thing

Transcript Highlights:

• Subcommittee for the Science Space and Technology Committee, where I had oversight, excuse me, oversight
• This includes ensuring we have the right technology and organizational structure to enable our personnel
• As we discussed, if you recall, in my office, the bulk of new information technology development in the
• think they need to be updated and streamlined to quickly adapt and to integrate to commercial technologies
• So my question for you, sir, is if How will you work to speed up commercial technology adoption?

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Front-Run Manned Aerial Systems Technology and Integrated Air Missile Defense Platforms are critical
• In fact, I would say they're the world leaders in one-way attack drone. technology.
• Or in any enhanced technologies that would add to the credibility and our lethality of our forces?
• Military technology and equipment? They have certainly increased the amount they provide.
• . technologies in exchange for China's, as you say, moral support for Russia's war, maybe other things

Keywords: committee meeting, legislation, public testimony, SB4, HB2214, bipartisan support

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and hear testimonies related to legislative matters, including public concerns and implications surrounding the proposed legislation. Notably, the members engaged in a vigorous debate over SB4, where several representatives shared differing viewpoints on its impact on local communities and the environment. Public testimonies were heard, with advocates arguing for the bill's potential benefits, while opponents raised significant concerns regarding the fiscal implications and land use. Following these discussions, the committee moved to vote on HB2214, which passed without issue, illustrating the bipartisan support for certain initiatives tied to public welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• He had as much to do with pushing for and moving the technology to a whole different level that we had
• opportunity to engage in projects not only related to agriculture but also to science. engineering, technology
• Investing in hydrogen infrastructure and technology positions, Texas to attract billions in private investment
• Civil Jurisprudence, HB 2800 by Dutton. learning to the apprenticeship system of adult career and technology
• to the place replace and modernization of obsolete or inefficient computer hardware and software technology

Keywords: 1184, house, all