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

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced
• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced
• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced
• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced
• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced

Bills: SF0007, SF0008

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I will say that it is good to see the progression into the 21st century technology where more and
• Um I will say that it is good to see the progression into the 21st century technology where more and
• Um I will say that it is good to see the progression into the 21st century technology where more and
• Um I will say that it is good to see the progression into the 21st century technology where more and
• us, but all of us feels like it modernizes the Good to see the progression into the 21st century technology

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:08 SB 141 Discussion 00:58 SB 141 Vote 07:03 SB 9 Discussion 09:10 SB 9 Vote 19:47 Adjournment: 21:20, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee first took up Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Senator Given, which revises Kentucky’s public notice laws. Senator Given said the bill was the product of negotiations among the Kentucky Press Association, the Kentucky League of Cities, and the Kentucky Association of Counties, aiming to balance transparency with the cost of publication. Testimony described changes to clarify which newspapers may publish legal notices, address publication errors, ensure fair and reasonable rates, update ad size requirements, and provide more practical hearing timelines. Committee members praised the compromise and the bill’s modernization, including expanded online access to public notices. SB 141 passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then considered Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Mills, and first adopted a substitute that addressed concerns from Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Bankers Association. Senator Mills said Kentucky faces a significant housing shortage and that the bill would give local governments two tools to encourage development without direct state cost: a residential infrastructure development district and a housing development district. He explained that the first tool would help finance infrastructure within a district through bonds repaid by special assessments, while the second would allow local governments to negotiate incentives and streamlined review for larger housing projects. Members asked about public participation, local control, infrastructure financing, and whether the bill required affordable housing set-asides; Mills said the bill leaves those decisions to local governments. SB 9 passed 9-0 with one pass and favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• good question, and that's the important part of this whole process is to ensure that it is a new technology
• They're the backbone of modern technology.
• They support health care systems, aviation, logistics, banking, agriculture, and the everyday technology
• They're the backbone of modern technology.
• They support health care systems, aviation, logistics, banking, agriculture, and the everyday technology

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably. The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well. Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.

Transcript Highlights:

• in keeping existing nuclear plants online and encouraging investment in next-generation nuclear technologies
• Nuclear Energy, leading over a billion dollars in annual R&D and deployment focused on nuclear technology
• , and I've spent the last 15 years working at the intersection of energy technology, policy, and finance
• So, thinking it is open to other new technologies as well, but thinking about nuclear, it's what...
• It is open to other new technologies as well, but thinking about nuclear, it's what people that are coming

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Children from the new and unspeakably dangerous threats that they face, both online and from expanding technology
• Technology can be a wonderful tool, but we have to make sure that we protect children in this process
• A loophole in current state law has been caused by the emergence of deepfake technology.
• This technology allows bad actors to create depictions of people conducting actions they did not perform
• Right now, because the technology is so new, we have not statutorily caught up with what's happening.

Bills: SB82, SB1807, SB2254, HB119, HB130, HB581, HJR98, SB1988, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: business liability, concealed carry, handgun policy, premises liability, criminal acts, civil liability, business premises, concealed handgun, property liability, property rights, gun regulations, criminal liability, protective order, confidentiality, personal information, court records, victim protection, charitable raffle, nonprofit, wildlife conservation