Transcript Highlights:

• I've been working at the cross-section of technology, innovation, business, and policy.
• AIFish is a Hawaii-based technology company using artificial intelligence-powered computer vision and
• This measure is an important investment in Hawaii's technology and innovation ecosystem.
• I work at a technology firm that does government relations work.
• time to our students and the technology time to our students and the technology is<00:50:09.440>

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• And technology, as I said, mostly folks have been around here... And technology.
• You have all helped us fund this expensive technology, and we know it's expensive.
• They include collaboration, public-private partnerships, clean transportation, and expanded technology
• Some of the strategies and objectives address implementing and evaluating new technologies for enhanced
• Evaluating new technologies for enhanced safety, leveraging new data and tools to embed safety in all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2450, Arizona Science and Technology. HB 2459, mobile home parts. HB 2460, business projects.
• bona fide; HB 2697, expired opioid; HB 2698; Commerce; HB 2699, contracts, public works; HB 2700, technology
• ; Science and Technology; HB 2702, data center; Commerce and Natural Resources, Energy and Water; HB

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a bill that recognizes JROTC and LOTC programs as career and technology education options and as
• House Bill 1079 formally designates JROTC and LOTC programs as eligible courses under Career and Technology
• You can look at sociology, psychology, technology, and human services care.

Bills: HB 1079, HB3651, HB4980

Keywords: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leadership Officer Training Corps, public school, career education, military readiness, public school accountability, funding allotments, healthcare, insurance, cost control, patient access, regulation, affordability, public health, JROTC, automobile maintenance, high school education, elective course, student skills, practical knowledge

Transcript Highlights:

• So we structured our computer science in a way to make them adaptable as the technology continues to
• Our computer science standards incorporate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data science
• And where this sits, it's really the intersection of computer science work, our educational technology
• These competencies will be reviewed every year because that technology develops so fast.
• talked about, because it's so long in between reviews of standards, is that referring to specific technology

Summary: The committee met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first heard a presentation from Superintendent Cade Brumley on Louisiana’s recent education scorecard, which showed the state ranked first nationally in reading growth, second in math growth, and first overall in academic growth from 2022 to 2026. Members praised teachers and the department for the results. The committee then deferred SB 507 at the author’s request. The committee reported several bills favorably. SB 484 by Sen. Abraham, as amended, transfers selected duties from the Board of Regents to university management boards and Louisiana Works, adjusts authority over certain higher-education initiatives, creates a study of LUMCON’s placement, and adds financial reporting and early-warning requirements for universities. SB 157 by Sen. Jenkins, as amended, creates six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 employees for birth, adoption, or fostering, with a reimbursement fund subject to appropriation; testimony emphasized family support, recruitment and retention, and health benefits. SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requires human trafficking prevention and victim-identification training in schools and updates coordination and service language; the amendment made implementation subject to appropriation and clarified the governor’s office role. The committee also reported SB 450 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requiring mandatory reporting of school threats and physical security assessments, with student witnesses and members stressing school safety and the need for funding and practical security measures. SB 132 by Sen. Klein-Peter, as amended, requires exterior master key boxes and updated school mapping data for emergency response, with an amendment exempting districts already using such boxes. Finally, Rep. Carver presented HR 251 on recess for K-3 students, citing Oklahoma’s expanded recess law and research on physical activity and learning, but said he would keep the resolution parked for further discussion rather than seek a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you'll see that we have some Technology needs.
• The next thing that we'll talk about is the technology modernization.
• And as you can imagine, you probably don't run any technology from 2014, right?
• So that's sort of that technology. And then the last thing is the consent decree.
• This commitment is reflected in several recent technological and operational advancements.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 160, House Bill 161, House Bill 191, and House Bill 227 to Small Business and Information Technology
• House Bill 227 to Small Business and Information Technology.
• Bill 191 to Small Business and House Bill 191 to Small Business and Information<00:30:30.559> Technology
• Information Technology, House Bill 227.
• Information Technology, House Bill 227. to<00:30:34.000> state<00:30:34.320> government.

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 05:16 Report of Committees 10:27 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 11:07 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 18:04 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 20:57 ConC and Rules Report 26:01 Adjournment 31:55, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 95 members present. Members approved excusing absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. The Banking and Insurance Committee reported House Bills 176, 184, and 265 favorably, and those bills were placed on the calendar as having had first reading. The chamber then took up several announcements and citations. A legislative citation was adopted honoring Tatum Elizabeth Dale, with remarks from members describing her kindness, service, and impact on the community. Another citation was adopted recognizing Emily Bingham for her book My Old Kentucky Home: The Astonishing Life and Reckoning of an Iconic American Song. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, the House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Health Services, and Oversight and Investigations. The House received a large batch of new bill introductions covering topics such as criminal law and minors, electric utilities, daylight saving time, veterans’ treatment and benefits, transportation, outdoor recreation, human trafficking, licensed professionals, automated license plate readers, postsecondary education, utility disconnection protections, electric metering, virtual currency kiosks, mental health facilities, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, controlled substances, prescription drugs, and literacy in schools. Two resolutions were also introduced, one encouraging a school naming honor for Jose Marte and another recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Committee on Committees then referred numerous bills to standing committees, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , who is really the reason Steven is so important, is that he's kind of modernizing some of our technology
• You can do in an hour what would take you 36 hours to do with the current technology that we have.
• office expansion that is a $225 cost I think upfront by virtue of all the things we have to put in technology-wise
• Planned actions: we planned to increase our reliance on automated services by integrating technology
• Digitization: leveraging technology to reduce paper use and storage space requirements.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Technology advances on that. Absolutely, Mr. Chairman, Madam Leader.
• Our WIP over here mentioned, you know, new technology, so I'm hoping in the future, Mr.
• Our technology will be such that it kind of has both elements: the porous, but also something that's
• If the technology gets a little better in that area, I think we'd be...
• So if there's some technology out there to help us improve that, or things that we could utilize to keep

Transcript Highlights:

• But the most dedicated and skilled people, technology or standing operating procedures and frankly support
• Huge sums of taxpayer money are spent on technology projects that at times are outdated before they're
• , it sets collection priorities, de-conflicts on budgets, works to fund and deploy cutting-edge technology
• And with that in mind, should American entities be investing in sensitive technologies in China only
• as one that would provide some outbound investment transparency, particularly in the sensitive technologies

Keywords: national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities

Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• it says is that if they design a facility that utilizes the more efficient water and wastewater technology
• it seeks to ultimately reduce that total cost because, as you use more efficient and effective technology
• So I've got a lot of experience in water conservation and wastewater treatment and the various technologies
• So it's not new technology; it's something that is used across the state and the country all the time
• One of the barriers home builders find in using this technology is... is the impact fees they pay.

Bills: HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem and the reason for the bill is this is a brand new type of technology.
• It's a great technology. But it's different from batteries.
• I don't have the statute in front of me, I think it's in 35, but both batteries and this technology qualify
• as an energy storage technology.
• And this bill doesn't change it right now; with or without this bill, it's an energy storage technology

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• our law enforcement and criminal justice industry, as well as emerging areas like information, technology
• I'm a technology technologist of my career and founded and now the CEO and founder of the Cybersecurity
• Technology Strategy from located in the Tallahassee area.
• working on our continuing to reinforce the great nursing program we have and really expand our technology
• is another area that got pinpoint laser focus on another thing outside of that rise, leveraging technology

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Looked at our policy and planning staff, looked at the newest technology, and looked at even our data
• And we worked with our research partners to try to figure out what's the newest technology we can have
• And we worked with our research partners to try to figure out what's the newest technology we can have
• Technology we can have? What's the newest production technique that could be included?
• Is it the newest and greatest thing, or the newest technology?

Summary: The committee meeting began with quorum, member introductions, and an overview of the Agriculture, Environment, and General Government budget process. The chair emphasized using the committee resource book and performance metrics to review the base budget and invited members to identify areas of interest for later discussion. Members were also reminded about appearance forms and speaking procedures. Wes Gregory of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on agricultural best management practices and water policy. He said the office had updated all nine commodity BMP manuals and added a manual for small farms and livestock, expanded enrollment by 742 producers covering 677,000 acres, and used GIS and data analysis to target areas such as the Indian River Lagoon. He also described cost-share projects, a new field application for enrollment and inspections, cross-training staff, and a request for $20 million for regional water quality projects. Members asked about BMP enrollment, compliance, and enforcement; Gregory said noncompliance is uncommon and cases can be referred to DEP. Adam Blaylock of DEP reviewed environmental grant programs, saying the state has appropriated $2.9 billion since 2018 for water quality projects, with about 1,100 projects reducing nitrogen and phosphorus statewide. He described the Water Quality Improvement Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Biscayne Bay, Springs, Alternative Water Supply, and Resilient Florida programs, including a planned public dashboard and a water-quality monitoring portal. Senators asked about the application window, award timing, and the high cost of septic-to-sewer conversions, with Blaylock estimating a blended average of about $35,000 per home. Chief Conservation Officer George Worthing of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission then presented on invasive animal control. He discussed prevention, risk screening, law enforcement at ports, public outreach programs such as the Python Challenge, Lionfish Challenge, and Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and early detection tools like the Ive Got One reporting system. He also described control efforts for Burmese pythons, tegus, and lionfish, along with research and partner coordination. Members asked about the most harmful invasive species and whether iguanas may be taken; Worthing said iguanas are open for take, subject to other laws. The meeting ended after members briefly identified priorities such as water quality, recreation water quality, sustainability, sea level rise, and septic-to-sewer infrastructure, and the committee adjourned without any formal votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• As any parent knows, our children have access to unlimited amounts of technology, and a lot of that technology
• We are learning, unfortunately, the hard way, the harms that this technology can expose our children
• . ...and ensuring our kids are safe and that the future is one where they get to explore technology in
• This new technology allows electric customers to access affordable clean energy and helps This new technology
• This new technology allows electric customers to access affordable clean energy and helps This new technology

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:03.119> transfer<00:49:03.520> and technology transfer and technology transfer and
• universities just fail on the technology universities just fail on the technology transfer<00:49
• I support the bill, as we continue to see these software, you know, we're held hostage to the technology
• which which is all of to the technology which which is all of our<00:59:22.000> reality<00:59
• The one thing that in my the technology.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• private industries, including hospitals, right, they lease the most expensive equipment because technology
• So at its core, S. 2150 is a technology procurement good housekeeping bill. It's narrowly tailored.
• While technology continues to change, specific to infill, repurposing, and recycling, communities like
• While technology continues to change, specific to infill, repurpose, while technology continues to change
• Technology has improved over the past few years, introducing products that have zero intentional PFAS

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• has reduced greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades through cleaner transportation technologies
• has reduced greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades through cleaner transportation technologies
• It's the best way and literally the only technologically available way to reduce emissions.
• Elizabeth Escovel, with the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, also in support.
• And this is a proven technology that allows cars to switch from gas to this other fuel, E85.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, it changes goods and services to electronic or information technology only.
• These are companies that will re-label and repackage banned Chinese technology and represent what they're
• Now that the bill is only focused on electronic and information technology, there's no excuse for our
• building and maintaining new infrastructure that may quickly become obsolete in transportation technology
• . ...that may quickly become obsolete, and transportation technologies that change.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• job moving from the old building to the new building, the new technology, and all the work that's gone
• <00:36:27.440> our call the Senate back to order, our call the Senate back to order, our technology
• folks have done a masterful technology folks have done a masterful job<00:36:29.520> moving<00
• :36:30.960> building,<00:36:31.280> the<00:36:31.440> new<00:36:31.599> technology
• ,<00:36:32.000> and new building, the new technology, and new building, the new technology

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.