Video & Transcript Research : 'Technology'

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AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026

ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And in my accounting technologies class, we use AI daily for analyzing large amounts of data and also
  • only within the next five years, but even now, AI can serve as a very powerful assistant due to a technology
  • only within the next five years, but even now, AI can serve as a very powerful assistant due to a technology
  • But the main goal that she's been tackling is just reaffirming our professors that this is a new technology
Summary: The meeting began with a report on institutions of higher education for annual certification/solvency, which required no action and was noted as coming later in the week. The main presentation featured students from Arkansas State University, Valley View High School, and the University of Central Arkansas discussing artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. They argued that AI should be taught responsibly in K-12 and higher education to prepare students for jobs, support Arkansas’s growing tech sector, and reduce misuse such as cybercrime, scams, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty. They also cited survey results from teachers showing broad support for responsible AI instruction, district-level management, and teacher training, while noting concerns about critical thinking, ethics, and unequal access. Examples were given of AI already being used at UCA and the University of the Ozarks, and the group suggested a statewide AI library and related training built on the Access Act framework. Committee members asked about student reactions, and the presenters said responses are mixed, especially in the arts, but that AI is already being used in real-world careers and should be integrated with clear standards. The committee then heard from a Pine Bluff community coalition led by Pastor Jesse Turner about school-based outreach and youth support programs. The group described long-running work in Pine Bluff schools and Watson Chapel, including Pass on Patrol, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence efforts, drug and vaping education, gun-violence prevention, and leadership clubs for students. They emphasized that their approach is nonreligious in the schools, focused on encouragement, citizenship, scholarship, and keeping students engaged in class. They also highlighted the use of free curriculum resources on African American history and said they help students see themselves as having promise rather than being “at risk.” Members asked about whether the programs could be shared elsewhere and about impacts on behavior; the group said some materials are trademarked but can be adapted with support, and cited reported reductions in negative behavior and referrals in participating schools. The meeting ended after members praised both the AI presenters and the Pine Bluff outreach group, and the committee adjourned with no votes taken.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • morning's hearing for the House Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology
  • this morning's hearing for the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology
  • On the Committee on Economic Development and Technology, we have the same recommendations for HB 916.
  • For the Committee on Economic Development and Technology, voting on House Bill 916 HD1.
Bills: SB2816
Summary: The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background. Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/29/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am also more curious if APS is exploring more technologies not just related to energy consumption,
  • utility-specific coalitions that look at how we respond most effectively to the needs of different technologies
  • that can be used to help serve these customers. ...needs of different technologies that can be used
  • The protection of kids in the world of new technology is important.
Bills: HB2133, HB2592
Summary: The House AI and Innovation Committee first heard an informational presentation from Arizona Public Service (APS) on the rapid growth of data centers and AI-related electricity demand in Arizona. APS said Phoenix now ranks near the top in North America for data center development and projected its peak load could rise from 8.7 gigawatts to 12 gigawatts by 2035, with about 19 gigawatts of potential data center demand in its queue. APS emphasized three principles for serving this growth: maintaining reliability for existing customers, preventing data center costs from being shifted to residential and small business customers, and preserving capacity for other growth. APS described its proposed approach as a combination of a pending Corporation Commission rate case and bilateral contracts, including minimum bill requirements, queue management, long-term financial commitments, and direct cost assignment to data center customers. Committee members asked about rate impacts, self-generation, behind-the-meter power, seasonal load, and possible future nuclear or other generation options; APS said it is pursuing an all-of-the-above resource strategy and that the proposed data center rate increase is 45 percent, though not yet approved. The committee then considered House Bill 2133, which would require commercial entities that knowingly distribute or publish sexual material online to obtain reasonable consent and age verification, including for synthetic or AI-generated altered images, and would impose civil penalties for violations. A five-page amendment narrowed the bill by excluding internet service providers, affiliates, search engines, and cloud providers from liability for content they do not create or directly host. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect people in adult content from exploitation and non-consensual use, including revenge porn and trafficking-related material, and to extend protections to synthetic media. Members discussed the penalty structure, with the sponsor explaining it was modeled on similar penalties in related laws and set at $10,000 per day of violation. After no public opposition was presented, the committee adopted the amendment and voted 5-0, with 2 members present, to return HB 2133 as amended with a due pass recommendation.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 14th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • $3.3 million is maintained for the Florida Safe Schools K-9 Program, $6.5 million for safe school technology
  • do, I'd like to know what it is, as well as if you could tell us what the line item might be for technology
  • Because you have federal funding that can be used for professional development or for these technological
  • They just funded, for our entire county of parents, a technology parent protect system, and I know the
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to hear the governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget recommendations for education from the Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education. Shelby Salmons and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis outlined the governor’s proposed $117.4 billion state budget, including about $32.5 billion for education, with major emphasis on public schools and early learning. The presentation highlighted a $30.6 billion K-12 budget, a $486 million VPK program, continued funding for VPK Summer Bridge, TEACH, HIPPY, and Help Me Grow, as well as increases for teacher pay, base student allocation, mental health, school safety, civics education, and school hardening initiatives. The commissioner also cited a 92.2% statewide graduation rate and Florida’s national rankings in education and education freedom. Senators used the question period to raise concerns about counselor staffing, mental health services, school closures, school choice oversight, the Guardian Program, data reporting, and school capacity. Senator Jones asked about counselor ratios, school closures in historically Black communities, and whether school choice schools are properly monitored for safety and instructional quality. Senator Osgood argued that mental health funding should support more clinical services on campuses, not just academic counselors, and Senator Bradley asked whether the centralized data repository includes scholarship students. Senator Gates praised the civics and debate funding and asked for more detail on the Guardian Program’s performance; the commissioner said 53 of 67 districts participate and described it as a successful safety option with sheriffs approving training. Senators Simon and Osgood also pressed for better use of the FISH report and more accurate space data to understand school capacity and right-sizing. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district is an A-rated district with no D or F schools, but spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding. She said Florida’s mental health staffing ratio is about one counselor per 2,203 students, compared with a recommended one per 1,106, and urged the committee to consider funding full-day VPK statewide, estimating it would cost about $375 million. Committee members followed up on her comments about local flexibility and whether districts can shift funds to meet needs. The meeting ended after members thanked DOE and executive branch staff for the presentation, and the committee adjourned without taking any substantive vote on legislation.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-REVIEW Jan 13th, 2026

ALC-REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is one out-of-state contract for Tyler Technologies.
  • For Tyler Technologies. This contract is originally valued at two-state services.
  • Number two is Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services, with KeroSoft Technology.
  • Number 15 is DTSS, Division of Information Systems, with KeroSoft Technology.
Keywords: 1204, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Delivering for the Northland – Senator Grant Hauschild May 12th, 2025

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But economies change, people change, technology changes, so we always have to update the when we talk
  • But economies change,<00:05:16.639> people<00:05:17.039> change,<00:05:17.600> technology
  • change, people change, technology change, people change, technology changes,<00:05:18.720> so
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 6th, 2025

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:
  • Technology to reach a new demographic.
  • responsible couriers earn that sort of trust with transparency, with systems that are backed by technology
  • Gambling due to our significant investment in responsible gambling technology.
  • Our platform uses advanced age, identity, and geolocation verification technology to prevent underage
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Appropriations Apr 29th, 2025

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • non-nattainment city, this will help, go to emissions reductions, programs to utilize emerging technologies
  • we still working on and yesterday before I come to Austin and then we heard that the salination technology
  • So then, so they will use that new technology.
  • world, which tells us that there will be, um, production for decades to come, and the other is technology
Bills: HB188, HB 265, HJR35
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Mar 21st, 2025

Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • The office would use technology tools and emerging technologies that can data mine millions of transactions
  • And if something is flagged in the transaction using the emerging technologies and technologies we currently
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we can have our cake to technology.
  • But we can have our cake<05:52:28.718> to<05:52:29.040> technology.
  • So, if you look at cake to technology.
  • We have technology hundred years ago.
  • be leading the world in technological be leading the world in technological innovation<06:04:12.718
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/19/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • And obviously, technology does not have a soul, but it affects individuals. It affects humans.
  • have a obviously, technology uh does not have a soul,<00:41:08.480> but<00:41:08.640> it
  • We would also welcome the opportunity for members to see the technology systems counties are working
  • We would also welcome the opportunity for members to see the technology systems counties are working
  • We would also welcome the opportunity for members to see the technology systems counties are working
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • But if you're blind like me, okay, we need technology to address that. We have that technology.
  • But if you're blind like me, okay, we need technology to address that. We have that technology.
  • But if you're blind like me, okay, we need technology to address that. We have that technology.
  • But if you're blind like me, okay, we need technology to address that. We have that technology.
  • We have that technology. I think that. We have that technology.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance. County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing. Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Mihoko on behalf of the Consumer Technology Association.
  • Mihoko on behalf of the Consumer Technology Association.
  • Mihoko on behalf of the Consumer Technology Association.
  • Mihoko on behalf of the Consumer Technology Association.
  • on basically any other energy technology on basically any other energy technology I've<01:33:29.280
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits. Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, May 15, 2026 - PM

Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • As I talked about technology, when your technology doesn't work in the middle of a situation, it's incredibly
  • As I talked<01:23:34.600> about<01:23:34.920> technology talked about technology talked
  • about technology when<01:23:36.920> your<01:23:37.040> technology<01:23:37.720> doesn't
  • <01:23:38.080> work<01:23:38.320> in<01:23:38.400> the when your technology
  • increasingly complex technological increasingly complex technological platforms. platforms. platforms
Keywords: 916, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 4/23/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,<01:06:59.720> the access to notification technology, the access to notification technology
  • And while the victim pool continuously expands, so does the advancement of the technology.
  • . technology. technology.
  • Um, many of you know that I am just a little bit of a fan of technology.
  • But as such, I also deeply understand the world in which we live in technology.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem, then established a quorum and approved the previous day’s journal. Members handled routine business including second readings of several Senate files, first readings of House files 5067 through 5073, and messages from the Senate transmitting bills and requesting concurrence on House File 3437 and House File 1410. The House concurred in Senate amendments to HF 3437, a commerce bill with a technical cross-reference correction, and passed it 133-0. It also concurred in Senate amendments to HF 1410, a public safety bill on correctional officer procedures, and passed it 132-2 after members described the changes as clarifying and balanced for labor and management. The chamber then took up House File 3404, which increases penalties for impersonating a peace officer. The bill would raise the base offense from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, create aggravated offenses for impersonation involving unauthorized access, misleading orders, law-enforcement-style vehicles, or possession of a firearm, and add a duty for officers to identify themselves while protecting undercover work. Supporters, including the author and several members, tied the bill to the June 14, 2025 killings and said it was needed to restore public trust and protect both the public and legitimate law enforcement. The House passed HF 3404 134-0 after a moment of silence. The House also passed House File 3155, which closes a loophole in gift card fraud law by allowing prosecution based on the value stored on the card rather than just the plastic card itself. Supporters described organized retail crime schemes in which stolen gift cards are drained after activation and said the bill would help retailers, consumers, and law enforcement. The bill passed 134-0. Senate File 3958, which changes the deadline for a disaster assistance contingency account report from January 15 to January 31, also passed 134-0. Finally, the House considered House File 3875, the judiciary policy bill. An author’s amendment removed a section that had been unintentionally left in the bill, and members then discussed provisions allowing courts more flexibility in publishing notices, streamlining some notification requirements in dissolution cases, and making restitution orders permanent unless rescinded by court order. The transcript cuts off during discussion of the bill, before any final vote is shown.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/12/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • out of the way and not burying emerging technologies in red tape.
  • intelligence and emerging Technologies intelligence and emerging Technologies we<00:27:21.200>
  • <00:27:36.760> is intelligence and digital Technologies is intelligence and digital Technologies
  • Competitive Edge in technology Competitive Edge in technology businesses<00:28:00.720> are
  • 1969 and as you can imagine technology 1969 and as you can imagine technology between<03:56:50.600
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Healthcare<01:19:58.000> technology.
  • So, we're working Healthcare technology.
  • Currently we don't have that technology at a commercial level here.
  • ><01:29:55.600> at<01:29:55.840> a don't have that technology at a don't have that technology
  • now, um technology, artificial now, um technology, artificial intelligence,<03:04:49.680> we're
Keywords: 910, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/13/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Technology costs have increased dramatically while VSET funding has remained stagnant.
  • Our technology utilized millimeter wave technology like the scanners at the airport. team and I needed
  • 03:14.960> wave Our technology utilized millimeter wave Our technology utilized millimeter wave
  • technology technology technology like<01:03:16.960> the<01:03:17.200> scanners<01:03:17.680
  • It sounds like great technology.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Fri Feb 6, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to the Committee on Economic Development and Technology. Today is Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • I'm also the administrator of the Office of Technology Services, Office of Enterprise Technology Services
  • But the Office of Enterprise Technology Services is responsible for enterprise IT governance focused
  • services, office of of technology services, office of enterprise<01:38:53.199> technology<01:
  • but the office of enterprise technology but the office of enterprise technology services<01:39:06.000
Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • So we built in technology now so we know when an airplane lands, we know when it gets to the ramp, we
  • <01:30:23.360> know<01:30:23.520> when<01:30:23.679> a technology now so we
  • know when a technology now so we know when a airplane<01:30:24.400> lands,<01:30:25.120> we
  • What<01:31:44.960> technology<01:31:45.360> did<01:31:45.520> you<01:31:45.679><
  • technology and ground transportation. technology and ground transportation.
Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.