Video & Transcript : 'AI integration' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jan 27th, 2026
Water, Parks and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- So the state actually funded us to take a more holistic approach, an integrated approach, to addressing
- So the state actually funded us to take a more holistic approach, an integrated approach into, like,
- And the next phase that we're working on is including AI.
- I also ask today that you integrate deeper antispeciesist ethics into these decisions through compassionate
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an AI app, that's it. No support in the dorms, no support getting around.
- app that's it no support in it's an AI app that's it no support in the<01:31:56.960><c> dorms</c><01
- That it captures all data in one integrated cloud-based system, which is then standardized across the
- </c> captures all data in one integrated captures all data in one integrated cloud-based<04:32:52.880
- </c><04:33:38.480><c> in</c> whether that needs to be integrated in whether that needs to be integrated
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 10th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I guess we can both blame AI for that. Are there further remarks?
- In the utility world, it's called the Integrated Resource Plan.
- In the utility world, it's called the Integrated Resource Plan.
- Integrated Resource Plan, the other side of the aisle decided to pass the Integrated Resource Plan, went
- But they were okay with the Integrated Resource Plan going for 20 years instead of 10.
Summary:
The House debated a series of amendments to a major income tax bill, with repeated arguments over tax fairness, affordability, administrative feasibility, and the role of the Department of Revenue. Early motions to reconsider a failed child care amendment were rejected, and Amendment 2561, which would have restricted data sharing with the IRS, was also defeated after debate over privacy, federal relationships, and whether the proposal was administrable. Amendment 2579, which would have required annual reporting on the tax’s effects on filers, businesses, and charitable donations, likewise failed, with supporters emphasizing transparency and opponents arguing DOR was not the right agency and the report was too speculative. Amendment 2598, proposing to use half of new revenue for a broad sales tax cut, was rejected despite arguments that it would reduce regressivity and provide immediate relief; Amendment 2556, expanding sales tax exemptions for diapers and other child-care essentials to include adult diapers and earlier implementation, also failed after debate over scope and timing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Second, that they should be integrated into the grid in a way that avoids needless cost and ensures grid
- And so I think as much as people say AI can translate it, well, there's massive legal liabilities if
- It strengthens the integrity of our environmental review process by ensuring that mitigation requirements
- , Strengthens the integrity of our environmental review process by ensuring that mitigation requirements
- Sutter Health is a not-for-profit, integrated health care system serving some 3.6 million Californians
Summary:
The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point.
The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established.
Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Public Library Service/Executive Board Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So I am not a big fan of AI, but I thought it would be an interesting test on this because AI comes at
- want it not did not even leave it in the cache of AI.
- >> Um if AI >> Um if AI >> nonhuman >> nonhuman >> nonhuman immediately
- I</c><00:55:12.000><c> think</c><00:55:12.160><c> that</c><00:55:12.400><c> highlights</c> cache of AI
- I I think that highlights cache of AI.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- with the that are already online and with the advancement<01:26:22.640><c> of</c><01:26:22.800><c> AI
- that</c><01:26:24.120><c> can</c><01:26:24.280><c> be</c><01:26:24.400><c> done</c> advancement of AI
- that can be done advancement of AI that can be done relatively<01:26:25.280><c> quickly.
- But we don't know, with the changes in technology that are happening so rapidly with AI and everything
- </c><01:47:38.040><c> and</c><01:47:38.200><c> everything</c><01:47:38.640><c> else,</c> with AI and
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:07
Roll Call 00:00:13
Approval of Minutes from August Meeting 00:01:55
Discussion of County Jails 00:03:31
Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 01:02:12
Adjournment 01:54:56, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 26 minutes, and then took up a discussion of county jail funding. KACO representatives and county officials said jail operations are an ongoing strain for counties because they must pay for inmate care, facilities, and mandated standards, while many counties also rely on jail revenue to offset costs. They described Kentucky’s jail system, including 77 jails, 43 closed counties without jails, and the mix of county, state, federal, and controlled-intake inmates. KACO emphasized that counties remain financially responsible for inmates even when they must contract with other jails, often at costs above the state’s per diem rate, and said it is developing a broader proposal to present later.
The testimony focused on rising expenses and shrinking revenue. KACO said counties spent about $374 million on jail operations in FY24, up 24% from FY19, and about $41 million on jail medical costs, up 40%. General fund support for jails was said to total $147 million in FY24, more than double pre-COVID levels. Speakers also noted that state inmate populations in county jails have fallen from about 11,500 in 2019 to 7,212 in 2025, while federal inmates have increased because they are more lucrative for counties. The state jail per diem of $35.34 was described as insufficient to cover actual costs, especially medical care.
County judges from Webster, Knox, and Hardin counties gave examples of local budget pressure. Webster County said it now houses 114 state prisoners, 47 county prisoners, and 24 out-of-county prisoners, and that it transferred $512,000 from its general fund to the jail last year, about $77 per taxpayer. Knox County said its jail budget has grown from an initial $2.8 million projection to $5.7 million, with $3 million coming from occupational tax revenue. Hardin County said its jail has an approximate $11 million expense budget against $5 million in revenue, creating a $6 million deficit, driven by higher payroll, medical, and insurance costs and a 29% drop in state prisoner revenue. The judge said the county has responded with property tax increases and an expanded occupational tax district, but still uses reserves to cover other county services.
A Grant County magistrate then began speaking from the perspective of magistrates and commissioners, describing her background working at a local jail before serving in county government. The discussion remained centered on the fiscal burden of jails and the need for counties and the legislature to work together on a long-term solution.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I do appreciate that the sponsor wants our students to learn about AI, and I agree with that.
- If the legislature believes that AI literacy is essential, it must fund curriculum development, educator
- wherever it can improve efficiency, reduce red tape, and... ...it encourages state agencies to use AI
- It will also require that any AI-specific regulation be narrowly tailored, justified, and approved by
- What this bill does not do is create a new AI bureaucracy, license private companies, or impose broad
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and several ceremonial proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Joseph Torkelson for his service in pediatric oncology and military medicine. Members also introduced guests connected to Arizona Bleeding Disorders, charter schools, and a suicide-prevention effort tied to HB 2665 (“Cade’s Law”). The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions.
On the first calendar, the House gave do pass recommendations, mostly as amended, to HB 2117, 2744, 2751, 2917, 2939, 2957, 2970, and HCR 2038. The amendments addressed topics such as natural resource conservation district boundaries, manufacturing and jobs, Real ID/non-Real ID data privacy, and Colorado River conservation and tribal/community representation. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the measures for engrossing; a later motion to amend the report to include the defeated Villegas amendment on HB 2667 failed by roll call vote, 22-32 with 6 not voting.
In the next calendars, the House advanced HB 2015, 2129, 2327, 2439, 2533, 2667, 2793, 2873, HCR 2044, and others, with several floor or committee amendments adopted. Debate focused on homelessness coordination in HB 2533, homebuyer assistance and corporate ownership concerns in HB 2667, annexation and local control in HB 2793, and a proposed constitutional referral in HCR 2044 aimed at closing loopholes for discrimination in public programs. The House also considered HB 2044 and HB 2076 in the Judiciary calendar, with debate over the scope of a homicide-disposal statute in HB 2044 and school safety/teacher firearms issues in HB 2076; both bills advanced as amended.
The final calendar covered natural resources, energy, and water bills. The House advanced HB 2014, 2055, 2145, 2185, 2267, 2340, 2428, 2696, 2798, 2955, 2975, and 2986, with amendments on drought definitions, emissions permitting, mineral district mapping, and environmental enforcement authority. HB 2267 drew the sharpest debate, with opponents arguing it would hinder solar and wind development and supporters arguing for diversification toward coal, gas, and nuclear; after a division vote, the bill still received a do pass recommendation. The session concluded with the Committee of the Whole rising and reporting, and the House adopting the report and assigning the measures accordingly.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-PSM-EDT, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- just the beginning of many other technologies that can be included in climate resiliency, including AI
- </c><00:03:56.280><c> and</c> in climate resiliency including Ai and in climate resiliency including
- Ai and blockchain<00:03:57.480><c> thank</c><00:03:57.640><c> you</c><00:03:57.799><c> very</c><00:03
- It puts me to sleep with that boring Roman italicized through AI. You guys can see my testimony.
- It puts me to sleep with that boring Roman italicized through AI. You guys can see my testimony.
Summary:
The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025.
The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations.
The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm doing AI and tech bills this year, and one person said maybe that's not a good idea this year because
- I'm doing AI and tech bills this year, and one person said maybe that's not a good idea this year because
Summary:
The Committee on Banking and Finance met as a subcommittee at first due to a lack of quorum, then established quorum and proceeded with an informational hearing on AB 1984 by Assemblymember Rogers. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce the influence of money in politics by limiting political spending by corporations and other state-created entities, with supporters arguing that Citizens United has fueled dark money, eroded public trust, and distorted democracy. Testimony in support came from the author, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Nancy Price of the Alliance for Democracy, and several advocacy groups and individuals, who emphasized corruption concerns, the need for transparency, and the view that the bill would make elections more accountable and less dominated by anonymous spending.
Committee members raised concerns about constitutionality, the definition of covered entities, and whether the bill could unintentionally favor wealthy individuals or independent expenditures over ordinary candidates. Assemblymember Rubio argued that the measure could disadvantage candidates from poorer districts and shift power toward self-funded or IE-backed campaigns, while Assemblymember Schiavo and others noted the corrosive effect of dark money and the difficulty of running in a system shaped by large outside spending. The author and witnesses responded that the bill would not eliminate all spending, but would require spending to come from identifiable individuals and reduce anonymous corporate and dark-money channels.
Opposition testimony came from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill would be unconstitutional under First Amendment precedent and would silence businesses and nonprofits rather than solve the underlying problem. Additional opposition was voiced by the California Building Industry Association and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. The committee also briefly considered and passed the consent calendar, including AB 2607, by roll call vote. The hearing on AB 1984 remained informational only, and no vote was taken on the bill before the meeting adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- And don't get me started on AI, and what that's going to do to the need for speed.
- And don't get me started on AI, and what that's going to do to the need for speed.
Summary:
The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and heard testimony on several measures focused on agriculture, broadband, public health administration, and utility eminent domain. Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington, would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from 20 schools to allow voluntary K-12 agriculture curriculum statewide. Washington said the bill builds on a successful pilot and is intended to help students understand agriculture as a STEM field and broader community issue. Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri N.A., Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all testified in support; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote.
The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 38 from Representative Louis Riggs, which urges that Missouri’s broadband funding remain in the state and be used for deployment. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in broadband funding but that more than half had been cut or left uncertain, and he argued the money should stay in Missouri to bridge the digital divide. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives supported the resolution, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1699 from Representative Maisie Christensen, a constituent-driven bill to clarify when county health officers/directors’ authority ends if they are not reappointed. Christensen explained the bill addresses ambiguity in older statutes governing different county public health structures; no witnesses testified for or against the bill.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while still allowing grid connection. Pollitt and Farm Bureau argued the bill closes a loophole and protects landowners from having property taken for large renewable projects; Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the measure. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it has no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and appreciates the grid-connection language. Several members debated whether the bill should also address nuclear energy or broader utility siting concerns, and one witness noted transmission and battery-storage limitations as reasons renewable projects are not built everywhere. The hearing on HB 2169 closed with no vote taken.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- changing times where teachers and staff need to discuss how to prepare students for that future of AI
- changing times where teachers and staff need to discuss how to prepare students for that future of AI
Bills:
HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub on General Government (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had some wild geese coming through Kentucky that we've identified with the AI, but that hasn't
- We've had some wild geese coming through Kentucky that we've identified with the AI, but that hasn't
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19
Department of Agriculture 00:01:29, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met with Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to discuss the Department of Agriculture’s current budget priorities and the impact of recent legislative investments. Shell praised funding for the Farms to Food Bank program, saying it helps food banks serve Kentuckians, especially seniors, while also supporting farmers. He also highlighted County Fair Grant funding, noting a $250,000 increase helped finance a record nine county fair projects, and he described the Raising Hope rural mental health, suicide prevention, and farm safety program as life-saving, citing one event in Owensboro where 14 people were sent to the hospital after health screenings.
Shell also addressed emergency preparedness and bird flu response, saying the department’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response is working effectively and that Kentucky has not had affected commercial or backyard flocks, only some wild geese cases. He discussed federal efforts to address egg prices and avian influenza, including biosecurity, farmer relief, and research funding, and said he expects those actions to affect prices in the coming months. He also urged the committee to codify Senate Bill 28 and referenced House Joint Resolution 371, which he said would allow the department to retain $5 million for rural economic development efforts aimed at attracting processors and other large-scale operations.
In response to questions from Representative Hart, Shell said the department’s disaster role is mainly to coordinate response plans and identify agricultural needs for state and federal relief, rather than provide direct relief funding itself. He said recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky has mainly affected hay supplies for livestock producers, and that the department is working with the Cattlemen’s Association and UK Extension to locate affected farmers and secure hay donations. Shell closed by asking for continued support for agriculture economic development and for improved staff recruitment and retention, saying the department struggles to compete with other state agencies for employees. The meeting ended with thanks and adjournment, with the next meeting announced for the following Thursday.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> here wanted to talk about integrated here wanted to talk about integrated community<00:04:00.319
- </c> And maintain stable, community-integrated housing.
- These people integrated ICS settings.
- Program integrity is essential.
- At the Program integrity is essential.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :19:48.880><c> women's</c> Gmen program and women win women's Gmen program and women win women's integrity
- NextGen kids and new integrity network.
- Trump blacklisted Anthropic for refusing to drop its condition that their AI technology never be used
- </c> refusing to drop its condition that refusing to drop its condition that their<07:17:23.520><c> AI
- technology never be used to their AI technology never be used to facilitate<07:17:26.000><c> domestic
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Seven - Tuesday, April 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Every day we've got new advancements in AI, data centers, cryptocurrency, robots, electric vehicles.
- Every day we've got new advancements in AI, data centers, cryptocurrency, robots, electric vehicles.
- Every day we've got new advancements in AI, data centers, cryptocurrency, robots, electric vehicles.
- Every day we've got new advancements in AI, data centers, cryptocurrency, robots, electric vehicles.
- Every day we've got new advancements in AI, data centers, cryptocurrency, robots, electric vehicles.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 104-0 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the session offering personal remarks and introducing guests, including the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, school groups, a Boy Scout troop, a Highway Patrol commander, and community figures such as Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. There was also a moment of silence for a member’s mentor and a personal privilege statement recognizing Autism Month and the work of teachers and therapists serving autistic children.
The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, which would tighten Missouri rules for SNAP and related public benefits by requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, using the federal SAVE system throughout eligibility checks, and directing the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier foods. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of accountability, taxpayer stewardship, fraud prevention, and improved nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary because federal law already limits eligibility, could add administrative costs, and could harm children, families in food deserts, and pregnant women who rely on programs such as Show Me Healthy Babies. An amendment offered by the gentleman from Johnson to extend the bill to MoHealthNet was adopted, and after extended debate the House invoked the previous question 91-46, then adopted and perfected the bill as amended.
The House also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which creates a process and fund to repair damaged veterans’ headstones in public and private cemeteries, with support from members who emphasized honoring veterans and preserving gravesites; the bill was adopted and perfected without opposition. House Bill 2927 was also moved forward; it would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be written, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Supporters said it gives insurers reasonable time to evaluate large claims, while opponents said it could delay compensation for injured Missourians; it too was adopted and perfected. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including House Bills 2387 and 2480, as the session continued.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My office is currently in the process of purchasing an AI platform. It's fully CJIS compliant.
- hours and hours and hours 80 90 page reports My office is currently in the process of purchasing an AI
- you Mr Chair and I appreciate that That's remarkable And finding innovative ways and I'm not a big AI
- it knows everything about you And you know I'll just tell you another little reason why I don't like AI
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- administration is coming in and taking a very legitimate stance on border enforcement, on restoring the integrity
- And we want the integrity of our identification and our driver's licenses to be absolutely correct.
- I think AI is going to be the answer.
- Gentlemen, I suggest that out of 3,100 employees, cross-training could get you there well before AI can
- Fourth, integrate support and technology solutions. We're asking for $3 million there.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools.
Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure.
Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite, we thought the market might change on that because everybody thinks they can use AI to do everything
- And we're actually seeking people that can do the work and then maybe use AI as a tool.
- We're actually seeking people that can do the work and maybe use AI as a tool.
Summary:
The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time.
The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, right now, I don't know if you know or are aware, but there is an AI—I don't know if it's an
- app or someone using AI—that's basically hitting a lot of our local entities requesting public records
- It's AI-generated requests based on a news article or something out there. So I don't know.
Keywords:
child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, emergency services, telephone charge, wireless service, reporting requirements, communications district, wireless communication, school safety, community permits
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- They have no way, in this day and age, where we have AI and everything else, They have no way, in this
- day and age, where we have AI and everything else, they have no way of knowing that the order that they're
- This amendment will allow investigators to use subpoenas to investigate AI-generated child sexual abuse
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then unanimously advanced two gubernatorial appointments: Terry Kirkham to the Commission of Pardons and Parole and Paula Garay to the Sex Offender Management Board. Brian Marks, who serves as the defense attorney member and chair of that board, was heard for reappointment and said the board is working on a tiered registry process for future legislation. The committee also delayed action on Judge Conneroli’s appointment because of technical issues. Several RSs were sent to print, including one dealing with mandatory minimum rape sentencing that the chair said he did not intend to move forward.
The committee then heard House Bill 668, which would revise Idaho’s child custody interference law by adding affirmative defenses, a graduated penalty structure, and a requirement that officers verify a child’s location when possible. The sponsors said the bill was intended to address repeated custody-order violations and give law enforcement and parents clearer guidance, and they cited task force work, sheriff support, and numerous affected families. Testimony was sharply divided: police chiefs and prosecutors argued the bill would put patrol officers in the role of family court judges, require them to interpret custody orders and investigate defenses in the field, and create more court and enforcement burdens; supporters said current law leaves parents with little practical remedy and that the bill would create documentation and accountability. After debate, the motion to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed, and the bill was held in committee.
The committee next passed House Bill 696, which clarifies the definition of sexual contact in correctional settings to cover additional forms of contact and strengthen enforcement against sexual misconduct by correctional staff or supervising officers. The sponsor and supporters said the change was needed because of reported abuse in Idaho women’s prisons and because the current statutory definition is too narrow. The committee also passed House Bill 602, which would codify Idaho courts’ refusal to apply foreign law or foreign judgments in certain disputes involving Idaho residents, and House Bill 683, which clarifies where a sex offender is considered to reside and removes a care-facility exemption near schools and daycares. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 685, which creates an enhanced penalty for wearing a mask or face covering while committing certain crimes; police support was offered, but members raised concerns about scope and the law-enforcement carveout. The bill was moved forward on a due pass motion, with a roll call vote requested.