Transcript Highlights:

• That's the thing we're going to add in this amendment here today, and that is a new technology.
• We're going to add in this amendment here today, and that is a new technology.
• Although the industry and technology are being developed, as has been said before, Minnesota is home
• Although the industry and technology are being developed, as has been said before, Minnesota is home
• So we have to ensure that, as we develop this new technology, the wood goes into the highest and best

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:43.599> was the processes I mean the technology was the processes I mean the technology
• knowing full well the technology knowing full well the technology<00:53:51.079> that<00:53:51.200
• You know, we do—we spend so much time talking about buying into today’s technology.
• You know, we do—we spend so much time talking about buying into today’s technology.
• We’ve looked at the technology.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and weather dependent technologies, and weather dependent technologies, meaning<00:38:07.680>
• technology technology >> absolutely >> absolutely >> absolutely >> and<00:43
• know, the department is technology know, the department is technology neutral,<01:10:53.760>
• certainly still future technology risk. certainly still future technology risk.
• ,<04:02:41.040> and continuation of science, technology, and continuation of science, technology

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I wish I could help you with that, but my knowledge on those kinds of technology things is
• United States. technology such as your Wi-Fi routers and other types of devices.
• And by and large, over 50% of the supply chain is reliant— Trevor Woods: ...advanced technologies.
• And if I may continue, I'm guessing that these are like any other piece of technology.
• And if I may continue, I'm guessing that these are like any other piece of technology.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bus technology will have to significantly Advance both in terms of range and charging for our EV buses
• We look forward to the technology continuing to improve, but as things currently stand, this mandate
• The technology has not improved so on that I will stop.
• Come forward Elizabeth Esquivel with the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and also
• Responsible use of technology in schools testifying in support of assembly bill 235 is Osama Mukarram

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chief talked about technology.
• We are stuck using approximately 1980s technology in the courtrooms right now.
• It's analog technology.
• Second, there was a two million... technology special from last year.
• We want to see the courtroom technology we're talking about.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the things that we found is that it's emerging technology.
• <00:19:29.520> It's is that it's emerging technology.
• It's is that it's emerging technology.
• and a sustainable energies technology, both of which directly address climate change.
• and a sustainable energies technology and a sustainable energies technology<01:11:17.040> both

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will walk through the technology on this equipment.
• <00:10:30.079> through<00:10:30.880> uh<00:10:30.959> the<00:10:31.279> technology
• <00:10:31.760> on<00:10:32.000> this walk through uh the technology on this walk through
• uh the technology on this equipment<00:10:32.560> when<00:10:32.720> we<00:10:32.880><
• <00:10:39.440> um through and the advanced technology um through and the advanced technology

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman. Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made. In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal of 4402 is to ensure safety on Texas roads as autonomous truck technology becomes more common
• This gap creates immediate real-world safety risks as technology often advances faster than our ability
• So if there's no driver of the truck, are we going to go chase down the manufacturer of the technology
• The technology has not, not been there for them to take the driver out of these 18 wheelers.
• And, uh, you know, and then you're, you're finding out, uh, if they are, if they do have the technology

Bills: HB 341, HB 469, HB 971, HB 1624, HB 2721, HB 2959, HB 3365, HB 3731, HB 3793, HB 3861, HB 3946, HB 3966, HB 4348, HB 4401, HB 4402, HB 4924, HB 4966, HB 5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• specialties, a very busy emergency department, and a broad range of diagnostic and innovative technologies
• Supply chain issues have been particularly acute for the past five years in the construction and technology
• So we had to flip from one day to the next, quite literally, to use technology for delivering coursework
• Beyond infrastructure, the Higher Education Fund is also instrumental in technology acquisition from
• Sam Houston and universities across Texas to make targeted investments in deferred maintenance, technology

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• is a shuns and universities to make it even stronger through our commitment, growth, quality and technology
• It requires quality because it's the application of science and technology to the legal system.
• Another emerging technology is ability to use rapid DNA technology, and that can give limited DNA results
• families to identify 27 sets of remains last year alone through extensive research and emerging technology
• Additionally, it's important to note that just at the forefront of technology and to be able to solve

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dawn Kepke, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. Good afternoon.
• Dawn Kepke, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, aligns our comments
• And it is concerning because we are, we do technologically with Fusion, with Quantum.
• Don Kepke, back before you on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.
• SVLG represents Silicon Valley's technology ecosystem.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with SB 1350 by Senator McNerney presented first. The measure would expand California’s use of renewable hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with supporters emphasizing grid reliability, clean-energy goals, in-state investment, and construction jobs. Support came from labor, clean-energy, municipal utility, and local government representatives; NRDC Action Fund withdrew opposition after amendments, while a few groups remained opposed or neutral. The committee later took a roll call and SB 1350 passed out on a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1180 by Senator Allen, which would set operational rules for the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund created under SB 54, including clearer eligible uses, transparency, technical assistance, and access for tribes and smaller community groups. Environmental justice, ocean, conservation, and local government groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would ensure the fund addresses plastic pollution’s public health and environmental harms. Industry and manufacturing groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill should stay tightly tied to plastic waste reduction and not broaden into source-reduction policy. After quorum was established, the committee approved SB 1180 on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. SB 1326 by Senator Wahab was then heard to strengthen tribal consultation and tribal cultural resource protections under CEQA by recognizing tribal registers and requiring feasible avoidance or mitigation measures when tribes identify resources. Tribal representatives and supporters said the bill would better protect sacred sites and tribal knowledge, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and rural county groups opposed unless amended, citing implementation concerns, possible litigation, and uncertainty for infrastructure and housing projects. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Finally, SB 954 by Senator Blakespear was presented as a cleanup of last year’s SB 131 advanced-manufacturing CEQA exemption, narrowing eligible projects and adding guardrails such as setbacks, air-quality limits, tribal consultation, labor standards, and habitat protections. Environmental and labor groups supported the bill as a needed correction to an overly broad exemption, while business, manufacturing, housing, and local-government groups opposed, warning it could make the exemption unusable and slow investment. Members debated the balance between environmental protection and manufacturing competitiveness, and the committee voted SB 954 out on a due pass recommendation to the Labor and Employment Committee; the transcript then moved on to SB 1031 on compostable plastics, which was introduced but not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, there's work to be done, but we've also got multiple technology systems that need performance
• How can we accommodate that leveraging technology and virtual after-hour service deliveries?
• And of the $1.9 million, only $30,000 was spent on manufacturing and $10,000 on technology.
• But that's not great for our employers that need people in data security and cyber technology.
• And especially with the changes in our society due to AI and technology, we have many students.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a technology that has kind of rolled out, and we're catching up.
• This is a... ...technology that has kind of rolled out, and we're catching up.
• Technology all around us is developing all the time, and a lot of it is utilized.
• But specifying that we are going to purposely prohibit a technology that we have...
• I mean, it's a constant battle for technology. And distribution centers.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• So the use of grid-enhancing technologies, the use of non-wire solutions, the usage of voltage control
• I think their plan is let's try to bring this technology back.
• And they've activated enhanced geothermal systems as a potential clean firm technology.
• Enhanced geothermal systems as a potential clean firm technology. That was not before activated.
• Advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing. The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue. Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is technology just like any other technology.
• Any other technology, early investors are typically high-end, higher-wealth individuals.
• Just to clarify, Department of Tax, you said that was the high technology tax credit or the solar tax
• No, so the renewable energy technology tax credit.
• No, so the renewable energy technology tax credit. Thank you. Any other questions?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our ALS team is applying technology developed at the University to advance ALS research in the brain,
• The ALS team is applying technology developed at the University to advance ALS research in the brain,
• also other emerging areas of technology also other emerging areas of technology and<00:14:05.880
• emerging technology emerging technology uh<00:30:58.960> Fields<00:30:59.960> uh<00
• Minnesota is a leader in the technology space across the country.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We did contract with a company called CTC Technology and Energy, not to be confused with CTC, one of
• And then the technology feasibility: again, looking at the technologies, understanding the dollars we
• with a company called CTC uh technology with a company called CTC uh technology and<00:40:53.960
• c> then the technology feasibility so again then the technology feasibility so again looking<00:41:14.720
• > at<00:41:14.920> the<00:41:15.520> Technologies looking at the Technologies looking

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• supplies have increased technology supplies have increased technology minute<00:15:05.600> concerns
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
• There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities. Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years. MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keeping up with that technology is very helpful for avoiding impacts to the state, and that's part of
• As you've heard during the hearings, information technology and cybersecurity are huge concerns as we
• assets... ...to the information and technology assets and cyber threats.
• Funding for information technology may enable the community college to keep pace with technology needs
• And we've also had turnover in our information and computer technology.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.