Transcript Highlights:

• to ensure that we and with technology to ensure that we can<00:27:54.480> maximize<00:27:55.440
• We want to make sure we take advantage of all the technologies that are available.
• I mean, that's the technology that's available. That's the market. The hydrogen, sorry.
• the technologies that are available. the technologies that are available.
• > that's mean, that's the technology that's mean, that's the technology that's available.<01:42

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s work under the Navah settlement, which was described as a first-of-its-kind climate agreement tied to the state’s constitutional public trust and clean-environment obligations. Speakers said the settlement was intended to accelerate progress toward Hawaii’s 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, especially by addressing transportation, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasized that the agreement formalizes milestones, reduces dependence on changing administrations, and includes a role for the legislature alongside the courts and executive branch. DOT and Earthjustice representatives outlined the main settlement deliverables: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. They also highlighted a new project-level greenhouse gas/VMT scoring tool, described as the first of its kind in the nation for DOT-wide use, to evaluate the climate impact of transportation projects. The presentation tied these efforts to prior legislative actions, including the state’s climate emergency declaration, net-zero/net-negative targets, and Act 131’s requirements for multimodal network planning and emissions reporting. A substantial portion of the briefing was devoted to the youth council, which reported 20 members selected from 83 applicants, representation from across the islands, and work on bylaws, committees, and outreach. Youth members described feedback they gave on the energy security plan, a student leadership summit presentation, and future plans to meet with legislators and participate in the Climate Future Forum. DOT also said the settlement’s transportation strategies include clean fuels, electrification, aviation sustainable aviation fuel, marine shore power, and carbon sequestration, including expanded native tree planting and fire mitigation work. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the briefing. Members discussed implementation challenges, including cost and supply constraints for aviation and marine decarbonization, but DOT said industry stakeholders were not rejecting the goals, only raising affordability and timing concerns. Officials also noted that a GIS map for network gaps was in development and that the settlement’s pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity requirement would compress roughly 15 years of work into five years, with an estimated annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Information technology: a lot of those are related to social media marketing.
• a lot of those are related to Technology a lot of those are related to social<01:17:46.639> um
• because we went through all Technologies because we went through all of<01:29:21.920> the<01:
• shifts technology and Industry shifts registered<01:31:53.119> apprentiship<01:31:53.600>
• I finally earned an associate's degree in electrical construction from Dunwoody College of Technology

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll send help up if you need help with the technology. Yeah, none of these adapters work.
• need help either we'll send help up you need help with<00:03:58.200> the<00:03:58.640> technology
• yeah<00:04:00.319> none<00:04:00.519> of<00:04:00.840> these with the technology
• yeah none of these with the technology yeah none of these um<00:04:02.519> the<00:04:02.720><
• to make sure that they were technology to make sure that they were staying<00:27:14.559> online

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also allows them, as technology continues to keep improving with these air rifles, to change that
• Air rifles are new technology. They are being accepted in multiple states across the U.S.
• <02:10:25.400> once<02:10:25.719> this<02:10:26.040> base future technology
• once this base future technology once this base legislation<02:10:27.639> is<02:10:27.800>
• <02:10:46.320> won't<02:10:46.760> be innovation and Technology won't be innovation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just started using, and they have surprised the general public with the obvious new integrated technology
• So, you know, I am no technology guru.
• I don't understand technology to that level, but again, there are things that can happen with computers
• I know, I am no technology guru.
• I don't understand technology to that level, but it just, again, there are things that can happen with

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sign up for up to 45 minutes for individual help on particular issues that they're having with technology
• So people want to have different ways to learn how to use their technologies, and it can be as easy as
• > which<00:41:57.440> is<00:41:57.760> very<00:41:58.160> popular with technology
• which is very popular with technology which is very popular and<00:41:59.680> um<00:41:59.760
• and it can be to use their technologies and it can be as<00:42:08.160> easy<00:42:08.319>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if they don't have the technology and the ability to do it, how are we going to do that?
• So that's a different role than developing technology or, um, however they've defined this, um, where
• or um however they've um technology or um however they've defined<00:42:53.839> this<00:42:54.560
• <02:01:57.280> Two<02:01:57.520> years technology updates for Mets.
• Two years technology updates for Mets.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, do you know if there's technology that already does that?
• Or is that technology going to have to be the? Do you know?
• There is, to my knowledge, technology that does that.
• Yes, we do have to find ways to keep up with the software and the technology as it adapts.
• I think I've exposed myself bad at technology. Those are both accurate.

Bills: HB36, HB75, HB76, HB166, HB799, HB 1135, HJR15, HJR16, HB36, HB75, HB76, HB166, HJR15, HJR16

Keywords: family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, bail bonds, bail fund, charitable bail fund, nonprofit bail organization, public funds, local government spending, political subdivision, county, city, taxpayer lawsuit

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, access to lifesaving technology depends on which insurance plan you have and your medical
• Hawaii Technology Development Corporation in support. Good afternoon.
• Members, questions for particular technology. But I have a question for Director Johnson.
• We have testimony from the Consumer Technology Association in opposition on Zoom.
• My name is Katie Riley, and I represent the Consumer Technology Association, or CTA.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• evaluate the implication of technologies evaluate the implication of technologies like<00:53:59.359
• That technology would then be adopted or adapted for these plug-in systems.
• That technology would then be adopted or adapted for these plug-in systems.
• Finally, I just want to note that this technology is already in widespread use.
• is already in note that this technology is already in widespread<01:22:12.040> use.

Bills: SF0095, SF0107, SF0112

Keywords: driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• currently builds the components that power America's grid, such as transformers and cables, but technology
• is rapidly evolving and technology is rapidly evolving and interesting<00:08:25.520> state<00
• <00:08:39.680> um<00:08:39.839> and generation energy technologies um and generation
• energy technologies um and fund<00:08:40.240> research<00:08:40.479> into<00:08:40.640
• One of those was just recently announced in Hancock County at their new technology park called Ignition

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 28 January, 2026; 8:15 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), including its consolidated tourism and agency request. MDA said it has had strong recent results, citing about $65 billion in capital investment since 2020, roughly 25,000 jobs, record tourism, clean audits, and oversubscribed incentive programs. For FY27, the agency requested $26.4 million in general funds, level special-fund operating support, restoration of eight pins reduced in the LBR process, and several general-fund increases for a career ladder, a new HR system, training, and operating costs. MDA also discussed a $1.25 million request for America 250 activities, including a Mississippi event and participation in the National Mall “Great America State Fair,” plus an energy accelerator program tied to the governor’s energy initiative and a broader three-tier energy preparedness strategy. MDA also explained its incentive refill requests, saying it was not seeking additional funding for the ACE grant program this year and had shifted that support toward the governor’s port/rail/road investment fund and energy-ready sites. The agency highlighted a renewed request to restart funding for the small municipal and limited population counties grant program, which it said had previously helped smaller communities with water, sewer, downtown, and other projects. On tourism, MDA presented a breakout showing what the budget would look like if tourism were separated into its own department; officials said the current tourism budget within MDA is about $5.7 million in general funds and $7.9 million total, and estimated about $1.3 million in additional cost would be needed to stand up a separate tourism agency. A significant portion of the discussion focused on criticism from Senator Wiggins that MDA has not delivered enough economic development for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He argued that constituents believe MDA does little for the coast and objected to the agency’s role in the GCRF and coastal projects, saying the coast has not seen meaningful results in years. MDA officials responded that complaints about uneven distribution are common across the state, that MDA works with local economic development partners rather than dictating project locations, and that it has helped support major coastal projects such as Relativity Space, Lockheed Martin expansions, PCC Gulf Chem, BWC Terminals, and AWS. The exchange also touched on the Port of Pascagoula and local leadership disputes, with both sides disagreeing over whether the port and the coast have been adequately supported. No votes or formal actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have you registered as Jesse Franklin, testifying on behalf of Incode Technologies and for the bill
• I'm Executive Vice President at Incode Technologies, and I'm joined by my colleagues, Rob Michael, who's
• We believe this bill will ease fears associated with new technology and would allow law enforcement to
• House Bill 2101 tasks DPS with a study on unreported gunshots detected using gunshot detection technology
• They will also measure the effectiveness and advancements in gunshot detection technology.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• to delivery systems to be inclusive of current practice and what is available given the current technology
• to delivery systems to be inclusive of current practice and what is available given the current technology
• to delivery systems to be inclusive of current practice and what is available given the current technology
• to delivery systems to be inclusive of current practice and what is available given the current technology
• to delivery systems to be inclusive of current practice and what is available given the current technology

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also would note that when I write a web page, I will use a software... technology has outpaced the
• regulations technology has outpaced the regulations however<00:49:31.359> digital<00:49:31.880
• be mediated by those kinds of individuals for housebound patients and people who won't have the technology
• Technologies to to provide care Technologies to to provide care particularly<00:58:00.559> in<
• be mediated by those kinds of individuals for housebound patients and people who won't have the technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard. The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations for the technology and instructional materials allotment would provide $1.04 billion
• The one-time unexpended balances for the instructional material and technology allotment offset, again
• one item of discontent that unfortunately I have to bring to everyone's attention, and this is technology
• positions for our information technology team to support the technology that's on our campuses.
• I’d say 85 to 90% of the costs are in talent, with the rest being in technology and some support.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it's forensics, if it's a DNA thing, that at the time of discovery they've come further in the technology
• There is no time limit because DNA technology changes, science changes, and new evidence becomes available
• <01:05:16.760> changes<01:05:17.559> and because DNA technology changes and because
• DNA technology changes and science<01:05:18.240> changes<01:05:19.079> and<01:05:19.240
• stops developing or when our Technology stops developing or when our understanding<01:05:29.000>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your leadership in education, health care, technology, and innovation is a source of inspiration for
• Your leadership in education, health care, technology and innovation is a source of inspiration for us

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up final passage of two emergency bills establishing sick leave banks for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees Daniel Yender (H. 4104) and Mark Kratman (H. 4161). Standing votes were required to adopt the emergency preambles, and both preambles were adopted with three affirmative votes and none opposed. The bills were then passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor for approval. The chamber also suspended rules to advance H. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Lynnfield Center Water District in Lynnfield, ordering it to a third reading. In addition, several House petitions were received and referred to committees under Joint Rule 12. Members adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Nicholas "Nick" George of Beverly, a Korean War Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and observed a moment of silence. The Senate also welcomed Newport High School student Madeline Jackman and American Red Cross representatives, who were present in connection with a bill to require CPR certification for graduation, and received a visit from the Ambassador of Nepal to the United States, who spoke about Nepal-Massachusetts ties and the Nepalese community in the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Calendar 46, Senate Print 8831, Senator Gonzalez, an act to amend the State Technology Law.
• >> CALENDAR 46, 8831 SENATOR GONZALEZ, AN ACT TO AMEND THE STATE TECHNOLOGY LAW. >> Read the last

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on January 20, 2026, approved the Journal, and adopted the resolution calendar. It then took up Senate Resolution 1324, sponsored by Senator Stec, which memorializes the Governor to proclaim January 25-31, 2026, as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week. Senator Stec described the work of medicolegal death investigators and recognized guests from several districts; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then considered a series of bills on the calendar, including measures amending the Insurance, Labor, Workers’ Compensation, Public Health, State Finance, State Technology, Environmental Conservation, Criminal Procedure, Executive, and Veteran Services laws. Most bills passed with broad support, though several drew negative votes from individual senators or small groups, including Calendar 34 (Insurance Law), Calendar 47 (Environmental Conservation Law), Calendar 61 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 74 (Veteran Services Law). Senator Murray briefly explained his support for Calendar 62, a Criminal Procedure Law bill, suggesting additional confirmation for victim notifications if email notice is expanded. The Senate also discharged Assembly Bill 9436 from Rules and substituted identical Senate Bill 8773. After completing the calendar, the Majority Conference committee assignments were filed in the Journal. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• developers to consider technological developers to consider technological alternatives<00:26:01.760
• But the technology is not there yet.
• But<01:34:39.240> but<01:34:39.400> the<01:34:39.520> technology<01:34:40.160>
• But but the technology is not there yet. But but the technology is not there yet.
• The technology just simply wasn't there.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, April 2, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation by Reverend J.C. Austin of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, and journalized the prayer. Members also introduced several guests and interns, including a shadow from the 45th District, a Legislative Black Caucus fellow, a ninth-grade author from Annapolis High School, a World Autism Acceptance Day group in the gallery, and a student shadowing the Senator from District 30. The chamber then moved to House bills on second reading and Senate bills on third reading. The Senate adopted favorable committee reports and passed several House bills without objection, including measures extending the Maryland Horse Industry Board sunset, requiring housing counseling information for certain first-time homebuyers, expanding the educator expense tax subtraction to full-time pre-K teachers, increasing funding for the State Library Resource Center, extending agricultural use assessment eligibility for community solar projects, allowing the Seat Pleasant Police Department to join the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System, authorizing changes to a tax sale legacy protection program, and granting special taxing authority for the Village of Drummond. The chamber also adopted seven amendments to Senate Bill 1007 on state debt authorizations and ordered it printed for third reading. On final passage, Senate Bill 956 on Maryland Transportation Authority video toll collections passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 841, a major energy affordability and utility reform bill, with two committee amendments adopted. The bill was described as providing short-, medium-, and long-term rate relief, including changes to EmPOWER Maryland, utility cost recovery, data center tariffs, net metering, solar policy, transmission planning, battery storage, nuclear incentives, and low-income assistance. Debate began on the amended report, and a motion to lay the bill over was withdrawn while members discussed waiting on additional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• ensure consumers maintain control over their preferred privacy settings on their phones and digital technologies
• ensure consumers maintain control over their preferred privacy settings on their phones and digital technologies
• Members, think back to 1987: what classrooms were like without technology.
• Like without technology, with books and kids' hands, with paints and kindergarten and preschool children's
• approach to how we combat the rise of sexually exploitive AI imaging in today's ever-changing technological

Keywords: 988, house, all