Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, I know that we do. terms than the computer that I had when terms than the computer that I had
• This computer here is nothing relative to this bill. This computer here is not covered.
• It offers internet access computer.
• also a tablet probably this computer also a tablet probably this computer here here here is<00:57
• I think we do have adult's computer.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reality is this: AI is built on computer science.
• in computer science, and AI teacher training.
• Massachusetts is a national leader in computer science.
• Foundational computer science is far more than just learning to code.
• These are all rooted in computer science.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• such as direct brain-computer interfaces, such as direct brain connections, a Neuralink for example.
• such as direct brain-computer interfaces, such as direct brain connections, a Neuralink for example.
• such as direct brain-computer interfaces, such as direct brain connections, a Neuralink for example.
• such as direct brain-computer interfaces, such as direct brain connections, a Neuralink for example.
• such as direct brain-computer interfaces, such as direct brain connections, a Neuralink for example.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to note that we continue to have Cal Compute in this bill, which is an exciting new public
• cloud that will help democratize and expand access To compute for folks who maybe can't afford compute
• Compute is the most important factor enabling AI innovation, yet it's controlled by a tiny number of
• And we are creating Cal Compute, which I think will enhance innovation because compute has become so
• And we are creating Cal Compute, which I think will enhance innovation because compute has become so

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard SB 53 by Senator Wiener after the bill was substantially amended on the floor and referred back under Assembly Rule 77.2. The author explained that the bill, focused on AI safety and frontier models, now applies its main requirements to models trained above 10^26 FLOPs, includes broader whistleblower protections, sets different disclosure obligations based on company revenue, removes Attorney General rulemaking authority in favor of an annual Department of Technology report, and keeps a $1 million-per-violation penalty. He also highlighted CalCompute, a proposed public cloud intended to expand access to compute and support innovation. Supporters, including Encode AI and Economic Security California Action, argued the bill would hold AI developers accountable to their public safety commitments, improve transparency, protect whistleblowers, and help democratize access to AI infrastructure. They said the measure reflects extensive negotiation with the administration and stakeholders and aligns with recommendations from the governor’s frontier-model working group. Opponents, including CalChamber, TechNet, CCIA, and Chamber of Progress, remained opposed unless amended, saying they appreciated the author’s work but still had concerns outlined in their letters. Committee members questioned whether the bill could stifle innovation, how it would address worst-case AI harms, and whether it could reach actors outside California. The author responded that the bill is intended as a light-touch transparency measure, that it applies to entities doing business in California, and that California can still lead in the absence of federal action. Members also emphasized the importance of whistleblower protections and CalCompute. The committee voted 12-1 to pass the bill, with DeMaio voting no and Patterson not voting, and the bill was sent back to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• of cutting-edge innovation, pushing the boundaries of technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum
• computing, and cybersecurity tools that protect American lives and keep us ahead of our adversaries.
• Hire a computer brain.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, this is a computer science bill.
• In 2019, you may recall I passed the computer science bill requiring that computer science be taught
• So you could have a course with computer science experiences embedded.
• You'd have to take a full computer science course in order for that to count.
• So if you use part of the curriculum for computer science in, say, curriculum for computer science in

Bills: HB332, HB166, SB336, HB447, HB244

Keywords: computer science, K-12 education, public schools, graduation requirement, digital literacy, coding, programming, STEM, artificial intelligence, AI, computational thinking, technology education, computer literacy, high school credit, middle school, elementary school, teacher training, professional development, distance learning, virtual school

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me first address the computers and the refresh cycles and things like that.
• So when we talk about, you know, replacing computers on that cycle, that's why.
• . we need three new these new computers. we need three new computers<00:14:03.920> to<00:14:04.160
• or buy the parts to fix the computer type of approach there.
• or buy the parts to fix the computer type of approach there.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My specialty is computational structural biology.
• So here's a Here's a timeline of students' progression into computer science and through computer science
• But this is the resources: compute and faculty. Compute was already mentioned.
• Compute and faculty. Compute was already mentioned.
• I am not just talking about in computer science.

Summary: The committee spent much of the meeting hearing presentations on student mental health supports at Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. CWU described high levels of student distress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and basic-needs insecurity, along with a campus-wide holistic well-being model that includes behavioral intervention teams, emergency aid, peer outreach, community partnerships, and a collegiate recovery community. WSU emphasized loneliness, common presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship distress, and the role of housing and residence life, resident advisors, living-learning communities, and coordinated crisis response in identifying and supporting students. UW highlighted prevention and support programs through LiveWell, including alcohol and other drug consultations, confidential advocacy, suicide intervention, student needs navigation, peer health educators, and peer wellness coaches. The community and technical college system reported persistent access barriers, especially for students ages 18 to 24 and those facing housing or food insecurity, and said the legislature-funded mental health pilot at four colleges expanded counseling access, telehealth, and referral pathways, while broader system efforts focus on awareness, telehealth, basic-needs supports, and workforce training in behavioral health fields. Members asked each panel how they gather student feedback, and the institutions said they use surveys, evaluations, and ongoing outreach to students in services. Questions also focused on substance-use and recovery resources, Greek life outreach, and whether colleges have enough licensed mental health staff versus academic advisors; the community college board said not all colleges have licensed mental health providers on staff, and some rely on community contracts or telehealth. The committee also discussed whether counseling services are increasing because of post-pandemic effects or because students are more willing to seek help, with presenters saying both factors likely play a role. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the community and technical college system described campus AI task forces, governance structures, and efforts to set policies for students, faculty, and staff. Presenters said institutions are requiring course-level AI use statements, promoting ethical and transparent use, expanding access to approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, and using AI for teaching, research, advising, and administrative support while guarding privacy, equity, and academic integrity. Members raised concerns about deepfakes, bias, student monitoring, and whether AI should be used to screen applications or evaluate student work; presenters said human review remains essential and that some institutions prohibit AI use in hiring or admissions screening. The final presentation, from OSPI, described the statewide rollout of the School Links high school and beyond plan platform under 2023 legislation, saying it will standardize career and college planning across K-12, provide better data and student guidance, and connect students to postsecondary pathways and employers; OSPI said the rollout is underway but current funding only extends through June 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• elimination of funding for computer elimination of funding for computer science<01:26:39.760>
• global problems, and using computing global problems, and using computing collaboratively<01:31:
• <01:31:26.239> Citizens computer science education. Citizens computer science education.
• empower teachers to expand computer empower teachers to expand computer science<01:31:44.560>
• c> to<01:32:36.159> solve computer using computer science to solve computer using computer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need a $200 million computer system. So, that will cap that.
• <00:01:45.280> system we had trouble with the computer system we had trouble with the computer
• <00:02:37.040> So,<00:02:37.200> that a $200 million computer system.
• So, that a $200 million computer system.
• sense in having a top-notch computer sense in having a top-notch computer system<00:02:57.519>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:25 SB 129 Discussion: 01:14 SB 129 Voting: 03:35, 958, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Economic Development, Labor, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and considered one bill sponsored by Senator Mike Nees concerning unemployment insurance and the SCUF (Service Capacity Upgrade Fund). Senator Nees explained that the bill would lower employer rates tied to the fund, while continuing to support unemployment insurance system upgrades. He said the fund was created after problems with the unemployment computer system and that employers had borne the cost successfully. Nees also described a planned floor amendment, agreed to by the chamber and cabinet, that would cap the SCUF fund at $15 million and redirect contributions to the regular unemployment insurance fund if that fund falls below the prior year’s level. He said this would prevent overfunding technology while ensuring benefit payments remain protected. Committee members responded favorably, with remarks praising the bill and joking about government spending and the unemployment system’s handling during COVID. The committee first reported the bill favorably on a 9-0 vote, then later recorded additional votes from members and guests, bringing the tally to 11-0 in support. The chair announced the bill would be reported with favorable expression and that it would have the same recommendation on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• know about computers.'
• Three weeks later, I had built my first computer.
• you know about computers.'
• Three weeks later, I had built my first computer.
• you know about computers.'

Summary: The committee first took up HB 455, a local bill for the City of Lake Wales that would allow open containers in a downtown arts district. The sponsor said the city had invested heavily in the area and wanted to support business growth. An amendment clarified that the allowance was intended for cups, not bottles taken from restaurants, and the bill was then adopted favorably without opposition. Members then heard HB 1049 on building permit requirements, which would remove permits for certain work under $7,500 and for battery or backup power systems, while also preempting local governments from adding extra permitting rules. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying modular homes on RV lots, and another addressing contractor “splitting” of projects to avoid the threshold and requiring five years of record retention. County and local-government groups raised concerns about inspections and permitting, while several business and advocacy groups supported the bill. It passed favorably. HB 1175, dealing with safety design standards for office surgery suites, was presented as a measure directing the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to establish new standards to improve safety and efficiency. There was no amendment or public testimony, and it passed favorably. The committee then spent extensive time on HB 221, which would let workers waive the state minimum wage for certain work-based learning, internship, or pre-apprenticeship positions for up to nine months, later narrowed by amendment to 252 days, or 126 days for minors with parental consent, and defining the program as structured learning. Supporters framed it as a way to expand apprenticeships and help small businesses offer training opportunities; opponents argued it would create free or subminimum labor, invite abuse and coercion, and raise constitutional concerns. Despite strong opposition testimony from labor, civil rights, and policy groups, the bill passed favorably after debate. The committee also heard HB 4035, a Palm Beach County local bill requiring applicants for a certificate of competency to pass the licensing exam before applying to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The sponsor said it would streamline and modernize the process, and members discussed it briefly in support. The transcript ends before the final action on that bill is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:17.720> guided there's these sort of computer guided there's these sort of computer
• <00:36:09.400> and the demands are for for computers and the demands are for for computers
• kind of help that I need from a computer kind of help that I need from a computer and<01:30:33.119
• <01:32:37.880> a think about the Advent of a computer a think about the Advent of a computer
• we all know that there are computer we all know that there are computer models<01:37:51.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• technical difficulty with this computer technical difficulty with this computer scanning<00:35:03.680
• So you will not see them on your computer yet. >> Mr.
• So you will scan to our computer system.
• So not see them on your computer yet.
• The paper document has computer system.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a quorum declared. The journal from January 14, 2026 was approved, absent senators were excused, and the chamber moved through second readings of several bills and a concurrent resolution, including measures on identity documents, limiting gubernatorial pardon authority, motor vehicle regulation, solid waste facilities, pharmacist reimbursements, battery stewardship, property tax exemption, and a Medicaid delivery model feasibility study. Those items were referred to the Rules Committee after second reading. Committee reports were received from Education, Judiciary, and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, each recommending passage of listed bills, which were then treated as having first reading and placed on the calendar. The Committee on Committees later referred additional bills to Health Services, Natural Resources and Energy, and State and Local Government, and sent Senate Resolutions 35, 36, and 37 to the floor. The Rules Committee also posted Senate Bill 7 and later additional measures for the next day’s regular orders. Several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including bills on grandparent visitation, prosthesis and orthosis coverage, welding safety, transactional precious metals, Kentucky State Police, and concealed deadly weapons, along with memorial and honorary resolutions. Members also filed multiple co-sponsorship requests, all accepted without objection. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 29 honoring Edward Todd Jr., observed a moment of silence for Jeremiah Parsons, and heard announcements about a Kentucky State Police Professional Association breakfast, a Higher Education open house, and a Bags of Hope foster-care service project. The session ended with technical issues noted in filing documents, but the clerk reported the new filings and the Senate adjourned without objection until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• to compute law in April 2025. to compute law in April 2025.
• Um it's about computation. So it's about computation.
• Um it's about computation.
• Um it's about computation. So it's about computation.
• computer. Yeah. computer. Yeah.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My Kids is the statewide computer system that handles youth court matters throughout the whole state.
• <00:05:02.080> statewide My kids is the, uh, computer statewide My kids is the, uh, computer
• :05:04.479> handles<00:05:05.120> youth computer system that, uh, handles youth computer
• <00:05:30.320> system Bottom line is the uh computer system Bottom line is the uh computer
• Um, it may computer system called MEC.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation. Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• right to compute to average citizens. right to compute to average citizens.
• run software on your own computer. run software on your own computer.
• Um so, the title, right to compute.
• computational resources. computational resources.
• Not bad at all. computing too much. Not bad at all. computing too much.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jones. professor in computer science professor in computer science department.<00:07:06.080> Uh
• We have a long history of being excellent in advanced computing and high-performance computing.
• We're inventing new types of computer memory that can boost AI computation by a factor of a thousand
• > can<00:14:12.959> boost<00:14:13.360> AI computer memory that can boost AI computer
• . compute. compute.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had one is cloud computing.
• Uh I mean it the to cloud computing.
• :59:44.880> is<00:59:45.119> still know cloud computing is still know cloud computing is
• difference between cloudbased computing difference between cloudbased computing and<00:59:51.359
• :00:47.760> implemented, computer system once it's implemented, computer system once it's implemented

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: Legislative leaders opened the hearing by focusing on statewide technology issues affecting agencies, including rising IT costs, cloud migration, cybersecurity risks, procurement delays, and the need for better coordination across government systems. They said the meeting was intended to hear from agency directors about current challenges and possible legislative solutions. The ITS director described the state’s IT structure as decentralized but increasingly moving toward shared services. He highlighted recent legislative and executive actions on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, procurement modernization, and data sharing, including House Bill 1491, Senate Bill 2426, Senate Bill 2267, House Bill 958, and an executive order on AI. He said ITS has worked with large agencies on a cloud center of excellence, a procurement modernization advisory council, and a state data exchange, and noted plans for a master contract, potentially with OpenAI, that could be available to all public entities. He also emphasized cybersecurity, saying the state is seeking a secure operations center and a broader “cyber maturity” approach after recent incidents. On procurement, he said the goal is to speed up purchasing while keeping it safe, and on optimization he pointed to potential savings from consolidating duplicate agreements, such as multiple Microsoft enterprise contracts. In response to questions, he said exceptions to centralization would be based on business and technical architecture and regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, CISA, or FERPA, rather than ad hoc decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• than in very specific computer um other than in very specific applications<00:48:40.520> where
• Electrical and computer engineering accounts for over 37% of all engineering licensure exams.
• <01:03:07.359> engineering electrical and computer engineering electrical and computer engineering
• Fields related to electronics Computing Fields related to electronics Computing and<01:03:29.279
• I pulled it up on my computer here. Sorry, C59 1.40.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires technology courses to provide students with an understanding of computer science through
• The bill requires technology courses to provide students with an understanding of computer science through
• of artificial intelligence tools to the course, and related instruction on software engineering, computer
• The high school computer science course provision does not require such courses to include instruction
• The high school computer science course provision does not require such courses to include instruction

Bills: S7038, S1694

Keywords: education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities, accreditation, public safety, technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which would revise general education core standards at public postsecondary institutions to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology integration within existing core courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related instruction in areas such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. For high school computer science courses, the amendment added guidance on critical evaluation of AI results, AI limitations, and ethical use of AI. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted the bill favorably. The committee also took up confirmation appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. In addition, it considered SPB 7038 on postsecondary education and workforce development, which addresses tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Members asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure exemptions, and the removal of the Classic Learning Test as a fee-waiver qualifier; staff said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment, the CLT removal was an error to be corrected, and a Florida Dental Association representative raised concern about preserving the long-standing exemption for dental assisting programs. The committee moved SPB 7038 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.