Transcript Highlights:

• I am a PhD student in computer science at Harvard.
• I've conducted undergraduate research in computational drug discovery, represented the United States
• A brain-computer interface, or BCI, is a device that allows a user to control a computer using only their
• I lived in Georgia, and I was put on a computer. I could no longer... My name is Karen Bowerley.
• I lived in Georgia, and I was put on a computer.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• So computers and electronics are on the top of that list on both sides, and that is in billions, not
• The computer and electronic products make sense. Thank you.
• This slide right here, the computer and electronic products make sense, but the transportation equipment

Bills: HB2754

Keywords: Arizona Commerce Authority, business development, economic growth, small business support, job creation, Board of Directors, e-verify, grant administration, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Monica Villalobos, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who shared trade and economic data on Hispanic businesses and consumers in Arizona and nationally. She emphasized that Hispanics are a major economic driver, that small and medium-sized businesses are central to trade, and that tariffs and border disruptions can disproportionately hurt smaller exporters and importers. She also described the Chamber’s district-level trade profiles and an upcoming business engagement tour to Mexico City aimed at matching Arizona and Mexican small businesses. Members asked about major Mexico trade products, transportation equipment, and what the state could do to support small businesses; Villalobos said access to capital and technical assistance are the biggest needs, especially as some federal support has been cut. The committee then took up HB 2754, which would expand the Arizona Commerce Authority board to include the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, shift oversight of trade offices to legislative appropriation, require annual reporting on trade office activities to JLBC, and remove the sunset date for the Arizona Competes program. The sponsor argued the bill would restore legislative oversight and give lawmakers a stronger role in trade office decisions and the Competes Fund. Members generally supported the bill’s oversight goals, though some raised concerns about the board changes and indicated they might seek amendments later. The committee voted 5-0 with two present and three absent to give HB 2754 a do pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• can hear us, and there shouldn't be any massive muffling, but we are having some trouble with our computers
• But we are having some trouble with our computers.
• Yes, the computer systems have been a little messy today. Okay, any other questions? Thank you.

Bills: HB2091, HB2118, HB2122, HB2138

Keywords: insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, technical registration, engineering, architect, land surveyor, reciprocity, endorsement, qualification standards, firefighter

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard three bills and held House Bill 2118. House Bill 2091 would increase the maximum assessment DIFI can charge domestic insurers based on admitted assets, with future adjustments tied to inflation beginning July 1, 2027. Supporters, including the sponsor and industry representatives, said the fees have not been updated in 25 years, Arizona’s regulatory workload has grown substantially, and the measure would help DIFI hire staff, reduce reliance on contractors, and speed insurance approvals without raising premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on an 11-0 vote. House Bill 2138 would clarify that professional firefighters in city, town, county, or fire district departments are covered for workers’ compensation when injured while traveling to or from work or mandatory assignments. Testimony from Queen Creek and a firefighter described a real claim denial caused by a loophole in current law, arguing the bill restores original legislative intent and protects recruitment and public safety response. The County Supervisors Association said it was neutral and requested removal of “county” from the definition because counties do not employ firefighters; the sponsor said a floor amendment would address that. The committee passed the bill 11-0. House Bill 2122 makes clarifying changes to reciprocity or endorsement qualifications for registration of certain BTR-related professions, including adding reciprocity with the United Kingdom that was omitted from last year’s law. The sponsor described it as a cleanup bill to support workforce development and make it easier for professionals to do business in Arizona. The committee approved the bill 11-0, and the meeting adjourned after all three measures received unanimous do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were trying to get Miss Doyle's computer to be able to talk to that TV screen, and that's the reason
• I apologize that the computer didn't talk.
• I apologize that the computer didn't talk, and we didn't have the copies.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The request is for $865,000 to allow the department to strategically replace aging computers each year
• So that's for our computer systems, many of which are over five years old. more than four to five years
• old, which is like five generations of computers.
• So we're looking to update computer systems and also safeguard what the youth can access on their devices

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reintroduction, the new bill and the Senate author, Senator Matthews, have just not been behind the computer
• just not behind Senator Matthews have just not behind the<00:15:52.360> the<00:15:52.519> computer
• or<00:15:53.199> what<00:15:53.319> have<00:15:53.480> been the the computer
• wall or what have been the the computer wall or what have been joined<00:15:53.920> together<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask the public to get online and make appointments, but many don't have a computer or Wi-Fi.
• /c><00:11:54.480> a appointments but many don't have a appointments but many don't have a computer
• <00:11:55.480> or computer or computer or Wi-Fi<00:11:57.560> I<00:11:57.680> know

Keywords: Roll Call 00:30 HB 15 Discussion 04:24 HB 15 Vote 07:13 HB 161 Discussion 10:05 Hb 161 Vote 19:34, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held its first meeting of the 2025 session, established a quorum, welcomed new members and staff, and reviewed basic committee procedures, including phone silence, speaking through the chair, and the 24-hour amendment rule. The chair then moved to the agenda, which consisted of two bills. House Bill 15, sponsored by Representative Rudy, would lower Kentucky’s learner’s permit age to 15 to match surrounding states. Supporters said it would give parents more choice and help young drivers get licensed earlier; one member explained her yes vote by describing strong support from middle school students. The bill passed the committee with favorable expression, with Representative Lehman voting no and others voting yes. House Bill 161, sponsored by Representative Jackson, would allow third-party entities to process driver’s license renewals, not initial licenses. Jackson said the goal was to improve access after the state reduced renewal locations from county offices to regional centers, creating long travel times and long waits, especially for rural and older residents. He said the third-party model could be used by approved businesses or agencies, with an average added fee of about $2 to $5, and that it would still require the same vision-screening process. Members asked about Real ID renewals, timing, local testing options, and eye exam requirements. The bill also received favorable expression, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• or operator of an online uh computer or operator of an online uh computer online<00:36:59.520>
• And we know this is just a computer.
• And we know this is just a computer.
• Sole purpose of computer applications.
• for the Northeast region at the Computer for the Northeast region at the Computer and<01:28:50.159

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the past year, a computer science teacher from Maui High School and a handful of his students have
• In the past year, a computer support.
• Even some of the students here today who haven't taken engineering classes or computer... across the
• In that time, I ended up getting shoved kind of into the computer science pathway, which I do love computer
• computer science all within the top 10.<00:58:12.960> According<00:58:13.440> to<00:58

Bills: HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:03.679> notary faxing copying phones computers notary faxing copying phones computers
• Section three includes or adds the ag water quality credit to the computation section and statute that
• has to be used to compute property taxes.
• uh to the computation section and statute<00:42:50.280> that<00:42:50.599> uh<00:42:50.720
• property taxes uh section four compute property taxes uh section four uh<00:42:56.240> makes<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, I went and got oil last weekend, and they had it on their computer that my car card had
• I just didn't give them the new card to put in their computer or showed them the new card, and it was
• when I go buy something with my card in Texas, and it's something's not right, it pops up on their computer

Bills: HB1590, HB3075, HB3548, HB3661, HB3986, HB4273, HB4346

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, youth entrepreneurship, tax exemption, small business, income tax, Oklahoma Youth Entrepreneurs Promotion and Development Act, HB3661, Oklahoma sales tax, sales tax exemption, revenue and taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• have successfully completed major milestones in transitioning the current unemployment insurance computer
• have successfully completed major milestones and transitioning the current unemployment insurance computer
• programs away Major milestones in transitioning the current unemployment insurance computer programs

Summary: The committee first took up several personnel and compensation requests. It approved a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism reclassification that would trade three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager. It also approved one-time bonus and recruitment plans for the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, including up to $5,000 bonuses tied to the unemployment insurance modernization project and $2,000 bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the state veterans homes. A Department of Health request to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board was also approved; members were told the position was already authorized and would not increase total positions. The committee then reviewed a Department of Commerce reduction in force affecting the Division of Workforce Services for the Blind and Employment and Training divisions. Secretary Hugh McDonald and Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits explained that the cuts were driven by over-obligated federal funds, a prior realignment, and what they described as long-standing fiscal mismanagement in the Division of Services for the Blind. They said 56 employees remained furloughed, five employees in a separate grant group were still working, and 17 positions were on the permanent RIF list. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the independent board, and whether the layoffs were being handled fairly, including a request for racial composition data on the workforce and the RIF group. Members also discussed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Staff explained that the reports cover average staffing levels over each quarter, and members focused on overtime spending, especially in DHS, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Transportation. OPM said overtime is being reviewed, direct care positions remain exempt from the hiring freeze, and agencies have been hiring more staff since the new pay plan took effect. The committee asked for additional reporting on overtime trends, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a version that I thought was on the computer that was handed to me.
• Your computer up. Your computer frees up? Okay. We have 2245 in front of us. Discussion? Mr. Chair?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee reconsidered Senate Bill 2159, which concerns a study related to nuclear energy and waste. Members discussed a proposed amendment to clarify that the study would address above-ground storage of nuclear waste, not underground storage, reflecting concerns raised by constituents about earlier nuclear-related proposals. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 2159 a unanimous 13-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2245, described as a hunting-related bill, and recommended it do pass on a 13-0 vote after brief discussion with Game and Fish support noted. Senate Bill 2216, the duck stamp bill, was also advanced 13-0. Testimony on SB 2216 explained that it would help Game and Fish better track resident duck hunting participation and generate revenue for waterfowl habitat, PLOTS access, and possible federal matching funds. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2137, which addresses baiting rules and chronic wasting disease surveillance. An amendment was proposed to set a 50-gallon limit at a hunting location, require a 50-foot setback from property used for animal agriculture, and direct continued disease surveillance with a report due before December 31, 2028. After discussion about fence setbacks, livestock concerns, and the department’s authority to manage disease, the committee adopted the amendment by a 7-6 vote and then passed the bill as amended on an 8-4 vote. The committee also noted several remaining bills would be taken up the following week and adjourned, with no meeting the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1191 by Creighton, relating to the development of a standard method of computing a student's
• Senate Bill 1337 by Creighton, relating to the computation of certain tax penalties and interest amounts
• Senate Bill 1337 by Creighton relayed the computation of certain tax penalties and interest amounts to

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• primarily because of the addition of allowing the special education funding to be used in that computation
• , the other three areas that the committee will focus on is the use of technology and one-to-one computer
• Uh, as you recall, the evidence-based model recommends a student-to-computer ratio of one-to-one.
• And so, I guess the first step is to turn the computer a little closer to Mike so he can... ...a little
• I have three to one com- three computers just for me. And I'm getting a fourth.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps we had some technical difficulties in the back room getting the system, the computer system..
• system had some technical difficulties in the back room getting the system the computer system to work
• Regarding the computer data centers, as session law, it prohibits the Arizona Commerce Authority from
• accepting applications for any new computer data center from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, and
• applications for any new computer data center from July 1, 2026, accepting applications for any new

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said, 'Well, I just sat on my dorm in school and I made computers and I'd sell them to people and
• He sold a lot of computers, a lot of those laptops. So, I congratulate him on that.
• and I'd sell them and I made computers and I'd sell them to<01:09:56.000> people<01:09:57.199
• He sold a lot of computers, a lot dream.
• He sold a lot of computers, a lot of<01:10:04.239> those<01:10:04.480> laptops.

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm four degrees off center line, and my computer is saying I'm 30 feet right or left— Rep.
• Sylvia: Off center line, and my computer is saying I'm 30 feet right or left, right?
• On the computer it says I can do it. Let's go.
• He was doing the work and I was supervising him, but my computer shut down right on the approach, so
• We use simulation in a big computer, like going to a movie theater, to try to model these things in—

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• program or um something like a computer program or um something like that<01:40:39.159> uh<01
• I looked and there was an attachment that was 3,100 pages long that was a database on the computer, a
• I looked and there was an attachment that was 3,100 pages long that was a database on the computer, a
• ><04:08:57.760> a<04:08:57.960> public<04:08:58.239> record database on the computer
• a public record database on the computer a public record so<04:08:59.479> I<04:08:59.600>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee opened its hearing with a procedural discussion about a forthcoming Monday hearing, and the chair confirmed that any amendment deemed non-germane would be made public in advance and included in the calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would replace the word “citizen” in the Right-to-Know law with “any person,” allow requesters to specify the format of records, and expressly reference preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum or majority of a public body as disclosable material. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law, remove uncertainty after a Rochester-related dispute over requester eligibility, and make records easier to obtain electronically unless doing so would be impossible, unusual, unduly burdensome, or harmful to recordkeeping integrity. Testimony was mixed. Cordell Johnston, speaking for himself as a municipal attorney, opposed most of the bill, especially the requirement that records be delivered electronically or by mail, arguing that out-of-state or out-of-country requests can be fishing expeditions that impose significant burdens on towns and clerks. He said local residents already can obtain records at town hall and that many municipalities voluntarily email records as a courtesy, but should not be required to mail large volumes of material. He also said the preliminary-draft language was unnecessary because such drafts are already covered when circulated to a quorum or majority. Representative Alexander raised concerns about the breadth of “any person,” potential abuse by bad actors, and the cost to municipalities, while Representative Peternell asked about whether the bill should account for nonresident property owners and business owners. The sponsor responded that limiting requesters by residency would not meaningfully stop abuse and said he did not know the bill’s fiscal impact, though he suggested it might improve efficiency. Yil Biset of the ACLU of New Hampshire testified in support of HB 6, calling it a modest and reasonable transparency measure. He said the preliminary-draft language was acceptable and consistent with existing exemption language in the public-meeting and documents statutes, and he said he was not aware of foreign-bot document requests occurring in New Hampshire. He also noted that current law already requires electronic disclosure when records exist electronically and can reasonably be provided that way. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• While citing fixed assets, we were unable to locate three of the four computers on their fixed asset
• Town officials were unable to provide an explanation for the missing computers.
• As to the last thing that she had mentioned, we located the obsolete computer.
• So you found the computer. It was just obsolete, and it was like in a closet.
• He didn't remember anything about the computer.

Keywords: 1204, all