Video & Transcript : 'communication technology' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Economic impacts of the new paid family and medical leave mandate on our business community.
- Remote work, workplace flexibility, and technology investments have expanded access to employment.
- ,<00:31:09.840><c> highquality</c><00:31:10.480><c> job</c> communities, highquality job communities,
- And finally, Minnesota has real strengths: innovation, strong communities, higher education assets.
- I think one of the things that we hear a lot is the role of technology, and people think tech as in a
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment. (6-18-26)
Economic Development & Workforce Investment
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:10:03.680><c> They</c><00:10:04.360><c> uh</c> technology.
- They uh technology.
- work with communities all across the<00:37:36.000><c> Commonwealth.
- And then automated automation technology<00:41:38.720><c> growth.
- So, those are the technology growth.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- ... ...communities, whether Miami, Tampa, Duval, Orlando, and these areas.
- and also within our rural communities.
- We need to embrace the technology. We need to create mechanisms to...
- We need to embrace the technology.
- The first new high school for the Black community in Miami-Dade County.
Keywords:
traffic enforcement, speed detection systems, school safety, traffic violations, reporting requirements, local authority, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles, specialty license plate, specialty plates, Florida DMV, DHSMV, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, alumni association, commemorative plate, license plate fees
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, which would standardize procedures for red-light, school-zone speed, and school bus camera enforcement. The bill would allow clerks to retain 10% of penalty revenue, permit virtual hearings, require records retention, limit surveillance/data use, tighten school-zone flashing-light requirements, and add school board approval and reporting requirements for school bus camera programs. An amendment clarified reporting periods and which entity receives liability-transfer affidavits. Members raised questions about information-sharing, facial recognition, school-zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, but the committee accepted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered SB 1080, which was amended by a delete-all to address FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements involving sureties and replacement contractors. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 by one vote.
Next, the committee heard SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes and instead created an e-bike task force, required crash data collection and reporting, and retained rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide audible signals, and limit speed near pedestrians. Members discussed enforcement practicality, access concerns for riders who rely on e-bikes, and the need for public education and transparency. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee then reported favorably SB 684, which removes certain signature requirements for electronic odometer disclosures in total-loss vehicle and vessel insurance transactions, and SB 880, which creates a new license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , there was $155,000 appropriated for ongoing costs associated with the Industrial Commission's Technology
- The hope was for the support to be provided by the Office of Information Technology Services, but they
- And really, I think it's important that we continue to invest in Idaho's business community.
- The development community has tons of LLCs. I mean, that's a part of it.
- There's other types of filings that our office also happens to handle in the business community.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and first reviewed the Industrial Commission’s base budget and FY 2027 requests. The analyst and agency staff described the commission’s dedicated-fund structure, the IRIS technology modernization project, and several requested adjustments: ongoing support for IRIS maintenance, additional funding for the annual seminar and CWICS training, an increase for the Peace Officer Temporary Disability Fund due to rising claims, and replacement IT hardware. Members asked about the IRIS contract, seminar fees, and the crime victims compensation fund and general fund support. Agency staff said IRIS is still being supported by an outside vendor because OITS lacks the needed expertise, that seminar and training fees are already competitive and the plan is to expand services rather than lower fees, and that crime victims compensation could be covered temporarily by dedicated or federal funds if needed. No votes were taken on the Industrial Commission budget during the meeting.
The committee then heard the Public Utilities Commission budget review. The analyst explained the commission’s dedicated funds, staffing, and the FY 2026 trailer appropriation tied to the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, along with a FY 2027 request for IT hardware only. Questions focused on a large variance in the indirect cost recovery fund, which staff attributed to timing of federal reimbursements and rent not being charged to that fund at the time. Commissioners and staff also received positive comments about the implementation of the wildfire-related duties. No action was taken on the PUC budget.
Next, the Secretary of State’s budget was presented. The analyst outlined the office’s election, business, and commission functions, noted the prior $10 million election system upgrade, and described FY 2027 requests for a voter pamphlet and guide, overtime for the post-election audit team, and replacement technology. Secretary of State Phil McGrane and staff emphasized the rapid growth in business filings, the office’s revenue generation, and the need to maintain service levels, arguing against ongoing cuts. He said the voter pamphlet request is tied to statutory election-year mailings, the overtime reflects cyclical election workload, and the office is considering AI cautiously due to sensitive voter data. Members asked about business filing growth, the difference between a pamphlet and a voter guide, and the possible impact of hand-counting ballots; McGrane said hand-counting would mainly affect counties, not the state office. The meeting ended with scheduling remarks for the next day’s budget work and a note that the FY 2026 rescission bill was still being processed.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas every community and every sector of the state's economy, from farming to mining to high-tech
- And he's with Community Water Company of Green Valley.
- SB 2992 pilot program, sexual abuse prevention, appropriations, transportation technology.
- House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
- House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If we could offer one suggestion for the community.
- ...community if they are successfully getting those reductions.
- And it's much cheaper to build a park in our community and not pay those fees.
- the community, how are those permitted?
- Communities that I represent.
Bills:
HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158
Keywords:
housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of the communities developed by Mr. Miramon... Many of the communities developed by Mr.
- We talk about technology. We talk about the investment.
- because we're still part of the community.
- Speaking, communication.
- And I just, I have a better understanding of the autistic community because of my communication.
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and heard a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. Early bills included HB 745, extending special permits for tandem/container loads serving port facilities; HB 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; HB 1050, which revises commercial driver’s license rules and allows certain 18-year-olds to drive intrastate with a Class A license; and HB 1172, designating a portion of US 165 in Oberlin as the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 1000 adopted with amendments.
The committee then took up HB 896 on toll facilities, prompted by concerns about Belle Chasse toll charges and customer service access. The bill would require local toll customer service centers, toll dispute procedures, and limits on certain fees; amendments were adopted to refine those provisions, including in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, and limits on additional charges. The bill was reported with amendments. HB 493, which would have prohibited expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony and debate over reservoir planning and local flood-control authority, but was ultimately voluntarily deferred.
Later, HB 1173 was approved to give people in the OMV reinstatement relief program up to three months without a late fee on installment agreements, while keeping the payment due and moving it to the end of the plan. HB 1024 created a Louisiana Democratic Party special prestige license plate and was reported favorably. The committee also approved HCR 32 urging the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and HB 1159, concerning automated speed enforcement in Jefferson Parish municipalities, was ultimately voluntarily deferred after discussion of local control, public input, and prior legislation on speed cameras.
The final major item was HB 679, as substituted, creating a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and directing law enforcement training on interactions with those individuals. The sponsor and several witnesses described personal experiences with traumatic brain injury and argued the designation would improve safety and communication during traffic stops. The substitute bill was adopted and the measure was reported favorably. The committee concluded by reporting HB 1207 favorably; that bill would limit unduly restrictive contractor qualification requirements in public bidding and require such requirements to be reasonably related to the project and justified in writing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Sarah Bridges, representing the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, with
- As manufacturing becomes more advanced and technology driven, employers increasingly need specialized
- Pollution surrounded that community, and if we weaken our PSM standard, we could invite more disaster
- They bring different instincts on scene, different ways of connecting with the communities we serve,
- They bring different instincts on scene, different ways of connecting with our communities we serve,
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:04:32.880><c> and</c> environment, support communities, and environment, support communities
- </c><00:05:09.440><c> The</c> the center for community vitality.
- The the center for community vitality.
- radius of communities for workers to<00:34:19.040><c> live.
- </c><01:29:38.480><c> that</c> it's a Thompson Reuters technology that it's a Thompson Reuters technology
Keywords:
bioindustrial facilities, economic development, renewable energy, advanced biofuels, state funding, HF2252, Minnesota bonding, volume cap, private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, public facility bonds, public facilities pool, unified pool, bond allocation, municipal finance, bond cap, housing bonds, residential rental projects, manufacturing bonds, enterprise zone bonds
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine bipartisan legislative frameworks for digital assets. Feb 26th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Digital Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- The rapid development of digital assets , blockchain technology and the broader crypto economy presents
- So this is not about us picking winners and losers among technologies or industries.
- We need to create a regulatory framework that encourages responsible development of this technology,
- So let's let's go back to some other technologies.
- This is open technology, Senator, at the end of the day.
Keywords:
Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony
Summary:
The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 08:29 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- What the bill seeks to change is simply our ability to adjust who qualifies as emerging technologies.
- This bill helps to ensure with emerging technology.
- The Village of Los Lunas is a pro-development community and is open for business.
- Supply chain to advance components that can power our technology.
- We drafted it to have the door open for renewable community and utility scale solar projects.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Gaming experts, technological experts... They're not in any state's lawful facilities.
- Gaming experts, technological experts, don't really fully understand how those work, but they do know
- The programmers are not using lawful gaming technology.
- The statutory scheme itself is not stringent enough to repel this crime in our communities.
- The series of communications that we sent yesterday were to overseas illegal casino operators, not to
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending.
Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines.
Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This decentralization is enabled by blockchain technology.
- There is broad consumer acceptance of this technology.
- So digital asset technology streamlines that entire process.
- So digital asset technology streamlines that entire process.
- Technology is ever evolving, and financial products are also evolving.
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee held an informational hearing on digital asset innovation, with opening remarks framing cryptocurrencies, blockchain, stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance as a growing part of the financial system. Dennis Porter of Satoshi Action Fund presented on the market size, institutional adoption, use cases such as remittances and small-business payments, and policy developments at the federal and state levels. He also discussed risks including volatility, cybersecurity, and illicit use, while arguing that clear regulation can support innovation and consumer protection.
State Controller Malia Cohen then updated the committee on implementation of SB 822, California’s unclaimed digital asset law. She explained that the law applies to custodial accounts, not self-custodied wallets, and requires holders to conduct outreach before dormant digital assets are transferred to the state in native form. Committee discussion focused on how abandonment is determined, what counts as account activity, the expected timeline for notices and custodian procurement, and the administrative costs and staffing needed to run the program. Controller staff said the state is still building procedures, working with Oregon, and expects a significant increase in claims once the program is operational.
Porter returned with a proposal for a California digital asset reserve fund built on unclaimed digital assets under SB 822. He argued the fund could be cost-neutral, use only high-quality digital assets, and include guardrails such as an advisory board, audits, and public reporting. Committee members expressed interest in diversification and consumer protection, but also raised concerns about volatility, documentation, and market downturns. The hearing ended after public comment from industry and advocacy representatives, including support from the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition, the Crypto Council for Innovation, and Coinbase, all urging clear, technology-neutral policy to keep innovation and jobs in California.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- All these countries are starting to invest in these technologies...
- Qatar, Oman, all these countries are starting to invest in these technologies so that they can enter
- Active lines of communication to make sure that everybody knows what is needed, or if there are issues
- Long term, I mentioned it, you know, it's investing in those future technologies and those things that
- The price of natural gas is low, the price of oil is high, let's try to use this new technology that
Summary:
The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and first took up several property-transfer bills. House Bill 110, authorizing transfer of certain state property in St. Tammany Parish for a pocket park in Mandeville, was reported favorable without objection. House Bill 634, transferring state property in St. Martin Parish to Brownell Land Company LLC, was also reported favorable. House Bill 677, allowing the Tensaw Parish School Board greater flexibility to exchange school land for property of equal or greater value with certified appraisal requirements, was reported favorable after questions about the location and purpose of the exchange. House Bill 735, a cleanup bill transferring property from DOTD to LSU Health Shreveport to support expansion and parking near Mall St. Vincent, was likewise reported favorable.
The committee then held an informational hearing on the effects of the Iran conflict on Louisiana’s energy sector. Secretary Dustin Davidson said the conflict has driven oil prices sharply higher, with consumers bearing the cost through higher gasoline and especially diesel prices, while producers and refiners may see short-term gains. He warned that diesel increases can signal broader economic slowdown and discussed global shipping disruptions, the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi Arabia’s response. Members asked about Louisiana’s ability to benefit from higher prices, the timing of increased drilling, and the role of carbon capture and infrastructure investment. Davidson said higher prices could support more drilling and severance tax revenue if sustained long enough.
Industry witnesses Tommy Fochay of LOGA, David Cresson of the Louisiana Chemical Association, Mike Moncla of LOGA, and LSU energy economists Greg Upton and Tyler Gray emphasized Louisiana’s role as a major LNG exporter, refiner, and petrochemical hub. They said geopolitical shocks create volatility, but Louisiana’s abundant natural gas, infrastructure, and export capacity position the state to help meet global demand. They urged stable policy, competitive taxes, pipeline and workforce investment, and caution on regulations. Upton and Gray presented data showing oil price spikes are likely temporary, futures markets expect prices to ease over time, rig counts respond with a lag, and Louisiana natural gas prices have remained relatively insulated so far. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Brian Burch, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the Holy See, Brandon Judd, of Idaho, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, and Nicole McGraw, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, all of t Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Her work has created jobs, attracted tourism, and strengthened communities.
- Each of us have a firm belief and commitment to service to our country, family, faith, and community.
- We also share a belief in the international community.
- My work in bridging art, business, community development inspired me to expand my impact on a global
- Judge, Chile has increased its economic and technological engagement with Communist China. especially
Keywords:
legislative process, public involvement, community engagement, transparency, introductions
Summary:
The meeting was characterized by a series of introductions and personal anecdotes shared by the committee members, with a focus on the importance of community engagement and transparency in legislative processes. Members expressed their commitment to open hearings and the necessity for public involvement in discussions impacting constituents. Several members remarked on how personal experiences shape their legislative priorities, thus reinforcing the human element of governance. However, there was a noticeable absence of discussion regarding specific bills, indicating that the session may have been more exploratory or introductory in nature.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> these funds are going into the community these funds are going into the community and<00:15:07.199
- We have communicated with BNF.
- </c> add more options using modern technology add more options using modern technology mailing<01:30:
- /c><01:34:13.880><c> through</c> communication it's always done through communication it's always done
- </c> national standards of community national standards of community supervision<01:40:48.280><c> and
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance.
Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/02/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> fields of Information Technology fields of Information Technology information information information
- New Hampshire believes it is possible to foster growth in the technology sector without diminishing the
- </c><01:04:28.319><c> sector</c> Foster growth in the technology sector Foster growth in the technology
- </c> fields of Information Technology fields of Information Technology security<01:06:41.559><c> Electronics
- Electronics, controls, communications—should we be enhancing the list of what is considered the practice
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-HOU, HHS-LBT, HHS-CPN, TCA-HHS, AEN-HHS Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Calling on the 105 calendar for Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology.
- </c> Human Services and labor and Technology Human Services and labor and Technology I<00:13:52.040><
- Now we have the Disability Communications Access Board. Please proceed.
- </c> and for the labor and Technology and for the labor and Technology committee<00:24:42.559><c> same
- </c> of community of community associations<00:28:06.240><c> in</c><00:28:06.640><c> support</c><00:28
Summary:
The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended.
The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees.
In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees.
Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of what happens in their own community of what happens in their own community and<01:31:37.520><
- Yes, technology has advanced significantly.
- Yes, technology has advanced significantly.
- So, I am here uh community in the state.
- </c> people in the immigrant community people in the immigrant community documented<03:45:58.960><c>
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach.
The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information.
Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 7, February 17, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They're on the cusp of technology changes.
- I tried to explain technology changes.
- ,</c><00:31:22.799><c> but</c> enhance their existing technology, but enhance their existing technology
- They're on the cusp of technology changes.
- </c> investment management firm, a technology investment management firm, a technology provider<02:14