Video & Transcript : 'port visit' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Look at South Coast Rail and how residents travel between cities along the line to visit tourism destinations
- Transportation impacts people on a daily basis, as they commute to work, go to school, visit the doctor
- And every time we have a chance to visit D.C. or visit with our partners... ...in accordance with that
- And every time we have a chance to visit D.C. or visit with our partners, we're having really robust
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals.
Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy.
Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their world may consist of school, places of worship, neighborhood streets, and the occasional visit
- Martin Luther King visited the community in 1965, in an effort to desegregate the school system, and
- When I visit the library, I see students getting help doing homework, tutoring, and I see job seekers
- I encourage everyone to visit the beautiful display on the fourth floor.
- I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY ON THE FOURTH FLOOR.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day.
The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Look at South Coast Rail and how residents travel between cities along the line to visit tourism destinations
- to school, Transportation impacts people on a daily basis, as they commute to work, go to school, visit
- And every time we have a chance to visit D.C. or visit with our partners... ...in accordance with that
- , and every time we have a chance to visit D.C. or visit with our partners, we're having really robust
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the Healey-Driscoll administration’s transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Administration officials said the bill would authorize more than $5 billion overall, including $1.2 billion for Chapter 90 over four years, $500 million for accelerated road and bridge repairs, $200 million for MBTA rail modernization and reliability, $200 million for transportation projects supporting housing development, $200 million for a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations for federal-aid highway projects, non-federal highway projects, municipal pavement, and Shared Streets and Spaces. They emphasized that the proposal is backed by Commonwealth Transportation Fund revenues, including registry fees, gas tax, and Fair Share surtax revenue, and said it would improve safety, reliability, housing production, and regional equity.
Committee members asked about the four-year Chapter 90 authorization, the housing-related transportation funding, federal funding uncertainty, and how the MBTA money would support commuter rail electrification and regional rail. Administration witnesses said the multi-year structure would help municipalities plan and avoid more expensive deferred maintenance, that the housing funds would be flexible for infrastructure needs tied to development, and that the state is pursuing federal grants while relying on state-backed capital financing. They also described process improvements at MassDOT that have reduced project bid-to-notice timelines by 60% and said the rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurement, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association and local officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth strongly supported the bill, saying the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile formula have made a major difference for small and rural communities and that four-year funding would improve predictability, project bundling, and cost savings. They cited local road, bridge, culvert, and gravel-road needs and urged favorable action. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to use it for broader transportation policy changes and new revenue tools, including possible reforms to TNC fees, regional pricing, and other funding mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Look at South Coast Rail and how residents travel between cities along the line to visit tourism destinations
- Transportation impacts people on a daily basis, as they commute to work, go to school, visit the doctor
- And every time we have a chance to visit D.C. or visit with our partners... ...in accordance with that
- And every time we have a chance to visit D.C. or visit with our partners, we're having really robust
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Keywords:
transportation bond bill, municipal roads, municipal bridges, Chapter 90, road aid, highway funding, bridge repair, pavement, MassDOT, MBTA, rail reliability, commuter rail locomotives, Fair Share surtax, Commonwealth Transportation Fund, infrastructure financing, bond authorization, deferred maintenance, climate resilience, parkways, DCR
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- expenses in any way because we have to keep that level or greater levels of security or safety for our visiting
- expenses in any way because we have to keep that level or greater levels of security or safety for our visiting
- They were visiting the Capitol.
- </c><00:24:02.159><c> They</c><00:24:02.400><c> were</c><00:24:02.480><c> visiting</c> Christian Academy
- They were visiting Christian Academy. They were visiting the<00:24:03.120><c> capital.
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund
Keywords:
psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- the entry of that building, so very secure and all safety protocol and things like that when I was visiting
- And I have a great picture of my visit there. This place is huge.
- It would not be a visit to the Consumer Protection and Business Committee, formerly those of us on the
- It would not be a visit to the Consumer Protection and Business Committee, formerly those of us on the
- us from a constituent in my district in beautiful Lake Chelan, which, again, I encourage you all to visit
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords:
alcohol service, sports facilities, amusement venues, recreational activities, patron engagement, alcohol warehousing, regulation, liquor distribution, storage standards, state laws, liquor licenses, multiple premises, alcohol distribution, commercial leasing, regulatory reform, winery, restaurant license, alcohol, spirits, beer
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Visit Florida will maintain its existing funding at $80 million.
- Visit which I know has gone to help a lot of members of your communities.
- Visit Florida will maintain its existing funding at $80 million.
- And as you know, myself as a state senator, I make many visits to our Department of Corrections because
- I make many visits to our Department of Corrections because I care about the conditions for our corrections
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments.
Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jun 3rd, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Because we're considering, OK, we're considering a visit there, OK. We'll get there.
- I have visited with the people at Central Valley Electric in Artesia.
- just to be clear on that one because I remember that I don't know if it was this committee, but we visited
- They can very well adequately accommodate us and also coordinate any possible site visits that we need
- It would draw you a crowd of people that would come and visit you about, visit us about this heat index
Committee:
House Water & Natural Resources Committee
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- My hospital to visit with me on a water issue because it was that important, but there are places where
- legislators can't visit with you on something that is being directly permitted.
- While attending the UT School of Law as a visiting student, she served on the Board of the American Journal
- Since I've been a commissioner, I have visited all 16 regional offices and met with the employees of
- And you offered to come visit my district and sort of make sure that we were doing a good job of explaining
Committee:
Senate Nominations
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote.
The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate.
The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- money to get a referral from a primary care provider, physical therapy generally requires multiple visits
- to produce a successful outcome, often 10 visits or more.
- experience when I go to a PT it's outside of my insurance, they say let's come in for a couple of visits
- but then we're worried that this is sort of going to really get out of hand and with a lot of PT visits
- not going to see it because you probably have an increase in your insurance rates and I will, um, visit
Committee:
House Insurance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- money to get a referral from a primary care provider, physical therapy generally requires multiple visits
- to produce a successful outcome, often ten visits or more.
- They say, let's come in for a couple of visits. Let's get you squared away.
- we're worried that this is sort of going to really get out of hand with a lot of physical therapy visits
- I will visit with the committee individually, and I hope for a favorable consideration, Mr.
Bills:
HB854 , HB 1052 , HB1642 , HB2076 , HB3042 , HB3695 , HB3787 , HB4062 , HB4092 , SB213 , SB493 , SB896 , HB5519 , HB4635
Committee:
House Insurance
Keywords:
insurance, replacement cost, homeowner's policy, renter's policy, condominium insurance, property damage, claims process, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health benefit plan, insurance coverage, out-of-state services, anxiety, pain management, contraceptive devices, women's health, medical procedures, healthcare, laboratory
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to start by thanking, uh, Representative De Ayala for visiting with us about the concerns and
- encouraging us to visit with stakeholders, um.
- The severe shortage of qualified visiting judges that is delaying justice for Texans across our state
- They regain eligibility to serve as visiting judges. This isn't about lowering standards.
- So, um, and that is why from visiting with some of the folks over in the Senate, when they, they asked
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My family was visiting from Texas, and we were at a bar.
- coming to the legislature, I worked with many small businesses, including restaurants, as I love to visit
- restaurants, and I will have yours on my list as well to visit.
- I'd go visit, but that was just something that I always like to support.
- over the weekend. ...our menu of how many restaurants we're going to visit over the weekend, Southern
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills on holidays, procurement, public safety, and business regulation. AB 268 would add Diwali as an official state holiday and allow schools and state workers limited flexibility to observe it; supporters described it as a recognition of California’s large South Asian and Hindu communities, and there was no opposition. AB 770 would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays to clarify what repairs and reinforcements are allowed; the bill was presented as a safety and consistency measure for the billboard industry. AB 783 would authorize the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk pricing for construction materials to help disaster-affected communities rebuild more affordably, with supporters from the housing and building sectors and some members raising concerns about state contracting, storage, and implementation. AB 381 would update state procurement rules to better prevent human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, aligning state policy with federal standards and drawing support from anti-trafficking advocates, labor, and local government representatives. AB 668 would extend drink-spiking prevention measures to music festivals by requiring test strips, drink lids, and reporting procedures; supporters emphasized victim safety and underreporting, while venue operators opposed the bill unless amended, citing feasibility and cost concerns. AB 880 would require prompt payment and indirect cost coverage for nonprofits contracting with the state, with broad nonprofit support and no opposition. AB 989 would make California Native American Day a paid holiday, with tribal and allied support. AB 592 would extend and expand temporary outdoor dining and alcohol service flexibilities for restaurants, with strong support from restaurant and business groups and opposition from alcohol policy advocates who preferred a narrower or permanent grandfathering approach.
Most bills advanced on committee votes, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan support. AB 770 was moved to Appropriations, AB 783 was passed as amended to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, AB 381 was sent to Labor, AB 668 and AB 880 were sent to Appropriations, AB 989 was sent to Public Employees and Retirement, and AB 592 was sent to Health. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing several additional bills, which was approved. The hearing ended with the roll left open for additional votes and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 12th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, when a report of abuse is made, a home visit is conducted or a hospital visit if the child
- After they were discharged from the hospital, we had taken them to doctor and ER visits ten times with
- We had them for less than eight weeks—ten visits, more than their weeks of life.
- On the... ...ten visits, more than their weeks of life.
- On September 18, 2022, during an ER visit, we learned that they had internal injuries, but we did not
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and considered five bills. SB 1174, by Senator Jones, would simplify the process for transferring a family foster home license when a foster parent moves within Florida. A friendly amendment clarified that the transfer applies to the same licensed person, not a different individual, and directs DCF to prioritize amended licenses. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
SB 558, by Chair Grall, created a framework for voluntary post-adoption contact agreements between adoptive and biological parents, including contact with siblings, with court filing and enforcement procedures. A strike-all amendment changed the child’s party status age from 14 to 12, required court filing in the adoption case, set a preponderance standard, and moved the effective date to January 1, 2026. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 1626, also by Chair Grall, was substantially revised by a strike-all addressing unaccompanied alien children reporting and custody procedures, military family child protective investigations, domestic violence shelter certification, children’s services councils, criminal-background exemptions, group home rates, subcontractor indemnification, child care licensing extensions, small residential group home fire suppression rules, and missing-child jurisdiction issues. After testimony both supporting and opposing parts of the bill, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
SB 738, by Senator Burton, updated child care and early learning licensing rules, including expedited licensing for compliant providers, faster background screening and provisional licensure, online training/testing, exemptions for certain military and employer-provided child care, and removal of a residential insurance provision from the bill. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 304, by Senator Sharief, known as Patterson’s Law, addressed child abuse investigations involving rare genetic or metabolic conditions that can mimic abuse. The strike-all required more detailed medical analysis in reports, allowed second opinions, and set procedures for experienced physician review and judicial resolution. After extensive testimony from affected families, advocates, and DCF, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. At the end, Senators Harrell and Rouson asked to be recorded as voting favorably on additional bills, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I've actually visited that Jacksonville Electrical Alliance Apprentice Program. Excellent.
- Johnson, during this subcommittee's recent visit to Lively Technical College, one of the instructors
- Johnson, during this subcommittee's recent visit to lively technical college, one of the instructors
- And it often requires follow-up visits and activities on that job seeker's behalf.
- And it often require, you know, we'll take some follow-up visits and, you know, activities on that job
Summary:
The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards.
Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Commissioner it's always great to see you know he's had the opportunity to visit our district several
- And also, the visit earlier this week, or last week, in regards.
- I mean 147 would love for you to come visit our schools.
- And just for my own knowledge, when was the last time you visited a school?
- Next time I'm in Houston, we'll certainly notify you so you can join us on a school visit.
Committee:
House Appropriations
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Kelly Loeffler, of Georgia, to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Jan 29th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'll look forward to your visit. Thank you, Senator. I'm very excited about visiting Utah.
- I got to see this really in operation visiting the Discovery Resource Centers in Los Angeles, Westwood
- I look forward to visiting your state as well. Good. Thank you.
- administrations, I've had a particularly strong working relationship with SBA Administrator McMahon, who came to visit
- Well, Senator, I would love to work with you on that, to visit your state, to understand the dynamics
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- year, a federal investigation revealed that a data brokerage company tracked people's interstate visits
- You can visit our website. I won't list them all here. No, I'd like you to give me some examples.
- You can visit our website at thespsc.org, and that's the best place to find our— So you're not prepared
- You know, I don't expect that when I visit WMD's site that what I'm looking at is being sent to Meta
- abortion clinics. strong comprehensive data privacy. or who visited abortion clinics.
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.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, March 2, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it a procedure code charge per visit? Is the charge only for the vaccination?
- Is it a procedure code charge per visit? Is the charge only for the vaccination? >> Mr.
- Is it a procedure code charge<00:38:03.359><c> per</c><00:38:03.680><c> visit?
- Is the charge only for charge per visit? Is the charge only for the<00:38:05.920><c> vaccination?
- ,</c> incurred from the emergency room visit, incurred from the emergency room visit, and<00:42:43.839
Committee:
House Labor, Health & Social Services
Keywords:
medical necessity, insurance, healthcare policy, independent review, claim processing, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, welfare, Medicaid, employment, eligibility verification
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So what they did is they visited 10 of the 67 redemption centers, and five of the 10 they visited two
- Uh, they visited them two times.
- They were one of the redemption centers that were selected for two visits.
- The second visit, same redemption center, Reynolds Recycling on University Avenue.
- /c><00:18:16.720><c> Reynolds</c> visit, same redemption center, Reynolds visit, same redemption center
Summary:
The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year.
Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent.
The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.