Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits a manufacturer, sale, and use of technology... Explicit consent.
• This bill does not ban technology.
• Kenne with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, in support.
• They use new technology.
• Thank you for your service to California.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the $13.7 million for the electric grid resiliency grant, lignite litigation, and the research technology
• That entity has now been renamed NDSU Research and Technology Park, doing business as Endeavor Barry
• And each biennium, the research technology park shall develop a plan for the use of the funds.
• And then Brenda Weiland is the chief executive officer of the Research Technology Park endeavor.
• But previous technology, you know, we would have been in a situation.

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• when the service member has federal military service of 90 consecutive days or more on a single order
• or people that were turned away for services.
• Agency for Enterprise Information Technology to the Division of State Technology and now to Florida
• Digital Service.
• Forest Service land without a permit.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for the wrongful convictions, incarceration, and death tied to the 1949 case. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step after prior state apologies, pardons, and exonerations. The committee adopted a $4 million amendment that divided compensation equally among the four families and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s share. Multiple family members and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the decades of trauma and the need for full justice. Senators in debate largely supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 330, which clarifies disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers by refining the definition of heart disease and allowing certain officers who transfer agencies to rely on a prior physical under specified conditions. SB 474 also passed, expanding military leave protections to include public officials and employees who serve in the Coast Guard or Florida State Guard, adjusting pay eligibility for federal service, and updating related retirement and assistance provisions. SB 96, the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program bill, was amended to expand eligibility to veterans with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level and to move funding into the General Appropriations Act; members debated whether the broader eligibility could increase demand, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for out-of-home placements, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. CS/SB 480 on state IT governance was reported favorably after amendments that strengthened vendor performance metrics and restored state data center security provisions; it creates a new central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office and aims to improve oversight of procurement, spending, and technical debt. SB 1066, addressing partial restoration of the Ocklawaha River and Kirkpatrick Dam, passed after a late-file amendment and extensive testimony from environmental, recreation, and local economic interests. SB 1216, which gives school districts more flexibility in educator compensation, and SB 1120, which increases oversight and reporting for water management district spending, were also reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 1366 on claims against the government, which raises sovereign immunity caps, ties future adjustments to CPI, shortens claim deadlines, and changes attorney-fee provisions. The bill drew support from local government and public-hospital groups as a compromise, but also significant concern from some senators about the impact on self-insured agencies and whether the fee changes would discourage attorneys from taking cases. The discussion remained ongoing, and the bill was still moving forward as the meeting continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:17.040><c> director</c> Wright is our fiscal services director Wright is our fiscal services
• Six months later, we found the technology. Many of you know what that technology is.
• </c><00:33:50.799><c> 6</c> technology. I'll hire the teacher." 6 technology.
• </c> months later, we found the technology. months later, we found the technology.
• </c> Many of you know what that technology Many of you know what that technology is.<00:33:54.720><c>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as I talk through a little bit about how information technology services work, we are an internal
• service fund.
• So, similar to what Robin just talked about with fleet services, all of our operational services are
• I guess on the page where you have the client technologies, example, desktop support services, standard
• I guess on the page where you have the client technologies, example, desktop support services, standard

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also extends protections for people working at, visiting, or seeking services from hospitals, child
• People should not have to choose between their safety and accessing essential services like education
• This is personal, as Chantal is a leader who chose service over safety and now is being punished for
• So allowing surveillance technologies without any oversight... ...cases like warrantless searches.
• I'm a retired Spokane police officer with 22 years of service, retired.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on four bills. SB 5925 would expand the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand authority to investigate possible violations of the U.S. and Washington constitutions, certain labor and civil rights laws, law enforcement use-of-force issues, and jail-related statutes. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s office, Teamsters 117, and Working Washington, said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases. Opponents, including police, sheriffs, cities, counties, and retail and business groups, argued it would give the AG broad investigative power without enough threshold showing, could burden local governments and employers, and raised constitutional concerns about speech and search protections. No vote was taken. SB 5906 would codify and expand protections for non-public spaces in schools, child care facilities, health care facilities, higher education institutions, and county auditor election areas by limiting immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant or court order and restricting collection of immigration-related information about students and families. Supporters said the bill would reduce fear, protect privacy, and make existing Keep Washington Working policies clearer and more durable, with testimony from immigrant rights groups, faith organizations, students, PTA, and health advocates. Some organizations, including health care and child care stakeholders, supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify definitions, create model policies, add training and enforcement provisions, and adjust warrant/subpoena language. The committee also heard strong opposition concerns about federal immigration enforcement, but no action was taken. SB 6070 would expand missing-person tools by allowing certain digital investigative tools to be used in missing endangered person cases, creating new Abney and Purple Alerts for missing Black people and people with disabilities, and broadening the definition of missing endangered person. Supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, tribal and disability advocates, families of missing persons, and students who argued that faster alerts and better digital tools save lives and address racial and disability disparities in missing-person responses. Testimony described delays in prior cases and the need for more urgent, targeted alerts. The committee then heard SB 6002, which would regulate automated license plate reader systems, set registration, use, retention, audit, and disclosure rules, and prohibit certain uses such as immigration enforcement and surveillance near protected locations. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create statewide guardrails for a technology already in use, and testimony was expected to continue after the excerpt ended; no vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> maybe where it is in its uh, technology maybe where it is in its uh, technology life<00:52:18.319
• <01:09:10.640><c> for</c> utilities or a defined service area for utilities or a defined service area
• </c> running a utility and providing service running a utility and providing service to<01:15:45.600>
• </c> reliable service to Minnesota customers. reliable service to Minnesota customers.
• </c> service or billing assistance that Mr. service or billing assistance that Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and public life and really when no one was looking. ...public service and public life and really when
• But most of all, remind us to walk humbly with you, remembering that true leadership is about service
• Communist countries like China use advanced technology to track every citizen for social and political
• Computer technology has put the privacy of Americans increasingly at risk.
• But perhaps what I admire most about Denise is her heart for service.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• large degree this particular scripture is one that informed how he carried himself, both in public service
• and public life and really when no one was looking. ...public service and public life and really when
• But most of all, remind us to walk humbly with you, remembering that true leadership is about service
• Computer technology has put the privacy of Americans increasingly at risk.
• But perhaps what I admire most about Denise is her heart for service.

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy. The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate. The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , fiscal affairs, and management services.
• , including the prime vendor, CDT project oversight services, and technology costs.
• So the delay was part of system change or technology.
• So the delay was part of system change or technology.
• services running for Californians.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard updates from the Secretary of State, EDD, the State Controller’s Office, CalHR, and DGS on a range of budget proposals and federal policy impacts. Secretary of State Shirley Weber opened with remarks about California’s election system, emphasizing its safety, transparency, high voter registration and vote-by-mail participation, and the office’s response to bomb threats and other election threats. Her staff then presented funding requests for the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) and Help America Vote Act/VoteCal activities, describing them as needed to modernize campaign finance and lobbying disclosure systems and maintain election security and voter services. A major portion of the hearing focused on federal election policy, especially the potential effects of a presidential executive order and the SAVE Act. Secretary of State staff said California would face significant, potentially unquantifiable costs if forced to comply, including new burdens on county recorders, county election offices, and the Secretary of State’s office, and warned of voter disenfranchisement, especially for students, seniors, disabled voters, military and overseas voters, rural residents, and people with limited transportation. Members and public commenters strongly opposed the federal proposals and argued California’s current system is functioning well. The committee also heard that federal HAVA funds were not expected to be at risk because the state draws them down into an interest-bearing account. EDD reported on paid family leave, explaining that recent delays were tied to a system transition and increased claim volume, and said it was simplifying applications and adding staff and automation. Public testimony supported expanding paid family leave to chosen family. EDD also said it is prepared for possible unemployment spikes, citing a recession plan, a command center, and recent hiring. The State Controller’s Office requested funding to continue the Fiscal migration project, which would move the state’s accounting book of record to the new system by July 1, 2026; Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee expressed support for the project’s progress. CalHR presented a proposal for a statewide recruitment, outreach, and education paid media campaign under AB 1511, saying its current advertising budget is too small to reach diverse communities effectively. The final item addressed Governor Newsom’s executive order requiring a return to office on a four-day schedule. CalHR and DGS said they were working department-by-department to assess space, parking, transit, and other logistics, but had not completed a statewide cost analysis. Members and many public commenters criticized the order, arguing it was rushed, costly, harmful to telework benefits, and potentially disruptive to workers, especially those with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> only necessary service related costs. only necessary service related costs.
• service supply.
• </c> more value added services. more value added services.
• </c> certainly still future technology risk. certainly still future technology risk.
• the</c> services and technology when the services and technology when the dedicated<04:13:27.520><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill seeks to exclude any professional service or work performed in the fields of information technology
• The bill seeks to exclude any professional service or work performed in the fields of information technology
• The bill seeks to exclude any professional service or work performed in the fields of information technology
• </c><01:04:28.319><c> sector</c> Foster growth in the technology sector Foster growth in the technology
• </c> attempt to exclude Professional Service attempt to exclude Professional Service or<01:20:47.480>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• provider, or necessary emergency services.
• . services when they need it.
• services.
• all receive service.
• With bond issuance comes debt service.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . services. services.
• ,</c><00:19:05.200><c> and</c> transportation, aging services, and transportation, aging services, and
• Together with the technology for all.
• </c> modernization to improve service modernization to improve service resiliency<00:26:40.159><c> and
• , service delivery will be impacted.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:52.400><c> and</c> investments in pricing technology and investments in pricing technology
• </c> people benefit from technological people benefit from technological advances.<00:25:08.880><c> I
• A streaming service offers you a lower rate to come back after you have canceled.
• That's what this bill does. all new technology systems, no none of all new technology systems, no none
• Now, through technology, stagnating.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Previous roles at Pivotal, Silvest Technologies, and Arrow Environment.
• Pivotal is centered on new technologies and public safety.
• Senate Bill 1242, relating to mental health services.
• After his years of service there, he decided to run for office.
• And Paul, thank you so much for your public service as well.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being here and thank you for your service.
• And thank you for your service in the Army Reserve. Appreciate that.
• Chairman, Senator Hart, through Wildlife Services, they work with us.
• Beyond that, the next two big areas were in technology and innovation.
• Beyond that, the next two big areas were in technology and innovation.

Summary: The committee began by introducing several RS drafts and sending them to print by unanimous voice vote. It then heard the gubernatorial reappointment of Dave Bobbitt to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Bobbitt described his background in banking and lifelong hunting and fishing in Idaho, and said his priorities include wolf and grizzly bear delisting and more state control over wildlife management. Senators asked about wolf depredation, population goals, hunting technology rules, and federal involvement in wolf management. The chair said the confirmation would not be voted on until the next meeting. The committee next considered House Bill 502, which would move Idaho Forest Products Commission provisions from administrative rule into statute and consolidate related definitions, nomination, chair/vice-chair, and assessment requirements in the code. Senator Harris said the bill was mainly a codification and streamlining measure with no material policy change. The bill was moved to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Joint Memorial 9, urging Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the primary authority for federal land management and exchanges. Support testimony came from J.R. Simplot Company representative Elizabeth Kreiner, who described a long-running land exchange dispute and argued the memorial would preserve certainty for western land exchanges. The memorial was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee received an update from Idaho Water Resources Research Institute Director Kendra Kaiser on the institute’s funded research and priorities. She said the institute had distributed more than $500,000 across Boise State, Idaho State, and the University of Idaho, and that water scarcity, technology/monitoring, and water quality were the main statewide research themes. She highlighted projects on snowpack and streamflow forecasting, flood forecasting, harmful algal blooms, managed aquifer recharge, monitoring gaps, East Snake Plain water supply modeling, and Lake Pend Oreille management. Senators asked about curtailment forecasting, the Snake River Basin Study, and how the research would help tributary water users. Kaiser said the institute’s curtailment analysis was for early planning only and that results would be posted publicly and shared through presentations and advisory groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we offer a technological solution.
• Only technology of being able to access Only technology of being able to access is<01:30:54.199><c> Healthcare
• </c> use of interactive Audio Only technology use of interactive Audio Only technology is is is sufficient
• We would prefer to see no sunset on those services or the reimbursement for those services.
• in our harm reduction services branch.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology upgrades, did we switch systems?
• Chairman Tanner and Representative Bruce, the purchase of service program is designed to provide a service
• Chairman Tanner and Representative Bruce, the purchase of service program is designed to provide a service
• We moved those contract costs into the court technology fund, so that is where the remote services are
• There are services that they provide.

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Judicial Branch budget, beginning with the Court Operations division. Legislative staff outlined the branch’s structure, recent spending trends, technology upgrades funded with ARPA dollars, and FY26/FY27 budget changes, including judicial compensation increases, added judges in several districts, and a late request for $800,700 from a dedicated fund to cover senior magistrate retirement and purchase-of-service costs. Court officials explained that the retirement request was driven by an unusual number of magistrate retirements announced too late to include in the original budget, and they also described the impact of declining federal support and the need to shift some treatment-court and technology costs to other funding sources. Members asked about the holdback, the court’s cloud and network modernization, the purpose of senior judge purchase-of-service payments, and the effect of treatment courts on public safety and incarceration; no vote was taken. The committee then heard the Second Judicial District CASA/Guardian ad Litem request for $77,900 in general funds. The program said the money would support a trainer/recruiter/data supervisor position, required office and record space, annual financial review, and liability insurance, citing rural service needs, declining VOCA and grant funding, and the need to recruit and support volunteers across a large district. The executive director described the program’s statutory role in child protection cases and said fundraising now covers about 30% of the budget, taking time away from direct services. Members asked about the decline in VOCA funds, the number of children served, and examples of the program’s impact; the director gave a detailed success story about helping a family reunify. The hearing ended with no recorded appropriation action, and the chair adjourned the meeting until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• These technologies are advancing faster than our ability to fully...
• Many of us have engaged with chatbots as just one example of this type of technology.
• Savings from the 340B program is how we are able to provide these types of services.
• This jeopardizes the ability of hospitals like ours to maintain services.
• I'm Rhonda Hoff, CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services in Yakima.

Bills: SB5877, SB5904, SB5988

Keywords: anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, opioid treatment, accreditation, health department, fee authority, substance abuse, 904, all