Transcript Highlights:

• This bill deals with backflow devices in...
• This bill deals with backflow devices in what would be required low-hazard buildings.
• So the first question you might have is, what is a backflow device?
• A backflow device is essentially a device that would be installed inside a building that would prevent
• The EPA recommends, does not require, these devices.

Committee: Senate Executive

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from June 24 and June 25, 2026, and then heard several bills and a resolution. On House Bill 382 with House Amendment 2, sponsored by Rep. Lynn and Sen. Hocker, the sponsor said the bill makes technical corrections to Delaware’s rental car and peer-to-peer car sharing laws after concerns raised following HB 209, clarifies when loss-of-use damages may be recovered, and preserves recovery for intentional, willful, or criminal conduct. Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Mobility supported the bill, while Allstate Insurance and Toro opposed it, arguing the measure could reintroduce unfair fees and leave too much discretion to rental companies; Sen. Townsend also said he wanted more clarity on how the bill would operate. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then considered House Bill 476, a Frederica charter change sponsored by Rep. Postals and Sen. Buckson. The bill would reduce town council meetings from twice monthly to once monthly and make ordinances effective immediately unless otherwise stated. Members asked why the Senate sponsor was absent and noted the bill requires a two-thirds vote, but no public comment was offered and no action was recorded. The committee also heard House Joint Resolution 13, sponsored by Sen. Sturgeon and Rep. Barry, which directs the Department of Labor to study a Delaware health care apprenticeship degree program to help address workforce shortages. The Delaware Health Care Association supported the resolution and urged coordination with existing workforce efforts; no opposition was presented and no vote was recorded. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 458 with House Amendment 1, sponsored by Rep. Lynn and Sen. Pardee, concerning backflow devices in low-hazard buildings. Sen. Pardee said the bill would exempt residences and office-type buildings from costly retrofits, while DHSS said the current regulation does not clearly define low-risk buildings and the bill’s list would not create immediate public health concerns until regulations are updated. The Delaware Association of Realtors supported the bill, saying the regulation is overly broad and expensive, while the Delaware Rural Water Association opposed it, warning that backflow prevention is important to protect aquifers and drinking water. The meeting ended with adjournment after public comment and no recorded votes in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> CHAIR LAMARCA. >> Rep.
• Chaney: AND THEY DO NOT MANDATE IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE APPROPRIATE DEVICE IN EVERY SITUATION.
• I HAVE SEEN THESE DEVICES.
• FDOT IS ALREADY USING THESE DEVICES.
• I WOULD AGREE THAT SIGNALING DEVICES OR WARNING DEVICES AND SAFETY DEVICES ARE BIG PART OF IT AND I THINK

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> need that ignition interlock devices. need that ignition interlock devices.
• on device providers.
• </c> devices and for certifying devices. devices and for certifying devices.
• </c> requirements to device providers. requirements to device providers.
• It makes clarifications to the device and specifies that the device is aftermarket.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, these disposable devices are increasingly...
• This does just address a small percent of the illicit devices.
• So those are devices.
• So those devices are available for nicotine.
• But also the video display device increases your dependency on the device and your level of interaction

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• I share your concern with distracted driving with electronic devices.
• Distracted driving involving the use of electronic devices is a choice.
• Telematics data have ...involving the use of electronic devices is a choice.
• device occurred for 19 miles of driving for every 100 miles driven in the data set.
• device occurred for 19 miles of driving for every 100 miles driven in the data set.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Have more fun than being on your device. Have more fun than being on your device.
• </c> devices, or what have you heard? devices, or what have you heard?
• . devices.
• Perra. >> [clears throat] device-free time. The barrier that I device-free time.
• </c> school building with these devices. school building with these devices.

Bills: HF3776 , HF3557 , HF3585

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We're basically talking about electronic communication devices.
• Some of them are being used for illegal activities to trying to sneak these devices in.
• People who are bringing these electronic devices intentionally into the jail, and not necessarily for
• the offenders who get caught with these devices?
• We're getting cell phones in there and any type of devices all the time.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2708, which would increase penalties for bringing or possessing unauthorized electronic communication devices in prisons and jails, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony and clarifying the statutory language. Representative Hovis said the bill is intended to deter contraband cell phones and similar devices that can be used to coordinate criminal activity, threaten victims, or continue gang operations from inside facilities. Department of Corrections staff supported the bill, saying cell phones are dangerous contraband and that current administrative sanctions are not always enough. Members asked about notice to visitors, current DOC discipline, whether the bill applies to inmates, staff, and visitors, and whether the language should be tightened to cover devices “capable of” communication; the sponsor agreed to have House Research review the wording and potentially offer a committee substitute. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee then heard House Bill 3038, which would place the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Special Investigations into statute and give it limited authority to assist investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of eligible adults. Representative Cook said the office already exists and the bill mainly codifies its role, allowing limited subpoena and search warrant authority to speed investigations, especially financial exploitation cases, while preserving local law enforcement and prosecutorial control. DHSS witnesses supported the bill, explaining that their investigators have long worked on vulnerable-adult cases and often need quicker access to records; they said the office has law enforcement experience and coordinates with Adult Protective Services and public safety agencies. Committee members asked about the fiscal note, vacancies, the definition of exploitation, whether the office can investigate public administrators or guardianship cases, and whether investigators have arrest authority; witnesses said the bill is not intended to create a new police force or expand arrest powers, but to formalize existing functions and improve access to records. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• No one will have to ship special devices to Alabama.
• The bottom line is the compliant filter is already on your device; it's just turned off.
• We are here in opposition because there are tools that currently exist on these devices.
• Let's age-verify the device.
• I use an Apple device.

Bills: SB186 , SB187

Committee: Senate Children and Youth Health

Keywords: internet filtering, child protection, obscene content, civil liability, manufacturers, app store, app store provider, app developer, mobile app, age verification, parental consent, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, age gating, digital privacy, data protection, in-app purchases, online consumer protection, deceptive trade practice

Transcript Highlights:

• Tragically, we've seen what can happen without these devices.
• So had this device been in that home at that time, similar to the Brown family, had the device been in
• And is there a device that's a battery-operated device and not a plug-in that you know of?
• would have been protected and is there a device that's a battery operated device and not a plug-in that
• This device costs $22.99.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, with strong support expressed for a proposed municipal and public safety building authority (H. 2571/S. 1650). Municipal officials, fire chiefs, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, regional planning leaders, and Senator Comerford described aging town halls, fire stations, DPW facilities, and other local buildings, especially in small towns and gateway cities, and argued that local budgets and Proposition 2 1/2 make major capital projects difficult to fund. Testimony emphasized the need for a dedicated revenue stream, with the bill proposing a share of marijuana excise tax revenue and a rural funding set-aside. Committee members asked about prioritization and funding levels, and witnesses said even a modest start would help address a large statewide backlog. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee later adjourned unanimously. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2689, requiring fuel gas alarms/detectors in residential dwellings using explosive gases. Representative Jeff Roy, Susan Brown, Jason Cohn, and representatives from NEMA and Kidde supported the bill, describing it as a life-saving measure similar to carbon monoxide detector requirements. Witnesses cited the 2015 Franklin propane explosion that killed Nancy and Robert Brown, the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, and national fire data showing fatalities and property damage from gas leaks. They said detectors are affordable, commercially available, and should be required where gas is used; one witness noted battery-backed or battery-operated options exist. Committee questions focused on cost, battery power, outdoor propane setups, and whether the bill would cover private databases or only residential safety devices. Another major topic was S. 1755 on missing and abducted children. Senator Pavel Payano testified in favor, citing the case of Lee Manuel Villoria Paolino and arguing that misclassification of missing children as runaways can delay urgent response and worsen outcomes, especially for Black and brown youth. He said the bill would set minimum law enforcement response standards, require training, and expand multilingual intake forms. The committee also heard support for expanding the state DNA database through familial DNA searching, with Dr. Amory Myers explaining that the technology could help solve long-unsolved cases while including guardrails to prevent use of private consumer DNA databases. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on H. 2740, “Colby’s Law,” establishing safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Colby Lippincott’s family, community members, and industry representatives described his fatal crash and urged requirements for medical staff, insurance, inspections, warning systems, barriers, and access roads. Witnesses said the bill would not end the sport but would create basic protections, and the committee heard that Massachusetts would join a number of other states with similar standards. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• . devices. devices.
• </c> ensuring these devices are safe for use. ensuring these devices are safe for use.
• So, they are both a very useful money-saving device, but they're also a safety device.
• So, they are both a very useful money-saving device, but they're also a safety device.
• </c> are allowing the use of these devices are allowing the use of these devices because<01:33:07.199

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't have these devices that had been type evaluated. They are now being type evaluated.
• It's interesting to note that mechanical or electronic devices can always break down.
• It's interesting to note that mechanical or electronic devices can always break down.
• It's interesting to note that mechanical or electronic devices can always break down.
• </c><01:01:41.920><c> they</c> know how many of these um devices they know how many of these um devices

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• That device needs to be approved by the Lieutenant Governor. ...gather to provide the device.
• That device needs to be approved by the Lieutenant Governor.
• You would bring your own device to participate in this.
• The state would not provide you a device, but your device would have to meet certain standards in order
• registration database for the state of Utah is on that device.

Committee: Joint Government Operations Interim Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Really, these devices are now mature enough that they are essential to grid reliability.
• , of any devices that have gone through certification.
• But there's not any devices that are UL certified yet.
• There's not any devices that are UL certified yet? Correct.
• It's not that the devices are inherently unsafe.

Bills: SB6271 , SB6174

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: mattress stewardship, producer responsibility, extended producer responsibility, EPR, mattress recycling, solid waste, landfill diversion, illegal dumping, recycling program, Department of Ecology, producer responsibility organization, PRO, renovator, retailer obligations, collection sites, bulk pickup, drop-off locations, waste management, environmental compliance, circular economy

Transcript Highlights:

• external storage devices?
• ballot counting device external storage devices?
• </c> devices? I would believe that. devices? I would believe that.
• the device available actually making the device available um<00:58:20.799><c> I</c><00:58:21.119><c>
• And we're now changing it to electronic ballot counting device, external storage device, uh, in several

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• devices and gaming facilities.
• It contemplates 1,200 gaming devices at up to two gaming facilities.
• So happy to answer any questions, but it is a very standard 1,200-device compact.
• This compact allows for up to 349 devices at up to three gaming facilities.
• This compact allows for up to 349 devices at up to three gaming facilities.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization held an informational hearing on seven tribal-state gaming compacts and amendments, with Chair Blanca Rubio noting that no formal vote would be taken because the Legislature cannot amend the compacts. The committee heard briefings from the Governor’s Office and tribal representatives on the Pechanga Band of Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and the Urok Tribe. A recurring theme was updating compact terms in light of the Ninth Circuit’s Chicken Ranch decision, including narrowing or clarifying revenue-sharing, regulatory, labor, and liability provisions while preserving state and tribal interests. For the Pechanga, Agua Caliente, and Yocha Dehe amendments, witnesses described commitments not to sue over certain revenue terms, additional gaming-device flexibility, and continued or enhanced payments to the special distribution fund, revenue-sharing trust fund, and tribal nation grant fund. Pechanga and Yocha Dehe each sought flexibility for 1,000 additional devices, while Agua Caliente sought 500 additional devices and a restructuring of its trust-fund contributions. Tribal leaders emphasized economic development, government services, public safety, education, cultural preservation, and community investments, and local government representatives from San Bernardino County and other jurisdictions spoke in support of the agreements. The committee also heard two new compacts: Fort Mojave’s compact, which replaces an expired 2004 agreement and allows up to 1,200 devices at up to two facilities, including a future site near Needles subject to federal approval and gubernatorial concurrence; and the Urok Tribe’s compact, which replaces an expiring 1999 compact and allows up to 349 devices at up to three facilities. The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians sought a fifth amendment extending its existing compact while litigation continues, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians sought a second amendment extending its compact term and refining liability and insurance provisions. After hearing testimony and brief public comment, the chair closed the hearing and indicated the measures would move to the floor for formal consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The internet works because every device has a clear standardized address.
• I think it's getting on device. So we have two methods that we deploy our system.
• And so getting on device is a big thing.
• We need a small amount of space on that device to embed sensors and so forth.
• The other future is getting those embedded into devices.

Bills: HB2809

Committees: House Science & Technology , House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Keywords: cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors

Transcript Highlights:

• So anyway, it's a button device that is...
• Anyway, so it's a button device that would be like on a lanyard worn around their neck.
• The other would be through a mobile device application.
• Each particular school campus would turn in $10,000 per device or per campus. campus.
• , I did receive, I guess, a list of devices.

Bills: HB205 , HB226 , HB234

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• A firearm safety device is a device that, when it is installed on a firearm, is designed to prevent the
• from the firearm itself, just the device, not the item itself.
• from the firearm itself, just the device, not the item itself.
• from the firearm itself, just the device, not the item itself.
• </c> a seller of a um a firearm safety device a seller of a um a firearm safety device or<00:42:33.520

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• devices.
• Some devices may stop working altogether.
• Some devices may stop working altogether, and these end-of-life devices pose a problem to consumers and
• they plan to support the devices, and it's time that Californians receive these same protections.
• So it's not any time a company stops supporting a device, they must replace it.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several privacy, technology, and public safety bills. SB 898 would require manufacturers of connected consumer products to disclose how long software support will last and to notify consumers when support is nearing its end; Consumer Reports supported the measure, while members raised concerns about private enforcement, notice mechanics, and replacement obligations for leased devices. The bill was amended and passed 5-1 to Judiciary, with the measure placed on call. SB 1279 would authorize Long Beach to install additional speed safety cameras on Pacific Coast Highway under the same privacy and equity guardrails as the existing pilot program, including limits on data use, no facial recognition, warning periods, and reduced fees for low-income recipients. Supporters cited severe crashes and fatalities on PCH, while opponents raised civil liberties and due process concerns and questioned how the system identifies the actual driver. The committee approved the bill 6-2 and placed it on call. SB 1111, the Artificial Intelligence Abuse Protection Act, would create civil remedies for non-consensual AI voice, image, and video cloning and digital replicas. Support came from SAG-AFTRA and Common Sense Media, and members discussed concerns about background images and employer liability, including a request to preserve a rebuttable presumption for good-faith employers. The bill passed 7-1 to Public Safety and was placed on call. SB 1217 would create a DOJ-run clearinghouse for survivors of non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfakes to request removal from online platforms; survivors and advocacy groups testified in strong support, and members discussed privacy, cybersecurity, funding, and the lack of a private right of action. It passed 8-0 to Public Safety and was placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1095, which would require fusion centers and participating agencies to adopt MOUs barring use of sensitive personal information for immigration enforcement or racial/identity profiling, require annual reporting, and allow audits and inspections. Supporters argued fusion centers have operated with too little oversight and have been used to circumvent state privacy and immigration laws; some members supported the transparency goals while others raised concerns about operational ambiguity and the bill’s interaction with existing law. The discussion continued, with the author and members debating the scope of permissible information sharing and enforcement consequences for violations.

Transcript Highlights:

• devices.
• Some devices may stop working altogether.
• Some devices may stop working altogether, and these end-of-life devices pose a problem to consumers and
• This is because these connected devices form an internet of things, a web of devices across the state
• So it's not any time a company stops supporting a device, they must replace it.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection