Video & Transcript Research : 'tech accountability'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THEREFORE, WHAT THAT MEANS IS THERE WOULD BE 22 PROGRAMS BUT IF WE HAD THE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURE IN
- ON THAT LEVEL THERE'S BEEN $8.5 MILLION FOR OUR DISTRICT TECH COLLEGES AND $20 MILLION FOR OUR FLORIDA
- WE HAVE LAKE TECH WITH 25,000 NEW TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION HUBS.
- BUT THE BIG THING I WANT TO SAY IS THE OTHER THING THAT YOU THINK ABOUT IS ACCOUNTABILITY. GREAT.
- AS FAR AS ACCOUNTABILITY WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BASED ON WHAT WE PRODUCE AND THEN YOU TALK TO THE BUSINESS
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , and no clear accounting of the price.
- , and no clear accounting of the price.
- This bill doesn't save big tech from complexity; it saves them from transparency.
- <01:02:13.319>
there limit to the greed of big tech there limit to the greed of big tech there - we are shoveling out to Big Tech we are shoveling out to Big Tech billionaires<01:02:48.160>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 52 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:50 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Big Tech has fought against data privacy for a long time.
- It's not accountable in any way. But it profits.
- Today, many big tech companies and data brokers largely function this way.
- accountable. and that that would somehow protecting consumers and holding big tech accountable.
- All amendments are accounted for. There is no fiscal note. Mr.
Summary:
The House first adopted several resolutions from the Committee on Rules, including congratulations to four Eagle Scouts and recognition of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. The chamber then took up a series of bills reported by Ways and Means and other committees, repeatedly suspending the rules to move them forward. These included the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Linfield funding transfer bill, with each measure advancing by amendment or being passed to a third reading or engrossment.
A major portion of the session focused on the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, with multiple members speaking in support. Supporters described the bill as a broad consumer privacy framework that would limit data collection, require consent for sensitive data, ban the sale of precise location data, restrict targeted advertising to minors, create consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data uses, and provide enforcement tools for the Attorney General and, in limited cases, a private right of action. Several members emphasized protections for reproductive health, immigrant communities, and neural data, while others argued the bill would not burden small businesses and would instead hold large data holders accountable. The House adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading, then later passed the bill to be engrossed and enacted.
The House also considered and enacted Senate 2563, a bill updating language in the laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members described the measure as removing outdated and offensive terminology and replacing it with person-first language without changing substantive law. After debate, the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then enacted it by roll call. In addition, the House enacted the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House 5470, and approved a bill extending deadlines for Middleton and Milton, both by roll call votes with no opposition.
Later, the House took up a temporary summer 2026 local-option pilot allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts. Supporters framed it as an economic development and tourism measure tied to major upcoming events, and the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then concurred with the Senate version. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet again the following Monday in informal session.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 115 May 8th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- However, However, However, accounting<02:01:00.880>
rules, accounting rules, accounting rules, - This opens doors for tech to self-regulate and shield tech from liability.
- The tech companies themselves. The tech companies themselves.
- the tech the tech companies.
- And you know, I'm not tech-savvy. And you know, I'm not tech-savvy.
Summary:
The Senate was in session with a quorum present, approved the journal, and received several committee and House messages before moving through a long third-reading calendar. The chamber also paused for multiple personal privilege recognitions, including welcoming community guests and students, and a lighthearted update that Senator Sullivan’s missing stuffed “Chip” had been found. The majority leader later moved to lay over the remaining third-reading bills until later in the day, and the Senate also laid over special-order second reading bills until after third reading.
On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 185 and a series of House bills, including HB 1342 on bear-luring behavior, HB 1269 on transit access, HB 1225 on distributed energy resources, HB 1233 on property tax procedures for nonresidential property, HB 1414 on medical records held by certain health care entities, HB 1256 on release procedures from the Department of Corrections, HB 1004 on a child care income tax credit, HB 1014 extending the Colorado Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit, HB 1111 creating a pesticide product disposal and container recycling program, and HB 1287 continuing certain Division of Real Estate regulatory functions. HB 1206 was laid over to Monday, and SB 193 was laid over to the bottom of the calendar. Several of these bills passed with notable no votes from minority members, while others passed with broad support.
The Committee of the Whole then took up House Bill 1276, a bill concerning protections for immigrants in Colorado and related appropriations. Senator Weisman explained and the committee adopted two amendments: one extending the deadline for peace officer training from July 1 to December 31, 2027, and another clarifying that a certification requirement would not apply to the judicial branch’s e-filing system but would continue to apply to other judicial data systems. Senator Judah spoke strongly in support of the bill, arguing it was about government accountability, privacy, and conditions in detention facilities. The committee adopted both amendments and then adopted HB 1276.
The committee also considered House Bill 1419, dealing with the overall refund amount for state revenues above the TABOR spending limit. Senator Bridges presented the committee report, and Senator Kirkmeyer spoke in opposition, arguing the bill was an unnecessary maneuver to retroactively alter accounting and TABOR refund calculations despite prior compliance and a clean audit opinion. After debate, the committee report was adopted and the bill was taken up for further discussion, with the transcript ending amid that debate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 04/24/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- would be for that under 16 account. would be for that under 16 account.
that <00:31:57.840>that some tech tech companies that that that some tech tech companies- tech companies accountable<00:56:09.720>
for <00:56:09.840>the <00:56:09.960>harms - funds or accounts. funds or accounts.
- So, accounts.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The first is for career dual enrollment, which takes place on the Florida College System side, the tech
- colleges and tech centers, as well as our Florida College System institutions.
- How are we accounting for that?
- . ...that would have been slated for phase out under accountability had the accountability measure been
- in place, but the accountability measure will go in place in 2026.
Summary:
The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs.
Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later.
Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- currently serve in tech centers.
- We were able to increase student count by 10,000 students in career tech.
- Where some of those students are taking classes with career tech or at a career tech in lieu of 2 classes
- That's what career tech does for us.
- Most states that the Career tech system is not standalone.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM. Jun 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We do... ...bit of time working in new tech.
- New Tech Ag.
- Industry partners like local farms, ag tech.
- Phillips, or right here with Pulaski Tech. Community markets, like...
- Because... ...compete with new tech ag like this farm to table.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony from Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm about the impact of Act 698 on raw dairy producers. Ballard said the law allowed his farm to expand from one cow to 12, serve about 150 families, increase sales by roughly $50,000, and sell about $10,000 in raw cheese and other products through retail outlets. He argued the law improved farm income, food security, and local supply, and he asked for an optional state inspection/certification path for raw milk producers so they could access USDA grants and other opportunities available to licensed dairies. Committee members asked about herd management, safety practices, bee production, market channels, and whether such certification should remain voluntary; Ballard said he follows Grade A-style sanitation, chills milk quickly, removes sick cows from production, and supports optional training or inspection but not mandatory regulation.
Members also raised food safety concerns, especially for children and pregnant women, and Ballard responded that raw milk producers rely on cleanliness, rapid cooling, consumer feedback, and truth in labeling. He said the health department currently inspects commercial dairies but not raw milk producers who do not sell through a cooperative, and he believed state inspection would help producers distinguish themselves and qualify for funding without changing interstate rules. Several members discussed the balance between consumer choice, safety, and possible “mission creep” if the state created a certification system.
The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container farming as a response to food insecurity and food deserts. Bolden described a three-year workforce and career-technical program built around retrofitted shipping containers, drones, robotics, agribusiness, and AI, with partnerships involving schools, universities, Farm Bureau, UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other entities. He said the model could create year-round local food production, support school cafeterias and community markets, and generate jobs and economic impact, estimating at least four jobs per container and potentially significant regional economic benefits. Members asked about costs, target communities, energy needs, crop types, and implementation timelines; Bolden said the first containers for school sites could be in place by late summer or early fall, with pilot projects already underway in Arkansas and Orlando. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- establish the mixed income sub account establish the mixed income sub account um<00:57:37.760>
<00:58:27.520>in <00:58:27.720>each account account of $75 million in each account - account of $75 million in each of<00:58:28.039>
the <00:58:28.160>next <00:58:28.359>- Tech amendments: I recommend remove HD1, tech amendments for clarity, consistency, and style, with a
- HD1 Tech amendments for clarity remove HD1 Tech amendments for clarity consistency<01:03:58.359>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures. SB 38 SD2 drew mixed testimony on changes to 21H projects, with HHFDC supporting and county and community groups split between support and opposition. In discussion, members focused on how county legislative bodies can alter projects in ways that increase costs, including changes to AMI mixes and fee waivers. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, limiting county changes that would impose stricter conditions than HHFDC, stricter AMI requirements, or reduced fee waivers; the motion passed with one member voting with reservations and two members excused.
A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 71 SD2, which would revise the rental housing revolving fund. Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi YIMBY, and NAAP Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken support for deeply affordable units, eliminate the 5% set-aside for households at or below 30% AMI, and create a funding gap for households between 60% and 120% AMI. Supporters of the bill, including public housing and some development interests, emphasized the need to redirect funding and make the program more flexible. In decision-making, the committee described the bill as making comprehensive changes that would narrow Tier 2 toward higher-income projects and favor shorter loan terms, then moved it out with amendments.
The committee also heard and advanced several other measures with little or no opposition: SB 40 SD2 on state finances, SB 378 on HHFDC, SB 572 SD1 on housing, SB 1229 ST2 on the dwelling unit revolving fund, and SB 602 on the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority all received support testimony and were moved forward. For SB 65 SD2, HPHA and other agencies supported the measure, and HPHA testified it sought roughly $8 million to $10 million for repair and maintenance of units not covered by CIP funds. The committee also took up SB 826 SD1 on the low-income housing tax credit, where HHFDC, the Tax Foundation, and DHHL expressed confusion over the bill’s intent and whether it would bar state agencies from using LIHTC financing; no action was taken on that item in the excerpt. SB 944 SD2 on LIHTC transferability drew support and a suggestion to keep clarifying language that notifies the tax department, and the committee indicated it would keep the provision in.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- , so I got my tech support here today.
- I don't have tech support today.
- on thank you Mr chair I don't have tech on thank you Mr chair I don't have tech support<00:19:13.799
- <00:27:21.480>
of accounts uh a brokerage account of accounts uh a brokerage account of record - And then the final one is the self-directed brokerage account.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:11
Attendance Roll Call: 00:18
Senate Bill 10 (Sen. Mills): 01:47
Senate Bill 65 (Sen. West): 18:47
Senate Bill 104 (Sen. Madon): 25:41
Adjournment: 31:38, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 10, which would revise CERS retiree health subsidies for members who began participating on or before July 1, 2003. Senator Mills said the bill was developed with employee and employer groups to improve retiree health benefits while protecting the system’s financial footing, using a shared-cost structure. Testimony from sheriffs, police chiefs, firefighters, and the League of Cities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing recruitment and retention, affordability of retiree health coverage, and limited taxpayer risk. Members echoed those points, and the committee approved SB 10 with a 9-0 favorable recommendation.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator West, which would codify the Administrative Regulations Committee’s annual practice of placing certain deficient regulations into statute so they cannot take effect. West explained that the committee’s role is limited to finding regulations deficient or asking for deferral, and that SB 65 is the fifth version of this measure. He described the specific regulation at issue as a Medicaid Services rule that would have required behavioral health associates to hold a master’s degree; providers testified that it would reduce the workforce and harm behavioral health services statewide. West said the committee had deferred the matter eight times before deciding to side with providers. The bill received favorable expression and was reported out.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Senator Madon, concerning Kentucky Deferred Comp for state employees. The bill would establish a codified fiduciary standard, authorize fiduciary liability insurance, add self-correcting mechanisms to keep the plan in compliance with federal law, and allow self-directed brokerage accounts. Personnel Cabinet representatives said the changes would align the plan with other public pension plans, reduce risk, and offer participants a useful investment option with strong account growth among users. SB 104 also received favorable expression and was reported to the floor. The committee then adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And then SB 19, the school finance unit value reset, and then SB 44, New Mexico Tech Board monitoring
- It's a matter of educational equity and accountability.
- Additionally, charter schools operate under two levels of accountability.
- Timmons from New Mexico Tech. He is the head of the geology department—almost a geography.
- I love it whenever I am able to work with New Mexico Tech, and they do give impartial data.
Keywords:
special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 19th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We're starting a Surg Tech program.
- South Dakota tech schools, and they have some really good tech schools.
- The four tech schools, Lake Area Tech, Mitchell Tech, Southeast Tech, and there's one more.
- I know the president at Lake Area Tech very well.
- and Alex Tech in Alexandria.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- here and accountability to spend every dollar wisely.
- Let's talk tech just for a minute: remote patient monitoring.
- Let's talk tech just for a minute, remote patient monitoring.
- And the tech one, there's so much to know in the tech one that's available.
- So we'll need technical assistance as it relates to the tech one.
Bills:
HB1623
Keywords:
HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date.
Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability.
Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/27/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:52:22.640>
and take action regarding this account and take action regarding this account - owner or the c, you know, the account owner or the c, you know, account<00:52:34.000>
custodian,< - can't get a hold of the account owner. can't get a hold of the account owner.
- lead in transparency and accountability lead in transparency and accountability and<00:58:36.559
- The child has a ChatGPT account.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM. Jun 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So there are different job opportunities for high-tech jobs and other places.
- So are different job opportunities for high-tech jobs and other places.
- New Tech Ag.
- Phillips, or right here with Pulaski Tech.
- So it's a skilled labor job with high-tech driving the food production.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and practical effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law allowed his family farm to expand from 8 to 12 cows, serve about 150 families, add retail sales of raw cheese, and increase annual sales by roughly $50,000. He argued that raw milk production supports small farms, improves food security by keeping milk production in-state, and should be paired with optional state inspection and certification so producers could access USDA grants and other value-added opportunities. Committee members asked about herd management, safety practices, labeling, consumer education, and whether a voluntary inspection system could be created without leading to more regulation. Ballard said his farm follows sanitary practices, chills milk quickly, uses educational materials for customers, and has not had any reported illnesses among customers.
Members also discussed broader concerns about raw milk safety, including E. coli, sick animals, and whether state agencies should provide more guidance or training. Several lawmakers expressed support for consumer choice and for small producers, while others emphasized the need for clear standards and accountability. The discussion also touched on the decline of commercial dairies in Arkansas, the role of the health department, and whether state certification would be limited to in-state sales.
The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based agriculture as a response to food insecurity and workforce needs. Bolden described retrofitted shipping containers that can grow produce year-round with low water use, and said the model could be paired with career and technical education, drones, robotics, and agribusiness training in schools and communities. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with the Little Rock School District, Southwest High School, UAPB, and other partners, and estimated that five regional hubs could have significant economic impact while creating jobs and reducing food deserts. Members asked about target communities, costs, energy needs, crop types, and how the model would work in rural areas; Bolden said the approach is a public-private partnership intended to support local farmers, schools, and community food access. No votes were taken on Bolden’s proposal, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Technology and Science, Joint Commission on May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So another aspect of that partnership is a tech policy symposium that will be kicked off by our chair
- Polis was immediately feeling the heat from having signed this particular law into account.
- Polis was immediately feeling the heat from having signed this particular law into account.
- But again, it tends to be too influenced by the tech lobby at this point, in my opinion.
- But again, it tends to be too influenced by the tech lobby at this point, in my opinion.
Summary:
The commission opened its first 2026 meeting by calling the roll, confirming a quorum, welcoming new members, and reelecting Delegate Cliff Hayes as chair and Senator Barbara Favola as vice chair. Members also adopted the commission’s annual virtual participation policy, which allows remote participation but does not permit virtual attendance to count toward a quorum.
The commission then heard an introductory presentation from VITA CIO Mike Watson, who outlined the agency’s mission and structure, including cybersecurity, infrastructure, governance, and procurement. He emphasized VITA’s role in protecting state systems, managing statewide technology contracts, overseeing major contract recompetes, and developing an approach to artificial intelligence that keeps a human in the loop. Members asked about AI executive orders, cybersecurity support for localities, and what the General Assembly could do to help VITA serve state and local partners; Watson stressed the need for clear policy direction, process modernization, and guardrails that allow innovation without reckless deployment.
Executive Director Jody Coon presented the 2026 work plan, including a schedule of meetings, a broader focus on science topics, and planned presentations from Virginia Sea Grant, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, and a health-tech company. She reviewed prior commission recommendations, noted that several AI-related bills were not introduced in 2026 because of the federal executive order, and outlined this year’s studies and deliverables, including workgroups on .gov domains and caller ID accuracy, a study on age verification, a brief on companion chatbots, and a major study on independent verification organizations. The commission discussed whether the AI study would duplicate work by another legislative body and agreed to proceed with coordination and to include best practices and other-state comparisons in resource briefs; the work plan was then adopted.
Dr. Kira Allman and Steve Wimmer provided presentations on federal and state AI policy. They described recent White House executive actions, including an executive order and national framework that seek to preempt burdensome state AI laws, and explained how those actions have chilled some state legislation, especially where BEAD broadband funding could be affected. They also reviewed how different states have responded—some pulling back, others moving ahead with AI bills on chatbots, deepfakes, transparency, and child protections—and suggested Virginia focus on carve-outs, state-specific applicability, regulatory sandboxes, and coordination with other states. Members debated the balance between innovation and guardrails, the risks of federal retaliation, and the need to protect children and address AI harms while avoiding unnecessary conflict with federal policy.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- c> from prevent big tech big tech companies from prevent big tech big tech companies from hooking
- abuse by big tech companies. abuse by big tech companies.
- They're veterans of big tech.
- <01:16:11.720>
with tech with tech with the<01:16:12.960>fast-evolving <01:16:14.000> the fast-evolving climate in tech. the fast-evolving climate in tech.
Keywords:
permit processing, permitting reform, county permits, development permits, building permits, land use, construction delays, housing development, infrastructure development, county workforce, differential pay, salary incentive, performance bonus, recruitment and retention, expedited hiring, vacancy rates, permit backlog, government modernization, county mayor, county council
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills, with most measures drawing broad support and a few generating significant opposition or policy questions. SB 2908 SD1 and SB 2671 SD1 were taken up first; both appeared to have majority support, with SB 2908 receiving seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, and SB 2671 receiving five in support and two comments. SB 3085 SD2, related to film industry operations, drew 11 supporters and no opposition. Georgia Skinner explained that the bill would streamline the approval timeline for productions by reducing delays tied to Land Board review, and she said DLNR supported the effort. Committee members asked about the need for the change and the relationship between the film studio, DLNR, and the approval process.
The committee then discussed SB 2907 SD1, which would create an Office of Marine Affairs. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, HTDC, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, ocean industry representatives, and others. The governor’s office supported the bill’s intent but objected to placing the office within the Office of the Governor, urging instead that it be housed at HTDC. HTDC said it was willing and excited to take on the work and described ongoing stakeholder engagement. Members asked about the rationale for the placement and the long-term structure of the office.
SB 2353 SD2, concerning the Aloha Stadium district and billboard/naming-rights issues, drew strong opposition overall, with four in support, 23 in opposition, and one comment. Andrew Pereira of the Stadium Authority argued the measure could generate revenue to help maintain and operate the stadium and said the district would remain self-contained; he also emphasized that the development would respect the character of the area. The committee then heard SB 2074 SD1, which had five in support and 26 in opposition; only one support testimony from the Carpenters was heard before the discussion moved on. Finally, SB 2360 SD1, an enterprise zones measure, received 14 supportive testimonies and two comments. Testimony focused on updating the program for modern business models, especially e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, while committee members questioned whether the program overlaps with higher tax burdens and whether businesses receiving subsidies should be monitored for job retention after graduation from the program.
TX
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Big tech platforms are not over safety. Big tech platforms are not neutral.
- It also ensures big tech is held It also ensures big tech is held accountable for their decisions through
- accountable.
- It is long past time to hold big tech and social media accountable.
- is held accountable.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- colleges, tech centers, as well as our Florida College System institutions.
- How are we accounting for that?
- had the accountability measure been in place.
- But the kind of accountability measure will go in place in 2026.
- I've taken it upon myself to start meeting with tech companies.