Transcript Highlights:

• will impact our small towns technologies will impact our small towns and<00:44:37.000><c> our</c><00
• We can and must ban weapons of war and high-capacity magazines that have no place on our streets.
• </c><00:53:53.640><c> Lock</c><00:53:54.000><c> your</c><00:53:54.200><c> weapons</c><00:53:54.640><c
• Lock your weapons up already do.
• If we're paying more because we have a dog and a trampoline, we can damn sure add weapons to that list

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><08:28:39.680><c> we</c> replacing them with the technologies we replacing them with the technologies
• </c> technologies has also dropped technologies has also dropped dramatically.<08:30:34.000><c> And</
• They've weaponized the Department of Justice. They've weaponized the FBI.
• They've weaponized the Department of Justice. They've weaponized the FBI.
• They've weaponized the Department of Justice. They've weaponized the FBI.

Bills: HR881 , HB1503

Keywords: immigration, law enforcement, ICE, border protection, violence, security threats, forced organ harvesting, trafficking, human rights, organ donation, sanctions, international law

Transcript Highlights:

• Waste that comes out of, typically, weapons legacy waste from, like, weapons development processes.
• New technologies, different needs.
• New technologies, different needs.
• done with this technology.
• This is today's technology.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Technology is deeply ingrained in the day-to-day operations of small businesses.
• exploring innovative technologies and tools for the future.
• And at the same... technology platform.
• So HR 8881 technologies are being used.
• The world's most consequential technologies are products of Americans Technologies are products of Americans

Bills: HB2323 , HB6644 , SB629 , HB8882 , HB8881 , HB8880 , HB8879 , HB4238 , HR915 , HR826 , HB7401 , HB7396

Keywords: Big Bend National Park, land acquisition, boundary adjustment, Secretary of the Interior, conservation, Holodomor, Ukraine famine, 1932-1933 famine, genocide recognition, Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, collectivization, grain confiscation, human rights, Ukraine, Ukrainian people, Russian aggression, Vladimir Putin, foreign affairs, sense of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• Waste that comes out of, typically, weapons, legacy waste from like weapons development processes.
• You know, what could be the next technology there to become the dominant technology for enrichment that
• with this technology... ...but then there hasn't been a lot done with this technology since then.
• And, of course, when we technologically enhance it, that technologically enhanced naturally occurring
• This is today's technology.

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the quality of questions from the group, followed by a series of technical presentations from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent nuclear regulatory changes tied to presidential executive orders, including NRC Part 53 for advanced reactors, the forthcoming Part 57 for very small reactors, and DOE updates to reactor authorization standards. He emphasized efforts to align DOE and NRC processes, use risk-informed and performance-based licensing, support reactor deployment for AI/data centers and national security, and use AI to speed communications and crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements. In response to questions, he said there was no plan to merge agencies, but rather to improve coordination and public outreach through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and reprocessing. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), why it is needed for advanced reactors, and DOE’s HALEU Availability Program and related investments in enrichment, transportation, deconversion, and supply chain development. He also covered spent fuel management, the possibility of centralized storage or a fuel-cycle campus, the Center for Used Fuel Research, and ongoing work on high-burnup cask testing and reprocessing technologies. Tolman described aqueous, pyrochemical, and fluoride-volatility reprocessing approaches, noting the advantages and waste characteristics of each, and said several companies are working with INL on these technologies. Ashley Shields presented INL’s AI and nuclear work, focusing on the Genesis initiative and the Prometheus effort to use AI to design, license, build, and operate reactors with far less human intervention. She described INL’s broad use of generative AI tools, the need to manage large volumes of legacy technical data, and applications in reactor design, materials discovery, autonomous laboratories, and digital twins. Shields said AI is being used to reduce the enormous documentation burden in nuclear licensing and to support autonomous or remotely operated reactor demonstrations, while stressing that humans remain in supervisory roles. In discussion, she addressed data security, model access, and the continued need for software engineers. The session then recessed briefly and resumed with Mitch Kerman beginning a presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waste that comes out of, typically, weapons legacy waste from, like, weapons development processes.
• New technologies, different needs.
• Technology thing, right?
• And, of course, when we technologically enhance it, that technologically enhanced naturally occurring
• This is today's technology.

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the availability of presentation materials, then moved into a series of technical briefings from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent federal and DOE efforts to streamline nuclear regulation for advanced reactors, including NRC Part 53 and upcoming Part 57 rulemaking, DOE authorization updates, crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements, and use of AI to speed licensing communications and document review. He emphasized that the goal is to align safety standards for advanced technologies, reduce rework for developers, and support deployment for commercial, defense, and research uses. In response to questions, he said there is no current plan to merge agencies, but there is more information-sharing and embedded NRC staff at DOE facilities; he also noted public outreach is supported through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, covering uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and recycling. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), DOE’s HALEU Availability Program, and the need to expand domestic enrichment, deconversion, and transportation capacity to support advanced reactors and the 2050 nuclear growth goal. He also reviewed used fuel management, including on-site storage at operating and shutdown reactors, the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL, a high-burnup research cask project, and the long-term repository question, which he said is ultimately political as well as technical. He outlined reprocessing approaches—aqueous/Purex, pyrochemical, and fluoride volatility—describing INL’s work on electrochemical processing of EBR-II fuel and noting industry interest from several companies in recycling technologies. Ashley Shields presented on AI for nuclear applications, describing INL’s use of generative AI, high-performance computing, and digital-twin tools to accelerate reactor design, licensing, operations, and materials development. She highlighted the Prometheus effort to pursue highly automated reactor design and operation, the large documentation burden for reactor licensing, and ongoing work on autonomous control, remote operation, and AI-assisted materials qualification through the Vulcan challenge and related data platforms. In questions, she said AI tools are used under data-governance and security controls, with different models chosen for different tasks, and argued that software engineers and human oversight remain necessary. The session ended with a brief recess announcement and a transition to a later presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill makes it a level six felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus.
• , as opposed to the way we store weapons in other venues.
• And so, you know, I don't see a need. ...store weapons in other venues.
• Do you know, does the Guardian program actually provide the weapon to the guardian? Mr.
• weapon.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• been threatened if she dared to do so, telling me that in middle school her students are carrying weapons
• What this bill does is make it so if there is a violent incident in your child's school or if a weapon
• It is very easy with modern technology to notify parents about something this important.
• to school and joining gangs just weapons to school and joining gangs just for<00:01:00.719><c> their
• It is very easy with<00:01:55.520><c> modern</c><00:01:55.840><c> technology</c><00:01:56.320><c> to<

Transcript Highlights:

• Not one of them was willing to store weapons.
• Thank goodness we had SB 368 by Senator Portantino. ...to store weapons.
• It is time that California adopts the use of life-saving technology.
• So I'm happy to answer any questions with regards to the technology.
• We don't believe it will work well for this new technology either.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Determination against our technology companies.
• Build up their nuclear arsenals and seek to overtake America's technological edge.
• I mentioned technology; I'd rather have a technology NATO.
• They're blocking important feed additive technologies in beef.
• From my perspective, our first weapon for national security ought to be an economic weapon, a non-kinetic

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• parts that are used to convert weapons unlawfully.
• and weapons parts that would convert a weapon into an unlawful weapon under state or federal law would
• into automatic weapons.
• This will convert an AR-15 into an automatic weapon.
• into automatic weapons, which is unlawful in the United States.

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology will connect... ...understand and manage their health.
• That's clean energy technology.
• What is the definition of a destructive weapon? Senator Pinkney: Great question.
• Your question: What is the description of a destructive weapon? Yes, Senator. 11 Del.
• We are the home of the vast majority of technology and data companies in this country.

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote. Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program. The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• And really what it does is, you know, it takes the weapon away from the person that used the weapon.
• And really what it does is, you know, it takes the weapon away from the person that used the weapon.
• Um so, we have the camera technology.
• </c> so, um we have the camera technology. so, um we have the camera technology.
• So this technology these days is definitely there.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, evolving technologies demand that NORAD and NORTHCOM rapidly adjust our defense posture.
• What I worry about the most is that instead of just weapons and technology that they will trade access
• You get into the safe city technology.
• threat of having Chinese technology on their critical infrastructure.
• the use of these new technologies.

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But 18-year-olds in the military aren't just handed a weapon and released into the public.
• Those register the same because in the military nobody touches a weapon without extensive training.
• Two issues in particular that we are hoping to address: first, case management technology.
• And over time, case management has become inextricably linked with the need for technology.
• Case management technology has lagged behind in funding, and you have have-and-have-not communities.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor said the bill restores the rights of law-abiding 18-year-olds. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters from Gun Owners of America and Florida Carry arguing that adults 18 and older should have equal Second Amendment rights and that current law is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities, while opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates, students, parents, and Parkland-related speakers, said the bill would reverse a post-Parkland safety measure and increase risks of suicide, accidental shootings, and school violence. Several members debated the bill, with opponents emphasizing Parkland, the Florida State shooting, and public polling showing broad opposition; supporters stressed parental responsibility, mental health, and constitutional rights. HB 133 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote of 13 yeas, with several members voting no. The committee then took up CS/HB 289, which would revise Florida’s wrongful death law to allow parents to recover damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to let grieving parents seek civil remedies, and members questioned how it would apply in situations involving surrogacy, rape, ectopic pregnancy, medical care, and damages calculations. The sponsor said the bill would not allow suits against the mother, would not apply to lawful non-negligent medical care, and would be handled through ordinary wrongful death damage proof before a jury. Public testimony was again split: supporters from pro-life and faith groups said the bill recognizes unborn children and aligns Florida with many other states, while opponents from civil liberties, reproductive rights, and advocacy groups warned it could be used to target abortion providers, helpers, and even families or businesses in miscarriage-related cases, and could be weaponized by abusive partners. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 289, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill makes it a level six felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus.
• , as opposed to the way we store weapons in other venues.
• And so, you know, I don't see a need. ...restore weapons in other venues.
• weapon.
• Maybe with new technology, we can discover that and be able to change it or avoid it.

Bills: S0118 , S0896 , S1690 , S1756

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the threats these technologies pose.
• And you're talking about a technology here.
• We have this technology for today's threat.
• The technology that Dr.
• in the technology.

Summary: The Select Committee on Homeland and Border Security convened with a quorum, adopted its standard committee rules, and began its interim work on the charge of keeping Texas skies safe. Members introduced staff and emphasized the committee’s focus on drone threats, border security, fuel trafficking, critical infrastructure, and public safety. The chair outlined that the committee would hear invited and public testimony over the interim to evaluate current law and recommend legislative action for the next session. The first invited witness, Dr. Michael McGee, gave extensive testimony on the rapid spread of drone technology and the difficulty of detecting and countering drones across multiple threat tiers. He argued that criminal organizations and hostile actors already use drones for surveillance, smuggling, and attacks, and that Texas now has new federal authority to counter drones but lacks enough trained personnel and statewide capacity. He recommended expanding Texas training pipelines, creating a statewide task force led by DPS, building a shared statewide data picture, pursuing federal and state coordination, and supporting lower-cost sensor development and Texas-based manufacturing. Members questioned him about airport vulnerabilities, critical infrastructure costs, commercial delivery drones, and the need for universal protection against evolving threats. A Texas Department of Public Safety panel then described current drone and counter-drone operations. DPS officials said drones are widely used for crash reconstruction, search and rescue, tactical overwatch, and critical infrastructure monitoring, while counter-UAS capabilities remain limited and layered, with only a small number of officers certified through the FBI’s two-week counter-drone course. They said DPS used federal coordination and grant-funded equipment successfully during FIFA-related events and is developing regional counter-UAS teams, but state law still needs updates on FAA alignment, weapons on drones, critical infrastructure definitions, altitude restrictions, sporting venues, and public education. The panel also described DPS’s drone first responder program, including rooftop-launched drones at the Capitol, the Alamo, and other sites, and said current mitigation authority depends on federal certification, policies, and coordination with FAA and air traffic control; without mitigation authority, officers mainly rely on visual detection and ground teams to locate operators.

Transcript Highlights:

• clean energy technology.
• It's not all that new technology. The U.S.
• That's what this technology does. This technology does.
• Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.
• Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.

Summary: The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and considered a large number of bills, many related to digital assets and cryptocurrency, including SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SB 1432, SCR 1003, SCR 1033, and SCR 1028. Members discussed whether the state should accept cryptocurrency for payments, tax or exempt virtual currency, ban central bank digital currency, and support digital assets in retirement systems. Senator Epstein repeatedly argued against the measures and tried to offer amendments targeting data center tax exemptions, but one such amendment was ruled not germane and the ruling was upheld on a division vote. The bills and resolutions in that group generally advanced with do-pass recommendations, with SB 1043 and SB 1044 amended before advancing. The Senate also advanced several bills on family law, public records, scholarship organizations, property conveyances, underground facilities, and environmental and energy issues, including SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328, SB 1078, SB 1142, SB 1184, SB 1254, SB 1278, SB 1281, SB 1418, SB 1445, and SB 1566. Some measures drew discussion and amendments: SB 1254 received a clarifying amendment for deeds handled by title and escrow professionals; SB 1278 had a floor amendment withdrawn; SB 1281 was amended by committee and floor changes; SB 1418 prompted questions about small modular reactors and concerns about uranium mining and health impacts; and SB 1566 was amended to address malicious delay enforcement and judicial review. Most of these bills received do-pass recommendations. In the health and human services calendar, the Senate advanced SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631, with SB 1124 retained on the calendar. Debate centered on ACCESS and remote work, administrative deficiency cure periods, anonymous complaints, fee-for-service claims, and DCS-related hearings and investigations. Senator Gonzales opposed several ACCESS-related bills, arguing they lacked appropriations, could disrupt services, or conflicted with federal Medicaid law, while sponsors said the bills addressed agency performance and provider complaints. SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, and SB 1345 were amended before receiving do-pass recommendations, and SB 1345’s sponsor said ACCESS was removed from the bill. The final calendar included regulatory and veterinary-related bills such as SB 1137, SB 1144, SB 1205, and SB 1286. SB 1205, dealing with motor vehicle booting fees, received a floor amendment requiring an appeals process for private parking lots. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine and prescriptions, drew the most extended debate, with a committee amendment and a Kavanagh floor amendment restoring a 14-day prescription extension and adding flea and tick treatment; Senator Leach opposed the floor amendment, describing prior stakeholder negotiations and changes in committee support. The transcript ends while that debate is still underway, after several bills have already been reported out with do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• To add insult to injury, we still don't know how the weapon got in.
• And under the category of other weapons or dangerous items, 13.
• Yet we don't have anything like that for the school weapons detection.
• I also am very, very concerned about weapons getting on campus.
• Students can figure out a way to not have a weapon go through a metal detector.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI