Video & Transcript Research : 'technology centers'
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AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, and so, you know, data centers use a lot of electricity.
- this bill has to do with data centers this bill has to do with data centers and<00:16:13.600>
- thing we realized that our data center thing we realized that our data center uh<00:16:22.079>
- Blockchain technology has usually a hundred or more members for these companies.
- So the digital assets, uh, which are authenticated by blockchain technology.
Keywords:
loitering, mask policies, school safety, crime prevention, public health, board appointments, governor authority, multi-member boards, state governance, legislative authority, Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code, Title 10A, corporate governance, nonprofit governance, business corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Postsecondary Education Apr 7th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1735 is a cleanup bill that aligns the oversight of the technology center career tech schools
- more directly into the state board of career and technology education for certain Functions.
Keywords:
education, concurrent enrollment, students, age restrictions, academic access, apprenticeship, career education, youth programs, employment, technology centers, SB1593, OSU Tulsa, Oklahoma State University/Tulsa, Board of Trustees, higher education, university governance, A&M Board, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, presidential search, board rules
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- As we look and as we establish the Center for Neurodiversity at the University of Florida this year to
- I did legislation to get a seventh CARD center at FAU.
- I've seen what has happened at the University of Florida with the Lassinger Center, with the whole ESE
- But I feel like centering and making Abraham and George Washington the center of attention...
- You cannot answer those questions without centering enslaved Africans in their descendants.
Keywords:
Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote.
Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG DEFER Public Hearing 04-17-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Bills:
HCR206
Keywords:
data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met in Room 016 for a scheduled decision-making session, but the chair announced that quorum was not present. As a result, no testimony was taken and no action was taken on the agenda items: HCR 43, HCR 154, HCR 165, and HCR 202 HD2.
Because of the lack of quorum, decision-making on all listed measures was deferred. The chair announced the committee would reconvene on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 225.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-AEN, WLA-AEN, AEN-HHS, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 04-17-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- this agenda: House Concurrent Resolution 2206 HD1 regarding the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers
- this agenda: House Concurrent Resolution 2206 HD1 regarding the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers
- House Concurrent Resolution 2206 HD1 regarding the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers.
- Right away, the community identified floating solar as a generation technology that's aligned with their
- that's aligned with their technology that's aligned with their goals<00:22:41.760>
and <00:22:
Bills:
HCR206
Keywords:
data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees met on several concurrent resolutions focused on energy, agriculture, water, and food security. Testimony on HCR 206 HD1 concerned the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers, with comments submitted by the PUC, the Energy Office, and others; the measure was recommended for passage without amendment, though one committee deferred formal action until a later meeting because of quorum issues. HCR 31, recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, received strong support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, which emphasized managed grazing, groundwater infiltration, and food production; it was recommended and adopted as passed unamended. HCR 33, on the Pua Kōloa sewage project, was amended to add UH Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, monitoring, and technical assistance, then recommended for passage with amendments.
The committees also heard and advanced a series of resolutions on environmental and land-use issues. HCR 36 establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, HCR 19 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 162 creating an arts and data mapping task force, HCR 61 on reforestation investment, HCR 106 endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and HCR 178 urging a Maui water set-aside were all recommended for passage as is and adopted. HCR 14, authorizing a perpetual non-exclusive easement for drainage purposes, was recommended for passage with technical, non-substantive amendments. HCR 179, addressing the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, was amended to create a working group with legislative, Aha Moku, DLNR, and OHA representation to report back for the 2027 session, and was recommended for passage with amendments.
In the agriculture and environment hearing, HCR 117 on statewide food security drew testimony from a high school student and others stressing Hawaii’s vulnerability to supply disruptions and the need for local food resilience; it was passed as is. HCR 103, supporting expanded tree canopy and shade trees to reduce urban heat islands, also passed as is after a member noted storm damage concerns and suggested careful plant selection. HCR 180, urging the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore co-locating renewable energy projects with agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure, received strong support from Molokai Clean Energy Hui and others describing the Kalaupapa Reservoir floating solar project and its community planning process; it was passed as is. HCR 144 HD2, calling for a comprehensive statewide food security strategy, was also recommended and adopted without amendment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to include a new category of data centers termed large-scale data centers.
- data center.
- to include a new category of data centers termed large-scale data centers.
- data center.
- centers.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 26th, 2025
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, if y'all have government technology fever, I have the bill for you. It is HB207.
- I got to know Secretary Kart, who heads up the Office of Information Technology for the State.
- In 2017, it was updated to actually run technology.
- It also creates a technology quality assurance board, which serves as a clearinghouse between the various
- departments to discuss technology and to stay on the same page.
Keywords:
public works, sealed bids, bid notice, public notice, newspaper advertisement, centralized website, digital platform, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, county commissions, municipalities, contracting, procurement, construction bidding, Alabama code Title 39, bidding requirements, electronic bidding, online bid posting, HVAC, heating and air conditioning
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Economic Development and Tourism
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- So what this does is it's the companion bill to House Bill 399, which is a data center bill, and it's
- which<00:09:34.240>
is <00:09:34.320>a <00:09:34.640>data <00:09:35.120>center - <00:09:35.600>
bill <00:09:35.839>and uh 399 which is a data center bill and uh 399 - which is a data center bill and it's<00:09:36.240>
the <00:09:36.480>incentives <00:09:
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 3296 simply data centers.
- wants to remain a leader in technology wants to remain a leader in technology such<00:05:17.840>
- <00:25:35.760>
or I used to sell into data centers or I used to sell into data centers or - center technology has been in, but data center technology has been changing<00:25:48.080>
and < - the bat, those technologies do do that. the bat, those technologies do do that.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/05/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- This technology can augment so many processes, and we're finding more and more use cases and opportunities
- The location and designation for land use must be sufficient for the development of data centers and
- data centers.
- Projects like data centers are specific types of uses that fit into these broader categories.
- We understand that there's significant growing demand for data centers.
Keywords:
comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all
Summary:
The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued that AI should be treated as software deployed across many use cases, not just chatbots, and urged the state to identify opportunities proactively, avoid unnecessary agency-level AI rules, use existing procurement structures, and measure outcomes. Members asked about workforce impacts, agency involvement, privacy, and the balance between innovation and regulation; Garrison said AI would likely augment workers first, create new jobs over time, and should be guided by the legislature rather than broad agency rulemaking. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Department of Administration to have budget units identify AI opportunities and streamline implementation, and an amendment adding reporting requirements to state leaders and the Secretary of State. After limited public testimony, the amendment was adopted and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent.
The committee next took up HB 2452, which would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning and adjust county land-use planning requirements, including changes related to renewable energy planning in larger counties. Supporters said the bill would help counties plan ahead for data center growth and future energy needs, including SMRs and other emerging technologies. County representatives opposed the measure, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred the line between comprehensive planning and zoning, and reduced local control by altering established public planning processes; they also raised concerns about vague standards and the bill’s treatment of renewable energy. After debate, the committee approved HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote for a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Technology and Science, Joint Commission on May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And with that, Commission on Technology and Science.
- So first, VITA is the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, the technology agency for the Commonwealth
- There's a lot of technology stuff out there.
- The business use and the technology sort of registration.
- So it's not necessarily a... ...to these technologies.
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.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Science and Technology is called to order.
- technologies actually involve fraud in the sale.
- And she defines technology first as a framework for systems change where technologies are considered
- So assistive technology is a big part of that. It’s not entirely exclusive to assistive technology.
- Considering that this is the technology committee and that we know what kind of technologies are being
Keywords:
modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services
Summary:
The House Committee on Science and Technology convened for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills focused on technology policy, infrastructure security, and a new study committee on assistive technology. Testimony was generally supportive of the bills’ goals, though several members raised concerns about implementation, costs, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission on the infrastructure bill.
HB 2121 would prevent manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, such as using third-party parts or firmware changes, and would allow owners or the Attorney General to sue for damages. After discussion about consumer ownership, security, and possible manufacturing impacts, the committee adopted the Fink amendment narrowing the bill to consumer products and gave HB 2121 a do pass recommendation by a 7-1 vote with one present. HB 2134 would restrict Chinese-produced equipment from critical infrastructure and limit contracts with Chinese companies; the sponsor and supporters framed it as a national security measure, while opponents focused on cost, implementation, and utility coordination. The committee heard testimony from the Arizona Corporation Commission, which said the bill would require new staff and resources, and from outside witnesses who said the bill was prospective and aligned with federal restrictions. HB 2134 passed 5-4.
HB 2451 would adjust Arizona Space Commission board terms, extend the strategic plan deadline, and add astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s duties. Supporters described the commission as a bipartisan effort to grow Arizona’s space industry, and the bill passed 8-0. HB 2700 would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and technology-first approaches for people with disabilities. The sponsor and a constituent advocate described how assistive technology can improve independence and service delivery, and members expressed support for the concept. After adopting the Connolly amendment, the committee approved HB 2700 as amended by an 8-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are our 911 centers.
- >
for establish technology standards for establish technology standards for regional<00:04:26.639 - >
standards Review and revise technology standards Review and revise technology standards based - Um, so I've kind dispatch center there.
- with point addresses, street center with point addresses, street center lines.<00:13:50.320>
Summary:
The committee first considered the reappointment of Thomas Allen Wicker to the IT Board. Members praised his long service, industry knowledge, and the importance of the state’s information technology operations. After a brief question about his past as editor of the Daily Mississippian, the committee voted to advise and consent, and the nomination was reported out.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to confirming the initial members of the new Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority board created under the next generation 911 law. The chair reviewed the board’s duties under Section 6 of the act, including budgeting, grant administration, setting and revising technology standards, improving interoperability and consolidation of 911 systems, recommending standards for public safety answering points, collecting performance data, coordinating technical assistance, addressing GIS mapping and standards, and developing a CMRS grant program for NG 911 implementation. The chair and Senator Deleno emphasized that the board will be responsible for statewide planning, sustainable funding, and helping local governments understand the costs and benefits of NG 911 and shared GIS infrastructure.
The committee then heard brief statements from the nominees, who described backgrounds in emergency communications, law enforcement, GIS, EMS, county administration, and local government. Nominees included Danna Diaz, Chief Chad Norman Dorne, Eric Hollingsworth, Paul Sheffield, Scott Trapalino, Terresa Windham, Paul Mosley, Matt Haley, Brian Roberts, W. Willis Willard Johnson, Beatatric Prior, and Sheri Hoampamp. One nominee, Paul Sheffield, had a self-reported bankruptcy from 2002 that had been resolved in 2004, but the committee still moved forward. Each nominee was asked if there were questions, and the committee repeatedly voted to advise and consent, with no opposition recorded.
Senator Deleno closed by stressing that the board’s work is critical to the future of first responders in Mississippi, especially the development of a statewide GIS standard and a grant framework for using NG 911 funds responsibly. He said the legislature wanted to avoid piecemeal purchases and instead ensure accountability, efficiency, and a sustainable funding source. The chair thanked the nominees and Senator Deleno, and the meeting concluded after the confirmations were completed.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- of research on technology of research on technology and<00:04:53.880>
kind <00:04:54.040>< - This is not a technology problem. This is more of a legislation decision, right?
- I think that's where sometimes we go wrong with technology implementation.
- I think the technology is more advanced.
- You know, technology wise, yes, absolutely.
Summary:
ATS and Gartner presented preliminary findings from the feasibility study required by Senate Bill 2267, which directed ATS to establish a CIO Council, study statewide data exchange feasibility, develop a phased implementation plan, and report progress to the legislature. ATS said the CIO Council has already met several times and has heard from other states, including Tennessee and Ohio, with Georgia expected to follow. Gartner explained that it interviewed about 17 agencies and was also gathering input from other states and market research to identify Mississippi’s current data-sharing landscape and possible paths forward.
Gartner’s main findings were that Mississippi agencies strongly prioritize data security and compliance, but that this focus has also contributed to silos, point-to-point integrations, and inconsistent data definitions across agencies. The presenters said the state lacks a central legal framework and common standards, so agencies rely on individual memoranda of understanding. They emphasized that other states have generally not built “everything at once,” but instead started with specific outcomes such as citizen services, fraud detection, or reporting, then created statewide legal frameworks, common standards, and governance structures, often led by a chief data officer or similar office.
The discussion also highlighted examples from other states, including Utah’s single portal for services and Maryland’s 360-degree citizen view for caseworkers. Gartner said Mississippi should first decide what outcome it wants from a data exchange and suggested that the effort should be framed as information sharing rather than moving all data into one central repository. Members and presenters discussed the need for foundational standards, a chief data office, and change management, including agency “change champions,” to build trust and participation over time. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, and the presenters said the remaining CIO Council work would help prioritize use cases for the final feasibility report.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Bart Williams called the Technology Committee meeting to order.
Summary:
Chair Bart Williams opened the Technology Committee meeting with five of seven members present and said the committee had two bills before it. House Bill 1723 was described as a companion bill establishing a baseline definition of artificial intelligence, modeled on federal language to provide consistency. The committee asked no questions and then moved to pass the bill, approving it by voice vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 1754, described as a procurement bill with cyber-related elements. Chair Williams said the bill followed hearings held the previous day and reflected ongoing committee interest in procurement and cybersecurity issues. He asked members to keep the bill alive as it would move on to AET. After no questions, the committee voted to pass the bill by voice vote.
At the end of the meeting, a motion was made to rise and report, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, CS for Senate Bill 1694 requires technology-integrated post-secondary general education core
- Students generally have a better grasp on technology than their parents.
- Students generally have a better grasp on technology than their parents.
- mentioned, in an executive role in a health technology startup.
- I am currently the CEO of American Compliance Technologies.
Bills:
S1694
Keywords:
technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.
MS
Summary:
The committee heard a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in qualified political advertisements. The sponsor explained that the measure applies only when an ad uses AI-generated image, audio, or video and is made on behalf of a candidate, committee, or other person in connection with an election or ballot issue. The bill would require clear disclosures: visible disclaimers for text or graphic ads, spoken disclaimers for audio ads, and both visual and spoken disclaimers for video ads. It was emphasized that the bill does not ban AI use in campaigns, does not regulate captions or written posts, does not apply to private social media activity, satire or parody, or news coverage/documentaries, and does not create criminal penalties.
The sponsor also said liability would attach only to the person or committee that created the AI-generated ad, not to broadcasters or cable/satellite providers that air it. Penalties were described as up to $250 for a first violation by an individual, up to $1,000 for subsequent violations, and $1,000 per violation for committees. Enforcement would be available to the attorney general and to an injured or likely injured candidate, with venue in Hinds County or the county where the violation occurred or where voters were targeted. The sponsor said the attorney general’s office had been sent the bill and was monitoring it.
During discussion, a senator praised the sponsor’s work and said the issue was already arising in practice. The sponsor then noted that, because the bill would have to return to the elections committee, an amendment would be added to adopt the universal definition of artificial intelligence and remove the current language for consistency. A motion to “sub pass” was made, and the committee proceeded to a vote.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology meeting two minutes late.
- co-chair that committee with Representative Ford, our counterpart in the House that she chairs technology
- <00:02:52.959>
around the definitions that are centered around the definitions that are centered - It charges it with establishing a state security operations center.
- They've done some things and won some awards in the technology vein, and we'd like to go over.
Summary:
The Technology Committee met a few minutes late and took up four bills. Senate Bill 2437, which establishes a baseline definition of artificial intelligence and aligns it with federal language, was explained as a recommendation from the AI regulatory task force; it passed without questions and was reported out. Senate Bill 2650, the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority Act, was presented as a follow-up to last year’s 911 legislation to make minor, non-funding adjustments to definitions around EOCs, EOCCs, and NG 911 standards; members noted the board has not yet fully met or been confirmed, and the bill passed and was reported out.
Senate Bill 2653, the Mississippi IT Optimization Act, was described as creating a new code section to improve state IT efficiency and enterprise solutions as agencies move to the cloud and data sharing expands. The chair cited consolidation efforts such as reducing multiple Microsoft mail accounts and potential cost savings, and the bill passed with no opposition. Senate Bill 2654 would establish a state security operations center to centralize cybersecurity response and related assets; after a committee substitute corrected a typographical error, the substitute was adopted and then passed as a title sufficient do pass, to be reported out.
The chair also said the committee would likely see further revisions later in session, especially on the 911 and cybersecurity measures, and announced a February 5 field trip for technology committees to visit MDE from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more details to follow.
MS