Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a local program might offer technology assistance, social engagement, activities, caregiver
• Helping older adults avoid isolation, remain engaged, access technology, and recognize scams are not
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues.
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues all around them.
• So many of the activities contemplated by SB 971, whether that's technology assistance, social engagement

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care met without an initial quorum and heard four Senate bills focused on older adults and people with disabilities. SB 837 by Senator Reyes would require Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness education tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the California Commission on Aging, cited recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation planning and preparedness. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 971 by Senator Choi would create a Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program to encourage voluntary local partnerships, including with community colleges and other entities, to support social connection, technology help, caregiver resources, and other healthy aging activities. Supporters said it would promote independence and prevent isolation at no mandated cost, while one member questioned whether the bill addressed a current legal gap and whether public health departments should be involved. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion and re-referred it to the Committee on Health. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would allow Aging and Disability Resource Connections to continue operating for one to two years during transitions when an area agency on aging or independent living center operator changes, preventing service disruptions. Testimony from Access Central Coast and the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging emphasized the importance of continuity for thousands of clients. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 991 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to classify substantiated abuse in residential care facilities for the elderly by specific abuse type rather than a broad residents’ rights category. Ombudsman advocates argued this would improve transparency and accountability; members also discussed whether similar protections should extend to younger adults in other licensed settings. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a local program might offer technology assistance, social engagement, activities, caregiver
• Helping older adults avoid isolation, remain engaged, access technology, and recognize scams are not
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues.
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues all around them.
• So many of the activities contemplated by SB 971, whether that’s technology assistance, social engagement

Committee: House Aging and Long-Term Care

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Innovative technologies for harmful algae blooms at $15 million.
• All IT recommendations were included in the Information Technology, Budget, and Policy Subcommittee recommendations
• All IT recommendations were included in the Information Technology, Budget, and Policy Subcommittee recommendations
• All IT recommendations were included in the Information Technology, Budget, and Policy Subcommittee recommendations
• The technology, budget, and policy subcommittee recommendations were issued last week.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed. HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're on the cusp of technology changes.
• I tried to explain technology changes.
• ,</c><00:31:22.799><c> but</c> enhance their existing technology, but enhance their existing technology
• They're on the cusp of technology changes.
• </c> investment management firm, a technology investment management firm, a technology provider<02:14

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The second meeting of the House Standing Committee on Small Business and Information Technology Services
• Particularly as new technologies emerge, increasing use and development of artificial intelligence and
• just other technologies that really just may not exist yet.
• I just want to thank you personally for your commitment to staying on top of this ever-changing technology

Committee: House Small Business & Information Technology

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:28 HB 692 Discussion: 01:11 HB 692 Voting: 05:01, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we have a lot of technology out there that helps us run plates and do those things.
• And I know we have a lot of technology out there that helps us run plates and do those things, but a
• And the last point I want to make is sometimes when we can do things with technology doesn't mean it's
• And the last point I want to make is sometimes when we can do things with technology doesn't mean it's

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The trust fund must maintain flexibility in order to support new innovations, technologies, services,
• 30.319><c> innovations,</c> order to support new innovations, order to support new innovations, technologies
• </c> technologies, services, and supports. technologies, services, and supports. and<00:03:34.080><c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:01 SB 69 Discussion 00:00:30 SB 69 Vote 00:05:52, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up only one item: Senate Bill 69, sponsored by Senator Julie Adams. The bill would create an autism spectrum disorder trust fund in the state treasury, allow taxpayers to contribute a portion of their individual income tax refunds to the fund, and authorize additional grants, contributions, and appropriations. Senator Adams said the fund is intended to support autism spectrum disorder research and services in Kentucky, administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services with grants awarded through the advisory council on autism spectrum disorders based on a statewide needs assessment. She also noted the bill includes an emergency clause. During questions, Senator Boswell confirmed the tax refund contribution option would be available on both paper and electronic returns. Senator Funky From asked how families would access services, and Senator Adams explained that providers would apply for grants to the trust fund, which would then review and award funding if the proposal was deemed a good use of the money. No outside testimony was presented; a signed-up witness from the Russell County Fiscal Court did not speak. The committee then moved the bill, with Senator Boswell making the motion and Senator Neil seconding it. The roll call resulted in 12 yes votes and no nays, and Senate Bill 69 passed the committee with a favorable expression. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the first second of the school year completed June 30th of 2025 technology security for for
• secures log and access and restrict student communication to approve educational Chan channels, only technologies
• Florida Scholars Academy in FLDS has committed to learning to moving forward to to the evolving technology
• So for the CTE, these we for anything from digital Information, technology, entrepreneurship, welding

Transcript Highlights:

• We can leapfrog that type of technology and create the levels of transit that are required in a community
• It's a technological advancement that will enhance their lives.
• put a man on the moon, but it's going to be expensive; we don't have to go to the moon,' it's a technological
• This is a technological investment that's worth the progress and the cost to enhance our lives.

Keywords: House Bill 483, high-speed rail, transportation network, Texas, public testimony, rail connectivity, economic development

Summary: The meeting was a press event in support of House Bill 483 and its Senate companion, SB 424, which would repeal the current state ban on high-speed rail investment and direct TxDOT to partner with a private entity to develop a Dallas-Austin-San Antonio rail line along the I-35 corridor. Rep. John Bucy, County Judge Andy Brown, Rep. Rafael Anchia, Rep. Ray Lopez, and Sen. Sarah Eckhardt all argued that Texas’ population growth and highway congestion make passenger rail a necessary transportation alternative and a long-term economic development tool. They emphasized benefits such as reduced commute times, improved mobility, lower congestion and emissions, stronger workforce access, and better connections between major metro areas. Testimony focused on the Texas Triangle as a strong candidate for high-speed rail because of its population density, flat geography, and existing growth patterns. Speakers cited examples from other places, including Florida’s Brightline and rail systems in other countries, to argue that Texas is behind and could catch up through public-private partnerships. They also discussed transit-oriented development, last-mile connections through local systems like DART and Austin’s Project Connect, and the possibility of future expansion beyond the initial corridor. In response to questions, Bucy said the bill would allow TxDOT to seek bids and keep costs flexible, that the line would likely require dedicated high-speed track, and that express service could reduce Austin-San Antonio travel time to roughly 30 minutes and Austin-Dallas to under an hour and a half, though no launch date was set. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the transcript. The event ended with Bucy saying the bill was a positive step and could become a bipartisan effort to build a more connected Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 4911 as a necessary and timely update to Texas child protection laws in response to emerging technologies
• Since then, we've seen that technology has advanced rapidly, and the law needs further updates to close
• To close on this, the reason this bill is so important is that technology should never outpace our commitment
• in recent sessions... ...made some strides towards helping law enforcement, but unfortunately, technology

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a student at Math, Science Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt High School, and I am in support
• I think it's more cognitive science that we're now dealing with, plus technology.
• You talked about making it age appropriate, as was commented on by my colleague, to use technology but
• And I think a lot of folks have built their technology platforms, and frankly, the whole educational
• I recognize that technology is moving forward and we need more data and probably more nuanced policy

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed. The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition. Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• What they did is use emerging technology and force staffers that they already had in the governor's office
• All of this with four people using emerging technologies and an at-will, can-do attitude, essentially
• I have a question about how this impacts innovation, um, and especially scaling of technology.
• Has emerging technology taken the problem we set out to solve away or made it more efficiently, you know
• Has emerging technology taken the problem we set out to solve away or made it more efficiently, you know

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With the advent of the cell phone, social media, and technological development that is developing at
• And again, as their technology improves, they get to sell more ads.
• And again, as their technology improves, they get to sell more ads.
• And again, as their technology improves, they get to sell more ads.
• I think there's questions about the technological feasibility.

Committee: House Small Business & Information Technology

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll call: 00:05 HB 227 discussion: 01:10 HB 227 voting: 49:38, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Back in 2023, the Legislature passed a requirement for the Department of Technology to report on state
• As we learn more about the possible harms caused by this evolving technology, it's imperative that we
• Here with me today to testify is John Bennett, the Director of the California Initiative for Technology
• My name is John Bennett, and I am the Director of Cited, the California Initiative for Technology and
• We're looking at damage to society's most vulnerable future by a powerful and pervasive technology.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope we'll make again here today that we do not want people to use technology to create images
• I guess you make a question, you gave an answer, a question, so these are typically technology related
• I think as we mature in this technology. conversations.
• How do we do our job the best and more efficiently and if it's software technologies and things to get
• When we looked, we looked specifically for deepfake technology to be able to say that it is deepfake.

Bills: SB29 , SB406 , SB447 , SB875 , SB893 , SB1033 , SB1346 , SB1362 , SB1539 , SCR22 , SB 29

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting

Transcript Highlights:

• That's another issue on the technology side that we're facing, just to be able to access all of the cases
• That's another issue on the technology side that we're facing, just to be able to access all of the cases
• So, is it my understanding then that the Commonwealth Office of Technology is going to write their own
• So, is it my understanding then that the Commonwealth Office of Technology is going to write their own
• And I'm sure we'll have a new technology to communicate with.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology is always evolving, and unlike helicopters and police vehicles, which do have practical
• Um, so, um, I just like always have a very purist approach to the use of technology for surveillance.
• And the statement I heard was, you know, when we can use technology to keep people safe as long as we
• And the statement I heard was, you know, when we can use technology to keep people safe as long as we
• , technology, technology, but<00:59:40.320><c> I</c><00:59:40.400><c> appreciate</c><00:59:40.920><c>

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology already exists.
• As technology keeps up, the scammers... Hide the numbers.
• As technology keeps up, the scammers seem to be always a few steps ahead.
• Okay, and then the other part, I see now that the technology is there for all the major box stores in
• Okay, and then the other part, I see now that the technology is there for all the major box stores in

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we live in a fast-changing society, technology can sometimes frustrate people into just giving up.
• So I don't think the technology really knows where you are, but I'll let...
• The goal here is that understand, and then technology, right? Some of us are great with it.
• And it does that because we've had to back-engineer 21st century technology back into the 1980s technology
• The one thing, like Richard said, is that the future is mobile technology.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This technology, with proper regulation, we can ensure that ALPR helps all Washington agencies comply
• This technology, with proper regulation, we can ensure that ALPR helps all Washington agencies comply
• We have to move with the speed of trust with these technologies. Thank you for your time.
• We work to ensure that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for all people.
• We work to ensure that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for all people.

Bills: SB6011

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: court security, bailiffs, threat assessment, judicial safety, law enforcement, 904, all