Transcript Highlights:

• 18.120> they<03:57:18.279> often<03:57:18.600> lack<03:57:18.800> the capable
• but they often lack the capable but they often lack the resources<03:57:20.000> and<03:57:20.239
• growing a fertile Workforce<03:58:17.279> prepared<03:58:17.640> and<03:58:17.840> capable
• <03:58:18.279> of Workforce prepared and capable of Workforce prepared and capable of supporting
• and capable.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill removes this requirement and allows tenants to select contractors that are capable of making
• QAI is bringing blockchain, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing to market.
• Significant capabilities. Capabilities, yeah. Absolutely. Senator Menendez? Yes, thank you, Mr.
• And that's really what this is about: using the underlying blockchain technology to enact these capabilities

Bills: HB111

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In our H5N1 bird flu response, enhanced data systems, surveillance, and coordination capabilities that
• This first one is related to Assembly Bill 3030, related to artificial intelligence.
• special pathogen cases, and there is no Northern California hospital with a minimal assessment capability
• These priorities were identified in collaboration with state and local partners and support the capabilities
• , including emergency preparedness. response, enhancing our laboratory data and communications capabilities

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, local law enforcement is not capable of deporting anyone.
• AS PISTOL AND ALLOWS FOR IT TO SHOOT MANY MORE BULLETS WITH ONE TRIGGER THAN IT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE CAPABLE
• that this is going to be a year-long process of ensuring the technology does, in fact, find itself capable
• THIS IS GOING TO BE A YEAR OWES LONG PROCESS OF ENSURING THE TECHNOLOGY DOES, IN FACT, FIND ITSELF CAPABLE
• State printers that are capable, or do not have the blocking technology for printing of 3D guns, would

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• if you can connect up and the transmission capacity exists or you can develop it, you have the capability
• Capability to ensure, however you want to put it, significant renewable energy resources to help meet
• You know, is the solar energy capable of offsetting? Is it a straight offset? I don't know.
• In this situation, down south, an artificial intelligence facility.
• In this situation, down south, an artificial intelligence facility.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• soon the Air Force, to close and surpass the production and technological gap of our hypersonic capabilities
• B-52 bombers, SLBM, Ohio class, and hopefully soon, Columbia class, as well as our European dual-capable
• Castilian is committed to hiring 300 people right now with an IOC, initial operating capability, by the
• Bill 68, introduced by Senator Bergmans, an act relating to technology, enacting the Artificial Intelligence
• bodies to establish policies and training programs for the use and implementation of artificial intelligence

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• law enforcement resources stretched thin, state and local agencies equipped only with detection capabilities
• Uh, obviously a gap in in capabilities for DPS and others on the border.
• Uh, cartels are using these as ISR platforms, so intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and they're
• much data, there are so many detections that we don't currently have the resources to do anything intelligent
• They are working with what they have to the best of their capabilities and we want as much help and as

Transcript Highlights:

• law enforcement resources stretched thin, state and local agencies equipped only with detection capabilities
• with a lot of folks that are interested in trying to resolve the issue. to, obviously, a gap in capabilities
• But cartels are using these as ISR platforms, so intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
• There are so many detections. that we don't currently have the resources to do anything intelligent with
• They are working with what they have to the best of their capabilities. much help in as much direction

Bills: HB2034, HB2436, HB3010, HB3033, HB3138, HB3177, HB3426, HB3686, HB3858, HB4176, HB4257, HB4264, HB4804, HCR98

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The Corps of Cadets is obviously a huge component of our capability. campus and our campus life and our
• State of Texas, reflected in high levels of student success, to source ready, capable. new members to
• And as I mentioned the nursing program as well, and so it is our intent to be able to build, capable,
• entrepreneur in a world dominated by smart people. machines and artificial technology, artificial intelligence
• struggling and building regionally demand career pathways and then you go on to articulate what intelligence

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, do you know what their staffing capabilities are in this area? Mr.
• As a brand new second lieutenant, I went to the military intelligence basic officer course there and
• went back for the captain's career course. ...went to the military intelligence basic officer course

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Committee on Government was called to order with member and staff introductions, followed by a reminder of committee rules and amendment deadlines. Chair Blackman also gave an opening statement framing the committee’s work as legislative oversight focused on child safety, transparency, and systemic issues at the Department of Child Safety (DCS), noting the committee may hold additional hearings and use subpoenas if needed. The committee then heard a presentation from the Arizona Auditor General on a special audit of DCS investigations of non-criminal child abuse and neglect reports. The audit found that while DCS generally met initial contact timeframes, 123 of 125 sampled cases had at least one policy violation. Problems included failures to provide or document required notices to alleged perpetrators, incomplete or missing documentation of key investigative steps and safety plans, and investigations that exceeded statutory or policy timeframes. The Auditor General said DCS agreed with the findings and all 15 recommendations, and members asked questions about sample size, staffing, and whether the issues reflected broader systemic problems. After the audit, the committee considered House Bill 262, which authorizes a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Boland Plaza. Supporters testified about the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions in Arizona. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0, with members explaining their votes in support. The committee also heard House Bill 2018, which would prohibit DCS from entering into agreements with health care institutions that allow payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would prevent financial incentives from influencing reporting and protect the integrity of mandatory reporting. Some members and public commenters raised concerns about DCS contracts, hospital reporting practices, and the need for documentation or a paper trail. After a recess and further discussion, HB 2018 was returned with a do pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• master data management, business continuity, customer relationship management, and artificial intelligence
• cybersecurity master data management business continuity, customer relationship management and artificial intelligence
• We would need to understand what the capabilities are of other platforms, to include the platforms that

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million. Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• IDENTIFIED IN TERMS OF THE LOCKDOWN WHAT WE NEED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE BUILDINGS HAVE A CAPABILITY
• THEY DO THIS WITH KEYWORDS THEY SEARCH FROM AND THEY MAY USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ALL I KNOW.
• LET'S LEVERAGE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO THE BETTERMENT OF ALL STUDENTS OF FLORIDA AND LET'S CONTINUE

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, so, and you represent the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. OK, sir.
• I'm the director and chief investigator for the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.
• It's chilling to imagine that there are people on our roads capable of such recklessness and harm.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to have an intelligent discussion today about what this means.
• This is how we've been able to build out our capabilities. Our recurring costs.
• This is how we've been able to build out our capabilities by expanding our other revenue lines.
• We're going to need the capabilities in the future. Thank you.
• We're going to need the capabilities in the future.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We put all these mechanisms, all these capabilities in place.
• We put all these mechanisms, all these capabilities.
• loans, and the vast majority of those grants will be available before a project is even close to capable
• And our intelligence would also correspond with very long lead times for natural gas-fired equipment
• At the STP site, we already have land, water, and transmission capabilities to host two additional light

Bills: HB132, HB 11, HB14, HB132, HB1584, HB1606, HB5061, HB 1041, HB2286

Keywords: nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified. The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• another agency that's taken them, or to another position, we're losing that valuable capital of intelligence
• their jobs better, that are able to do it, and retaining those individuals. valuable capital of intelligence
• and uh valuable capital of intelligence and uh understanding<00:50:09.040> of<00:50:09.200>
• 17.599> agriculture farmer with production agriculture farmer with production agriculture capabilities
• that has a market ready and capabilities that has a market ready and available.<00:56:21.040> Couple

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15 Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59 Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40 Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process. Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work. Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's been with me actually since day one and very capable.
• The simple matter is there is way more demand than there is capability right now.
• That's the simple matter is there is way more demand than there is capability right now.
• The simple matter is there is way more demand than there is capability right now.
• And so the supply chains went elsewhere, and the manufacturing capabilities attritted.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's capable of analyzing every call and even our private moments and compiling these results for our
• Already today, eight in 10 companies use artificial intelligence.
• Already today, eight in 10 companies use artificial intelligence.
• is about that it would be an employer's responsibility to then figure out what that retraining capabilities
• is and bear that retraining capabilities is and bear those<00:11:38.160> costs<00:11:39.320><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1979 addresses the proliferation of artificial intelligence into health care in three very important
• They are fully capable of designing algorithms and features that promote safety and not addiction, but
• They're growing more and more distrustful of artificial intelligence.
• Removing this capability without the exception currently in the AADC for companies to demonstrate that

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, AI, consumer protection, and public safety. AB 1979 would require a licensed health care professional to retain final clinical judgment when using AI tools in health care and would limit chatbot access to medical records; supporters, including nurses and TechEquity, said it preserves human decision-making, while hospitals and industry groups opposed it unless amended, citing burdens and training concerns. The bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers and workers facing harassment and doxing; supporters described threats against advocates and their families, while one senator raised concerns about a private right of action and penalties. The bill passed 4-1 and was placed on call for further committees. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program; supporters said it broadens civic participation and transparency, while concerns were raised about partisan balance in topic selection. It passed 6-0 and was placed on call to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2, which would set statutory damages and other financial accountability measures for large social media platforms when negligence causing harm to children is proven in court. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost her daughter and child-safety advocates, argued that stronger remedies are needed because social media design features are harming children and existing enforcement has been insufficient. Opponents, including TechNet, CCIA, CalChamber, and others, argued the bill blurs content and conduct, could increase litigation, and is unnecessary given existing lawsuits and verdicts. Several senators said the bill was a consumer-protection measure and supported it; it passed 5-0 and was placed on call. AB 883, as amended, would use California’s Delete Act/DROP system to help elected officials and judges remove personal information from data brokers, while also shortening the deletion timeline for all Californians from 45 to 30 days. Supporters said the bill responds to rising threats against public servants and improves privacy tools broadly; some opponents removed or softened opposition after amendments, though CalChamber and CCIA remained opposed unless amended, largely over the private right of action. The bill passed 4-0 and was placed on call. The committee then recessed briefly before taking up AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, parental controls, crisis-response measures, and limits on targeted ads and data sharing. Supporters said it builds on prior AI and child-safety legislation and is needed to prevent harms like self-harm and manipulation; opponents raised concerns about vague harm standards, audit requirements, and liability. The hearing continued with testimony and committee discussion, but no final vote on AB 2023 was shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• is that we have secured approval to offer the state's first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
• students in machine learning, human-computer interaction, and the ethical issues of artificial intelligence
• And so one possibility with the courses that we've developed, the laboratory capabilities that we've
• Those same capabilities could just be refocused. Thank you for offering that up. I appreciate it.