Transcript Highlights:

• That was a prudent and data-driven step.
• That was a prudent and data-driven step.
• That was a prudent and data-driven step.
• our our data from clinical trials. our our data from clinical trials.
• Um their data in a naturalistic study.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not for surveillance testing.
• 09.760> can<01:12:10.000> be voluntary surveillance, that can be voluntary surveillance
• We look at um the type We look at data.
• And again, I've broken those data points down into two categories.
• I just wanted to present uh those data I just wanted to present uh those data points<03:43:41.199

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So is there data in some of the other states that you mentioned that show better conditions as a result
• My main thing is more safety gathering data, you know, knowing exactly how many people you can put in
• If batch sizes grow, but sampling volumes don't, the result is statistically meaningless data and a false
• And do you have any data on how well the current system is working as far as picking up the impurities
• the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Johns Hopkins, where we pioneered in public health surveillance

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Bills: HR39, HCR43, HR178, HCR188, SB3144, SB3102, SB2053, SB3248, SB2256, SB3118, SB2245, SB2519, SB3055, SB2090, SB2765, SB2169, SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, HR63, HCR69

Keywords: pedestrian safety, crosswalks, traffic calming, school zone, Honolulu, community safety, raised crosswalks, traffic infrastructure, agritourism, agricultural tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA, working group, farm tourism, regenerative tourism, working lands, agricultural land use, county ordinances, permitting, farm bureau

Transcript Highlights:

• Prevention Advocacy Day is an opportunity for advocates to come together with lawmakers and advance data-driven
• hospitals, even volunteers who volunteer at hospitals for failing to participate in a government surveillance

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates encounter data reporting requirements.
• It updates encounter data reporting requirements.
• It updates encounter data reporting requirements.
• It updates encounter data reporting requirements.
• I think there is a limited amount of actual data.

Bills: S0006, S0026, S0206, S0532, S0576, S1012, S1110, S1178, S1192, S1758, S1760, S7046, S7048

Keywords: child welfare, negligence, settlement, injury compensation, Department of Children and Families, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special education, exceptional student education, ESE, teacher preparation, educator certification, micro-credential, loan forgiveness, student loan repayment

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met and considered a large agenda of bills, reporting several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and the estate of Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, which was approved for $3.8 million. The committee also passed a cybersecurity internships bill creating a Department of Commerce program with Cyber Florida, and SB 532, which lets clerks of court retain the full amount of certain excess revenue and clarifies foreclosure-sale procedures. Veterans housing measures, CS for CS for SB 1602 and SB 1604, were approved to create a pilot program and a related trust fund for vacancy relief and risk mitigation for veteran housing. The committee also favorably reported SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, with emotional testimony from a student and family describing the high cost and importance of activity-specific prosthetics. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 1012 after adopting an amendment that removed inmate emergency and specialty medical service compensation provisions while retaining changes to the contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust fund. Another bill, CS for CS for SB 1614, was narrowed by a delete-all amendment to focus on limiting the use of excess fees for new building construction by local governments. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate, with some support testimony submitted in writing or waived. The most extensive discussion centered on CS for CS for SB 17, a major Medicaid and public assistance overhaul. The bill would create a Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Oversight, allow the Legislature to retain its own actuary, tighten Medicaid program oversight, update encounter-data reporting, set performance standards for managed care plans, revise pharmacy benefit manager rules, and require DCF to implement SNAP fraud-reduction and payment-accuracy reforms, including photo IDs on EBT cards and updated work requirements. It also would direct agencies to seek federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and expanded behavioral health services. After lengthy questioning and testimony, the committee adopted amendments adding a transitional medical benefits glide path for people who gain employment and later lose Medicaid eligibility, and exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, reduce fraud, and save money, while opponents warned it would create administrative burdens, increase paperwork, and cause eligible people to lose coverage or food assistance. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, as a follow-up to that, do you track that data?
• My background drives me toward, as I said, data and strategic approaches.
• My memory could be very off on that, but it was used based on your data, but we can.
• The problem with data centers, and while they are great, is that they don't hire anybody.
• Thirdly, technical assistance and data analysis support for local agencies.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The data backs it up. In 2020, a study by Suffolk University Law School...
• Placing the AG in this role would create complicated issues around data sharing and potentially conflicts
• Attorney General asked for an additional 17 employees to be able to ensure that the laws are fairly surveilled

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with recognitions of several young climate advocates visiting the State House and then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll, with remarks honoring her long public service and family legacy. The chamber then took up Senate No. 2947, An Act Regarding Fair Housing Practices in the Commonwealth, after a Ways and Means redraft. Senators supporting the bill described housing discrimination against voucher holders and Black applicants, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and fair housing education, and noted the bill’s goal of increasing penalties and public reporting for discriminatory brokers. Several amendments were debated. Senator Tarr offered an amendment to require annual HUD-related compliance certifications from municipalities and public agencies, notification to the Attorney General of federal findings, corrective action plans, and possible enforcement consequences; it was defeated on a roll call, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral language amendment changing “salesmen” to “salespersons” was adopted. Senator Payano’s amendment to require publication of license suspensions as well as revocations for discriminatory conduct was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment that would have expanded housing protections for returning citizens. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries while preserving publication of revoked licensees’ names was adopted. After the Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll-call vote of 37-0, later clarified as 38-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll.

Transcript Highlights:

• coordination, strengthen outreach and enrollment efforts, support emergency food providers, and use data
• I want communities, especially vulnerable communities, to know this bill is not about surveillance.
• through their school districts, their cities and counties and others, to develop their own approach to data

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• like bathrooms, or to require that workers physically implant devices that collect or transmit worker data
• 00:03:43.120> or<00:03:43.200> transmit<00:03:43.800> worker<00:03:44.040> data
• <00:03:44.480> in that collect or transmit worker data in that collect or transmit worker
• data in their<00:03:44.800> clothing<00:03:45.320> or<00:03:45.480> person.
• is used how that the how how that data is used how that how<00:25:12.080> that<00:25:12.280><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• response work, to modernize our data response work, to modernize our data systems,<00:35:56.480>
• and complete the modernization of data and complete the modernization of data systems<00:40:31.440
• and HIV surveillance and response. Yeah. and HIV surveillance and response. Yeah.
• investments in technology and data investments in technology and data infrastructure<01:00:05.599
• We lead statewide data efforts through the Minnesota EHR Consortium to produce data that improves policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So HB 1258 recognizes that PFAS data is public health data.
• I'm just—this is extensive work—and who do you envision is the keeper of this data and curating the data
• should actually curate all of this data should actually curate all of this data across<01:12:32.000
• and curating the keeper of of this data and curating the data?
• data? data?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shipbuilding sectors lessens competition, creates supply chain risks, and creates opportunities for surveillance
• Southern Command because they've brought it up on numerous occasions that there could be some sort of surveillance
• We run actual operations to provide data on our supply chain and identify anomalies to those customs

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you explain what's data that? Year of a seven-year contract.
• Can you explain what data the state has received from this contract to be able to give us guidance on
• I think a lot of it is used just for general surveys and data that we collect and to see where we are
• So I think all of those data we get is used across the department for different programs, but it does
• Just pick any year that the services provide data set to the state and just send that report for this

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE OF THE SPINOFFS THAT CAME OUT OF THE CENTER IS SURVEILLANCE.
• I'LL APOLOGIZE, I AM A SCIENTIST SO I HAVE TO SHOW ONE PIECE OF DATA AND TALK ABOUT IT.
• THE PURPOSE OF EACH TEST IS TO COLLECT MATHEMATICAL DATA OF WIND AND PRESSURE FORCES AND DETERMINE WHETHER
• LOTS OF TIMES IT'S INFORMATION AND DATA BASED RESEARCH-BASED INNOVATIONS THAT WILL CUMULATIVELY HELP
• FLORIDA HAS MADE GREAT ADVANCEMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE AND THE LASTINGER CENTER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 422, a bill is being titled an act relating to automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts
• Members, in 2020, the FAA mandated installation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast, otherwise
• Though the original intent of this mandate was to collect aircraft movement data statewide for safety
• technology for billing practices at airports and restores it to its original intent for collecting data
• They exist because history and data show that communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, women, veterans

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• circumstance instead of being out in the community where federal immigration enforcement has to go surveil
• enforcement has<00:20:45.360> to<00:20:45.520> go<00:20:46.159> uh<00:20:46.320> surveil
• them,<00:20:47.120> try<00:20:47.280> to<00:20:47.440> take has to go uh surveil
• them, try to take has to go uh surveil them, try to take them<00:20:47.760> down,<00:20:48.320

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Republican leaders outlined their agenda for the tied legislative session, saying their priorities are to stop fraud, make Minnesota more affordable, safer, and more competitive, and reduce mandates while raising education standards. They highlighted several planned bills, including an independent inspector general (HF 1), a “Fraud Isn’t Free” measure to impose consequences on agencies and commissioners that allow fraud, and statutory guidelines for high-fraud-risk programs. They also said they want to lower health care costs through a permanent reinsurance program and cost defrayal for new mandates, study property tax increases, conform state tax law to federal changes on tips, overtime, and scholarship tax credits, and avoid any tax increases. On public safety, Republicans said they will pursue tougher penalties for repeat offenders and repeat gun crimes, judicial accountability, and a school safety package that would support public and nonpublic schools, school safety personnel, and facility improvements. In education, they emphasized school choice tax credits, reading proficiency, and curriculum focused on basic academic fundamentals. They also said they want to protect and expand mining, reform permitting, end the nuclear moratorium, and make the state more attractive to businesses. On housing, one member said they are working on a more targeted affordable housing package rather than a broad sweeping bill. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on immigration and cooperation with federal authorities. Republicans said they want a statewide framework for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, referencing House File 16 and saying they are open to changes and bipartisan work. They argued that local and state cooperation would improve safety and prevent situations where criminal suspects are released into the community. They also said Democrats have blocked similar efforts in committee and on the House floor. In response to questions, leaders said there is no current appetite for sports betting, bonding will be discussed but there are no promises, and they do not support the 2024 omnibus bill model. They said they are not interested in vaccine mandates, but will consider Medicaid funding impacts and other health-related proposals if bills are introduced. They also said election integrity measures such as voter ID, provisional ballots, and voter-roll cleanup will remain priorities. Throughout, leaders said they expect a bipartisan process in the tied House and expressed hope that both parties can work together on some issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• from some of the people in my district is if they're traveling through, say, an area that's got surveillance
• , uh, I guess, questions for me at home, and is that you could see if I trigger an area that's surveillance
• surveillance, a camera, say a tunnel, surveillance, a camera, say a tunnel, and<00:21:22.559> they

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7. After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• So really focusing on protecting, limiting the data being collected.
• Any unnecessary collection, sharing, or sharing of data.
• As you all know, DOL has a search data tool called DAPS, and I don't know...
• How data is being shared.
• and states that don't share data.

Summary: The Tribal Relations Committee held a work session on the Keep Washington Working Act, hearing first from the Office of the Attorney General, then the Office of the Governor, and finally advocates from the ACLU of Washington, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and One America. The Attorney General’s office described the 2019 bipartisan law as limiting state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, emphasizing minimal data collection, privacy protections, definitions in the statute, model policies for agencies, and the role of court orders and federal funding exceptions. Committee members asked about consistency in legal guidance, possible federal challenges, and whether the law has been litigated in Washington or elsewhere; the office said it has not been challenged in Washington and cited similar laws in other states that have been upheld or dismissed in litigation. The governor’s office said the administration is implementing the law across agencies through case-by-case review of data-sharing requests, coordination with the Attorney General and privacy officials, and a new executive order creating an immigration sub-cabinet to improve agency coordination and community input. Officials said the state will continue to protect immigrant communities, avoid using state resources for civil immigration enforcement, and comply with federal funding requirements where necessary, citing Medicaid and other programs as examples. They also discussed recent court rulings in Washington that blocked federal grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement and said agencies are being trained to review data privacy and sharing practices. Advocates argued that Keep Washington Working is grounded in anti-commandeering principles and is meant to ensure state resources are used for state purposes, not federal immigration enforcement. They said the law helps immigrant communities trust police, schools, and public services, but warned that data sharing and aggressive federal enforcement are eroding that trust and harming families. The panelists described cases involving alleged unlawful local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, family separation, detention, and due process concerns, and suggested possible improvements such as stronger enforcement mechanisms, a private right of action, and broader limits on data sharing. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee closed the hearing after members thanked the presenters and invited follow-up on implementation issues and potential legislative changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, these are personal data points, but you're a personal data point, you're a personal data point
• You know, these, there are personal data points, but you're a personal data point, you're a personal
• data point.
• Be wildfire data comments. This is not yet achieved. Just. B. Wildfire data comments.
• and the data that we have.

Keywords: 987, senate, all