Video & Transcript Research : 'computational thinking'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now think about this, Angela and Cody.
- But with regards to, I think,...
- I think we can do it, but it's just, I think about it, we have a chance to think bigger here, and this
- I think it's a great idea.
- think they speak for themselves.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine worldwide threats; to be immediately followed by a closed hearing in SH-219. Mar 25th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I think you'd have to be something, you'd have to be crazy to say otherwise.
- I think it's clear what the director said.
- I just think we need more clarity because I think you have the formal responsibility for security clearances
- And I think that's what we need to do. Thank you.
- Vance, quote, I think we are making a mistake.
Keywords:
national security, cyber threats, civil liberties, transnational crime, FISA Section 702, public-private partnership, intelligence community, Annual Threats Hearing
Summary:
The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/05/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But I don't think that speed is always the answer. I think quality care is the answer.
- But I don't think that speed is always the answer. I think quality care is the answer.
- But I don't think that speed is always the answer. I think quality care is the answer.
- So, you know, I think that we have to think about it that way. Thank you, Representative Weber.
- So, you know, I think that we have to think about it that way. Thank you, Representative Weber.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (04/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I I think it's I think<00:19:21.120>
it's <00:19:21.280>safe <00:19:21.440>to <00 - I think we've seen extremely high administrative costs, and maybe that would be covered, but I think
- I think there's a quarterly report that comes out, but I think we need a lot more detail.
- more money into this fund, I just think more money into this fund, I just think we<00:31:27.360>
- I think that might come.
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 21 minutes and then took up a consent calendar, withdrawing several items before adopting the remainder. It also moved item FIS 25103 to the table by a 6-4 vote after Senator Gray argued the Executive Council had not yet acted on a prior $5 million approval and that the committee should avoid adding to the rainy day fund draw. The committee then approved item 25106 for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/State Library after hearing that the department expected about a $400,000 lapse to return to the state.
A major discussion centered on New Hampshire Police Standards and Training (item 2577). Senator Gray questioned whether a proposed equipment purchase could be delayed to the next biennium in light of the state’s deficit and rainy day fund use. The agency said the equipment was needed now for scenario training, vendors had already been identified, and delaying would likely increase costs and force continued reliance on unpaid volunteer help. The committee ultimately approved the item.
The committee also approved Department of Energy item 2587 after hearing that federal weatherization funds are drawn down on a reimbursement basis, and item 2588 after similar testimony that weatherization work must be completed and inspected before reimbursement, limiting how quickly funds can be expended. Item 250094 had been withdrawn. Later, the committee discussed Senator Carson’s request for an LBA review of the YDC claims settlement fund, with members expressing concern about administrative costs, attorney fees, settlement-loan payoffs, and the need for more detailed reporting. The committee voted to direct LBA to conduct the audit described in Senator Carson’s memo, with the additional request that the review include the term over which attorney fees are paid. The meeting then moved on to an HHS staff item, where members began questioning the timing of dashboard data and reporting delays.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- As a car collector, I think it's a very important bill. So thank you.
- So this is consumer-oriented, and I think it’s fair.
- I think that’s more than fair.
- I think that's a huge issue.
- I think it's a great thing. I've been in Hatfield all my life.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills covering motor vehicle sales, registration, title processing, dealer regulation, and several local matters. Chair Cyrro noted that Senate Bill 2414 had been postponed at the sponsor’s request, though public testimony would still be accepted. The hearing then heard testimony on measures including S. 2367, which would make an insurer primary for losses caused by an insured driver in a rental car; H. 3698 and related bills on codifying registration of 25-year-old imported Japanese kei vehicles; H. 3701 on requiring lienholders to release titles within seven days; H. 3690 on capping dealer documentation fees; and H. 3641 on requiring education for class two motor vehicle dealers. Testimony also addressed e-titling and e-signatures, peer-to-peer car sharing, temporary license plates, duplicate plates, general registration plates for motor vehicle distributors, and a bill to ban tinted license plate covers.
Supporters of the rental-car insurance bill argued Massachusetts is an outlier compared with 47 other states and said the change would improve fairness, competition, and consumer understanding without raising premiums. Dealers and industry groups generally supported e-titling/e-signature modernization and the inspection-related bill, but urged safeguards to preserve title, registration, and insurance verification. The Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association opposed the doc-fee cap, saying documentation fees are a disclosed cost-recovery tool that varies by dealership. Representatives and advocates for kei vehicles said the RMV’s 2024 reversal showed the need to codify the rules in law, while opponents of the RMV’s approach described it as arbitrary and harmful to owners and importers. Supporters of the dealer-education bill said it would curb unregulated “curbstoning” and help ensure proper title handling and consumer protection.
Several local and specialty bills also drew testimony. Hatfield officials supported a local bill allowing golf carts on certain town roads under strict safety rules, and Representative Ayers testified for a bill banning tinted license plate covers to aid toll collection, law enforcement, and vehicle identification. Senator Lovely and other advocates supported the “Easy ID” license plate proposal, saying it would improve vehicle recognition in crime and child-abduction investigations. The committee took no votes during the hearing and adjourned after public testimony concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Commerce Committee Meeting - 2026-03-26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And um, I think that for all persons.
- I think it's the opposite way.
- You know, we need to really think about this because at the speed and the rate of the computation that's
- So I I think that um think.
- We think that's way too low.
Keywords:
trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I think this is going to fix that kind of problem.
- Well, I think we might have some resource witnesses on that.
- So I think that that may help the committee try to, try to figure this out.
- So Chief Major, I, I think it's, I think it's, uh, appropriate to say that, uh, uh, here in 2025, this
- Yes sir, I think you're 100% correct on that.
Bills:
SB 36
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- When you think of Pearsall, think of the beginning of Eagleford Shale, really the heart. of Eagleford
- I think you said that before.
- Do you think that that's a good?
- I think you're mistaken in that.
- I think Texas should lead on this.
Bills:
SJR34, SB10, SB18, SB19, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB480, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB767, SB790
Keywords:
parental rights, parents, children, custody, care and control, upbringing, family law, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, child welfare, education policy, medical decisions, parental authority, primary decision makers, family autonomy, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display, First Amendment
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I can give you the whole cliff notes if you want it, but I think you get the point.
- I can give you the whole cliff notes if you want it, but I think you get the point.
- <00:12:47.079>
I <00:12:47.160>think load if you want it but I think I think load if - you want it but I think I think you<00:12:47.480>
get <00:12:47.639>the you get the you - or representative Johnson can um I think or representative Johnson can um I think that's<00:16:14.240
Keywords:
Consideration of SB 176 01:52
Consideration of SB 104 05:03
Consideration of SB 9 08:09
Consideration of SB 129 18:50
Consideration of SB 178 31:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, adopting committee substitutes where offered. Senate Bill 176, relating to statutory committees within the Legislative Research Commission, was presented by Senator Matt Nunn as a cleanup and process-streamlining measure for appointments, vacancies, and appointing authorities. It passed the committee 15-0 with a title amendment.
Senate Bill 104, presented by Senator Scott Maiden and the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority, would update deferred compensation law by adding a fiduciary standard, allowing less expensive liability insurance, making federal-law compliance self-correcting, and authorizing a self-directed brokerage account option. It passed 15-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 9, presented by Senator Jimmy Higdon, would change teacher retirement-related leave provisions, including up to 30 days of maternity leave, a 13-day annual rollover toward retirement, limits on using annual leave to increase retirement benefits, reporting requirements, and related cleanup provisions. After questions about maternity leave, district flexibility, and the actuarial cost of additional days, it passed 15-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Bill 129, presented by Senator Rocky Adams and House sponsor Representative John Hudson, was described as a housing and redevelopment measure aimed at vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties in Louisville. Testimony focused on allowing qualified nonprofits to purchase certain tax-delinquent properties after a waiting period, along with provisions on density development, accessory dwelling units, urban development incentives, fire and code enforcement recovery, a Central Business District tax fix, and changes to binding elements. Members raised concerns about nonprofit qualifications, land bank overlap, and county clerk burden; the bill passed 13-1 with one pass and received a title amendment. Senate Bill 178, presented by Senator Mike Nemes, was a short reorganization bill to codify the transfer of the Department of Disability Determination Services Program from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Labor Cabinet. It passed 12-0. The committee then recorded additional votes and adjourned, with the chair thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the final meeting of the year.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And I don't think that if it only happened three times, that makes it okay.
- And I thought to myself, I think about my freedom. I think about my brother serving in Vietnam.
- And I thought to myself, I think about my freedom. I think about my brother serving in Vietnam.
- But we need to think about those who don’t feel the same way that I do.
- So I think if you all are hanging around, they're somewhere here.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess.
The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended.
On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Because I would think that's more important than taking a computer test, don't you think?
- Because I would think that's more important than taking a computer test, don't you think?
- Because I would think that's more important than taking a computer test, don't you think?
- Because I would think that's more important than taking a computer test, don't you think?
- Because I would think that's more important than taking a computer test, don't you think?
Summary:
The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes.
The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation.
The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I think that's a be able to refocus.
- during the school um days, but I think during the school um days, but I think what<00:05:01.360>
- that same consultant uh actually I think that same consultant uh actually I think the<00:16:08.639
- I think statewide is $123 allocated.
- what I'm deleting is what was a I think what I'm deleting is what was a I think a<01:13:14.880><
Bills:
HB0159
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/05/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- science, computer engineering, and other areas.
- Yeah, no, I think you're certainly right.
- I do think that's a fine line to walk, but I think if your parody is effectively an indistinguishable
- From what you've seen, what do you think has been the best or the most unique use of AI policy?
- All right, I think it looks like we're wrapping up here.
Summary:
The Arizona House Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Adam Cook Hook of the National Conference of State Legislatures on recent AI policy trends across the states. He described how AI has rapidly become a major legislative issue, with all 50 states plus several territories introducing AI bills in 2025, and noted that states have created AI-focused committees, task forces, inventories, impact assessments, procurement rules, and government pilot projects. Examples discussed included state efforts in Colorado, Kentucky, West Virginia, Hawaii, Arkansas, Ohio, and others, along with NCSL resources such as its AI legislation database and policy toolkit.
Much of the discussion focused on deepfakes, elections, and synthetic media. Hook said many states have enacted disclosure requirements or prohibitions for AI-generated political messaging, and have also passed laws addressing sexually explicit deepfakes, nonconsensual intimate images, and commercial use of a person’s likeness, voice, or image. Members asked about the best state approaches to protecting likeness rights, how parody and satire affect deepfake laws, and whether such laws can avoid First Amendment problems. Hook pointed to recent court cases in California and Hawaii that struck down some deepfake laws as overly broad, especially where they lacked parody/satire exceptions or allowed too broad a private right of action.
The committee also asked about practical government uses of AI, including retrieval-augmented chatbots used by agencies such as Montana’s Ethics Commission and the Ohio Secretary of State to help answer public questions or guide election officials. Hook said states are pursuing both regulation and innovation, citing comprehensive laws in Colorado, Utah, California, and Texas that combine disclosure, risk assessment, and anti-discrimination requirements with innovation efforts such as sandboxes and state support for AI research. No bills were heard or voted on, and the meeting ended with the chair thanking the presenter and adjourning the committee.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's a really great idea and a really good bill.
- I think it’s just—I’m worried about a bad precedent. Thank you, Chair.
- I think this is an important addition to our newborn screening.
- But the point is, it's my computer system that I control.
- But the point is, it's my computer system that I control.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large agenda of health and human services bills, moving quickly because of a two-hour time limit. Early measures reported favorably included SB 976 on challenges to court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access and after-hours availability, and SB 584 on housing supports for college students and youth in extended foster care. SB 1412 on home health regulation modernization also passed, with one support appearance from the Home Care Association.
Members then approved several bills focused on research and care delivery, including SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF with an adopted amendment adding academic medical centers, SB 524 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 1156 revising a Medicaid home health aide program for medically fragile children, and SB 1490 transferring and redesigning the managed care program for critically ill children. SB 1174 on foster home licensure transfers, SB 1620 implementing mental health and substance use commission recommendations, SB 1568 revising e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 788 on veterans nursing home beds were also reported favorably.
The committee had more extensive debate on SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, which included provisions on vaccination status, medical marijuana background screening, licensing and compact issues, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dental workers; it passed after an amendment and several members voiced concerns about patient treatment and “voting power” language. SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from providers and health information professionals over privacy, HIPAA, and administrative burdens; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately passed after a motion to reconsider. Other bills reported favorably included SB 1736 on insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, SB 1808 on patient refunds from providers, SB 1842 on referral disclosure of network status, SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entity oversight, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies with informed consent requirements, and SPB 7032 on presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals, which was submitted and reported as a committee bill. The meeting ended after all agenda items were handled and the committee adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope everyone will think about their questions and keep them as concise as they can. and keep us moving
- I think that in the funding, there was a level that you expected. to get, and perhaps that didn't wind
- I think it's It's important to note that 80% of LIT graduates live and work within the great state of
- These new programs cover areas in engineering technology such as computer, electronics, biomedical and
- Members, I think we're kind of at a stopping place. We're going to make it to the floor on time.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, June 24, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 04/10/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- I think all of us have our IT systems.
- I<00:05:00.120>
think <00:05:00.440>it's <00:05:01.200>uh I think it's uh I think - computer security. computer security.
- but I think but I think from<00:19:45.880>
some <00:19:46.240>quick <00:19:46.560>< - I think that's the forward as late.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think so. Coconino, maybe? I think so, yes. Thank you. I knew I'd get her attention. Madam Chair?
- I think so, yeah. Okay. Yeah. Other money? I think so, yeah. Okay, yeah.
- I think it will be critical for these decisions at hand, but I think a jury would be something valid,
- I think that's important, so... ...behavior for years and years. I think that's important.
- I think that's a bad idea.
Keywords:
sentencing, correctional facilities, multiple sentences, death penalty, aggravating circumstances, juvenile offenses, class 2 felony, foreign donations, election administration, certification, Arizona Revised Statutes, transparency, public disclosure, victims' rights, attorney fees, government accountability, right to counsel, legal representation, parents' rights, family law
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes and then took up several election, family court, and criminal justice bills. SB 1425, the “big bill,” would move Arizona’s 2026 primary election date earlier and adjust related election administration timelines; the chair’s amendment moved the primary to July 21 and removed the shortened curing/ID deadlines. County officials testified in support, explaining the timing changes and the need to align dates, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. SB 1289, dealing with certifications for entities providing money or resources for election administration and foreign funding disclosures, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from supporters arguing it would block foreign influence in election administration and ballot issue spending. The committee later heard SCR 1013, a related resolution that would more directly prohibit foreign-source money for election administration and ballot measures; the sponsor and supporters said it was similar to SB 1289 but broader, and testimony focused on foreign money flowing through nonprofit networks.
The committee then considered SB 1326, which would allow courts to award attorney fees and costs to victims when a party violates or worsens a victim’s rights. A victim’s attorney testified that the bill would provide needed accountability and guidance, while opponents argued the term “exacerbates” was vague and that existing remedies already exist. The committee approved SB 1326 on a 4-3 vote. SB 1402, requiring courts to impose a fee on certain probationers to cover electronic monitoring costs, drew support from the sponsor and advocates who said offenders should pay for monitoring, and opposition from defense attorneys who warned it could burden indigent probationers and divert money from treatment; it also received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation.
The most extensive debate was on SB 1330, which would allow a parent in certain custody cases to request a jury trial on parenting time or legal decision-making. Supporters, including several parents, described costly and traumatic family court experiences and argued a jury would provide a neutral check on judges and court-appointed professionals. County and court representatives opposed the bill, saying family cases require specialized judicial expertise, jury trials would delay urgent matters, increase costs, and risk confidentiality. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. The committee also approved SB 1328, which declares state policy favoring parental rights and a child’s equal access to both co-parents, after adopting an amendment adding legislative intent language. Finally, SB 1329, which would let parents sue court-appointed professionals who deviate from professional ethics or standards in custody matters, passed 4-3 after testimony from parents and advocates who said court appointees lack accountability, while opponents said existing malpractice and licensing remedies already address misconduct.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to ban 'nudification technology' 4/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this is a very good bill, and I thank you also for recognizing that this amendment is, I think
- The way that I think this goes. So, I do not think this is a cool opportunity.
- We've got computers.
- So I think I think 24 hours notice.
- It's not because I don't think that it's vile. But I don't think it's getting to the root cause.
Summary:
House File 1606, as amended, was debated on the House floor as a bill to prohibit access to nudification technology and related AI-generated sexual deepfakes. Representative Hansen, the bill’s author, described the measure as a response to non-consensual, sexually explicit images and videos, especially harms to children and women, and said the bill would define nudified content, require nudifying features on apps and websites to be turned off in Minnesota, bar promotion of such apps, and create enforcement and remedies. Supporters emphasized testimony from survivors, the rapid growth of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and the need for state action because federal regulation has lagged. Opponents of the amendment argued the underlying bill should remain a clean, single-issue measure focused on non-consensual content creation and warned that adding age-verification language would complicate the bill and add cost.
Representative Bakeberg offered amendment A4, which would add age-verification requirements for commercial adult-content sites, with privacy limits for adults and enforcement mechanisms including audits and attorney general authority. Supporters of the amendment said it would extend existing physical-world protections for minors into the digital space, cited legal support from a Texas case and similar laws in other states, and argued it would help protect children from online pornography. Representative Hansen opposed the amendment, saying she had not been consulted, that it would muddy the bill’s focus on non-consensual nudification, and that it would add fiscal cost. Other members spoke both for and against the amendment, with some saying the issues were related and others saying the amendment was not ready and should be handled separately.
The House then took a roll call on amendment A4, and it failed on a 67-67 tie. After the amendment was not adopted, the bill was given its third reading. In closing remarks, supporters of the underlying bill reiterated that it was intended to protect victims and prevent harm before it occurs, while one member said the bill did not go far enough because it targeted software makers rather than the people creating and distributing the material. The transcript ends with further discussion of the bill’s purpose and support for moving it forward.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- And I don't have an answer for you today, but I think that's something we have to think about.
- So I think, you know, as we think about legislation to regulate both on worker protection and worker
- And if you want to think about it, you should think of it as a tuning knob. They turn it.
- You should think of it as like a tuning knob.
- So I think that that is a legitimate concern, and I think that certainly a number of my clients, a number
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation.
A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules.
The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.