Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 1609 by Assembly Member Bonta, relating to artificial intelligence.
• This will set the rules of the road that artificial intelligence can be used, but in a way that meets
• This will set the rules of the road that artificial intelligence can be used, but in a way that meets
• Artificial intelligence has On behalf of Senator Padilla, artificial intelligence has embedded itself
• The Senate Bill 1119 by Senator Padilla and others, and activities are artificial intelligence.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, received a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a lengthy concurrence calendar, with many bills passing on largely bipartisan or unanimous votes. Early actions included concurrence on measures affecting electrician certification (AB 1707), refinery worker safety (AB 605), insurance (AB 2061), vehicle and developmental services issues, AI customer service disclosure and access to a human representative (AB 1609), electricity reporting (AB 1813), child care reimbursement (AB 1981), housing (AB 2020), state government/Engaged California (AB 2103), local journalism tax credits (AB 2222), education governance (AB 2225), geothermal resources (AB 2234), occupational safety (AB 2321), water and data center transparency (AB 2469), foster care (AB 2478), juvenile hall visitation (AB 1646), housing (AB 2320), pest control (AB 2086), probation (AB 1816), school facilities (AB 2316), electricity procurement (AB 2476), health care credentialing (AB 1199), and a tax exclusion related to a chemical leak in Assembly Member Ta’s district (AB 760). Several items were passed temporarily or retained, and some bills required recorded votes with a few no votes, but most were approved with strong margins. A major portion of the floor session centered on AB 2551, a higher education bill about collecting data and holding forums related to campus protest policies and student conduct. The debate was extensive and emotional, with members discussing free speech, campus safety, antisemitism, civil rights, and the implementation of prior time, place, and manner protections. Supporters framed the bill as a data and transparency measure to assess whether students are being treated fairly, while opponents and skeptics warned it could weaken protections that had been enacted to prevent harassment and violence. The author emphasized that the bill was intended to address unintended consequences and not repeal existing safeguards. After debate, the bill was put to a vote and concurred in. The Assembly also took up several Senate bills. SB 1148 on security guard training passed unanimously; SB 887 on environmental review for data centers and SB 337 on preventing sexual violence in state prisons both passed; SB 1345 on foster youth belongings during placement changes passed unanimously; SB 1365 on closing rent-gouging loopholes after disasters passed; SB 951 required an EDD report on AI’s effects on the workforce and passed; SB 574 set rules for AI use in legal proceedings and passed; and SB 867 imposed a moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys and passed. The chamber also heard an adjournment in memory for Jamie Rarebreed Gregory, a violence intervention and survivor advocate, and later returned to additional items, including an urgency elections bill expanding electioneering buffer zones (SB 884) and a bill on eviction court data at the zip code level (SB 1160), which was introduced as a transparency measure to better understand housing instability and homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation.
• A comment on, you know, this is talking about artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, but we
• Artificial intelligence is changing child exploitation in North Dakota.
• Artificial intelligence is changing child exploitation in North Dakota, not in theory, but in what we
• In closing, artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing child exploitation.

Committee: Joint Protection and Victim Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no evidence that these agencies stop collecting gang intelligence altogether.
• By creating a specialized intelligence-driven unit SB 1019 strengthens California's ability to protect
• Isabel was vibrant, funny, intelligent, and deeply loved.
• This bill is also known as the Artificial Intelligence Abuse Protection Act.
• We are so proud to sponsor Senator Ashby's bill, SB 1111, the Artificial Intelligence Abuse Protection

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• People are looking at what you have mentally, intelligently, if you can do the job.
• People are looking at what you have mentally, intelligently, if you can do the job.
• Chairman, your Committee on an artificial intelligence intervention of a stretch, consideration Senate

Transcript Highlights:

• And another part of, I think, the real intelligence of the original MODESA was that it requires in our
• And another part of, I think, the real intelligence of the original MODESA was that it requires in our
• And I always like to come up right behind somebody pretty intelligent and mistaken. Mr.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• do want to just add—I want to piggyback off of Senator Shope’s question related to artificial intelligence
• advertising, and research and analysis side of all of those things is one area where artificial intelligence
• Are you requiring employees to begin using artificial intelligence for that research, right, so that

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, Senator McCrae, artificial<00:10:46.720><c> intelligence,</c><00:10:47.360><c> machine</c
• > artificial intelligence, machine artificial intelligence, machine manufacturing,<00:10:48.480><c> workforce

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• services; HB 2406, Department of Veterans Study; HB 2407, insurance claims processing; HB 2419, intelligence
• HB 2592, artificial intelligence state agency. HB 2598, campaign finance filings.
• 2584 public monies 2587 adult content 2588 municipalities planned communities 2592 artificial intelligence

Transcript Highlights:

• Octopus are intelligent creatures. They've shown aptitude for problem solving.
• And I appreciate the good member's comments on the intelligence of these creatures.
• They are intelligent.

Bills: HB2238 , HB1311 , HB1608 , HB1735 , HB1825 , HB1976 , HB2062

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum, BIPOC, tribal consultation, small farmers, diet-related health disparities, food affordability

Transcript Highlights:

• We're just seeing the start of what artificial intelligence and robotics can do in agriculture.
• We're just seeing the start of what artificial intelligence and robotics can do in agriculture.
• Thanks to the Legislature, we were able to start a Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Care and Retirement Corp., a rule is impermissibly vague if persons of common understanding and intelligence
• Care and Retirement Corp., a rule is impermissibly vague if persons of common understanding and intelligence
• revolves around the impermissibly vague rule here in that if persons of common understanding and intelligence

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion. The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection. Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE SENSOR SYSTEMS IN THE OCEAN AND THAT IS BROUGHT OUT TO INCLUDE DATA SCIENCE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
• THEN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING IS AN AREA THAT'S REALLY COME TO THE FOREFRONT AT HPMI
• FLORIDA HAS MADE GREAT ADVANCEMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE AND THE LASTINGER CENTER

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. And you're testifying for or against the bill?
• name is Adam Colby, and I am the director and chief investigator for the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, I recently issued a bulletin on insurance companies' use of artificial intelligence.
• To me, that means looking at artificial intelligence, the volume, and I'm sure you already know this,
• I have a pretty intelligent staff, and we spent a fair amount of time.
• This is with Coinflip Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.
• My name is Adam Colby, and I am the director of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I assigned him to lead a committee on artificial intelligence, which is a really big endeavor, and he
• <c> artificial</c> him to lead a committee on artificial him to lead a committee on artificial intelligence
• :42.960><c> is</c><00:09:43.080><c> a</c><00:09:43.120><c> really</c><00:09:43.440><c> big</c> intelligence
• , which is a really big intelligence, which is a really big endeavor,<00:09:44.680><c> and</c><00:09:
• You're<00:43:56.680><c> intelligent.</c> You're intelligent. You're intelligent.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our macroeconomic consultant, S&P Global Market Intelligence, released their baseline forecast to us
• </c><00:08:45.480><c> released</c> S&amp;P Global Market intelligence released S&amp;P Global Market
• intelligence released their<00:08:46.120><c> Baseline</c><00:08:46.800><c> forecast</c><00:08:47.640>
• S&P Global Market Intelligence predicts that some of that momentum will carry into 2025.
• S&P Global Market Intelligence projects CPI inflation will remain elevated at an annual rate of about

Transcript Highlights:

• On slide four particularly, first we are requesting funding to establish an artificial intelligence center
• This includes the development and use of artificial intelligence.
• As a highlight, UTMB was the first in Texas to deploy an artificial intelligence comprehensive screening
• and Crime Analysis and our Cyber Forensics. and Intelligence Center.
• Our second request would be for UNT's Center for Integrated Intelligent Mobility Systems.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• of connected devices, and the rapid scaling of advanced technologies like generative artificial intelligence
• of connected devices, and the rapid scaling of advanced technologies like generative artificial intelligence
• of connected devices, and the rapid scaling of advanced technologies like generative artificial intelligence
• of connected devices, and the rapid scaling of advanced technologies like generative artificial intelligence
• That support our modern economy, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal would be to maximize collaboration, share resources, and share intelligence, creating a safer
• And what it also creates is the sharing of intelligence, more information.
• And what it also creates is the sharing of intelligence, more information.
• ,<02:09:15.040><c> sharing</c><02:09:15.360><c> intel</c><02:09:15.760><c> analysts,</c> intelligence
• , sharing intel analysts, intelligence, sharing intel analysts, uh,<02:09:16.880><c> instead</c><02:09

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill creates the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.
• It deline The bill creates the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.
• It delineates certain rights of Floridians with respect to the use of artificial intelligence.
• It would require an opt-in, and it would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence before the
• It would require an opt-in, and it would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence before the

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.