Transcript Highlights:

• I sit on Science, Technology and Energy, and it is incumbent upon our government to have someone on our
• I chair the Science, Technology and Energy Committee, and I'm here this morning to testify on this bill
• and the Public Utilities Commission for the last 20 years, either in my five terms and science, technology
• and the Public Utilities Commission for the last 20 years, either in my five terms and science, technology
• </c> for what we built up new technologies for what we built up new technologies new<01:12:44.000><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 610, which would fold the Office of the Consumer Advocate into the Department of Energy rather than fully eliminate consumer advocacy functions. The prime sponsor argued the current office is small, funded by a special assessment on ratepayers, and duplicative of DOE work. He said moving the function to DOE would streamline energy policy review, reduce bureaucracy, and better focus the larger agency on lowering residential energy costs. He also disputed claims that the Consumer Advocate is independent, saying the office is appointed through a political process similar to DOE leadership. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would actually relocate existing positions or replace them, and whether the Department of Energy would absorb the cost of the transferred staff. The sponsor said the fiscal note shows roughly a million-dollar reduction in both revenue assessment and spending, and that the bill would effectively reduce the office from five positions to three. He also defended his cost estimates for energy-code-related housing impacts and said the Consumer Advocate has sometimes supported policies he считает increase costs, such as energy-efficiency measures and building code changes. He argued the office should focus more on energy supply and generation, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than efficiency alone. Representative Wendy Thomas testified in opposition, saying the Consumer Advocate is an important, fair, and impartial voice for ratepayers and warning that the bill was fiscally irresponsible because the incumbent could still be owed salary and benefits if the office were repealed. She also said the bill’s drafting was confusing and that the Consumer Advocate’s role is to push back on utilities on behalf of consumers. Other members raised questions about whether the DOE would simply inherit the same political appointment structure and whether the bill would meaningfully lower bills. No vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated additional testimony would follow, and the Department of Energy was present to answer questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, recently we've seen the impact of technology in automobiles, and also, uh, we know that a person
• I'm just wondering if you know of any technology that would enable a policeman who's in pursuit to push
• I'm just wondering if you know of<00:21:35.840><c> any</c><00:21:36.320><c> technology</c><00:21:37.760
• ><c> that</c><00:21:38.159><c> would</c><00:21:38.559><c> enable</c> of any technology that would enable
• such as the treatment and technologies such as the uh<04:55:39.600><c> interlock</c><04:55:40.240><c

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• three major ones that I gave as example, the pharmacy rebates, no, I think that's a specialized technology
• </c> think that's a A specialized technology think that's a A specialized technology area<01:44:17.679
• probably more where we're Technologies probably more where we're seeing<02:32:34.120><c> AI</c><02:32
• in terms of this this budget technology in terms of this this budget um<02:34:47.800><c> as</c><02:34
• that we already have um more technology that we already have um more wildly<02:35:33.240><c> um</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division Three work session on February 21, 2025 focused on the Division of Medicaid Services budget. The chair opened with procedural guidance, noting the division’s role is to make recommendations to the full Finance Committee, that the budget must be balanced, and that members should track possible amendments ahead of a March 26 target for House Bills 1 and 2. Members also discussed the importance of using official budget documents and online resources, and the chair said no motions would be taken at this session. A major early topic was concern over a five-point Medicaid policy document and the timing of House Bill 2. Representative Tarki objected that the document appeared to be an unofficial draft and argued that significant Medicaid policy changes should have been transmitted by February 15 under state law. He said the lack of an official, posted document raised transparency concerns because the changes could affect tens of thousands of residents. Committee leadership responded that the five-point document was a working document, that it would be posted online within minutes, and that House Bill 2 is often delayed while the Office of Legislative Services finalizes and formats the governor’s proposed trailer bill. DHHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman then began the budget presentation. White said the committee would use the PowerPoint as the document of record, starting with the governor’s operating budget pages 885-893, and noted that Medicaid is the largest accounting area in the state budget. He said the governor’s budget reflects about $60 million in reductions within the Medicaid area, with Granite Advantage handled off-budget and another $10 million in reductions there, for roughly a $70 million difference overall. Members asked whether the comparison was being made against an efficiency budget or a prioritized-needs budget, and White said the department could look at it different ways. The presentation then outlined Medicaid’s role in New Hampshire: it provides health coverage, serves as the state’s direct interface with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and helps finance related services such as long-term supports, school-based services, adult dental coverage, and re-entry programs for people leaving correctional settings. White also reviewed enrollment and program context, saying New Hampshire has about one in seven residents enrolled in Medicaid, making it the fourth smallest Medicaid program in the country by enrollment, and described recent efforts such as youth re-entry and the Medicaid unwind after the end of the federal continuous coverage period. He said the state had to process more than 238,000 redeterminations after the public health emergency and that the department tried to avoid unnecessary coverage loss during that transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• We find new technology, new innovations to make us more efficient, more frugal, more capable.
• This letter is from a collection of technology and AI leaders in Washington State.
• They write to the governor that Of technology and AI leaders in Washington State.
• The amendment, Madam Speaker, would simply encourage and incentivize technology.
• I think about other technologies such as clean energy technology and what we're seeing today.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's outdated, focuses on magnetic strip technology.
• with the technology, people will get away with stuff or not get what they deserve.
• the technology, people will get away with stuff or not get what they deserve.
• Seeing none, I close the executive session. technology, um, people will get away technology, um, people
• </c><04:24:41.600><c> to</c> body cams um or the technology to body cams um or the technology to record

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for in the event to use this technology for in the event they<00:18:08.559><c> do</c><00:18:08.799><
• Technology costs have increased dramatically while VSET funding has remained stagnant for quite some
• Without adequate funding to keep up with the rising cost of technology and other essential resources
• The use of their technology continues to grow.
• The use of their technology is non-stop.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Technology will replace those positions, creating fewer opportunities for young people in particular
• Technology will replace those positions, creating fewer opportunities for young people in particular
• Technology will replace those positions, creating fewer opportunities for young people in particular
• Technology will replace those positions, creating fewer opportunities for young people in particular
• will replace those positions technology will replace those positions<00:38:46.359><c> creating</c><00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A key point on the technology, though, is it isn't new.
• A key point on the technology,<01:15:39.840><c> though,</c><01:15:39.960><c> is</c><01:15:40.080><c>
• </c> technology, though, is it isn't new. technology, though, is it isn't new.
• So, I'm just curious how this technology functions to avoid that kind of situation.
• So, I'm just curious<01:20:56.920><c> how</c><01:20:57.120><c> this</c><01:20:57.360><c> technology</

Bills: HF2354 , HF3621 , HF3429 , HF3483

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud, payment withholding, withheld payments, program integrity, public funds, state agency, program participant, credible allegation of fraud, administrative reconsideration, contested case, chapter 14, data practices, confidential data, protected nonpublic data, anti-fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• But what you need to understand is that this does not require any new technology, anything new.
• I have so much technology that I introduce in my courses.
• Um I have so much technology<01:25:06.159><c> that</c><01:25:06.400><c> I</c><01:25:06.880><c> that</
• that I that I introduce in my technology that I that I introduce in my courses.<01:25:08.639><c> I'm
• 12.080><c> then</c><01:25:12.320><c> incentive</c> newest technology and then incentive newest technology

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar. Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar. The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• such as EHRs or other care coordination technology.
• The committee substitute clarifies the eligibility requirements and ensures that the technology adopted
• And members, this bill increases access to integral technology that leads directly to improved patient
• We really do need to level up the technology infrastructure for these providers that don't have it.
• With the advancements of medication and technology, we have children... ...medical health conditions

Bills: HB3772 , HB1656 , HB4504 , HB1896 , HB4420 , HB4421 , HB4076 , HB3708 , HB2806 , HB3540 , HB1586 , HB5459 , HB4553 , HB4535 , HB3811 , HB3749 , HB4255 , HB4051 , HB5098 , HB3554 , HB4539 , HB5274

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic, alongside a thriving ecosystem of companies advancing medical technology
• <00:37:01.960><c> manufacturing</c><00:37:02.640><c> Aerospace</c><00:37:03.240><c> Power</c> Technology
• manufacturing Aerospace Power Technology manufacturing Aerospace Power Sports<00:37:04.319><c> and</
• </c> Forefront of technological Forefront of technological advancement<00:37:50.599><c> at</c><00:37:
• Recent economic data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the State Science and Technology Institute

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs. Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account. Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all about the technology and the data flow, and that's really where it comes down to.
• ><00:10:05.000><c> all</c><00:10:05.200><c> about</c><00:10:05.440><c> the</c><00:10:05.600><c> technology
• </c><00:10:06.079><c> and</c> it's it's all about the technology and it's it's all about the technology
• c><00:36:43.839><c> to</c><00:36:44.040><c> help</c><00:36:44.280><c> Abate</c> sighting use of technology
• to help Abate sighting use of technology to help Abate problems<00:36:45.000><c> which</c><00:36:45.119

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, virtual reality or XR technology supports...
• Currently, virtual reality or XR technology supports 80,000 U.S. jobs, and listen to this, projected
• It does not authorize technology to shape students' thinking in ways that we would not want or that we
• A single-cycle or open-cycle power generation facility is not an acceptable energy generation technology
• A single-cycle or open-cycle power generation facility is not an acceptable energy generation technology

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The administration department supports internal operations, including finance, accounting, technology
• Who would have thought five years ago that you'd have the cybersecurity and advanced technology...
• Technology is critical. It touches almost every aspect of our life.
• Another issue on technology that is important to the auditor’s office: cybersecurity.
• When I talk about technology, it's here. It's not going anywhere.

Committee: Joint Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Committee on Labor and Technology please come to order?
• Senate Committee on Labor and Technology informational briefing.
• Information technology, um, those are all bands A through D.
• </c><01:25:57.040><c> And</c> areas would be um AI and technology.
• And areas would be um AI and technology.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the AI technology is scary.
• I think that, from my own anecdotal perception, with the technology development, scamming has become
• I think that, from my own anecdotal perception, with the technology development, scamming has become
• </c> is that with the um uh technology is that with the um uh technology development<01:13:03.440><c>
• I think that, from my own anecdotal perception, with the technology development, scamming has become

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriation, which was a total of $3 million after the reduction that was executed by Hawaii Technology
• The plan is to identify spots with the technology so that we can share that information for private commercial
• appropriation, which was a total of $3 million after the reduction that was executed by Hawaii Technology
• The appropriation was executed by Hawaii Technology Development Corp. in a memorandum of agreement with
• The plan is to identify spots with the technology so that we can share that information for a private

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The division also licenses boiler operators, electricians, electrical and technology system contractors
• The division also licenses boiler operators, electricians, electrical and technology system contractors
• :24.200><c> and</c> operators electricians electrical and operators electricians electrical and technology
• <00:22:25.039><c> system</c><00:22:25.600><c> contractors</c><00:22:26.600><c> elevator</c> technology
• system contractors elevator technology system contractors elevator constructors<00:22:28.200><c> High

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've actually developed technology to map these efforts and put all the data in.
• And we're using AI technology to actually understand the flow rates, pump pressures, and volumes, looking
• state's representatives to understand what we're seeing in terms of this monitoring and using the technology
• This is kind of what happens when this kind of technology proliferates in an unfettered fashion.
• But I know technology changes and priorities change.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've actually developed technology to map these efforts, to put all the data in.
• And we're using AI technology to actually understand the flow rates, pump pressures, and volumes, looking
• And using the technology, I could say that we could map out where the earthquakes are occurring and also
• This is kind of what happens when this kind of technology proliferates in an unfettered fashion.
• But I know technology changes and priorities change.

Summary: The committee met on May 26, 2026, and first approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. The main topic was the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster, with testimony from Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy staff, LSU and Tulane geoscientists, and later LSU law professor Keith Hall. Witnesses said the cause of the swarm has not been definitively identified, but induced seismicity from wastewater injection or hydraulic fracturing remains a concern. They described 50 earthquakes reported by the USGS in Red River, Bienville, DeSoto, and Natchitoches Parishes, including a magnitude 4.9 event on March 5, 2026, and explained that Louisiana’s sparse seismic network limits detection and depth/location estimates. C&E said it inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the events, found no violations, now requires more frequent injection reporting, and is working with researchers and LSU on a possible state monitoring network and future policy changes. Committee members asked about injection depths, fault locations, whether the activity could be natural, and whether Louisiana should adopt stronger monitoring or a traffic-light regulatory system like other states. The witnesses said more data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, but that denser monitoring can detect smaller quakes and help identify patterns. Professor Hall summarized responses in other states, including more frequent reporting, increased monitoring, injection reductions, moratoria, and traffic-light systems in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. Members also discussed whether operators should share more seismic and geologic data, and several said the state should avoid jumping to conclusions while still improving oversight. The committee then heard from William Berger, a Texas geoscientist, who described using AI and operator data to model wastewater injection and seismic risk, and said broader data sharing would improve forecasting and siting decisions. He and another witness emphasized that many earthquakes arise from clusters of wells rather than a single well, and that proprietary concerns limit voluntary disclosure. The committee also received a brief update from GOSEP and the Louisiana National Guard on the Barksdale Air Force Base drone incursions. GOSEP said it logged the incident in WebEOC and shared releasable information, while State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose. Officers said a task force has been formed, some personnel have received federal drone-mitigation training, and House Bill 940 is intended to mirror the task force MOU. Finally, Major General Thomas Friloux and Brigadier General Jason Maffus updated the committee on the merger of GOSEP into the Louisiana Military Department. They said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, brought back employees to in-person work, modernized the state’s common operating picture, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance through staffing and contract changes. They also noted the planned transfer of the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, ongoing hurricane preparedness, and continued coordination with parish emergency managers. No votes were taken on the substantive topics, and the meeting ended with the committee moving through its agenda items and receiving informational testimony.