Video & Transcript : 'data regulation' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The data is in.
  • We have data on... Over 10,000 PFAS.
  • We have data on probably a handful in terms of robust data sets.
  • A lot of data in terms of health characterization.
  • There have been questions about real-world data.
Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Commerce Apr 22nd, 2026

Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • What this bill doesn't do is it doesn't regulate prices.
  • What this bill doesn't do is it doesn't regulate prices.
  • This bill doesn't regulate prices. It regulates honesty.
  • And I do think some of this is going to be regulated on the federal side.
  • Amendment 11 amends the definition of surveillance data.
Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Data centers, I mean, I'm sure they have some parishes of concern about data centers.
  • of the state of Louisiana or local regulations, they would allow them to have. ...in the regulations
  • This is a highly regulated space.
  • If they come in with a data center, I'll oppose that data center. I'm not going to put anything in.
  • If they come in with a data center, I'll oppose that data center. I'm not going to put anything in.
Summary: The committee took up public comment on a package of similar local-option bills related to carbon capture and sequestration, including House Bills 5, 6, 497, 498, 501, and 504. The bills would let parishes, or in some cases specific parishes such as Rapides and Livingston, decide by local vote whether Class VI wells, CO2 sequestration, and related pipeline infrastructure could be permitted. The chair grouped the bills together for testimony, adopted a three-minute public comment rule, and noted that the bills were not yet under consideration for a vote during the public-comment portion. Supporters, including Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson, parish officials, local activists, and residents, argued that communities affected by carbon capture projects should have a direct voice through local option elections. They said the bills were about self-determination, local control, and allowing residents to decide whether the risks are worth the benefits. Several speakers said their parishes had passed resolutions opposing carbon capture or asking for local choice, while others emphasized concerns about eminent domain, aquifer protection, lack of public understanding, and the need for more information about project impacts and financial benefits. Some supporters also said a local vote would force industry to engage more directly with communities and could improve transparency. Opponents, including representatives of the Department of Conservation and Energy, the Louisiana Chemistry Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, warned that the bills would create uncertainty, undermine Louisiana’s primacy over Class VI permitting, and invite litigation under federal preemption and the Supremacy Clause. They said the state already has a strict permitting process with public input and technical review, and that allowing parish-by-parish approval could delay or block billions of dollars in investment, jobs, and export-related projects. The department testified that if the state adopted a local-option referendum system, EPA could determine Louisiana was not implementing the program consistently and could move to remove primacy. No committee vote was taken in the portion provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Or, like global regulation, right?
  • Companies have the data.
  • I think, without research to really see the data on cause and effect, it, it, To really see the data
  • and that also aren't affected by the regulation.
  • So things like that really need to be regulated.
Summary: The hearing focused on online safety controls and whether parental controls are sufficient to protect children on social media and other digital platforms. The chair and several members framed the issue as a child safety and public health problem, not just a technology issue, and said the goal was to understand what parental controls do, where they fail, and what policy solutions might be needed. Opening remarks also emphasized that California should lead on safer online spaces for children. Victoria and Paul Hinks gave emotional testimony about the death of their daughter, Alexandra, saying that despite using screen time limits, content filters, app restrictions, and other parental controls, their daughter was still exposed to harmful content and found ways around the settings. Researchers and advocates from Stanford, Children Now, and other organizations said parents face major challenges because digital parenting is complicated, platforms and apps change constantly, children can bypass controls, and many tools are costly or inaccessible. They argued that parental controls are often incomplete, hard to use, and not enough on their own to prevent harms such as cyberbullying, self-harm content, eating disorder content, and exploitation. Witnesses also discussed broader risks in digital spaces, including mental health harms, addiction, fentanyl-related contact through social media, and concerns about AI chatbots. Several speakers said safety should be built into products from the start, with stronger age assurance, clearer reporting systems, independent standards, and corporate accountability. Members asked about what “safe” means, whether other countries’ restrictions are effective, and which features are most harmful. There was broad agreement that no single tool is enough and that multiple layers of protection are needed. The final panel featured representatives from Meta, Google, OpenAI, and Roblox, who described their companies’ teen safety features and parental tools. They pointed to default protections for minors, content limits, bedtime and screen-time tools, age assurance efforts, and new parent notifications for certain self-harm searches. They also supported legislation on age assurance and app-store parental approval. Members pressed the companies on whether their tools are truly effective, and several witnesses acknowledged that current systems still have gaps and that more work is needed.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Jun 3rd, 2026

Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is data between January and September.
  • This is data between January and September.
  • So it's a pleasure to share some of that data with you.
  • So, you know, the EPA regulations and the California regulations aren't that different in the stringency
  • So, you know, the EPA regulations and the California regulations aren't that different.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:12 pm

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So what this bill really does is regulate the sharing and protection of sensitive location data.
  • ALPR data.
  • So what this bill really does is regulate the sharing and protection of sensitive location data.
  • So there's really no regulation on how long the data is stored.
  • So there's really no regulation on how long the data is stored, and that's an issue I think we do need
Keywords: 996, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> is looking at empiric data. is looking at empiric data.
  • So we look at, say, federal data; we look at data that we've collected, and there are a few data points
  • When regulations make it regulations.
  • </c> regulations. Thank you. regulations. Thank you.
  • </c> of regulations? of regulations?
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Apr 7th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the data is certainly very, very important.
  • But on the data side, how is that gonna... But on the data side, how is that going to...
  • When we look at the data, I hope when we look at the data, we compare apples to apples.
  • The data I've seen is that the AVs are actually safer.
  • And when we talk about data, let's look at apples to apples in terms of data.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We didn't have a lot of data then, and this was a novel industry on the rise.
  • So it was an emerging market and regulations.
  • And there's been representation about data that exists.
  • 15,100, to the studies, the direct data that we've asked for.
  • As a result, we don't have all the same data sources.
Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Commerce and Tourism Jan 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • But, you know, de-identified data is the scrubbing of data to remove all personal identifying information
  • There are parts about the data uses and things like that that would not be personally identifying data
  • De-identified data means data that can reasonably be linked to an identified or identifiable individual
  • How they're protecting biometric data, how they're de-identifying data in compliance with the law, just
  • Of course, we have data privacy protections, understanding more about data collection.
Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Jan 21st, 2026

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • But, you know, de-identified data is the scrubbing of data to remove all personal identifying information
  • There are parts about the data uses and things like that that would not be personally identifying data
  • De-identified data means data that can reasonably be linked to an identified or identifiable individual
  • , how they're... ...how they're protecting biometric data, how they're de-identifying data in compliance
  • Of course, we have data privacy protections, understanding more about data collection.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million, with the higher cap first applying to the 2027 allocation; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a Cybersecurity Experiential Internship and Clearance Readiness Program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida, but an amendment removed the bill’s funding appropriation; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was also reported favorably after support testimony from the Bar and others. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive financing and undisclosed health conditions at retail pet stores, drew strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was reported favorably as well. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the small cities CDBG program, clarify rural community eligibility to include certain unincorporated areas, exempt military conveyances from a reverter clause, and revise E-Verify enforcement and penalties. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including the fine structure, treatment of workers incorrectly flagged, and whether the bill could affect gig workers or retroactive cases. Senator Smith opposed the bill during debate, arguing it created unequal treatment for employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably. SB 214 would expand the rural economic development initiative to include special districts in rural counties and was reported favorably. SB 482, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, generated the most extensive discussion; it would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate disclosures and de-identification rules, restrict unauthorized use of name, image, and likeness, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Supporters emphasized child safety, privacy, and the need for guardrails, while opponents and some informational witnesses raised concerns about privacy, age verification, enforcement, and the bill’s breadth. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee also approved SPB 7030, a committee bill creating a public records exemption for Department of Legal Affairs investigations tied to the AI enforcement provisions.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Nov 12th, 2025

Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You've seen the data on this already.
  • So we are not even reporting on that data.
  • Means is new tech considers, we suggest new regulations.
  • Based regulations also within the statute.
  • So, that's from the recent Google data.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Federal regulations require that health plans collect data and conduct comparative analysis to demonstrate
  • It finally gave regulators clear, enforceable standards and data-driven tools to actually measure compliance
  • Dietary supplements are not regulated like pharmaceutical drugs.
  • Infant formula is regulated in a way that baby food under, it's regulated under federal law in a way
  • The data is very clear that access to care prior to conception The data is very clear that access to
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (10/22/2025)

Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> you put together uh what did the data you put together uh what did the data show?
  • </c> are three years uh based on the data are three years uh based on the data provided<00:26:19.279>
  • </c><00:32:30.559><c> Um</c> we um that we can regulate that. Um we um that we can regulate that.
  • regulations? regulations?
  • </c> of data to determine that? of data to determine that?
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/13/25 - Part 1

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> environmental permitting and regulations environmental permitting and regulations that<00:48:56.200
  • We support reforms that streamline regulations while maintaining appropriate regulations necessary to
  • We urge you to support House File 8. excessive regulation constrains economic excessive regulation constrains
  • </c><01:18:08.520><c> while</c> that streamline regulations while that streamline regulations while maintaining
  • <01:18:09.320><c> appropriate</c><01:18:09.920><c> regulations</c> maintaining appropriate regulations
Keywords: 1183, house
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • The data is in.
  • We have data on...” “Over 10,000 PFAS.
  • We have data on probably a handful in terms of robust data sets.
  • A lot of data in terms of health characterization.
  • There have been questions about real-world data.
Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointees and routine committee actions. Members approved, by unanimous 5-0 votes, three not-required-to-appear appointments: Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board. The committee also approved references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgements, each by 5-0 vote. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access for 14 million Californians, navigating federal changes, and continuing CalAIM and behavioral health reforms. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, Medi-Cal redeterminations, work requirements, provider reimbursement, fraud oversight, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the effectiveness of CalAIM and community supports. Public commenters from county, hospital, and provider groups largely supported the nomination, citing his experience and collaborative approach. The committee voted 5-0 to send his appointment to the full Senate. The committee also considered Chris Thayer’s appointment as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, science-based health assessments, improving risk communication, and supporting tools such as CalEnviroScreen and Prop 65 guidance. Senators raised concerns about reliance on models versus real-world data, PFAS, environmental justice, wildfire and battery-fire impacts, and whether CalEnviroScreen and Prop 65 are working as intended. Public testimony from environmental and health organizations supported the nomination and highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role. The committee approved Thayer’s appointment 3-1, with one senator not voting, and forwarded it to the Senate floor.
UT

Utah 2025 Regular Session

Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee - November 19, 2025

Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It authorizes the division, subject to approval of NERC, the Feds, to regulate activities related to
  • It would create the new office to coordinate nuclear energy regulation. nuclear energy regulation for
  • It would create the new office to coordinate nuclear energy regulation.
  • regulators.
  • I would just add one data point to what he pointed out. The existing fleet is...
Keywords: 985, all
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • What kind of data do we have access to by virtue of our role as regulator that we can share with subject
  • First, lots of data is being reviewed, as some of the data being reviewed as part of this work has some
  • Do we have some kind of data crossfeed with them so that we can see what they're getting data-wise?
  • But, you know, so we lack that data.
  • everybody's data secure.
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.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 13th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We currently regulate alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes. Why shouldn't we regulate social media?
  • And that's only data through 2021.
  • If we're going to regulate tobacco in the state of Idaho, we absolutely can regulate social media and
  • These corporations own that data for life.
  • These corporations own that data for life.
Summary: Senate State Affairs began by taking up HCR 31, a resolution honoring former Representative Lyndon Bateman. Senator Anthon, Tess Molitor, and former Lieutenant Governor David Leroy spoke in tribute, describing Bateman’s long legislative service, his work on Idaho Day, his advocacy for cursive and Idaho history, and his humor and letter-writing. The committee moved HCR 31 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried. The committee then heard gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority from Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, both of whom outlined extensive backgrounds in construction, development, finance, and public service. The committee also considered and approved confirmations for Robert Donaldson and Irving Littman to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, sending both to the floor with recommendations for confirmation. Several RS requests were introduced and sent to print, including measures on liability protections for polling places, a legislative salary reduction resolution, revisions to 340B drug reporting, surveyor access, and cremation identification requirements. The committee also advanced HB 637 on gold and silver legal tender, HB 573 expanding who may teach enhanced concealed carry courses, and HB 561 on government flag displays. HB 542, the social media bill aimed at limiting addictive features and requiring age estimation and parental controls for minors, drew extensive testimony both for and against; after debate over the effective date and private cause of action, the committee sent it to the 14th order for possible amendments rather than directly to the floor.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Labor & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • and the regulated community alike.
  • and the regulated community alike.
  • We don't have good baseline data right now.
  • Getting hard data on licensing times remains a problem.
  • We're already regulated by DCYF and L&I.
Bills: HB1347, HB2091, HB2264