Transcript Highlights:

• So I have questions on leveraging technology for productivity.
• </c><00:46:08.920><c> for</c><00:46:09.280><c> productivity</c> leveraging technology for productivity
• In other cases, with limited technology, they're going to be stronger on waterfall.
• </c><04:09:05.359><c> in</c> other cases with limited technology in other cases with limited technology
• Most of the goals of our technology is to improve productivity, reduce duplication of effort.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division III convened a work session on the DHHS budget, with the chair noting there would be no votes and that the committee would spend the day hearing from the commissioner’s office. Nathan White, DHHS Chief Financial Officer, opened with the Division of Finance/Office of Business Operations, explaining that the unit supports the department through daily financial management, AP/AR, audit work, expense projections, transfers, and procurement functions such as contracts, amendments, RFPs/RFAs, and grants management. He also described the division’s revenue and reporting work, including federal draws, CMS-64 reporting, and the public assistance cost allocation plan, and said the department had centralized rate-setting work and a small team handling Medicaid rate analysis and nursing facility rebase work. Members asked about vacancies, turnover, and budget changes. White said the division had 18 positions unfunded in the governor’s budget, reducing personal services from about $10.8 million to $9.9 million, and estimated the division’s vacancy rate at about 11 percent, below the department average. He said turnover was relatively low, with one retirement at the manager level and higher turnover mainly at lower AP-level positions. He also explained that some budget lines reflected reallocations rather than new spending, including fringe benefits centralized elsewhere and an EBT card contract moved into this unit because the staff member overseeing it works in Finance. When asked about a rent/lease increase, he said it was due to higher copier leasing costs under a statewide DAS contract. White highlighted several management and technology improvements. He said a business intelligence tool procured in 2022, using Salesforce and Excel-based data, helped DHHS better track federal revenue and maintenance-of-effort spending, reducing FY24 General Fund lapse by about 70 percent and federal/other revenue lapse by 88 percent compared with FY23; he warned that the tool is not funded in the current budget. He also described Lean Six Sigma efforts in the contracts team, training for vendors and nonprofits on procurement and indirect cost rules, and a Finance Academy to standardize policies and procedures. On the contracts side, he said the department uses Smartsheet for project management and DocuSign for electronic signatures, which cut contract execution time dramatically, but noted DocuSign is also not funded in the governor’s budget. The session ended as the committee prepared to move on to the Employee Assistance Program presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• May this be a day of transformation.
• Given continual technological and economic advancements, it is crucial to provide businesses and employees
• Thirdly, at least for this year, it has had a focus on technology, on AI.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Information, Technology, Budget and Policy subcommittee will now come to order. Faith.

Transcript Highlights:

• quality standards for crisis centers, and prioritizes funding for 988 call centers for dispatch technology

Bills: SB1369 , SB1570

Committee: House A&B Human Services Subcommittee

Keywords: mental health, crisis services, 988 Lifeline, suicide prevention, behavioral health, revolving fund, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee is at hearing here at 1:30.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee is at hearing here at 1:30.

Summary: The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee met briefly with quorum present and only one item on the agenda: approval of the minutes from Monday, March 16. The chair noted that the secretary had taken a silent role and thanked members for their work during the session, indicating the committee would continue at the call of the chair after completing business. Representative Egbert said he had reviewed the minutes and saw no needed changes, then moved to approve them. There was no discussion or objection from the committee. The committee approved the minutes by voice vote, and the chair adjourned the meeting with thanks to members and a note that they would see each other next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our information technology team will begin occupying the building this coming Monday as part of turning
• Our information<00:02:51.440><c> technology</c><00:02:52.160><c> team</c><00:02:52.480><c> will</c><00
• :02:52.800><c> begin</c> information technology team will begin information technology team will begin

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion is due pass to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection.
• Motion is due pass to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Wahab? Aye.
• Motion is due pass to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Wahab? Aye.
• Motion is due pass to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Technology, wonderful thing. Thank you for having me in today.
• I'm an information scientist, and my work focuses on how digital media and technology influence the health
• We have the technology to evacuate this smoke.
• I've been a surgical technology, surgical first assist for about 24 years, and I work in multiple hospitals

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and access to care. Major topics included restricting polystyrene use, creating a pancreatic cancer awareness and early-detection initiative, improving indoor air quality through a task force and new regulations, expanding access to epinephrine in public places, improving access to health care for people with long COVID, creating an OBGYN loan repayment program for underserved areas, expanding access to hygiene products, modernizing licensure for dietitians and nutritionists, updating school postural screening requirements, and restricting harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Several legislators also testified in support of their own bills, including measures on menstrual product access and ingredient disclosure, and surgical smoke protections. Testimony on the polystyrene bill emphasized local municipal bans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. Pancreatic cancer advocates and patients described the disease’s low survival rate, the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the need for an awareness campaign and implementation of commission recommendations. Indoor air quality supporters from environmental justice groups, public health organizations, and residents described asthma, mold, pollution, and the need for a task force with technical expertise; some witnesses urged adding remediation professionals to the task force. On epinephrine access, family members of a man who died after a bee sting and an allergy organization stressed that anaphylaxis can be sudden and fatal and that stock epinephrine in public venues could save lives. Long COVID advocates said the condition affects hundreds of thousands of residents and called for better surveillance and access to care, with a request to include MECFS in the bills’ scope. Other testimony focused on workforce and equity issues. Supporters of the OBGYN loan repayment bill said it would help address maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Hope and Comfort described widespread hygiene insecurity and a long waiting list for basic products, urging a task force to study statewide solutions. Dietitians and nutritionists supported modernization of licensure to clarify standards for medical nutrition therapy while allowing broader wellness counseling. School nurses backed reducing mandatory postural screenings, arguing the current law is not evidence-based, is not reimbursed by MassHealth, and takes time from other student health needs. On the supplement bill, the industry trade group opposed restrictions as overbroad and burdensome, while a public health expert cited research linking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to serious harms and urged passage. The committee also heard support for menstrual product access and surgical smoke protections, with legislators and advocates describing those bills as longstanding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• to take fraud seriously in our state, address the fraud crisis, and make sure that we are using technology
• c><00:56:01.040><c> we</c><00:56:01.359><c> are</c><00:56:01.680><c> using</c><00:56:02.160><c> technology
• </c><00:56:03.119><c> that</c> sure that we are using technology that sure that we are using technology

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Energy supports geothermal innovation through its Geothermal Technologies Office and district-scale
• :17.120><c> Geothermal</c> innovation through its Geothermal innovation through its Geothermal Technologies
• <00:25:19.000><c> Office</c><00:25:19.840><c> and</c><00:25:20.040><c> district-scale</c> Technologies
• Office and district-scale Technologies Office and district-scale pilot<00:25:21.520><c> programs.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Medina, if you could identify yourself for the record, and then when we have technology on our side,
• c><00:12:58.000><c> when</c><00:12:58.240><c> we</c><00:12:58.399><c> have</c><00:12:58.639><c> technology
• </c> record and then when we have technology record and then when we have technology on<00:12:59.360>

Bills: HF858 , HF2577 , HF2576

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that our federal government and other people are doing crazy things with technology.
• and recommend a specific mitigation plan for clients who have been injured by this trespassing technology
• Concerns about potential toxicity, environmental impacts of this technology.
• You know, we have to recognize, I think, that this technology is rolling out across the nation, and the

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up several executive-session items and voted H.J.R. 189 do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. It then adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 2139, with the substitute removing specific references to Sharia law and broadening the language to apply to foreign law generally; the committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2139 and HB 2175 do pass by 10 ayes and 2 noes. The committee also adopted a substitute for House Bill 3051 that removed manufacturer language and focused the bill on car dealers and the Department of Revenue, then voted that House Committee Substitute do pass by 7 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 present. Later, the committee adopted an amendment and substitute for House Bill 2908 and HB 2990 and voted that combined committee substitute do pass by 13 ayes and 1 no. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to House Bills 2388 and 2656, which would ban geoengineering, weather modification, and cloud seeding in Missouri. Sponsors and supporters argued the bills were needed to stop pollution, protect air, water, soil, agriculture, and public health, and to mirror laws or proposals in other states such as Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana. Testimony from supporters included claims that these practices are already occurring, that federal and private actors are involved, and that the bills would provide a needed state-level prohibition and deterrent. Several witnesses also argued that weather modification and geoengineering raise consent, environmental, and health concerns, while a Missouri Farm Bureau representative said the organization opposes unregulated commercial weather modification as a proactive measure. The committee also heard extensive testimony on a solar-energy bill, House Bill 2478, presented as a vehicle for a committee substitute focused on safety issues around solar farms. The sponsor said the substitute would likely address setbacks, fire safety, alarms or notification systems, soil testing, and liability/decommissioning concerns, while trying to balance landowner rights with neighboring property owners’ safety. Witnesses in support raised concerns about fire risk, toxic materials, runoff, and the loss of agricultural land, and some urged stronger civil liability provisions. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be handled at the county level, whether existing legal recourse already exists for damaged neighbors, and which provisions would remain in the substitute. No final vote on HB 2478 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that our federal government and other people are doing crazy things with technology.
• and recommend a specific mitigation plan for clients who have been injured from this trespassing technology
• Concerns about potential toxicity, environmental impacts of this technology.
• You know, we have to recognize, I think, that this technology is rolling out across the nation, and the

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the president, and I currently sit on the Supreme Court Commission for Efficiency and Technology
• one of the reasons for bringing this awareness day is because there have been so many advances in technology
• So there's so much technology coming, there's so many advancements here, but it's important to bring
• Technology is what it is today. I would love to answer that. What's that?

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary met on March 19, 2006, and considered a series of mostly local and judicial bills. Early action included HB 436, which authorizes appointment of honorably discharged veterans as park wardens; supporters said it would give veterans meaningful service roles and improve park safety. The committee adopted an amendment requiring honorable discharge, employment qualification compliance if hired by a public entity, and firearms training where applicable, then reported the bill favorably. The committee also advanced HB 16, extending the jurisdiction of the City Court of Franklin, and HB 44, which shifts certain blight-related hearings in St. Bernard Parish from the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to justices of the peace and constables; members asked about appeals, fines, jurisdictional limits, and whether the change would affect HOAs, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then approved HB 61 creating Battle of New Orleans Day, with an amendment clarifying holiday language and adding a detailed historical commemoration of the battle and its diverse forces. HB 233, which raises juror mileage reimbursement from 16 cents per mile to the state travel rate, drew support but also concern about the cost to local governments; the sponsor and members discussed the fiscal impact, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 164, expanding commissioner powers in the 15th Judicial District Court, was also reported favorably after testimony that it would help manage caseloads and mirror procedures used in other districts. HB 455, defining public works employees as first responders for coordination and recognition purposes, generated extensive questions about emergency authority, FEMA reimbursement, workers’ compensation, liability, and unintended consequences; the committee deferred the bill to a later meeting for further review. The committee also approved HB 242, authorizing deputy constables in St. Tammany Parish at no state cost, and HB 10, making the Friday of the International Rice Festival a legal holiday in Acadia Parish. HB 9, designating Shreveport as the stuffed shrimp capital of Louisiana, was reported favorably after light discussion. HB 571, which would make permanent the complex litigation section program in the 19th Judicial District Court, was supported by judges and court staff who said it improves efficiency in large cases such as asbestos and hurricane litigation; it was reported favorably. Finally, HB 16 and several other local measures moved forward without objection, while the committee also heard a deeply personal presentation on HB 61 designating February 24 as SCN2A Awareness Day, later amended to honor Emily Catherine Diedon by name; members expressed sympathy, discussed genetic testing and access to care, and reported the bill favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the president, and I currently sit on the Supreme Court Commission for Efficiency and Technology
• one of the reasons for bringing this awareness day is because there have been so many advances in technology
• So there's so much technology coming, so many advancements here, but it's important to bring awareness
• Technology is what it is today. I would love to answer that. What's that?

Bills: HB9 , HB10 , HB16 , HB44 , HB46 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB153 , HB164 , HB233 , HB242 , HB436 , HB455 , HB571 , HB594

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, legal holiday, Acadia Parish

Transcript Highlights:

• The people that invented this technology said that they refused to let their kids have access to it because
• The CEO of the company that created this technology, I'm kind of wondering...
• The people that invented this technology said that they refused to let their kids have access to it because
• The CEO of the company that created this technology, I'm kind of wondering...

Summary: The committee first approved prior minutes and announced several bills were being held at sponsors’ request, including HB 4117 and several House concurrent resolutions. It then heard HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly hindering a lawful arrest by a third party and make it a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney’s office representative, argued it would close a loophole and protect officers during arrests; opponents from criminal defense and civil liberties groups said it duplicated existing resisting arrest and hindering prosecution laws and could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police. After debate over prosecutorial discretion and constitutional concerns, the committee recommended HB 2811 do pass by a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next considered HB 2665, a “Cade’s Law” proposal to treat intentionally providing advice or encouragement through directed online communication to a minor to die by suicide as manslaughter. The sponsor and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to social media-driven encouragement of self-harm and urged stronger accountability. The bill drew no opposition testimony in the excerpt and passed with a 6-0 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then heard HB 2857, allowing ADCRR to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, which passed 5-1 after testimony from the department’s medical provider about space and efficiency. HB 2226 followed, requiring courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans with Arizona Department of Veterans Services and treatment or diversion options; an amendment shifted the notice duty from prosecutors to courts. The sponsor and veterans’ advocates said the bill would help identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and reduce recidivism, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill unanimously, 6-0. The committee then took up HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance abatement action in superior court. The sponsor argued the AG had overreached in cases involving a dairy, an aluminum plant, and a rail line, while opponents said the bill would weaken statewide enforcement and protect corporate polluters; the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters framed it as protecting children and ensuring offenders serve full probation terms, while survivors, defense attorneys, and the Sex Offender Management Board’s concerns were cited in opposition, with critics warning about loss of judicial discretion, constitutional issues, and reduced incentives for compliance. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The last item in the excerpt was HCR 2001, a voter referral measure to end early voting on the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and prohibit foreign contributions; an amendment removed the early-voting cutoff and some ID-related provisions while adding on-site tabulation language and other changes. The sponsor argued it would improve election security and speed results, while counties and other opponents raised cost, implementation, and access concerns, especially around on-site tabulation and mail voting. The testimony portion of HCR 2001 was underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The people that invented this technology said that they refused to let their kids have access to it because
• The CEO of the company that created this technology, I'm kind of wondering when we'll take up that battle
• The people that invented this technology said that they refused to let their kids have access to it because
• The CEO of the company that created this technology, I'm kind of wondering when we'll take up that battle

Bills: HB2109 , HB2168 , HB2198 , HB2226 , HB2415 , HB2440 , HB2665 , HB2805 , HB2811 , HB2825 , HB2857 , HB2874 , HB2966 , HB4067 , HB4117 , HCR2001 , HCR2016 , HCR2051

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, public nuisance, nuisance abatement, abatement action, injunction, superior court, attorney general, county attorney, city attorney, board of supervisors, obscenity, obscene materials, adult materials, pornography, schools, parks

Transcript Highlights:

• But, um, as my kids say, I'm a boomer and they roll their eyes when they say it, and technology is, um
• </c><01:16:05.840><c> I</c> their eyes when they say it and I their eyes when they say it and I technology
• </c> technology is, um, a little hard for me. technology is, um, a little hard for me.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the other information added to update the bill includes changes in technology and laws.
• update the bill includes<00:36:15.520><c> changes</c><00:36:16.000><c> in</c><00:36:16.320><c> technology
• </c> includes changes in technology and laws. includes changes in technology and laws.

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1136, house, all