Transcript Highlights:

• stations and water<00:17:34.440> treatment<00:17:34.840> plants,<00:17:35.400> upgrading
• <00:17:36.000> our water treatment plants, upgrading our water treatment plants, upgrading
• I don't want Silicon Valley deciding how artificial intelligence and other new technologies will impact
• development initiatives designed to get Minnesotans ready for the age of AI and other emerging technologies

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: This was Governor Tim Walz’s final State of the State address to the Minnesota Legislature. He opened by recognizing legislative leaders, constitutional officers, tribal leaders, the judiciary, and members of his administration, then asked for a moment of silence for the Hortman family and spoke at length about recent tragedies, including the Annunciation Church shooting, political violence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he described as the impacts of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. He framed the address around resilience, unity, and the state’s response to grief and disruption. Walz reviewed major accomplishments from his time in office, emphasizing investments in education, child care, free school meals, housing, infrastructure, climate initiatives, paid family leave, voting access, and worker protections. He also highlighted tax cuts, rebate checks, Social Security tax relief, medical debt protections, and efforts to lower costs for families. Looking ahead, he proposed expanding the dependent care tax credit, cutting the statewide sales tax for the first time, adding housing and first-time homebuyer support, and providing aid to businesses and households affected by Operation Metro Surge. A major portion of the speech focused on public safety and fraud prevention. Walz said he wanted lawmakers to reestablish the binary trigger ban, pass additional gun violence measures including bans on weapons of war and high-capacity magazines, and strengthen safe storage and insurance requirements for firearms. He also urged passage of his anti-fraud package, which would increase penalties, create a centralized fraud prevention office, and restructure human services administration to improve oversight and program integrity. He closed by urging lawmakers to act on these proposals during his remaining months in office and said the next governor would inherit a fiscally strong state.

Transcript Highlights:

• maybe where it is in its uh, technology maybe where it is in its uh, technology life<00:52:18.319
• There are certain technologies that no matter what you do, it's not going to drive down the price.
• But there's a lot of technologies where that's not the case.
• our hardware and software technologies our hardware and software technologies that<01:27:08.239>
• ,<01:27:19.520> but and deploying GETS uh technologies, but and deploying GETS uh technologies

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• both technologically both technologically and<01:25:58.400> also<01:25:58.960> in<
• You mentioned upgrading your system. Who owns that system?
• Is it HPIA that owns the system that you're upgrading?
• <01:52:36.079> your um you mentioned upgrading your um you mentioned upgrading your system
• so after 2027 when Marsh's upgrading so after 2027 when Marsh's contract<01:52:46.920> runs<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, it's making much better use of technology.
• First, it's upgrading its filing system.
• Are you looking into how to apply technology algorithms, for example, to go through all the five?
• And we put up with this on almost a per media. basis, is that technology is ahead of the law.
• These are new office buildings and also critical infrastructure upgrades.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are a biometrics technology company.
• So we are a biometrics technology company.
• So we are a biometrics technology company.
• Um, we are also, and so that technology is in airports across the U.S.
• TSA over the past 18 months, about our 18-month investment in technology and security upgrades.

Summary: The committee held an interim study on airport security vendors, prompted by Representative Hayes’s earlier House Bill 1271, which would have restricted Oklahoma airports from contracting with third-party identity verification companies such as Clear. Hayes explained the bill stemmed from concerns raised after a December 2022 TSA letter and broader questions about whether these vendors create security risks or bypass TSA screening. The committee heard first from Clear, then Idemia, and then Tulsa International Airport, with members focusing on how identity verification works, whether it differs from TSA screening, and whether the state should regulate these services. Clear’s representative said the company provides an opt-in biometric identity verification service at airports, not physical screening, and that every passenger still goes through TSA screening. He said Clear operates in about 60 airports in roughly 40 states, has about 40,000 members in Oklahoma, and has paid more than $1.1 million to Oklahoma airports since launching in the state. Members questioned how Clear verifies IDs, whether Real ID is required, whether the company can manually override biometric checks, whether it shares data, and whether it has had security issues. Clear said it uses source corroboration with state DMV systems, does not sell data, has no manual override, and has worked with TSA on security upgrades after earlier concerns. Idemia’s representative described the company’s broader biometrics work for Oklahoma and the federal government, including fingerprint systems for the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, civilian background-check enrollment, TSA checkpoint credential authentication technology, and TSA PreCheck enrollment. She said Idemia’s role stops at identity verification and that TSA retains responsibility for screening and for decisions about who enters trusted traveler programs. Tulsa International’s COO said Clear does not replace TSA, that TSA retains exclusive authority over screening, and that the airport leases space to Clear and receives revenue from the arrangement. No vote was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes to help make it clear to the public and more effective at addressing derelict vessel crime, upgrading
• So we have really condensed that process down as much. crime, upgrading our derelict vessel database
• They are technologies that control and monitor a building system.
• So you're tied into something for three to five years, and the technology changes; you shouldn't have
• to wait the balance of that time before you can take advantage of the technology.

Summary: The committee heard three informational presentations. First, Lieutenant Rob Rowe of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed derelict vessel removal, explaining the legal definition of derelict and at-risk vessels, the causes of vessel abandonment, and the impact of recent hurricanes on the number of cases. He said FWC has nearly 1,000 active derelict vessel cases, with 576 ready for removal, and described the agency’s use of ARPA funds, grants to local governments, contractor lists, and the V-TIP vessel turn-in program to speed removals and prevent vessels from becoming derelict. Senators asked about how to expedite removals, insurance coverage, due process timelines, and storage challenges; Rowe said the 21-day process is constrained by constitutional due process and that more staffing and prevention funding would help. Next, Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services presented on the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides grants for homeowners to harden homes before storms. He reviewed program eligibility, grant types, reimbursement averages, and performance data, and said the program has received $633 million in appropriations overall. He noted that the program is outsourced to private vendors, has low administrative overhead, and has processed large numbers of inspections and reimbursements. Senators questioned contractor requirements, permits, overhead costs, and whether the program should be brought in-house; Fielder said permits are required before reimbursement, contractor licensing is verified, and the department is considering several administrative clarifications, including townhome roof work, inspection expiration, and whether grants should be limited per person or per home. A retired educator also testified in support of more assistance for homeowners facing insurance problems. Finally, Tom Berger of the Department of Management Services outlined the Florida Facilities Pool and the state’s real estate development and management work. He described the bonded facility program, the state’s 112 managed facilities, lease administration, parking contracts, maintenance operations, and more than $1 billion in active construction projects. He highlighted major projects such as the Emergency Operations Center, Capitol complex upgrades, a new visitor screening center, and facilities for other agencies including veterans’ services, juvenile justice, and the courts. Senators asked about lease terms, appropriation language, vacancy in leased space, and whether the state uses a uniform lease form; Berger said the lease document is standardized and that agencies determine their space needs. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:43.599> was the processes I mean the technology was the processes I mean the technology
• knowing full well the technology knowing full well the technology<00:53:51.079> that<00:53:51.200
• You know, we do—we spend so much time talking about buying into today’s technology.
• You know, we do—we spend so much time talking about buying into today’s technology.
• We’ve looked at the technology.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not something that would be protracted, and it's essentially because they have software upgrades
• It's not something that would be protracted, and it's essentially because they have software upgrades
• It's not something that would be protracted, and it's essentially because they have software upgrades
• Um, $25,000 is what's listed to actually provide for the system upgrade for the new plate.
• Um, $25,000 is what's listed to actually provide for the system upgrade for the new plate.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So is that $14 million just simple surveillance-type technology?
• Awesome technology if it's being used by the good guys, I guess, right?
• And incredibly scary technology if it gets in the wrong hands.
• This funding will be used for campus security upgrades and armed patrols.
• There's money for other technology to help us with meeting the requirements of H.R. 1.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to share that point It seems to me that we're already getting into the technology industry
• And I know this gets into the second panel, but into clean technologies that we can export.
• Satellite technology that's making a difference in the firefight.
• And this technology, irrigation technology, is one of those exportable technologies that we can take
• Also support within CALSTIS budget maintenance of funding for port infrastructure. upgrades generally

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The reality is that kids have technology and their phones, right? And these are not just programs.
• Centers are also facing workforce shortages, delays in technology reimbursement, and uncertainty around
• For our infrastructure projects, we have two electrical infrastructure project upgrades at our hospitals
• The project will upgrade the electrical distribution infrastructure with a 2.4-kilovolt to a 12-kilovolt
• phase is to upgrade low-voltage electrical distribution at each building by replacing old panels and

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially serious mental illness and anosognosia, a condition described by witnesses as a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they are ill. The chair framed the issue around families cycling through emergency rooms, jails, conservatorships, and short-term stabilization without lasting treatment, and warned that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce Medi-Cal funding and worsen access. Dawn Marie Anderson gave a personal account of her son’s long history of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, repeated jail and state hospital stays, and eventual stability when he received sustained medication and coordinated support. She argued that the system often treats the problem as criminal rather than medical and that voluntary programs and short-term services are not enough for people who lack insight into their illness. Other panelists, including representatives from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, agreed that anosognosia is not denial or noncompliance and said the system needs long-term, coordinated care, including assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, medication support, and stronger handoffs between county and managed care systems. They said CalAIM and other reforms have improved some coordination, but significant gaps remain, especially for people with serious mental illness, for those in jail or locked settings, and for people with private insurance, which witnesses said often offers little meaningful coverage for early psychosis or intensive behavioral health services. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect Medi-Cal, shore up county safety-net services, and invest in training and family engagement. The committee then turned to the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with a focus on the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, saying the platforms provide free, culturally responsive, early-intervention support statewide and help connect users to higher levels of care when needed. On the fee schedule, DHCS said more than 500 LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers are participating, 181 LEAs have submitted claims, and $9.6 million has been reimbursed to date, with 41,556 students represented in claims. The chair and several members criticized the pace of implementation and the amount of money spent relative to reimbursement levels, saying the Legislature had requested data earlier and that the return on investment still appeared low. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, that 70% of denials are correctable, that $400 million in capacity grants has been distributed locally, and that reimbursement is increasing rapidly as more districts come online. Public comment included a rural county behavioral health director who said private insurance denials leave counties with significant uncompensated work, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services.

Transcript Highlights:

• when I first read it, I assumed that you're striking this language to do audits before you do the upgrades
• <00:05:18.640> or audits before you do the upgrades or audits before you do the upgrades or
• of technology, a University of Minnesota-developed<00:14:23.760> innovation.
• Thermal energy networks are an innovative technology that Minnesota should continue to advance.
• that Minnesota innovative technology that Minnesota should<00:29:41.159> continue<00:29:41.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Commonwealth Office of Technology. the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
• technology-related technology-related had<00:14:24.880> to<00:14:24.960> be<00:14:25.040
• technology operations. technology operations.
• And those are for a portion of the required equipment to upgrade the technology due to some of the technology
• <00:57:19.960> some<00:57:20.200> of upgrade the technology due to some of upgrade

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Report of KCNA Board Meeting 00:00:09 KCNA Transition to COT 00:35:55 KCNA Request for Proposals 00:42:00 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:42:30, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met, approved the January 12, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony from KCNA Chair David Couch, KCNA Director Jim Barnhart, and KCNA General Counsel Adam Adkins about the ongoing dispute involving KCNA, Excelacom, and the implementation of House Bill 314. Couch said the board and vendor had recently shown some willingness to work toward a settlement, and he emphasized the importance of KCNA’s broadband service to K-12 schools, noting that litigation had already cost about $1.4 million and could cost another $1.4 million if it continued. He also said the board had identified five immediate goals, including reconnecting 38 K-12 sites, de-escalating disputes, better understanding KCNA finances, protecting the state’s bonding rating, and examining whether duplicate networking hardware could be consolidated. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether House Bill 314 changed KCNA’s authority and how much control the Finance and Administration Cabinet and KCNA’s legal counsel have over operations and contracts. Senator Williams argued that the board now has authority to set policy, implement policy, and approve budgets, and questioned why the cabinet appeared to be exercising operational control. Adkins responded that HB 314 changed the reporting chain from the general government cabinet to the finance cabinet but did not alter the board’s authority, and said budget work on the Ice Miller contract predated HB 314. Couch and other members disputed that interpretation, saying the board had not been properly informed about a recent extension or increase in legal spending and that the board’s directives were not being followed. Representative Hodgson asked why the board could not terminate a contractor if it was not carrying out the board’s wishes, and Adkins replied that Ice Miller was not a party to the board’s contract and that the Finance and Administration Cabinet signs such agreements. The exchange ended with committee members and KCNA representatives agreeing to disagree on the meaning of the statute and the extent of board authority. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• at the fairgrounds, and $1.75 million for energy plant upgrades at a university in western Oklahoma.
• at the fairgrounds, and $1.75 million for energy plant upgrades at a university in western Oklahoma.
• The second one is to a facility, to facility upgrades in a central Oklahoma fairgrounds.
• The third one is $1.75 million for energy plant upgrades at a university in western Oklahoma, which would
• sexual and labor trafficking, and the remaining $250,000 will be transferred to a public safety technology

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite my background, I've been startled by just how much has changed and developed technologically
• Air Force said it would upgrade the airfield at the Iowa National Guard facility.
• They failed in their commitment to complete the runway upgrade.
• If confirmed, do I have your commitment unequivocally that you will fully fund the runway upgrade at
• The very mission of this unit relies upon an upgrade. of its runway.

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got it upgraded.
• And you want to upgrade to a fortified standard roof instead of just getting what you had.
• Could we make it, uh, attractive for you as a homeowner to upgrade to this fortified standard?
• It is important to us to advance the technology and the engineering, um, and then we think the market
• When you're replacing a roof, having an endorsement says, hey, we'll upgrade you to a fortified if you

Transcript Highlights:

• to retain or expand their employees and are, you know, helping those employees by providing skills upgrade
• or occupational upgrade training.
• <00:04:54.160> or<00:04:54.720> occupational<00:04:55.600> upgrade upgrade or occupational
• upgrade upgrade or occupational upgrade training. training. training.
• That want to do skills occupational upgrade training for their employees.

Keywords: Cabinet for Economic Development – Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Overview 02:35 ----Discussion of BR 868, 2026 Regular Session 24:08, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August 21 minutes. The main presentation was from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development on the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), which was created in 1984 and is administratively tied to the cabinet. Staff explained that BSSC supports workforce training for companies in Kentucky through two main programs: the grant-in-aid reimbursement program and the skills training investment tax credit. They also described the board’s structure, quarterly meetings, annual audit, and the metropolitan tax credit tied to UPS in Louisville, along with public-private training consortia supported by the program. The cabinet outlined eligibility and funding rules: applicants must be qualified companies, trainees must be full-time Kentucky residents meeting wage requirements, and eligible training includes in-house company-specific training, train-the-trainer efforts, safety/OSHA training, and outside training through KCTCS or other providers. Grant-in-aid is a 50% reimbursement program capped at $75,000 per company per fiscal year and $2,000 per trainee, while the tax credit is capped annually and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are scored based on county tier, wages, workforce development activity, veteran hiring, participation in consortia, and job growth. Members asked for data on trainees and industries served, and staff said they could provide it. They also discussed coordination with other workforce programs, especially KCTCS and the state’s TRAIN program, to avoid overlap and double dipping. Several members asked about program usage and differences between fiscal years. Staff said the tax credit is less popular because it is not refundable and requires tax liability, while grant-in-aid is more attractive because it is cash reimbursement. They said lower or delayed spending in some years can reflect one-year training windows, reimbursement lag, new facilities ramping up, consortia activity, and special allocations such as those tied to Ford facilities. Questions also covered support for new businesses, which staff said can receive favorable scoring for new jobs and may have funds set aside for new location projects. On veterans, staff said they connect companies to Kentucky Valor and other resources, but the program does not track veteran retention outcomes. The final discussion was on a draft bill related to the Kentucky Horse Park and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Representative Vanessa Gracel and Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter explained that the proposal is intended to help the park maintain integrity and protect athletes, volunteers, coaches, trainers, and guests from abuse and misconduct. They described SafeSport’s federal role in Olympic and Paralympic sports and said they hope to move the draft forward as legislation in 2026. No votes were taken on the BSSC presentation or the horse park discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND OTHER SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES.
• TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY IS CONTINUOUSLY AND RAPIDLY EVOLVING.
• SUN TRACKS A PREMIER TESTING FACILITY FOR THIS TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS AUTOMATED VEHICLE AND TOLLING TECHNOLOGY
• HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE AIR TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY.
• SOME TECHNOLOGY, SOME ROADWAY DESIGN ON THIS.

Transcript Highlights:

• This provides that the technology grants that are currently available for child care programs can also
• For me to upgrade to the level which this bill would require would mean that I would have a significant
• Unfortunately, efficiency when it comes to technology is not serving our counties well right now.
• Then they're having to figure out how to use what we call green screen technology.
• As Commissioner Halverson testified, we couldn't thank you more for the investments in This technology

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the National Institute of Technology... Do this and to carry it out? So it's NIST.
• It's the National Institute of Technology standards. So it's an annual catalog that's published.
• We are really technology savvy. And in 2025, we received recording hardware.
• not receive any upgrades.
• upgrades to meet the audio recording needs contemplated by the bill.

Bills: HCR11, HB153, HB278, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB687, HB816, HB833, HB942, HB1053, HB1097, HB1147, HB1148, HB1190, SB75, SB85, SB197, SB200, SB217

Keywords: Camp Beauregard, Louisiana National Guard, Youth Challenge Program, military affairs, Pineville, National Guard training, emergency response, youth development, alternative education, high school equivalency, GED, at-risk youth, leadership training, job skills, citizenship, veterans, state military operations, mobilization, logistics staging area, public service

Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.