Video & Transcript : 'DTC technology' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in the AI world and in the technology in the AI world and in the technology world<00:14:55.600><
- But technology has hour of the day.
- </c> today's technology to protect kids. today's technology to protect kids.
- </c> materials created using this technology materials created using this technology and<01:30:48.159
- </c> deep fake and face swap technology. deep fake and face swap technology.
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Interim Topics Meeting, March 3, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We briefly spoke hunting technology.
- </c> something new out there with technology. something new out there with technology.
- ,<00:42:12.120><c> but</c> technology, but technology, but um<00:42:13.520><c> some</c><00:42:13.800>
- </c> uh advancing technologies. uh advancing technologies.
- </c><00:45:35.320><c> limit</c> technologies that we can limit technologies that we can limit and<00:
Summary:
The committee opened with quorum and housekeeping, then began setting interim topics for discussion. The first major topic was trapping, including prior legislation on mandatory trapper education and trapping setbacks. The Game and Fish director said the department had already gone through a trapping reform process in 2018-2019 and was prepared to testify on those issues again, noting that the commission had previously wanted legislative authority for them.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a proposed non-motorized trail user fee. Supporters argued it could help fund trail systems and match state trail grants, citing demand for professionally built trails and examples from other states. Testimony estimated potential revenue at roughly $150,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the model, while noting enforcement would likely rely on an honor system. Committee members discussed possible alternatives and related ideas, including using good neighbor authority with federal land managers and looking at motorized trail funding models. The director said the concept was not yet ready for immediate passage but was worth continued discussion.
The committee also briefly discussed fishing outfitter issues, with the co-chair noting a prior bill had passed and that the current board still exists, but more data would be needed later in the interim. Another topic addressed ticket scalping and fake tickets at Jackson’s rodeo, which the sponsor said was affecting visitors and could warrant broader state discussion. The State Archives topic proposed expanding the digital archive and requiring agencies to use it, with added resources for local governments; staff said it would improve security, access, and storage efficiency. The committee then discussed problematic gaming and program funding, but noted a pending bill to create a separate statutory select committee on gaming, so the topic may be better handled there if formed.
The final major discussion was the Game and Fish budget. The director said employee compensation increases had raised salary costs from about 40% to 60% of the budget, while overall revenue had not kept pace, forcing cuts to habitat and research work. She warned the department could reach a critical budget point by 2030. Committee members and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation supported a deeper interim review of the department’s finances and possible new revenue sources, with the director suggesting a three-meeting structure: first to lay out the budget outlook, then to discuss additional revenue options, and finally to consider what future generations may have to pay.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would add that the history of technological advancement has been one of technological change in which
- 00:47:07.280><c> coming</c><00:47:07.599><c> out</c> technological change in which coming out technological
- </c> we've seen in past technological we've seen in past technological revolutions.<00:48:38.559><c>
- </c><00:57:44.000><c> So,</c> technology in in all of these ways.
- So, technology in in all of these ways.
Committee:
Senate Labor
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, and welcome to the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee.
- And so it just assesses options to reduce emissions, includes best-available technology.
- Assess options to reduce emissions include best available technology.
- And so gathering that information, what is best available technology?
- There's technology limitations, reliability, implementation, et cetera.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas, GHG emissions, cap-and-invest, carbon market, emissions trading, allowances, covered entity, coal-fired power plant, coal plant, electric utility, electric generating facility, fossil fuels, natural gas, imported electricity, emissions leakage, air pollution, renewable energy transition, industrial emissions, railroad emissions
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a master database, and then it has layers of technology on top.
- It is a combination of the system, the underlying database, and technology.
- Technology is layered on top of it. The underlying database is a maintained database.
- **ISF** is an IT technology firm that, in my experience, primarily does IT consulting. Okay.
- So, they use the same technology for blind services as well.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Nov 18th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Every technology has a role to play in bridging the digital divide.
- It used to be twisted pair, now it's a menagerie of technologies. And we have a power grid.
- And in space, it's really no different... ...technologies, and we have a power grid.
- stack to take this technology to space.
- “So, generally, satellites do use battery technology.
Summary:
The Committee of Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security heard a series of informational presentations focused on Florida’s aerospace and space ecosystem. Blue Origin described its Florida operations at Rocket Park, Launch Complex 36, and Port Canaveral, highlighting New Glenn and Blue Moon development, recent launch activity, workforce development efforts, and major capital investment in the state. Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) outlined its low-Earth-orbit broadband network, customer terminals, satellite and gateway architecture, dark-sky mitigation efforts, and Florida investments including a payload processing facility and launch support infrastructure. Starcatcher Industries presented its concept for an orbital energy grid that would beam power to satellites, discussed demonstrations in Florida, customer interest, and plans for a first satellite launch next year.
Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace industry, citing billions in private investment, growth in aerospace establishments and projects, spaceport infrastructure investments, workforce and university partnerships, and the importance of maintaining Florida’s competitiveness against other states. NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro then emphasized Artemis II preparations, rising launch demand, aging infrastructure, and the need for stronger state-federal coordination and investment in research, workforce, and common-use infrastructure. She compared Florida’s support structure with Texas and argued that Florida must act to avoid losing aerospace leadership.
Members asked questions about mobile and aviation applications for Amazon Leo, dark-sky impacts, satellite counts, Starcatcher’s power transmission losses and storage approach, and NASA’s funding and infrastructure constraints. Petro also discussed limits on commercial investment in common infrastructure under federal rules and suggested that state investment and better alignment among partners could help. No bills were considered and no votes were taken beyond adjournment; the committee concluded by adopting a motion to adjourn.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Jan 28th, 2025
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a delay in the technology, so I hope this is not a problem.
- I think there is a delay in the technology, so I hope this is not a problem.
- I think there is a delay in the technology, so I hope this is not a problem.
- It is a technology that captures and stores energy for use.
- . technologies.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I was amazed at the technology.
- I grew up getting an email address in high school, so I'm kind of in that pre-technology, post-technology
- What happens when the technology fails?
- post-technology kind of world what happens when the technology fails like is there a case where like
- Advancements such as autonomous vehicle technology, along with anti-drunk-driving technology that was
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/02/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Because you can regulate the technology here, but you can't regulate the technology elsewhere.
- </c> regulate the outcome not the technology. regulate the outcome not the technology. Why?
- </c><01:03:45.839><c> So</c><01:03:46.079><c> technology</c> the technology elsewhere.
- So technology the technology elsewhere.
- that techn technology hub again? Not that techn technology hub again?
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology centers operate in two houses.
- That's why there's a request for the workforce training and technology centers.
- Also new to us is a brand new plan for career and technology education expansion.
- I don't want to pigeonhole that it would have to run through a technology center.
- The biggest change has been AI technology.
Committee:
House A&B Education Subcommittee
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Very similar technology to what exists in the gigawatt-scale reactors.
- . and test out the feasibility of the technology.
- The advanced nuclear technologies being discussed...
- We've talked about the different technologies that are underway.
- We've talked about the different technologies that are underway.
Summary:
The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability.
Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts.
North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Governmental Organization Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't have a master plan on how to really integrate this technology.
- Let us, who are the experts in how this process actually works before technology and post technology,
- I think that technology is something that a lot of folks cannot fight or kick the can further on.
- But there's a lot of fear with technology, right? And some of it very much well-founded.
- Of fear with technology, right? And some of it very much well-founded. Some of it not.
Committee:
Senate Governmental Organization
Summary:
The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact with the Yurok Tribe. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the existing 2006 compact through December 31 to preserve the status quo while longer-term negotiations continue. Members asked about the compact process and why Bureau of Indian Affairs approval is not needed for a simple extension; staff said only substantive compact changes require federal approval. No vote was taken on the informational item.
The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. Supporters, including the authors’ representatives and members of the committee, described the bill as a way to honor farmworkers and the broader farmworker movement, especially in light of recent allegations involving the holiday’s prior namesake. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the floor. The committee also approved several consent calendar items and later advanced SB 1044, which raises the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and indexes it to inflation; supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce and veteran business groups said the change would expand access to state contracts for small, micro, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. That bill was sent to Appropriations.
Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related SOGI and intersex data with federal agencies except where legally required. Equality California and other supporters said the bill would protect trust and prevent misuse of sensitive data, while no opposition testified. The committee passed the bill to Privacy. Cabaldon also presented SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, arguing it would create baseline guardrails, require human review for adverse decisions, and improve service delivery. Labor groups opposed it, saying the bill authorizes use before establishing enforceable standards and that workers were not adequately included in stakeholder discussions. After extensive debate about AI, collective bargaining, and implementation, the committee voted to send the bill to Privacy. The committee also advanced SB 1273, which would allow short-form social media videos to promote instructional events at wineries, and SB 917, which would loosen farmers’ market rules so more small wineries can sell wine there; both were supported by wine industry representatives and sent forward on due pass motions. The transcript then began SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and payment systems, with strong support from nonprofit organizations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Governmental Organization Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't have a master plan on how to really integrate this technology.
- Let us, who are the experts in how this process actually works before technology and post-technology,
- I think that technology is something that a lot of folks cannot fight or kick the can further on.
- But there's a lot of fear with technology, right? And some of it very much well-founded.
- I went to a conference and at the time we have very little technology and someone said to us, you know
Summary:
The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the Yurok Tribe’s 2006 tribal-state gaming compact. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the compact’s expiration to December 31 of this year to preserve the status quo while the parties negotiate a long-term replacement. Members asked about the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ role, and staff explained that because the change is only a deadline extension and not a substantive compact change, it does not require BIA approval. No vote was taken on the informational item.
The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. The authors and supporters said the bill is intended to honor the farm worker movement and shift the holiday away from any one individual in light of recent allegations, while recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers. Several members spoke in support, including personal reflections on family histories in farm labor and on the need to center victims and farm workers’ dignity. The bill was moved to the floor, with the roll held open for absent members.
Next, the committee heard SB 1044, which would raise the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation. The author and supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce argued the current cap is outdated and limits opportunities for small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises. Some support was qualified, with one coalition noting concerns about access to capital for microbusinesses but still leaning in favor. The bill passed to Appropriations, with the roll held open.
The committee also heard SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related data with federal agencies except where legally required. The author and Equality California said the bill is meant to protect sensitive data from misuse and preserve trust in voluntary state data collection. Support came from Planned Parenthood affiliates and Health Access California, with no opposition. The bill passed to the Privacy Committee, with the roll held open.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, SB 1273 on short-form video advertising for winery instructional events, and SB 917 on allowing more small wineries to sell at farmers’ markets. SB 1248 drew the most debate: the author said it would create baseline guardrails for automated systems, require human review for adverse decisions, and help state agencies use automation responsibly, while labor groups opposed it as authorizing use before meaningful stakeholder engagement and collective bargaining input. Several members supported moving it forward but stressed the need for labor participation in future negotiations; it passed to the Privacy Committee with the roll held open. SB 1273 and SB 917 were both presented as modest measures to help the wine industry adapt to current marketing and sales conditions, and both passed to Appropriations with roll calls held open. The hearing then moved on to SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement and grant processes; the author described nonprofits’ economic importance and the need for a liaison, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- staff presenters, and all who are watching live from TVW to today's Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology
- First, there are no U.S. safety standards that exist for balcony solar technology.
- So some of the technology is there. but in Germany, they do have that.
- So some of the technology is there in Europe where it's not here. Thank you. Thank you so much.
- And so that technology will evolve over time.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, energy storage, residential battery, grid connection, renewable energy, incentives, distributed energy, renewable resources, energy policy, sustainable energy, state regulations, utility vehicles, emission standards, environment, regulation, exemptions
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are multiple other technologies, but they're expensive.
- But new technologies are expensive.
- Each department will decide which technology is best for them, but they're all technologies that are
- And the technology is evolving every year.
- You know, the idea is to give the officers the technology and then train on that new technology so that
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1157, which would create a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank to provide another funding mechanism for transportation-related projects, including roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, and other surface transportation needs. Chairman Borek and DOTD Secretary Glenn LaD said the goal is to leverage state, federal, local, and private dollars, using models from Florida and other states. Members asked about board makeup, staffing, project selection, administrative costs, and how the bank would differ from capital outlay and existing transportation programs. Testimony in support came from business and economic development representatives, including Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans, Inc., who said infrastructure is critical to major economic projects and that the bank could attract outside capital. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then took up several local and procurement-related bills. House Bill 860, allowing fillable electronic public bid forms, was reported favorably. House Bill 972, naming a portion of Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish the Desert Shield Desert Storm Memorial Highway, and House Bill 965, naming a portion of Highway 163 the Sergeant William Billy Earl Collins Jr. Memorial Highway, were both reported favorably after brief testimony honoring veterans and law enforcement. House Bill 692, authorizing local governments to enter group purchasing agreements, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 685, allowing use of FAST Act cooperative procurement for public motor vehicles and rolling stock, drew support from transit officials and was reported favorably after a roll call vote, with one member voting no.
The committee also advanced House Bill 982, which designates portions of highways in Morehouse Parish in memory of local residents killed in a crash after attending an LSU game; it was reported with amendments. House Bill 506, creating special prestige license plates for local high schools as a fundraiser, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 839, lowering the contract limit for hospital service districts to use construction management at risk from $2 million to $1 million, was reported by substitute after testimony from hospital leadership and industry representatives. House Bill 1072, revising powers and emergency procurement authority for the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, was amended and reported favorably after discussion about its relationship to DOTD and emergency repairs.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 887, which revises construction management at risk procedures, including committee makeup, scoring, and financial qualification requirements; it was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 647, creating timelines and an annual application process for waterway projects under a waterway assistance program and fund, was reported by substitute. The last major item discussed was House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology and training for law enforcement through a $2 fee on driver’s licenses. The bill was presented alongside emotional testimony from the widow and daughter of Sergeant Grant Candies and from a St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s captain, all urging safer equipment and better training for officers. Members expressed strong support, and the discussion continued into funding and grant administration details.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She also serves on the technology committee.
- she also serves on the technology committee.
- I move that the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment be adopted. Excellent.
- The Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment as amended be adopted.
- H.B. 2700, Technology Study Committee, Assistive Technology; appropriation, transportation, technology
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Meta's foreign relations and representations to the United States Congress. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism
Transcript Highlights:
- intelligence technology and what information and technology did they provide.
- you're the Chinese Communist Party to teach you about these technologies that matter.
- expertise and trying to grow. it had to grow its own homegrown technology company.
- He even named or renamed the company as part of a pivot to focus on that technology.
- You'll let China win and gain the technological advantage.
Keywords:
Meta, Facebook, whistleblower, regulation, China, user data, artificial intelligence, testimony, Congress
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- So just working in technology, number one, the fact that not a lot of people have access to technology
- In addressing technology in general...
- When it comes to, we obviously rely a lot on technology.
- What do we do in cases where we don't have technology?
- What do we do in cases where we don't have technology?
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders.
Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding.
Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology is already in there.
- And schools do need to be talking about safety and technology.
- And schools do need to be talking about safety and technology.
- Today, as a technology director, I believe this education is absolutely critical.
- Technology changes so fast. ...and update that curriculum each year.
Committee:
House Children and Families
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- January 30th meeting of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee.
- Energy, information technology, transportation, water and wastewater, and communications.
- The Technology Services Board Security Subcommittee and the Technology Services Board itself are the
- We are even looking at technology now.
- We are even looking at technology now.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2579, which would create a Public Media Broadcaster Program and a Digital Equity Program funded by a 20-cent-per-line monthly tax on wireless, prepaid wireless, VoIP, and landline service. Staff explained that 80% of the revenue would support public media grants, 20% would support digital equity grants, and a small share could be used for administration. The prime sponsor, Rep. Chris Stearns, and many public media, community media, and digital equity supporters testified that public radio and television provide emergency alerts, local news, education, training, and community connection, especially in rural and underserved areas, and that federal funding cuts have made state support more urgent. Several witnesses described how public media helped with emergency communications, youth training, Indigenous programming, and access to local information.
Opposition came from CTIA and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes. CTIA argued the tax would add to already high wireless taxes in Washington and would be regressive because low-income residents rely heavily on wireless service. Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes objected to the bill as another tax increase and said it would worsen affordability. One supporter said an amendment would be offered to address a misunderstanding in the fiscal note. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then received a cybersecurity and critical infrastructure briefing from state emergency management and cybersecurity officials. They described Washington’s layered cybersecurity model, the role of state agencies, the Fusion Center, WOTEC, the National Guard, and the Emergency Management Division, and the growing threat from ransomware, supply-chain attacks, and AI-enabled attacks. Members asked about volunteer cyber response capacity, the most vulnerable sectors, and whether the legislature should fund more real-time threat monitoring and intelligence sharing. Officials said the state is working to establish a volunteer cyber incident response team and that the main gap is real-time monitoring across participating local and private networks.
The committee also heard updates on the December 2025 flooding response and wildfire resilience. Emergency management officials reported widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and infrastructure damage, but said mitigation investments helped prevent worse outcomes. They identified gaps in statewide alerting, search and rescue coordination, and local emergency management capacity, and said a statewide alert system like Oregon’s would require ongoing funding. In the wildfire update, DNR and partner agencies described increasing wildfire risk, the use of aircraft, AI-enabled detection cameras, and common operating pictures, and ongoing work on hazard and risk mapping, community wildfire preparedness, and home hardening. Members asked about predictive technology, sediment removal, and other mitigation tools, and officials said they are working with universities and federal partners to improve prevention and response.