Transcript Highlights:

• , Space, Florida. state agency partners like Florida DOE, career source, space, Florida, a number of
• And so I was hooked on manufacturing since then in terms of the power that it has.
• Is that something that you're starting to have available there for powering the ships?
• And probably for the vessels that call Tampa, that probably won't be a source of power.
• Probably for the vessels that call Tampa, that probably won't be a source of power.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links. Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill. Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• power plants. power plants. um<00:38:09.359> try<00:38:09.520> to<00:38:09.760>
• but also the source of of those funds. but also the source of of those funds.
• , source, source, u<02:16:07.920> there<02:16:08.159> are<02:16:08.639> certainly
• We've known about that power example.
• five or six different funding sources five or six different funding sources together<03:26:19.200

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans before the VA under CalVet power of attorney.
• If they'll be used, your source of plowshares, or through a state.
• So claims that are filing in CalVet, power of attorney at the CVSO, they get routed to one of our CalVet
• The department's primary source of funding is a special fund called the Cannabis Control Fund.
• market in our state, and I think we need to make sure that we're doing everything. everything in our power

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You should make it clear in the bill that revenues from those traditional revenue sources shall not be
• And so our whole coalition has been committed for a long time to finding alternative sources of revenue
• And we all understand that it probably can't just come from one source. All right.
• the Senate's support, and it's essential for the PRC to maintain a strong, independent, and well-sourced
• In terms of powers, they do have rule-making power, but it's with respect to the corporation's operations

Transcript Highlights:

• And those models power the applications. So the models are built by the developers.
• A nurse is a powerful force, and so if you've got special interests that are interested in making sure
• A nurse is a powerful force, and so if you've got special interests that are interested in making sure
• Also, too, again, to the municipality point, being able to deal with all of the different data sources
• Russell Smolden, on behalf of the Arizona Municipal Power Users Association, I just wanted to speak in

Bills: HB2452, HB2592

Keywords: comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued that AI should be treated as software deployed across many use cases, not just chatbots, and urged the state to identify opportunities proactively, avoid unnecessary agency-level AI rules, use existing procurement structures, and measure outcomes. Members asked about workforce impacts, agency involvement, privacy, and the balance between innovation and regulation; Garrison said AI would likely augment workers first, create new jobs over time, and should be guided by the legislature rather than broad agency rulemaking. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Department of Administration to have budget units identify AI opportunities and streamline implementation, and an amendment adding reporting requirements to state leaders and the Secretary of State. After limited public testimony, the amendment was adopted and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent. The committee next took up HB 2452, which would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning and adjust county land-use planning requirements, including changes related to renewable energy planning in larger counties. Supporters said the bill would help counties plan ahead for data center growth and future energy needs, including SMRs and other emerging technologies. County representatives opposed the measure, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred the line between comprehensive planning and zoning, and reduced local control by altering established public planning processes; they also raised concerns about vague standards and the bill’s treatment of renewable energy. After debate, the committee approved HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote for a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• uphill battle when official avenues for participation are intentionally limited and decision-making power
• uphill battle when official avenues for participation are intentionally limited and decision-making power
• Decision-making power is concentrated in a small group of stakeholders, many of whom oppose this bill
• That was very powerful testimony. Thank you.
• Title V facilities are among the most comprehensively regulated stationary sources in the state.

Summary: The committee considered several coastal, climate, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition heard. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, requiring state climate plans to include gender impact assessments, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ people; the bill also drew no opposition in the hearing. Senator Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public transparency, while supporters cited severe air quality problems and opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, consultation, and impacts on local permitting and economic development. Senator Allen presented SB 1229 to limit disaster-rebuild coastal permit exemptions when replacement structures would newly impede coastal access or sensitive protections, with supporters saying it would prevent investor abuse of post-disaster rebuilding rules. After testimony, the committee took up the measures and recorded votes. SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes, with some members voting no on the more regulatory measures. The consent calendar was also approved, including ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. All of the listed measures were sent onward, generally to Appropriations, and the committee concluded its hearing after the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this year we had a bill that gave the attorney general power to enforce that law.
• So this year we had a bill that gave the attorney general power to enforce that law.
• to enforce that attorney general power to enforce that law.<00:02:08.800> And<00:02:09.119>
• They were really opposed to this law, and, you know, they have a powerful lobbying capacity.
• Uh, we have so many media sources, and people tend to polarize towards the media sources that affirm

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on healthcare affordability in Minnesota and several related bills the senator said he is advancing this session. He described rising costs for Medicare beneficiaries, individual market purchasers, and hospitals, warning that federal changes to premium tax credits and Medicaid funding would worsen access and financial strain across the state. He said his goal is a comprehensive response to protect access to care, especially for safety-net and rural providers. A major topic was Senate File 3769 on the 340B drug pricing program. The senator said the bill would empower the attorney general to enforce federal 340B requirements after pharmaceutical companies allegedly failed to provide discounted drugs to safety-net hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and North Memorial. He said the measure passed both chambers with bipartisan support, after a nearly two-hour floor debate and significant lobbying by drug კომპანიies, and argued it could have an immediate effect by restoring hospital revenue and lowering medication costs for patients. He also said 340B is part of a broader effort to stabilize HCMC and other struggling hospitals. The senator also discussed Senate File 3859, which would create a Minnesota vaccine advisory council to provide science-based recommendations after he said the federal advisory process had been undermined. He emphasized that the proposal would not require vaccinations, but would help counter misinformation and require insurance coverage for recommended vaccines. In addition, he supported Senate File 3650, a bipartisan bill to ban direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, arguing that such ads raise costs and can steer patients away from appropriate medical advice. No additional votes or committee actions were taken in the interview itself beyond the senator’s description of the 340B bill’s passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, MFA, for bringing your snack powers all the way down to Socorro.
• They may have different funding sources.
• So there are some funding sources that we have that are federal funding sources like the National Housing
• A power and gas expansion is another work need.
• It takes a lot of money, it takes a lot of staying power.

Transcript Highlights:

• And never forget, until we do, hunger is paralyzing, and you have the power to help us overcome that.
• Funding would be used exclusively for sourcing and distribution of food.
• 12.559> and exclusively for sourcing and exclusively for sourcing and distribution<00:52:13.359
• We will now move to power sharing next week, but I will chair Tuesday.
• We will now move to power committee.

Bills: HF2078, HF777, HF841, HF1112, HF1098, HF1926

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, licensing, license requirements, parent access, guardian access, custody order, court order, furnishings, equipment standards, learning materials, early childhood education, infant care, toddler care, preschool, school-age child care, play materials, sensory materials, gross motor equipment

Transcript Highlights:

• models, isn't there a huge difference in the power intake for quantum computers?
• They consume, they require. are usually a small power plant to power those data centers.
• And with the modern quantum computer. the power consumption.
• And the power consumption can be, I would say, probably as much as a few light bulbs.
• They are probably a few kilowatts. lots, very, very small power consumption.

Bills: HB3146, HB3719, HB3895, HB3923, HB4748, HB4751, HB4936, HB4952, HB4990, HB4991, HB5061, HB5196, HB5238, HB5246, HB5487

Keywords: State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:18.800> that<00:10:19.120> regional funding sources that regional funding sources
• together other federal and local sources together other federal and local sources of<00:23:51.280
• <00:49:55.280> of RFP, uh, the largest federal source of RFP, uh, the largest federal source
• Point source implementation $20 million.
• Thanks... in my power to make sure it survives and in my power to make sure it survives and does<01:29

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , which may be used for powering appliances, and that is the amendment.
• People have their right to have whatever type of fuel source they want to use in their house.
• Solar is the United States' fastest-growing electrical source, growing 7.8-fold over the past decade,
• opened, when it detects movement, and with a power failure.
• opened, when it detects movement, and with a power failure.

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• One event in 10 years is extremely reliable power.
• Tony Zimmer from the Northern California Power Agency.
• NCPA is a joint powers agency.
• Department of Water and Power.
• Department of Water and Power.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing. The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue. Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we maintain their source of income.
• source for homeless assistance. source for homeless assistance.
• were relying on a stable funding source were relying on a stable funding source of<00:14:55.440>
• I know none of you created this crisis, but you have the power to help repair it.
• ,<01:45:34.080> including<01:45:34.480> through of sources, including through of sources

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that would be the source as well.
• High capacity pumps, increased power delivery.
• There's no three-phase power where we need it.
• When you run out of power, if you don't provision properly, you can actually still get power, you're
• McCarthy, if you know if there's other Sources of recharge? The rainfall is the primary source.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We source and distribute food to food shelves and food distribution partners in our service area to provide
• of it sourced locally, will make it to our neighbors' tables.
• They give us purchasing power at costs that we can't find in retail.
• Thank you. purchasing power at costs that we can't purchasing power at costs that we can't find<00:51
• <01:12:58.960> the community with food drives sourcing the community with food drives sourcing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These powers include rulemaking, which is what this bill is about.
• executive department these powers executive department these powers include<00:12:22.120> Ru<
• Why wouldn't we use wind power? Why wouldn't we indeed?
• than any other renewable energy source than any other renewable energy source press<00:47:31.480
• Speaker, I ask for a division vote. variety of sources oyster Farmers Dees variety of sources oyster

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so let's bring down the coal-powered plants. Let's bring down the nuclear-fired power plants.
• And so let's bring down the coal-powered plants. Let's bring down the nuclear-fired power plants.
• And so let's bring down the coal-powered plants. Let's bring down the nuclear-fired power plants.
• Powers Board.
• Powers Board.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and just we support this because it provides for a dedicated source of funding, predictable source
• Um, and just we support this because it provides for a dedicated source of funding, predictable source
• It adds the marketing and promotion of film production as a power of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
• It adds the marketing and promotion of film production as a power of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
• It adds the marketing and promotion of film production as a power of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Bills: SB2278, SB2908, SB2987

Keywords: light pollution, outdoor lighting, fully shielded, Hawaii Revised Statutes, environmental protection, night sky, lighting fixtures, local control, exemptions, athletic facilities, wildlife conservation, Hawaiian culture, 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Tourism and Economic Development and Technology heard several measures on February 12, 2026. HB 1950 would dedicate 15% of transit accommodations tax revenue to a new state-led marketing and branding special fund and require an annual tourism management plan. HTA and DBEDT supported the bill as providing predictable funding for marketing and tourism management, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special fund structure as limiting legislative flexibility. Members discussed the size of the allocation and whether a tourism emergency fund would still be needed; the bill later advanced with amendments that removed some provisions and blanked out the 15% figure for further discussion, and it passed with amendments. HB 2268 would add film production marketing and promotion to HTA’s powers. The governor’s office, HTA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, and several industry groups supported the measure, arguing that film and TV exposure drives tourism and generates significant spending and tax revenue, while one individual testified in opposition. In questions, HTA said it would use existing staff and did not have a separate cost estimate. The committee amended the bill to specify that film productions are primarily filmed in Hawaii and deferred the date to continue discussion; it then passed with amendments. The committee also heard HB 2156, which would raise filing thresholds for general excise tax and transit accommodations tax filers. The Department of Taxation said the change could increase administrative burden if more filers shift from mandatory electronic filing to paper filing, while the Tax Foundation noted the filing threshold issue is separate from e-filing requirements. The bill was moved forward with a deferred date. HB 1946, concerning time-share registration renewals and amendments, drew support from ARDA and other industry testimony, with no opposition noted; DCCA was said to be in talks with the industry. It was also advanced with technical amendments and a deferred date.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we still need to be careful with the power that we wield as a body.
• What business cuts stable revenue sources?
• This means that you all are going to have less spending power.
• And again, their spending power has gotten decreased.
• It was so powerful, and the word I kept hearing over and over again was affordability, affordability,