Video & Transcript : 'DTC technology' :
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ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Feb 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The next budget is for the Office of Information Technology Services.
- The Office of Information Technology Services is a central IT management and support agency for most
- One of the... ...and cybersecurity under the direction of the Information Technology Authority Group.
- I move for fiscal year 2026 for the Office of Technology Services, the one-time addition of $200,000
- That's for replacement laptops recommended by the Office of Information Technology Services.
Summary:
The committee met to review the general fund update and several budget-setting items, with staff explaining how to track the latest “green sheet” online and how JFAC actions were affecting the FY 2026 and FY 2027 bottom lines. Members also discussed whether work group progress should be summarized more broadly, but leadership emphasized that work groups were intended to remain independent and that members should consult analysts directly rather than have a running public summary of each group’s internal deliberations.
The committee then acted on a series of agency budgets. It approved the Idaho State Tax Commission enhancement package after revising it to remove the chief operating officer personnel item and adopted language limiting use of $550,000 for fast tax collection vendor payments, with any unused amount reverting to the general fund. It also approved supplemental and enhancement requests for the Office of Information Technology Services, including Chinden campus furnishings, E-Core grant staffing and funding, enterprise security/firewall upgrades, the IT modernization transfer of 58 positions from Health and Welfare, and a one-time cash transfer language item to cover transition-year health insurance costs. The Military Division’s request for $120,000 for Office of Emergency Management indirect cost recovery was approved, but an alternate motion to also add $190,800 for the state education assistance program failed, and the original motion was later held in committee. The Industrial Commission and Public Utilities Commission budgets were both advanced with dedicated-fund increases for IRIS maintenance, training, disability fund needs, OITS hardware, and replacement laptops.
The Department of Fish and Game budget was also advanced, with approval of a large package of dedicated and federal funds for fishery habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, hatchery and laboratory inflation, temporary employees, wolf depredation response, communications, and replacement items, along with reappropriation authority for prior-year funds. The committee then took up the Department of Health and Welfare Division of Public Health Services, where competing motions focused on the Idaho Home Visiting Program, immunization assessment fund restoration, laboratory testing, HIV and hepatitis prevention, suicide prevention, and moving the home visiting program to Early Learning and Development. Both the substitute motion and the original motion failed after split votes in the House and Senate committees, leaving that budget held for later action.
Finally, the committee considered new language for the State Controller and State Treasurer to require monthly reconciliation of cash balances between Luma and TARS from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, with a report due by the fall interim JFAC meeting and documentation retained for audit. Members discussed the need for accurate cash reconciliation and the resources available to the Controller’s office, but no final action was taken before adjournment. The chair announced upcoming budget-setting meetings and reminded members to complete work group motions by the end of the day.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It prohibits governmental contracts for information technology with foreign sources of concern.
- Quick question, are any state or local government entities currently utilizing information technology
- A governmental entity won't be able to enter into any new contracts regarding information technology
- or owns and manufactures information technology, then that would be prohibited.
- Holcomb: new drone technology available now.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 7th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- This technology really has potential to provide tremendous benefits.
- An autonomous aircraft meets that need in ways no other emerging technology can.
- We're not talking radar altimeters or TCAS or some of these other technologies.
- An aircraft that does not have the technology.
- They do have one with the technology and that's the one we'd be operating. Thank you.
Committee:
House Emergency Management
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- technology... ...again, a fictional technology to meet requirements for technology that are in and of
- and ableist technology, to solve a problem that doesn't exist.
- to meet requirements for technology that are in and of themselves.
- and ableist technology, to solve a problem that doesn't exist.
- Lastly, it fictionalizes technology.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2073, which would require nonprofit health carriers with surplus above 600% of risk-based capital to pay 3% of the excess to support the Cascade Care Savings premium assistance program. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $80 million in FY 2027 based on 2024 surplus data, while carriers and business groups argued their reserves are needed to pay claims, manage risk, and avoid premium increases. Supporters said the bill would redirect consumer-funded surplus to help Washingtonians afford coverage, especially as federal subsidies expire. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information in WASFA applications. Staff explained the bill would exempt WASFA records from public disclosure, restrict sharing to narrow purposes, and shorten retention periods, with significant fiscal impacts tied to purging records and updating data-sharing practices. Student and advocacy testimony strongly supported the bill as a privacy and safety measure for immigrant and mixed-status students. The committee also heard House Bill 2403, which lowers the penalty for failure to register as a sex offender and adds community custody and DOC supervision; public defense supported it as a cost-saving, consensus reform, and staff projected DOC savings. House Bill 2587 was also heard, creating a Commerce pilot to provide limited advance grant funding to eligible nonprofits; supporters said it would help smaller nonprofits manage reimbursement-based contracts, while staff estimated indeterminate but potentially significant administrative costs.
The committee heard House Bill 2607, which would require DCYF to periodically rebase child care subsidy rate regions to better reflect local cost differences. Supporters from Benton and Franklin counties said current regional rates are outdated and unfairly low in fast-growing areas; staff said the fiscal impact was indeterminate. The committee then moved into possible executive session on several bills. Second Substitute House Bill 1170, dealing with generative AI disclosures and provenance tools, was amended and ultimately passed out of committee on an 18-9 vote after all proposed amendments were rejected. Substitute House Bill 1570 was amended to narrow its scope to Western Washington University and then passed out of committee on a 17-9 vote. The committee also began action on proposed Third Substitute House Bill 1710, which would create a state pre-clearance requirement under the Washington Voting Rights Act, but the transcript cuts off during consideration of amendments to that bill.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Energy Resources S/C Underground Facility Safety Oct 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We are working with new technology, locating tape.
- We're also investing in cutting-edge technology. technologies, and geospatial services to ensure accurate
- So there is technologies to do that.
- EEO InfraSync technology and services, or InfraSync.
- We don't need new technology.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes the use of enhanced technology tools throughout the eligibility determination process,
- Are there any enhancements or modernization to technology planned on improving our error rates?
- A lot of it is tied to technology in order to help eliminate.
- We know we need to find the right technology tools.
- So, as you can imagine, we truly Believe the technology aspect will really propel that forward.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:25:32.640><c> so</c> economic impact leveraging technology so economic impact leveraging technology
- </c> know how how to leverage technology know how how to leverage technology whether<00:27:23.559><c>
- </c><00:27:27.440><c> to</c> to really leverage this technology to to really leverage this technology
- Next up, HB 448, relating to technology enablement.
- those related to the tourism sector, with technology enablement. ...technology enablement.
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt.
HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in innovation and emerging technology. in innovation and emerging technology.
- </c><01:02:20.600><c> is</c> that autonomous vehicles technology is that autonomous vehicles technology
- Do technology is in many other places.
- </c> get not let technology get ahead of us. get not let technology get ahead of us.
- c> have</c><01:32:56.520><c> the</c> automated technology does have the automated technology does have
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 23rd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't have technology backing up.
- We have the technology to detect all these drones, and there's technology to take them down.
- technology...
- that old technology doesn't suffer from.
- That old technology is great for that.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Air Force Reserve, and vice president at XRDNA, where he helps advance secure next-generation technologies
- SB 1284, moving violations, red light appropriations — Transportation and Technology.
- SB 1304, mental illness prisoners diagnosis treatment — Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
- SB 1317, appropriation coordinated reentry program — Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and
- SB 1317, appropriation coordinated reentry program — Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed attendance, and approved the prior journal. Several senators then used points of personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visitors, including Chaplain Ron Lagata, an Air Force air traffic controller apprentice shadowing Senator Gabaldón, a guest of Senator Farnsworth, and a group connected to Arizona’s space industry and Special Olympics Arizona.
Senator Bolick read a proclamation for “Not in Our State,” condemning human trafficking and calling on Arizonans, schools, churches, nonprofits, law enforcement, and businesses to work together to prevent trafficking and support victims. Senator Tothley then gave an emotional statement about the death of an eight-year-old girl in his community, criticized delays in the turquoise alert system, and urged statewide changes so alerts go out more quickly and broadly. The Senate observed a moment of silence in the child’s memory.
The chamber then moved through second reading of a long list of bills and resolutions covering topics such as counseling after traumatic events, military permitting, EMS reciprocity, election procedures, court-ordered treatment, assisted living, juvenile detention education, Alzheimer’s funding, gaming appropriations, short-term rentals, law enforcement mask prohibitions, fire district formation, prison and correction officer issues, port of entry funding, appeals court structure, and congressional term limits. Several bills were also referred to committees, including measures on voting centers, candidate petition circulators, weather modification, federal land acquisition consent, bleed control kits, foreign donations, unemployment benefits, and SNAP purchases. The Senate also announced upcoming committee meetings and then adjourned until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Apr 22nd, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- A spotlight is being placed on the vast potential of this technology.
- Scientific and technological assets and reinforced by our highly skilled workforce.
- This emerging technology is moving towards commercialization and scale.
- Companies working in quantum technologies are not inclined to share information.
- We are quiet, but certainly a powerhouse in the area of technology.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 7, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- AI IS NOT JUST A TOOL BUT A TECHNOLOGICAL SHAPE OF THE FUTURE FOR INSURANCE.
- THE TECHNOLOGY THAT'S BEEN AROUND AND IN USE FOR A LONG TIME.
- DO YOU FORESEE THE INTEGRATION OF AI TECHNOLOGY TO AFFECT INSURANCE PREMIUMS?
- HOW DO YOU FORESEE THAT, THE AI TECHNOLOGY TO AFFECT PREMIUM PRICES?
- KOVAL, THINK WE ARE IN THE EMERGING STAGES OF THE TECHNOLOGY AND MR.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- and produce more power, so we're not constraining the technology.
- We've been talking about the technology for years. It's being developed in other states.
- There's nothing tying this to a particular technology.
- Possibly, but that can always change very quickly if technology comes about.
- But that can always change very quickly if technology comes about.
Committee:
House Utilities
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- and produce more power, so we're not constraining the technology.
- We've been talking about the technology for years that's being developed in other states.
- You know, if we can bring that technology here and put it in... ...in other states.
- Do you think that's... ...tying this to a particular technology.
- But that can always change very quickly if technology comes about.
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bills 2658, 2147, 2472, and 2546 by a roll call vote of 20 ayes and 1 no. The substitute expanded telephone solicitation language to include unsolicited real estate solicitations, adjusted reassigned-number compliance language, and refined spoofing-related definitions to focus on intent to cause harm or wrongfully obtain value. Members also discussed how the no-call list, existing business relationships, and political fundraising calls would be treated under the substitute.
The committee then heard House Bills 1626 and 2122, both relating to nuclear energy and construction work in progress (CWIP/QIP) financing for nuclear projects. The sponsors argued the bills would remove an outdated barrier to nuclear construction in Missouri, especially for small modular reactors, by allowing utilities to recover construction costs during construction and thereby reduce interest and overall project cost. They emphasized ratepayer protections through clawback provisions, the role of the Public Service Commission, future energy demand, economic development, and keeping Missouri competitive with other states.
Several members raised concerns about higher utility rates, the risk of cost overruns, the possibility of ratepayers paying for projects that are delayed or never completed, and whether the proposal was premature given that SMRs are not yet widely deployed in the United States. In response, the sponsors and supporters said the bill would include refund protections similar to Senate Bill 4 and that the PSC would oversee prudence and timing. Public witnesses in support included business, utility, and municipal representatives, as well as Missouri S&T’s chancellor, who stressed workforce development and the growing national and global move toward nuclear power. The hearing on House Bills 1626 and 2122 was then closed.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 30th, 2026 at 07:51 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the technology, engagement, and entrepreneurship... My name is Candace Siebenthal.
- Our technology is now having global reach. We have customers that range from energy...
- Our technology is now having global reach.
- I stand in strong support of the technology readiness gross receipts expansion.
- Reauthorizing Trigger is an investment in advancing technology that really matters.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning and welcome to the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee.
- to help them reduce emissions, but we want to encourage them to find that technology, to report to us
- What's possible in the technological barriers and other things that they can address directly related
- And so gathering that information, what is best available technology?
- There's technology limitations, reliability, implementation, et cetera.
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to develop recommendations for how no-cost allowances for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) should work from 2035 to 2050, and would require EITEs to submit facility-specific emissions data and periodic decarbonization plans as a condition of receiving allowances. Supporters said the bill preserves the Climate Commitment Act’s goals while giving the Legislature and Ecology better information to prevent emissions and job leakage and to plan for industrial decarbonization. Opponents argued the bill adds costly reporting and planning burdens, could threaten competitiveness, and in some cases could lead to allowance withholding; Ecology said it generally supports the approach but wants some streamlining and noted implementation costs are not in the governor’s budget.
SB 5932 would provide certainty for sustainable aviation fuel development by changing how Ecology applies electricity carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger for aviation fuel tax incentives. The sponsor and 12, a Moses Lake SAF developer, said the bill would give investors and producers needed certainty for expansion and help Washington remain competitive. Ecology and Climate Solutions opposed parts of the bill, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity generation, limit Ecology’s technical discretion, and reduce the Clean Fuels Program’s effectiveness, though Ecology said it supports decarbonizing aviation and is willing to work on the issue through rulemaking. Some testimony also supported the tax certainty portion while objecting to the Clean Fuels Program changes, and one witness asked for clarification on local participation in the incentive.
SB 6172 would end remaining state tax and regulatory exemptions for the coal-fired TransAlta plant after its scheduled closure date. The sponsor said Washington should remove special treatment now that the state has phased out coal, while supporters said the bill reinforces the state’s clean energy transition and protects public health and climate goals. A few witnesses raised concerns about possible costs to utilities and ratepayers if the plant were ever required to run in an emergency, and asked for language to protect against that. The hearing concluded with the committee closing public testimony on all three bills; no votes were taken in the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Nov 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So yes, the technology exists, the physics are the same, and yes, that's doable. That's great.
- Every technology. Every technology has a role to play in bridging the digital divide.
- We're based in Jacksonville, Florida, and a lot of the technology...
- stack to take this technology to space.
- adoption of terrestrial commercial industrial technology for spacecraft.
Summary:
The committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard a series of presentations focused on Florida’s space and aerospace industry. Blue Origin’s Anna Spencer described the company’s Florida operations at Rocket Park, including New Glenn manufacturing and launch activities, Blue Moon lunar lander work, workforce development, and recent booster recovery and launch milestones. Amazon’s Beth Cooley presented an update on Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), outlining the satellite broadband network, customer terminals, dark skies mitigation efforts, Florida facilities and jobs, and launch plans; members asked about RV/mobile applications, satellite counts, and the role of fiber, but no action was taken. Starcatcher Industries CEO Andrew Rush then described his company’s effort to create an orbital energy grid that beams power to satellites to extend mission life and increase available power, citing demonstrations in Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral and plans for a first satellite launch next year.
Space Florida CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace sector, citing billions in private investment, hundreds of projects in the pipeline, the leverage of state spaceport funding, workforce and university programs, and the need for additional tools and infrastructure to keep Florida competitive. He emphasized growth in launch activity, manufacturing, research, and military support infrastructure, and said Space Florida would bring forward legislative proposals. Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro delivered the strongest policy message of the meeting, warning that KSC’s aging infrastructure and relatively smaller NASA budget share could cause Florida to lose aerospace leadership to states like Texas unless the state strengthens its partnership, research investment, and infrastructure support. Members questioned her about federal restrictions on commercial investment in common-use infrastructure, the need for more state-federal alignment, and how Florida can preserve its role as the launch capital of the world. After the presentations and questions, Senator Burgess moved to adjourn, there was no objection, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AI is a new, rapidly developing technology that we are still experimenting with.
- But when employers ask nurses to rely on technology that we cannot meaningfully evaluate or override,
- We save lives every day with technology.
- We save lives every day with technology.
- For patients, AI technologies are improving health care outcomes.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 2575 on health care AI guardrails, with the author and supporters from the California Nurses Association and labor groups arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment. They said the bill would require basic disclosures about AI tools, protect workers from retaliation for overriding AI in good faith, and prevent developers or employers from shifting liability to frontline clinicians. Opponents including the California Medical Association, CalChamber, hospitals, and other health care organizations argued the bill would add costs, create uncertainty, and discourage useful AI applications. Committee members discussed bias in health care and accepted amendments narrowing the disclosure provisions; the bill was moved with a 7-1 vote and re-referred to Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement.
AB 634 would ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of products containing tianeptine, described by supporters as “gas station heroin.” The author and law enforcement supporters said the substance is dangerous, easily accessible, and can cause opioid-like addiction, while no opposition came forward. The committee also heard AB 1607 to extend the Maddy EMS Fund, which reimburses emergency providers for uncompensated care. Supporters said the fund is essential to keeping emergency departments staffed, especially amid expected coverage losses; an ACLU representative opposed the funding source because it relies on criminal and traffic fines. Members supported the need for the fund but raised concerns about the fairness and long-term stability of the revenue source, and the bill advanced on a 8-0 vote.
AB 1906 would require coverage of at-home cervical cancer screening tests without cost sharing, and the author said the bill would improve early detection and reduce disparities, especially for rural and working Californians. Support came from Planned Parenthood, Health Access, and several health and labor organizations; insurers said they appreciated the amendments and were reviewing their position. The committee adopted amendments aligning the bill with clinical guidelines and passed it 6-0 to Appropriations. The committee also took up AB 2247, the Thrive Act, to create a pilot program for trauma and mental health services for youth affected by gun violence in four counties. Supporters described barriers survivors face in accessing counseling, while members questioned the narrow focus on gun violence, the choice of counties, documentation requirements, and whether the program should instead be housed in victim compensation. The bill passed 8-0 to Judiciary.
Later, AB 2531 would expand California’s uncompensated care program so veterans denied abortion care through the federal VA system could receive coverage in California, and would add an abortion resources link for veterans. Supporters framed it as filling a gap created by federal restrictions; opponents argued state funds should not support abortion. Members noted the VA already provides many reproductive services but not this one, and the bill passed 7-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also heard AB 1915, which would modernize restaurant facility rules and create a self-certification pathway for some equipment installations. Restaurant and business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce costly delays, while the Contractor State License Board opposed the self-certification provision over safety and inspection concerns. Members generally supported streamlining but echoed public safety concerns and indicated further work was needed.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Business, Trade & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- What this bill is about is just getting ahead of technology.
- And what I've learned about this particular technology...
- That is what the technology allows to happen right now.
- He said they need time to let the technology roll out.
- The witness replied that they are not anti-technology and that their members use technology all the time
Keywords:
rural county, frontier county, public facilities funding, economic development, local option sales tax, sales and use tax, workforce housing, affordable housing, county tax authority, RCW, Washington state, community economic revitalization board, CED, infrastructure funding, public works, job creation, job retention, job expansion, county planning, state auditor reporting
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Information Technology Budget and Policy Subcommittee will now come to order.
- infrastructure, applications, and data management systems to take full advantage of cloud technologies
- And this represents a great opportunity to move these technology assets to the cloud.
- In total, we have 3,300 technology assets.
- And I want to know that we're keeping up with current state technology and moving forward.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard a panel on state cloud modernization efforts after canceling an LBR on the Department of Corrections’ OBIS project because the presentation materials were not submitted on time. Florida Digital Service, the Northwest Regional Data Center, and several agencies described how the state is assessing and migrating applications to cloud environments under the cloud-first policy. Northwest explained its 2023 cloud readiness assessment of 890 applications from 24 agencies, the criteria used to rate readiness and risk, and its recommendation to tackle lower-risk applications first. Agency updates covered the Department of Corrections’ modernization of 98 legacy applications tied to OBIS and cloud-native infrastructure, the Department of Elder Affairs’ Microsoft Power Platform modernization, the Department of Health’s health management and child protection systems, and FDOT’s large cloud program for transportation systems. Members repeatedly asked about costs, data ownership, disaster recovery, single sign-on, security tools, and whether cloud migration actually saves money; presenters generally said the focus is more on modernization, resilience, and efficiency than immediate savings, and that cost analyses are often application-specific rather than enterprise-wide.
The discussion also covered governance and architecture questions. Florida Digital Service said agencies remain responsible for their own databases and cloud tenants, while FLDS provides advice and an enterprise architecture framework; it does not have statutory oversight over most projects, except for OBIS project oversight due to its size. Northwest said it is acting as a cloud broker for some agencies and is consolidating Azure and AWS payer tenants to seek better pricing, but agencies still make system-by-system decisions based on business needs, risk, latency, and total cost of ownership. Members raised concerns about fragmented data structures, the lack of a complete statewide application inventory, and the need for better interoperability and enterprise standards. Several agencies said disaster recovery is built into their cloud plans, and FDOT and Corrections described ongoing efforts to keep systems current through core platforms, training, and ongoing support.
In the second half of the meeting, the Department of State presented two new technology requests. Secretary Byrd described the SunBiz corporate registry system as a 34-year-old platform supporting more than 3.5 million business entities and generating over $575 million in annual general revenue. He said the department had already virtualized the legacy hardware after earlier modernization efforts failed and is now seeking $800,000 recurring for password protection and $5 million nonrecurring to continue procurement for a replacement system. The department also presented the Florida Voter Registration System modernization request, noting that the current system is outdated and requires manual workarounds for some statutory changes. The department requested $2.4948 million nonrecurring and $44,000 recurring to procure a modernized FVRS solution, and staff said the feasibility study recommended a hybrid approach. Members asked about the study’s findings and about creating a database for voter eligibility information for returning citizens; the department said that would require data sharing with all 67 clerks of court and other entities such as DOC.