Transcript Highlights:

• For voice actors, our biometric data is embedded in that material.
• So just for— ...software that's also running online at high speed.
• Text, images, audio, video, software code, and other media all present different technical challenges
• Good afternoon, Yerle Magallon, on behalf of the Business Software Alliance, in opposition.
• Good afternoon, Yeralimaga, you on behalf of the Business Software Alliance, and opposition.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard three Assembly bills. AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, would require developers to let copyright holders query whether their works were used to train generative AI systems. Supporters, including voice actors, artists, labor groups, and Professor Ben Zhao, argued the bill is a narrow transparency measure that helps creators protect their rights and that the underlying technology is feasible. Opponents, including business and tech groups, argued the bill goes ahead of unsettled copyright law, is technically difficult to implement at scale, and could burden startups. The author accepted committee amendments narrowing the bill, and the committee voted 6-2 to pass it as amended to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2448 by Assembly Member Berman would require electronic health record vendors to implement technical safeguards that help providers protect sensitive reproductive and gender-affirming care information. Planned Parenthood affiliates, the Attorney General’s office, and other supporters said the bill clarifies existing law and strengthens patient privacy amid threats to reproductive care access. There was no opposition testimony. The committee voted 7-1 to pass the bill to the Health Committee. AB 2561 by Assembly Member Valencia would prohibit changes to consumers’ privacy settings without their consent, aiming to prevent apps and software updates from resetting user preferences. CalChamber and TechNet representatives said they now supported the bill after the author accepted their amendments. The committee voted 8-0 to pass AB 2561. The hearing included multiple roll calls as quorum was established and bills were held on call before final votes were taken, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the core curriculum for all participants, including Leadership training should be embedded in the
• And some of our guest speakers that had worked on Star Trek years before were just learning that software
• And some of our guest speakers that had worked on Star Trek years before were just learning that software
• Right now, California has the opportunity to figure out how we can begin embedding artists into unlocking
• So my hope and my invitation to you all is that you think about how we are embedding artists and creative

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Arts held an informational hearing on California’s first sector-specific creative economy strategic plan, “California’s Future Is Creative,” developed under AB 127 and related legislation. Chair Allen framed the plan as a response to California’s large but vulnerable creative economy, citing workforce losses, federal funding headwinds, and the need to support artists, cultural organizations, public media, museums, cultural districts, and film/TV production. He also highlighted budget asks including support for California Humanities, museums, public media, cultural districts, a post-production incentive proposal (AB 2319), and funding to implement the strategic plan. California Arts Council Director Danielle Brazel, Institute for the Future’s Rachel Hatch, CDE’s Allison Frenzel, and CWDB’s Michael Weoff described the planning process, which included a 30-plus-member work group, interagency coordination, and a phased approach from framework development to implementation and evaluation. They identified major forces shaping the sector over the next decade, including AI, climate disruption, affordability, access to capital, and social cohesion, and outlined six action areas: workforce preparation, business stabilization, cultural identity/tourism, cross-sector incentives, ROI/data tracking, and state capacity/infrastructure. Members and panelists repeatedly emphasized that the plan must be resourced and integrated across agencies rather than left siloed. A second panel of practitioners and advocates focused on workforce pathways and local implementation. Ricarlo Handy described the Handy Foundation’s registered apprenticeship pipeline into film and TV jobs and argued that current data systems undercount gig, 1099, and LLC-based creative work. Joanna Reynolds discussed Arts for LA’s Creative Jobs Collective, which aims to create 10,000 living-wage creative jobs in Los Angeles County by 2030, while Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez urged embedding artists in health, aging, and behavioral health systems as community problem-solvers. Roxanne Messina Kaptur spoke about the need to normalize arts careers and expand residency and school-based models. Senator Rubio, who joined later, shared her own arts and teaching background, supported arts access in schools and small theaters, and raised concerns about AI, asking how schools and educators can adapt. In the final panel, Rebecca Ratzkin reported on 26 statewide town halls with more than 1,100 attendees, which confirmed support for the plan but also highlighted needs for better information access, new financial models, stronger definitions and data, and more partnerships. Julie Baker of California for the Arts and California Arts Advocates urged sustained public funding, saying the plan is actionable only if the Legislature and administration provide resources, including increased California Arts Council funding and support for implementation. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with calls for continued legislative and cross-agency collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other future is getting those embedded into devices.
• And if it is activated, even the legacy software that we're using with the legacy systems will be secure
• Millions and millions of dollars wasted on software technology that failed.
• Millions and millions of dollars wasted on software technology that failed.
• So even the vendor would not be able to access the software without the key.

Bills: HB2809

Keywords: cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard two informational presentations before taking up its only bill, HB 2809. The first presentation, from the University of Arizona, focused on fusion energy research and commercialization. The presenter described fusion as a clean, safe, long-term energy source with major potential for Arizona, emphasized growing U.S. and Chinese investment in the field, and argued that Arizona could become a hub for fusion supply chains, talent, and deployment. Members asked about timelines, regulation, and how fusion might compare with small modular reactors and other energy sources; the presenter said fusion could be commercially deployable in roughly 12 to 15 years if public-private investment continues. The second presentation, from XRDNA, described a spatial-temporal addressing system for physical objects and events, aimed at improving coordination across space, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. The company said it is testing with Space Force and launch providers, uses AI provenance tools, and sees its main near-term use case in logistics and space operations. HB 2809 would require state agencies handling sensitive data, including elections, public safety, benefits, finance, and infrastructure information, to implement post-quantum encryption meeting or exceeding CMMC 2.0 validation, using a U.S.-based vendor and U.S.-developed, manufactured, or maintained components. An amendment clarified that agencies would not be required to connect offline systems to the internet to install encryption, and that agencies could use offline methods such as removable media. The sponsor argued the bill is needed because Arizona’s legacy systems are vulnerable, cited prior cyber incidents and audit findings, and said the bill would secure data even on older systems while keeping the encryption key with the Auditor General. Members generally supported the concept but raised questions about implementation, costs, the Auditor General’s role, and the need for more stakeholder input. No one signed in opposition; the Secretary of State’s office was noted as neutral. The committee adopted the Pingarelli amendment and then passed HB 2809 as amended on a 9-0 vote, giving it a due pass recommendation. Several members explained their yes votes as support for the bill’s goal while emphasizing the need for careful implementation and broader discussion. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE MANDATED CONSISTENT SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES ACROSS ALL THE VENDORS.
• START THERE FIRST, I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE DECISION TO START THERE BECAUSE ON SOFTWARE
• DIFFICULT, I'M NOT GOING TO PRETEND THAT IS NOT PART OF THE CHALLENGE WITH THIS PROJECT BUT IT IS EMBEDDED
• PROCUREMENT PROCESS, WAS ASSUMED BECAUSE WE WERE AN EARLY ADOPTER THAT WE WOULD NECESSARILY BECOME A SOFTWARE
• OBSOLETE WHEREAS THESE VENDORS HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTINUALLY MODERNIZE THEIR PRODUCT AND THAT EMBEDDED

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide software to many child care agencies and learning programs across California.
• We provide software to many child care agencies and learning programs across California.
• And we know that was embedded in some of our early welfare policies.
• And we know that was embedded in some of our early welfare policies.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, and no opposition testified. SB 902 would allow electronic signatures for child care and development services paperwork while preserving paper options; supporters said it would reduce burdens on families and providers, and the bill passed to the Assembly Education Committee 4-0. The committee also heard SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate California’s food assistance efforts, and SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule. Supporters of SB 1025 said the state’s food system is fragmented and needs a coordinated strategy; SB 1030 supporters argued the rule is outdated, redundant, and rooted in racist and sexist assumptions. Both bills received no opposition testimony and were approved on 4-0 votes, with SB 1025 sent to the Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and SB 1030 to Appropriations. The committee then approved SB 1077, which would require CDSS to create a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns, including a public webpage and planning for state-funded benefits; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1194 would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand immigration legal services in underserved areas, and supporters emphasized the need for legal representation in rural and Central Valley communities; it passed 4-1 to Judiciary. SB 1201 would seek federal waivers to protect veterans from CalFresh time limits, require referrals to county veterans service officers, and adjust treatment of job-search expenses; it passed unanimously 6-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 557 and SB 1051, also passed unanimously. After all items were heard, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide software to many child care agencies and learning programs across California.
• We provide software to many child care agencies and learning programs across California.
• And we know that was embedded in some of our early welfare policies.
• And we know that was embedded in some of our early welfare policies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to run homeless response multidisciplinary teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, while no opposition testified. SB 902 would permit electronic signatures for Child Care and Development Services Act paperwork, with supporters describing the burden of paper processes on working families and noting that paper would remain an option. Both bills were referred onward after committee action. The committee also approved SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability; SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule; and SB 1077, requiring CDSS to develop a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns. Testimony on these measures emphasized fragmented food assistance systems, the need to modernize outdated welfare rules, and the importance of preparing for future federal benefit interruptions. Each bill drew broad support from advocates, local governments, and social service organizations, with no opposition testimony, and each received a due-pass recommendation to the next committee. The committee further advanced SB 1194, which would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand access to immigration legal services in underserved regions, and SB 1201, which would seek federal waivers and other protections to help veterans affected by CalFresh changes and connect applicants with county veterans service officers. Supporters said both bills would fill critical service gaps and strengthen legal and food-security infrastructure. SB 1194 received a 6-1 vote, while SB 1201 passed unanimously. Earlier in the hearing, SB 557 and SB 1051 were approved on consent. The committee then adjourned after recording final roll calls for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, we are going to be launching a Quantum Lab Embedded Entrepreneur Program, or QLEAP
• understanding how to use quantum computers once they're here because the hardware is outpacing the software
• Devices, but in the future we expect that to kind of crisscross and we'll see more jobs on the software
• And prior to or post-Trigger, we have made three hires: one software engineer and two hires. directly
• kind of follow on that, one of the Programs we run that Kyle is a part of is the New Mexico Lab Embedded

Bills: HB342, HB342, HB168, HB220, SB187, SB270, SB265, SB220, SB242, SB277

Keywords: religious instruction, elective credit, released time, public education, school policy, tax credit, scholarship, education funding, financial aid, federal participation, HB168, Alabama, emergency management, local emergency management organization, mutual aid, mutual aid agreement, disaster response, public safety, public health, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• So those are our challenges, our savings and efficiencies, licensing software.
• We still have to have the maintenance for the software, but we don't have to have to manage agreement
• We actually have someone Embedded now with us to do that and create a better website and software upgrades
• Software is included.
• task forces in less populated regions like Poteau, City, Muskogee, and Garvin, where we now Have embedded

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, probably projects more so for FY27, we'll be looking at purchasing new software or a...
• Somebody who can look at our software, our methods, what we do, and not only look at what we've got,
• registered educator apprenticeship programs approved through the Department of Labor, creating a new job embedded
• while maintaining quality, positioning Oklahoma to compete nationally and developing innovative job-embedded
• this work through a community of practice that supports apprenticeship growth and creates clear job-embedded

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ES&S conducts thorough and pervasive penetration testing on our hardware and software using the same
• Secure software: no internet again or internal office network connectivity.
• User accounts and passwords are managed by the software.
• No internet again or Secure software.
• passwords are managed by the software. passwords are managed by the software.

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then what is the percentage of staff that are embedded in those different agencies and departments
• embedded in those different<00:48:39.000> agencies<00:48:39.560> and<00:48:39.680>
• <01:07:03.040> called actually developed the software called actually developed the software
• We also have our FAST, which is our software, and there's a system called FIVES.
• , and there's a which is our software, and there's a system<01:11:05.240> called<01:11:05.640>

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• But no other independent research evaluator is embedded into the pathways program.
• They used a different software—completely different. We're a Microsoft... ...completely different.
• This group is extremely embedded in the community.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, workers have described webcam biometric monitoring software that uses AI to track what is
• On job sites, AI is being used to track every move, with cameras embedded across job sites.
• AI is being used to track every move, with cameras embedded across job sites and some even on hard hats
• It ensures that when insurers and utilization review organizations use AI or software tools, those systems
• By embedding fairness and transparency, H-94 directly addresses the public trust gap.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation. A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, they're used, um, it's embedded with, um, E911.
• embedded with, um, E911. embedded with, um, E911.
• tax revenue software tax revenue software in<00:47:06.880> February.
• I was selling software to Europe over there back then.
• I was selling software to Europe over there back then.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Commonwealth Office of Technology 00:01:00 Department of Education 00:21:00 Transportation Cabinet 00:35:30 Secretary of State 00:45:15 Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:56:11 Discussion of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Related legislation 01:09:11, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and then focused first on the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s legacy systems and two specific projects. COT officials said many agencies have made progress moving off legacy applications, with remaining mainframe systems slated to be retired through RFPs or other work orders. They also described a legacy funding pool of $10 million per biennium used to help agencies transition. The two projects discussed were the Kentucky aerial photography and elevation data program, which provides statewide aerial imagery and lidar data for GIS, E911, environmental, transportation, and other uses, and a citizen identity and access management system intended to give residents a single login for state services. Officials said the GIS program costs about $1.2 million annually to host and maintain, with data acquisition costing several million more per year, and that the citizen identity system would cost about $2.5 million per year after an initial three-year COT investment. Members asked about duplication of funding, licensing, local government use, and whether multi-factor authentication would be required; COT said the GIS data is being acquired as statewide unlicensed data and that MFA would be available but not yet mandated statewide. Committee members pressed COT on costs, overlap with cabinet-level IT spending, and the practical benefits of the GIS and identity projects. COT explained that GIS hosting is generally covered through enterprise assessments billed quarterly to agencies, while the new aerial data is intended to benefit the whole state and local partners. On the identity project, officials said it would centralize authentication for citizens who use state systems, improve compliance with zero-trust and NIST-related security expectations, and reduce help desk and maintenance burdens through self-service account tools. Members also discussed whether the system would extend to local governments; COT said it would be a Kentucky.gov-style state login for users inside the state identity infrastructure, not a local-government system. The Department of Education then testified that it does not operate mainframes or major legacy systems, having moved long ago to cloud-based, off-the-shelf products and vendor-supported services. KDE officials described a strong emphasis on staff cybersecurity awareness, standardized statewide systems, vendor risk-sharing, and reducing sensitive data exposure, including efforts to move away from student Social Security numbers. They also highlighted a transition from Microsoft Active Directory to Identity Automation, which they said will improve identity management and make multi-factor authentication universal across K-12. In response to questions about Kentucky Wired and internet service, KDE said all 171 school districts and KDE agencies have been moved to a new next-generation internet service through ENA by Zayo, with strong satisfaction, e-rate savings, and better reliability. Officials warned that any internet disruption would immediately affect attendance, grades, student records, payroll, security systems, and communications across the K-12 system.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're running Dronesense Software, which as we mentioned is a Texas-based software firm and they've
• The software, you know, all certified, validated.
• It was a hardware issue, not a software issue.
• No American software... company has a software developer key to PRC drones to fully integrate and therefore
• mitigate the PRC software.

Bills: HB17, HB34, HB41, HB 118, HB 119, HB 127, HB 128, HB 129, HB 130, HB132, HB133, HB17, HB41, HB118, HB119, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB132, HB133

Keywords: foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We see narcotics embedded in books, paper products, and legal mail.
• We see narcotics embedded in books, paper products, and legal mail. products embedded in books, paper
• It's embedded with both agency staff as well as analysts from the Office of Inspector General.
• But we'll tell you on the front end, embedding that with our intelligence center is beginning.
• And then also one of the worries I had was that we were going to have to get software to say that it

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From these principles, we've built a set of programmatic defenses, modernization, and governance, embedding
• risk<00:21:34.799> oversight<00:21:35.440> into<00:21:35.760> every embedding
• risk oversight into every embedding risk oversight into every stage<00:21:36.320> of<00:21:36.480
• libraries and police stations to install endpoint<00:32:35.760> detection<00:32:36.320> software
• detection software to hundreds of<00:32:37.679> devices.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, many, if not most, if you hear ads on TV for IT tools of any kind, the word AI has been embedded
• <01:08:51.520> into kind the word AI has been embedded into kind the word AI has been embedded
• There are excellent software programs out there where you can run that, and they can identify names,
• There are there<01:54:06.400> are<01:54:06.560> excellent<01:54:07.119> software
• <01:54:07.599> programs there are excellent software programs there are excellent software programs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• INTEGRATE AI CONCEPTS INTO LEARNING STANDARDS AND CURRICULUM SO STUDENTS GRADUATE READY FOR AN AI EMBEDDED
• FOR EXAMPLE, THE TIME AND INTRODUCTION TO AI COURSE THEY ARE ALSO DOING A USE OF AI WHICH IS EMBEDDED
• RIGHT NOW IT IS EMBEDDED IN OUR IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE WHICH RIGHT NOW PRE-K THROUGH SEVEN THERE RIGHT
• NOW IT IS EMBEDDED IN OUR IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE WHICH RIGHT NOW PRE-K THROUGH SEVEN THERE IS NO AI USAGE
• >> Speaker: THAT IS NOT AN EXPENDITURE WE WOULD USE FOR E RATE BUT THE COST OF THOSE ARE EMBEDDED WITHIN