Transcript Highlights:

• They sell targeting data back to advertisers, which drive up costs for local businesses that cannot compete
• 54.920><c> drive</c><00:08:55.200><c> up</c><00:08:55.320><c> costs</c><00:08:55.680><c> for</c> advertisers
• , which drive up costs for advertisers, which drive up costs for local<00:08:56.040><c> businesses</c
• Five, opting out of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, and certain types of profiling.
• Safety Labs, Economic Security Internet Safety Labs, Economic Security Policy<00:23:09.800><c> and</

Transcript Highlights:

• And this predates the internet, but the internet is allowing it to spread faster and further than we
• And this predates the Internet, but the Internet is allowing it to spread faster and further than we
• We did just look at the bill, and it does say for political advertising. So I do believe Ms.
• This focus is on advertisements.
• This focus is on advertisements.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• As parents and commercial advertising.
• 00:06:07.199><c> the</c> targeted commercial advertising to the targeted commercial advertising to the
• ,</c><00:09:05.040><c> infinite</c> features, targeted advertising, infinite features, targeted advertising
• </c><00:10:55.519><c> from</c> that she could access the internet from that she could access the internet
• Parenting in the age of portable 24/7 screens, entertainment, and advertising.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this predates the Internet, but the Internet is allowing it to spread faster and further than we
• And this predates the Internet, but the Internet is allowing it to spread faster and further than we
• With technological literacy and internet usage at all-time highs, it is far too easy for individuals
• We did just look at the bill, and it does say for political advertising. So I do believe Ms.
• This focus is on advertisements.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the main discussion focused on AB 1705, AB 1898, AB 2076, and AB 2564. AB 1705 would require pornographic websites and uploaders to certify consent and age before sexually explicit content is posted, including AI-generated nude images, and would allow civil actions by nonconsenting individuals or minors depicted in the material. Supporters, including child advocacy, women’s groups, district attorneys, and university women’s organizations, said it would help combat nonconsensual sexual imagery and revenge pornography; there was no opposition testimony, and the bill drew favorable comments from members. AB 1898 would require employers to give workers advance notice before using AI-powered tools to surveil or manage employees, including disclosure of the purpose, data collected, decisions affected, and general locations of use. Labor groups and privacy advocates supported the measure as a transparency and worker-protection bill, while business and industry groups opposed it, arguing the definitions were too broad, the notice requirements could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information, and the private right of action could lead to litigation and overbroad compliance burdens. Members raised cybersecurity and scope concerns, and the author said the bill had already been narrowed and would continue to be refined, but the committee ultimately took a roll call and advanced the bill on a vote, leaving it on call for absent members. AB 2076 would add nitrous oxide to the list of products subject to online age verification under the Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act and increase penalties for large sellers that fail to comply. The author and supporters, including a parent, a deputy district attorney, narcotics officers, Children Now, labor, and the Children’s Advocacy Institute, described rising youth access, health harms, and online sales loopholes. Some opposition groups said they appreciated the amendments but remained concerned about other provisions. Members questioned the bill’s gift-card restrictions and whether they would unnecessarily limit adult purchasing choices; the author and committee staff explained the restriction was aimed at anonymous purchases of the most dangerous items. The bill passed on a 7-0 vote and was left on call for absent members. AB 2564 would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or using personal data to set individualized prices, while preserving certain transparent discounts and loyalty programs. The author and supporters from Consumer Reports, TechEquity, labor, and privacy groups argued the bill would prevent discriminatory pricing and protect consumers from opaque data-driven price manipulation. Retail, chamber, and industry opponents said the bill was too broad, could chill legitimate discounts and promotions, created compliance and litigation risks, and contained vague definitions. Members discussed the balance between consumer protection and business concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on AB 2564.

Bills: HB431 , HB466 , HB523 , HB521 , SB182 , SB300 , HB431 , HB466 , HB523 , HB521 , SB182 , SB300

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: Monroe County, sheriff, sheriff compensation, county salary, expense allowance, local act, county general fund, retirement contributions, law enforcement pay, public official salary, county budget, Alabama local legislation, service contracts, consumer protection, advertising disclosure, insurance, contract cancellation, parole procedures, advocacy, parole board

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is not about cutting young people off from the internet.
• Notifications and stop targeted advertising for children.
• Those are often delivered through advertising that is supported by location data.
• Advertising also helps fund free or lower-cost apps and services.
• And we're only talking about for the use of advertising and marketing purposes.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups. Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's probably going to be the advertising contract.
• Okay, so the advertising contracts, $3.6 million. I'm not sure. Okay.
• That's probably going to be the advertising contract.
• Okay, so the advertising contracts, $3.6 million. I'm not sure. Okay.
• It's a grant from the Department of Justice for the Internet Crimes Against Children Program.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that was something you guys had, but you also have to advertise.
• I don't think the other groups have to advertise.
• And I think if you're advertising, then the other folks should advertise too.
• And all the amendment actually does is include Internet bidding. Mr. Chairman. Okay.
• That clarifies that proposed law applies to live public auctions and Internet computer auctions.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on May 13, 2026, and reported several bills favorable. HB 27 was approved after testimony that it would delete a constitutional sentence requiring debt payments to be applied to the oldest outstanding amortization, giving retirement boards more flexibility to pay off the most advantageous debt. HB 143 was supported by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and local law enforcement representatives to raise the statutory per diem for housing state inmates in local facilities from $26.39 to match the current $29.39 rate already being paid in practice. HB 205 drew extensive testimony from clerks of court and election officials who said election commissioners have not had a pay increase in 19 years and are struggling to staff precincts, especially under the new closed party primary system; the bill would let local governing bodies enhance commissioner pay as a stopgap, and it was reported favorable despite concerns that it does not fully solve the staffing problem. The committee also approved HB 308, which would require state stadium and arena facilities to accept cash for smaller transactions or provide a kiosk to convert cash to a prepaid card without extra fee. HB 417 was reported favorable to increase the cap on the hazardous waste site cleanup fund from $6 million to $8 million and tie it to inflation; DEQ staff explained the fund helps pay for Superfund matches and cleanup of abandoned or bankrupt hazardous waste sites, and the increase would not affect the state general fund. HB 12, supported by the Louisiana Assessor Association, would provide 5% annual salary equalization increases for assessors through 2029, with local opt-in and no state general fund impact; members discussed the recurring pay parity issue with clerks of court and the possibility of a study resolution to address future adjustments more systematically, and the bill was reported favorable. Representative Kerner announced HB 311 would be deferred after concerns it could amount to a tax increase. HB 1129, supported by the Louisiana Auctioneers Association, was amended to clarify that the state’s movable-property auctions include internet auctions and to give Louisiana auctioneers preference to bid on those contracts; it was then reported favorable. HB 562, which would update transcript fees for the 19th Judicial District Court, prompted concerns about higher costs for litigants and due process implications, and the committee agreed to defer it to the next meeting for further discussion. The meeting ended with adjournment after brief recognition of visiting cattle industry representatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is not about cutting young people off from the Internet.
• There was no internet then. And I used to organize my high school.
• Advertising also helps fund free or lower-cost apps and services.
• And we're only talking about for the use of advertising and marketing purposes.
• And we're only talking about for the use of advertising and marketing purposes.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Studies show that nearly half of global internet traffic today is driven by bots, meaning that...
• The ads also provide actionable information that traditional advertising can't compare with.
• It forces a one-size-fits-all approach that will make advertising more expensive, less effective, and
• Because all you're simply saying is truth in advertising.
• Truth in advertising measure. And thank you very much for tackling this issue.

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open. AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:47.920><c> so</c> by action rather than advertisement so by action rather than advertisement
• </c><00:16:28.199><c> right</c> foreclosures were by advertisement right foreclosures were by advertisement
• </c><01:14:28.920><c> for</c> had searched the internet for had searched the internet for information
• </c> found her home address on the internet found her home address on the internet in<01:15:13.120><c
• There's no affirmative duty on a county to track down what's been released on the internet.

Bills: HF1662 , HF1224 , HF1836 , HF1367 , HF1168 , HF1999 , HF1792 , HF102 , HF2127 , HF104

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Internet service providers do not pay for use of the right-of-way. phone and cable companies that we've
• As I said, if you get your internet service from the company, that's not an access line.
• If you get your internet from a cable company, again, that's not video revenue so there's no franchise
• Ferenbach noted, cable internet providers. If you solely get internet, as I do, to my house.
• I don't think it was contemplating internet sales that especially COVID brought about.

Bills: SB264 , SB542 , SB924 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1036 , SB1057 , SB1058 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1376 , SB1569 , SB1664 , SB1697 , SJR50

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• :14.319><c> technology</c><00:02:15.000><c> a</c><00:02:15.239><c> product</c><00:02:15.720><c> advertising
• </c><00:02:16.400><c> or</c> some technology a product advertising or some technology a product advertising
• are required to provide access<00:07:51.199><c> to</c><00:07:51.360><c> the</c><00:07:51.479><c> internet
• ><00:07:52.319><c> for</c><00:07:52.560><c> a</c><00:07:52.720><c> 13-year-old</c> access to the internet
• for a 13-year-old access to the internet for a 13-year-old with<00:07:53.680><c> or</c><00:07:53.840

Transcript Highlights:

• They say that the voting machines don't have internet access, but yet they do.
• And is there any repercussions for allowing internet access?
• The bill does prohibit internet access for both machinery in tabulation and polling places.
• But there's nothing to prohibit an internet connection keeping those records?
• No, it does not address the internet connectivity. Thank you. Any further discussion?

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials, mostly on consent calendars, covering housing, elections, health care, public safety, land use, transportation, and water. Several measures focused on housing and local government regulation, including limits on municipal interference with home design standards, restrictions on alleged “malicious delays” in permitting, and rules on exactions. Election-related bills addressed internet access for voting equipment, timekeeping requirements for election systems, primary election timing, precinct committeeman vacancies, and other election administration changes. Other topics included liquor law updates, assisted living facility rules, deed and title fraud prevention, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming public spaces, and a bill restricting gender transition procedures for minors. Health and human services bills drew discussion on behavioral health technician definitions and AHCCCS/DHS coordination, Medicaid billing during facility ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic physicians administering IV antibiotics and similar drugs, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and reporting requirements for dialysis social workers. In public safety and judiciary, members considered bills on probation for dangerous crimes against children, sex offender registration limitations, victim restitution costs, unlawful alerting, increased penalties for unlawful flight, and a new offense for motor fuel theft. One member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee, saying it would become a long-running study committee, while supporters said the committee had produced useful recommendations. The caucus also heard land, agriculture, energy, water, and transportation measures, including creation of a foreign entity land review commission, restrictions on transporting Mexican gray wolf pups with state resources, water reuse and banking provisions, solar installation disclosures and roof inspections, a larger revolving fund loan cap, and several congressional memorials. Transportation items included roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military property signage, a towing and impound study committee, and photo enforcement penalties. Public safety bills included extending traumatic event counseling programs and requiring state data sharing with the federal government regarding unauthorized aliens. No formal votes were taken in the transcript; members mostly asked clarifying questions and several sponsors explained the intent and practical effects of their bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, monopolies dominate online advertising. Access to customers.
• The bill also expands targeted advertising and regulates first-party advertising in ways that can capture
• other than contextual advertising.
• For another, the bill bans advertising using sensitive data.
• access to care over the internet.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization measure aimed at exempting certain medications and treatments for seriously mentally ill adults from repeat insurance prior authorization, while also extending prior authorization approvals to three years for chronic maintenance drugs. The sponsor described the bill as the latest in a series of bipartisan prior-authorization reforms and accepted an amendment from the Health Care Authority and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance to apply the bill to adults only and to cover PBMs in the interagency purchasing collaborative. Supporters, including NAMI New Mexico and state health officials, argued the bill would reduce barriers to needed care, especially for mental health treatment. Opponents from health plans, PBMs, and insurers warned the bill was too broad, lacked clear definitions for serious mental illness and chronic conditions, created patient-safety concerns, and should have a shorter reauthorization period and later implementation date. After committee discussion, the sponsor agreed to work on a committee substitute, and the bill was rolled over for a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 53, the Chispa data privacy bill, which would impose broad limits on the collection, sale, and use of personal data, require opt-in consent for many uses, strengthen rights to access, correct, and delete data, and create enforcement mechanisms including a private right of action. Supporters from advocacy, women’s, behavioral health, reproductive health, and civil rights groups said the bill was needed to protect sensitive health and location data, prevent surveillance and criminalization, and give New Mexicans real control over their information. Business, technology, insurance, and hospital representatives opposed the bill, arguing it was more restrictive than other states’ privacy laws, would burden small businesses and health-related services, create compliance uncertainty, and risk limiting digital services and innovation. After extensive questioning about data breaches, opt-in consent, nonprofit exemptions, and the bill’s impact on businesses and health care access, a motion to table failed 5-4, and the committee then passed SB 53 on a 5-4 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 86, which updates the state’s harassment-by-telephone law to cover electronic communications such as social media, messaging apps, and email. The sponsor and a Las Cruces police chief said the change would modernize an outdated 1967 statute and help law enforcement address harassment and domestic violence through current technology. The bill drew support from the governor’s public safety advisor and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and members asked a few clarifying questions about the wording. The committee approved SB 86 unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 96, on regulated childcare zoning requirements, using a committee substitute. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill would reduce confusing zoning and fire-code barriers to opening or expanding child care homes and centers, helping address a statewide shortage of child care slots and supporting working families. The discussion began with the committee substitute and an explanation that the measure is intended to streamline local requirements and expand child care supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most Kentucky citizens have the internet. They're already using the internet.
• </c> to a woman who doesn't use the internet to a woman who doesn't use the internet very<00:07:45.680
• They're already using the the internet.
• And what you have here is a internet.
• ,</c> But the branding and the advertisements, But the branding and the advertisements, the<00:17:30.240

Summary: A presenter from Fast Health Corporation described a proposed Kentucky Health Command System tied to Senate Bill 175, which would create a state-sanctioned AI platform for rural hospitals and telehealth. The company said the system would help rural residents get health information remotely, triage minor issues, and escalate more serious cases to Kentucky providers, with use cases including blood pressure, diabetes, maternity care, smoking cessation, and other preventive-care topics. The presenter argued the system would help rural hospitals compete with out-of-state telehealth companies and keep patients connected to local care. The presentation also emphasized a commercial model the sponsor said would generate new revenue through ads and branded interactions, with the bill reportedly directing 80% of that revenue to rural hospitals and 20% to the state to maintain the system. The presenter said the technology would augment, not replace, doctors and nurses, and claimed it could improve access and convenience in underserved areas. Committee members raised concerns about liability, whether the AI could provide medical advice, and whether there was evidence it had reduced emergency room visits; the presenter said the system could not give medical advice and acknowledged the technology is still very new. The sponsor of the bill said the goal was to help transform rural health care, reduce unnecessary ER use, and capture revenue that would otherwise go to commercial search engines and out-of-state companies. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion ended with questions about branding, loyalty, and the legal limits of the AI system.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was one of the primary leaders who built Facebook’s advertising system, including the ability to measure
• I declined Meta's severance offer, and I have dedicated the capacity I do have to create a safer internet
• I declined Meta's severance offer, and I have dedicated the capacity I do have to create a safer internet
• Everyone does share the same goal, making the internet safer for kids, but that goal cannot be achieved
• Knowing all of the things that happen, just as individuals, things that are going on on the Internet

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I can answer the professional fees—that's probably going to be the advertising contract.
• Okay, so the advertising contracts, $3.6 million. I'm not sure. Okay.
• That's probably going to be the advertising contract.
• Okay, so the advertising contracts, $3.6 million. I'm not sure. Okay.
• It's a grant from the Department of Justice for the Internet Crimes Against Children Program.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:

• for most of their news in the internet for most of their news in most<00:35:31.520><c> of</c><00:35:
• I'm very attuned to the internet and my phone and iPad and everything else that I want to watch, uh,
• </c><00:52:03.280><c> The</c><00:52:03.440><c> local</c> businesses advertise in there.
• The local businesses advertise in there.
• I'm very attuned on the on the internet.

Bills: HF1532 , HF1290 , HF2231 , HF2013

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, we call it the Advertisement Integrity Act, requires advertisements that use AI-generated
• And I'm trying to deal with truth in advertising.
• I think we should be protecting against false advertising.
• I just want there to be truth in advertising.
• Across the internet today, we are seeing a rise of highly realistic deepfake doctors used in advertisements

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection