Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, everyone, for being here for the final meeting of the Science, Technology, and Telecommunications
• could get, and those are things that we didn't have when those requirements were developed and the science
• Senator Thornton mentioned like 69 different state agencies here that use IT in computer systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just... that doesn't seem to sit well with the electronic media, tablets, computers...
• That money goes to the courts, the sheriff's department, the DA's Association, forensic sciences.
• Association, forensic sciences.

Bills: HB43, SB81, SB178, SB138, SB89, SB183, HB27, HB188, HB199, HB190, SB117, HB43, HB27

Keywords: criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a friend operating the computer. Now I'll say good morning to everyone here today.
• Thanks to the work of the National Academy of Sciences and others, we know that children are uniquely
• The science behind this bill is clear and compelling. These are not minor risks.
• The science behind this bill is clear and compelling. These are not minor risks.
• No, I'm saying that what the label is saying would be misleading, because the science is inconclusive

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> And we also have students from Auburn political science. Jan Hume has brought some students.
• students from Auburn >> And we also have um students from Auburn political<00:09:19.519> science
• Jan<00:09:20.320> Hume<00:09:20.720> has<00:09:20.880> brought political science
• Jan Hume has brought political science. Jan Hume has brought some<00:09:21.279> students.
• science and engineering, and business schools.

Bills: HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390, HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390

Keywords: liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, SNAP, food assistance, public assistance, income standards, Department of Human Resources, eligibility, HB580, Alabama Healthy Schools Act, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school meals, cafeteria, vending machines, fundraising sales

Transcript Highlights:

• When I received my graduate degree in 1998 from Texas Tech about sciences, we were taught many, many,
• I am COVID retired because what they taught me in grad school and that vaccine didn't compute.
• country, but as the mother of a kid with a life-threatening chronic illness, I have to rely on her on science
• One of the, you know, the science behind this, at some point we're supposed to discuss the science, not
• just the political science.

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• She is currently completing her B.A. in political science at Texas State University and plans to attend
• He recently graduated from UTSA with a B.A. in Political Science and Government.
• Aswa Carmel will be a senior at UTSA, also studying political science with a minor in global affairs.
• Elizabeth Diaz Areola will be returning to Lamar University as a junior, studying exercise science.
• methodology for adjusting the dollar amount on which the standard service retirement annuity is computed

Summary: The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses. The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• heart because In the 5 years I've been here, I've brought forward about 20 different bills that are science-based
• serious issues, who are getting abused and sleeping. in offices, and I cannot bring forward any more science-based
• Probilistic genotyping is, um, it's a basically a mathematical computer algorithm that helps analyze
• think if we use the same approach with the labs because there's a great deal of interest in forensic science

Transcript Highlights:

• where it talks to comparisons to other states, and if you open the accordion piece like end user compute
• Our peers, for example, for end user compute, which is desktop support.
• So some of our service teams like our help desk and our end user compute teams track CSAT scores based
• Craig, do you have an overview or just a guess on how much of your computing and storage is on-site versus
• They may have an IT coordinator there who, you know, is the science teacher, and he's the bus driver,

Summary: The Information Technology Committee approved the March 26 minutes and received a series of reports from NDIT on major IT projects, the annual report, mainframe modernization, and cybersecurity services. The project portfolio was reported at 116 major projects with a baseline cost of $546 million, overall under budget but modestly behind schedule. Several projects that had been in variance status last quarter were said to have closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning. New startup reports were mostly HHS efforts tied to refugee data management, technical debt cleanup, and legacy application decommissioning, while closeouts included HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT projects with mixed budget and schedule results. In the annual report discussion, NDIT described its service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management reporting, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how revenues and grants flow through the service fund, how NDIT charges agencies for services, and whether customer satisfaction or CSAT scores are tracked and could be reported more regularly. NDIT said it does track service-team CSAT and survey data, and committee members encouraged more regular reporting of those metrics. The committee also discussed application portfolio management, statewide IT planning, and whether agencies should slow new system replacements while the state pursues an ERP system. The mainframe update focused on the state’s ongoing effort to retire legacy systems by about 2030. NDIT and HHS said the work is being managed as a tech-debt program, but progress is slowed by data cleanup, integration complexity, staff retirements, vendor capacity, and federal requirements. Members asked whether there is a coordinated commitment and whether additional vendor support or consultants are needed; NDIT said it is working jointly with HHS and is seeking an RFP to help accelerate modernization. The cybersecurity presentation then shifted to statewide maturity assessments and services. NDIT said it provides endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that assessments are based on CIS controls. Members raised concerns about low participation in the self-assessment process, the lack of mandatory reporting or audit authority, and whether insurance incentives through Enderf or possible State Auditor involvement could improve compliance. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• selling them, taking them, selling them to somebody else, giving them away, putting them on your home computer—there
• /c><00:23:45.800> on<00:23:45.920> your<00:23:46.040> home<00:23:46.240> computer
• <00:23:47.160> the- putting them on your home computer the- putting them on your home computer
• supervisor oversight, and alternates to Supervisor oversight, and alternates to be permitted for mortuary science

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Majority of the committee on Science, Technology, and Energy, to which was referred House Bill 755N,
• :16:05.200> energy<05:16:05.520> to<05:16:05.680> which science, technology, and
• :17:02.958> energy<05:17:03.200> to<05:17:03.360> which science, technology, and
• :17:59.200> energy<05:17:59.520> to<05:17:59.680> which science, technology, and
• energy to which science, technology, and energy to which was<05:18:00.000> referred.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• professor with the joint appointment in the departments of pediatrics and psychiatry and behavioral sciences
• The focus on science of reading, making sure that we are meeting kids where they are and recognizing

Bills: SB1521, SB372, SB1232, SB1307, SB1338, SB1390, SB1451, SB1463, SB1558, SB1567, SB1595, SB1621, SB1734, SB1749, SB1827, SB1833, SB1991, SB1992, SB63, SB2063, SB2180, SB1198, SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Transcript Highlights:

• Peef asked my son, Aiden, who’s 19, is very into health food and science, and he’s been warning me for
• Peef asked my son, Aiden, who’s 19, is very into health food and science, and he’s been warning me for
• sometimes we have given people the impression that we keep increasing monitoring, but all of the science
• sometimes we have given people the impression that we keep increasing monitoring, but all of the science
• sometimes we have given people the impression that we keep increasing monitoring, but all of the science

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , earth sciences, astronomy, linguistics, Asian studies, Hawaiian studies, international business, and
• <00:14:47.120> Earth<00:14:47.480> Sciences<00:14:48.120> astronomy Sciences Earth
• Sciences astronomy Sciences Earth Sciences astronomy Linguistics<00:14:49.399> Asian<00:14:49.759
• comprehensive range of Health Sciences comprehensive range of Health Sciences it<00:19:53.919>
• <00:37:12.160> program justice program a data science program justice program a data science

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee held an informational briefing with the University of Hawaiʻi, led by new President Wendy Hensel and Vice President for Budget and Finance Calbert Young. Hensel outlined the university system’s scope, student demographics, research activity, and campus missions, emphasizing four strategic priorities: serving Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi, student success, workforce development, and economic diversification through innovation and research. She highlighted the system’s enrollment, research funding, and the roles of Mānoa, Hilo, West Oʻahu, the community colleges, and specialized institutions such as JABSOM and the Cancer Center. Young then reviewed the budget request, focusing largely on making prior one-time appropriations permanent and supporting recurring needs. Items included funding for Mānoa athletics, the Hawaiʻi Institute for Marine Biology, K-12 teacher education, Pamantasan Council support, Hilo programs, Windward’s mental health technician certificate, Maui’s practical nursing bridge program, and student support positions such as financial aid and admissions counselors. He also described workforce-related requests tied to nursing expansion at Mānoa and West Oʻahu, as well as facilities support at West Oʻahu. A major portion of the testimony addressed the university’s two Kakaʻako medical facilities. Young explained that declining tobacco settlement and cigarette tax revenues are no longer sufficient to cover debt service for JABSOM and the Cancer Center, so the governor’s budget includes general fund support to supplement those obligations. He also described a regents-approved request not included in the governor’s proposal: expanding the Hawaiʻi Promise financial aid program to the four-year campuses, estimated at about $11–12 million. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't rocket science ivermectin.
• When I received my graduate degree in 1998 from Texas Tech Health Sciences, We were taught many, many
• I am COVID retired, because what they taught me in grad school and that vaccine didn't compute.
• Because I think one of the, you know, the science behind this, at some point we're supposed to discuss
• the science, not just the political science.

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• The new religion is science, and this new religion of science is false and corrupt.
• The new religion is science, and this new religion of science is false and corrupt.
• We should believe in science. We should believe in experts. Excuse me, that's two sides of science.
• Now, the thing is, I keep hearing science, listen to the science, follow the science.
• That's not science. We can't do that. We recommend the vaccine. No way. That's not science.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• world's largest and richest companies are playing to access vast amounts of water to cool their computers
• to cool their computers. to cool their computers.
• It is hydrology, it is science, and it is hard to know straight up if, yeah, I think that sounds like
• Science corroborates your observations that insect populations are disappearing.
• Our mission is the conservation of grouse and their habitats through science, policy, management, and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:25:39.279> to<00:25:39.440> me<00:25:39.679> that<00:25:39.919> science
• Um to me that science sounds and tribe.
• Um to me that science sounds a<00:25:41.120> little<00:25:41.559> simplistic.
• , fax machines, computer peripherals, DVD players, video cassette recorders, and video display devices
• The existing Minnesota Electronic Recycling Act currently only comprises computers, fax machines, computer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first, the science is really clear that a alcohol tax is one of the top three best buy strategies
• Uh, first, the science is really clear that an alcohol tax is one of the top three best buy strategies
• I'm going to, you know, get my computer out, go to this link, read it.
• I'm going to, you know, get my<00:44:57.200> computer<00:44:57.440> out,<00:44:57.760><
• out, go to this link, read my computer out, go to this link, read it.<00:44:59.920> I<00:45:00.160

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the first area, the science-based reading research in the classroom, we have measured our outcomes
• of reading, research, and science of reading, research, and structured<00:04:21.120> literacy.
• science of reading research base. science of reading research base.
• I just have a question on the training, science of reading in the classroom.
• And as most people know, I'm a big art of teacher guy, more so than the science of teaching.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of engineers, a lot of scientists, a couple life science, atmospheric science, health sciences
• We have a lot of engineers, a lot of scientists, a couple life science, atmospheric science, health sciences
• We have a lot of engineers, a lot of scientists, a couple life science, atmospheric science, health sciences
• We have a lot of engineers, a lot of scientists, a couple life science, atmospheric science, health sciences
• We have a lot of engineers, a lot of scientists, a couple life science, atmospheric science, health sciences

Keywords: 1189, house, all