Video & Transcript Research : 'technology'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But this technology also threatens to upend key parts of our economy in ways that can leave many...
- Ultimately, these technologies will be designed by human beings.
- The technology may change, the window dressing may be different, but human nature is what it is.
- We have a responsibility to ensure that new technologies develop in ways that are moral and ethical,
- We welcome technologies that enhance the human experience, but not those purporting to supplant it.
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the customary opening, prayer, pledge, and motions to notify the Governor, the Governor and First Lady were received and the Governor delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record and outlining priorities for the coming session.
The Governor highlighted what he described as major accomplishments over the past seven years, including stronger state reserves, debt reduction, tax relief, economic growth, school choice expansion, higher teacher pay, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response improvements, public safety measures, and immigration enforcement. He also discussed affordability concerns, especially rising local property taxes, and urged lawmakers to pursue a ballot measure for property tax relief. He called for legislation on informed consent in medical decisions, regulation of artificial intelligence, and bills already filed on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law.
No substantive votes were taken on legislation during the address. After the Governor concluded, the joint session approved a motion to dissolve, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Oct 8th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology, I think, is what's going to win this war on invasive species, and technologies that are not
- I'm really excited to see how AI traps and other technologies will be beneficial.
- If we can take the human portion out of that and be able to use modern technologies that can address
- That's another species that's going to be technology dependent, in my opinion.
- Technologies that are cost-prohibitive. And the... Senator Sharief, may I have got one hotline?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened with a quorum present and excused Senators Arrington and Pizzo. The committee first took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 1 through 4, and Senator DiCeglie moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees together. The motion passed unanimously, and the appointees were favorably recommended.
The main presentation was from FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton on invasive species management in Florida. He described the scale of the problem, including more than 500 non-native species reported in the state, and outlined FWC’s prevention, containment, removal, outreach, and research efforts. He highlighted risk screenings, the conditional/prohibited species framework, enforcement actions against illegal wildlife trafficking, and public programs such as the Florida Python Challenge, lionfish outreach, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the “I’ve Got One” reporting app. He also noted ongoing removal efforts for pythons, tegus, lionfish, and iguanas, and discussed new technologies and partnerships aimed at improving control efforts.
Members asked follow-up questions about FWC issues beyond invasive species, including the status of special activity licenses for threatened species and giant manta rays, the upcoming bear hunt, and whether the committee could help reduce barriers to invasive species removal on federal lands. Wharton said all SAL permits for threatened species are currently suspended pending Commission review, that Florida is on track for a bear hunt this December with 172 permits issued across four subpopulations, and that bear management is based on scientific data while urban bear conflicts still require separate management. He also said federal partners are increasingly cooperative on python control, including commercialization of hides, and that drones, sentinel snakes, robotic lures, and AI-based traps may improve future invasive species removal. Senator Sharief and Senator Burton later requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on tabs 1 through 4, and the committee then adjourned.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then in terms of, I would like us to see trying to utilize technology, not just to do the remote
- access scene, but also if we could use some type of technology.
- So for Care IQ, again, this is our digital technology infrastructure. It's our...
- Again, this is our digital technology infrastructure. It's our innovation.
- is really our patient consumer-facing technology bucket.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Could be economic disruptions or, say, technological disruptions.
- And I hear every day about new, you know, energy efficiency technologies. So there's a...
- I don't know. could be economic disruptions or, say, technological disruptions.
- And I hear every day about new, you know, energy efficiency technologies.
- And I hear every day about new energy-efficiency technologies.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the research that I do in this space as it relates to CWD is powered by the same technology and
- And so we had to build all this technology to even be able to do this because it didn't exist.
- And so in our first sort of study after we built all that technology, one of the most important things
- I have more than one technology for this.
- One is a big R&D technology, and the other is a technology that we put into a 501c 5 agricultural nonprofit
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Proposing AI protections in Minnesota | Senator Erin Maye Quade Apr 10th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so any technology that helps them do that faster, I'm not interested in.
- Um, I'm not trying to have technology help them make it worse.
- <00:03:38.239>
And it fades away when it's technology. - And it fades away when it's technology.
- And so any technology that helps exist.
Summary:
Senator Erin Maye Quade discussed her package of bipartisan AI-regulation bills, saying consumer-facing AI is largely unregulated and has already caused harm to children, adults, the environment, consumer prices, and privacy. She argued the federal government has not acted, so states are stepping in, and said the issue is drawing support across party lines because the harms are affecting red, purple, and blue states alike.
She described a bill aimed at AI chatbots and children, citing reports of self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, harmful behavior, and other unsafe interactions. She said chatbots are designed to maximize engagement, avoid friction, and keep conversations going, which can be especially dangerous for developing brains and can lead to explicit or boundary-pushing content without human oversight.
Maye Quade also outlined bills to bar health insurers from using AI in review, evaluation, determination, or appeals processes, saying insurers already deny claims too aggressively and AI speeds up denials. Another bill would prohibit AI-driven surveillance pricing, which she said allows companies to use personal data to charge different customers different prices for the same product. A final bill would require notice when people are interacting with AI and provide access to a human, which she said is important for both routine customer service and high-stakes situations like medical appointments. She acknowledged possible court challenges but said coordinated state action could effectively create a national framework if Congress continues to do nothing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regulating AI in psychotherapy 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not prohibit the use of technology and is not anti-technology; SAVE is not anti-technology either
- It does not prohibit the use of technology. It is not anti-technology, and neither is SAVE.
- <00:10:30.840>
First, <00:10:31.240>we supervised uses of technology. - First, we supervised uses of technology.
- Technology has a place, Luddites here.
Summary:
House File 3893, which would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy and counseling, was heard with an A3 amendment adopted by voice vote at the start of the meeting. The amendment was described as the product of stakeholder discussions and was intended to clarify the roles of licensing boards, the attorney general, and other stakeholders, including language about large corporations versus individual practitioners.
The bill author argued that AI chatbots should not be allowed to provide psychotherapy or counseling, citing concerns about suicide risk, the need for licensed human professionals, and examples of harmful chatbot interactions. Supportive testimony came from Eric Meshy of SAVE, who said AI cannot assess risk or intervene in crises, and from Dr. Steven Gerardo of the Minnesota Psychological Association, who said AI is designed to keep users engaged and monetize conversations rather than provide treatment. A virtual testifier from TechNet supported the bill’s overall goal but urged clearer definitions so the measure would not unintentionally restrict supervised, administrative, or wellness uses of technology, and asked for clearer limits around emotional distress and AI’s role in treatment decisions.
Members raised several concerns and questions, including why religious counseling was exempted, whether the bill could conflict with interstate licensure compacts, privacy issues around AI used for scheduling or administrative support, and whether chatbot screening language would itself require analyzing sensitive mental health disclosures. The author said the bill was still being refined and that the attorney general language was intended to apply to AI companies, while boards would handle individual licensed professionals. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to re-refer House File 3893 as amended to the Committee on Commerce, Finance, and Policy, and the motion prevailed by voice vote.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So this includes everything that is our career certificate programs, our applied technology diplomas,
- Again, in our recording arts technology, so many businesses are using multimedia platforms and skills
- Such as those in information technology and student advising.
- I did want to allude to one question that you asked, senior chancellor, about technology."
- "I did want to allude to one question that you asked, senior chancellor, about technology.
Summary:
The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs.
Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later.
Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine worldwide threats; to be immediately followed by a closed hearing in SH-219. Mar 25th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- These jihadist groups have shown their ability to adapt and evolve, including using new technologies
- Using available technologies and U.S. cyber vulnerabilities.
- Which are important to the production of semiconductors and our defense technologies.
- Director Gabbard, I'm gonna... begin today asking you some questions about emerging technologies.
- What I would say is it relates to the issue of emerging technology.
Keywords:
national security, cyber threats, civil liberties, transnational crime, FISA Section 702, public-private partnership, intelligence community, Annual Threats Hearing
Summary:
The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- In our information technology area, we have a total recurring budget of $21 million, including 18 FTE
- We next move to FHP Technology, Fleet, and Business Analytics.
- The FHP Technology, Fleet, and Business Analytics section provides technology, fleet and property, as
- The technology section is responsible for guiding the Florida Highway Patrol's technology implementation
- We're looking to integrate automated license plate reading technology into those cameras.
Summary:
The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services.
Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs.
The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, what I will tell you from my time as undersecretary, I dealt with technology in multiple things.
- All of those had a technology component. I focused in on three things. One was accountability.
- improved, so I spent a lot of time improving the technology.
- I think technology is great, but it's not the end-all and be-all.
- I implemented technology.
Keywords:
veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 23, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- deployment of emerging uh technologies deployment of emerging uh technologies such<02:54:45.279>
- technological advancement.
- technological advancement.
- technological advancement.
- growth and technological economic growth and technological advancement.<03:20:17.040>
So, <03:
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- sort of CTE program would you Technology sort of CTE program would you require<00:17:19.919>
a - side I can remember the task technology side I can remember the task force<01:58:34.599>
saying officials and uh technology officials and uh technology directors<03:11:28.200>we <03:11:- Why should we be purchasing things separately, not using the same technology?
- The people that created this technology have said so themselves.
- side I can remember the task technology side I can remember the task force<01:58:34.599>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment.
The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26 - Part 2
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I know many on this committee appreciate innovative technology, and this camera technology can now narrowly
- and this camera innovative technology and this camera technology<00:09:12.880>
can <00:09:13.040 - Um, so Hayden AI is a transportation technology firm that works to improve transit operations.
- And the technology only captures a short video and images of the violations.
- Um, and as we discussed, our technology Um, and as we discussed, our technology is<00:15:21.600>
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 29th, 2026 at 01:49 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology has improved, so it used to be $20 million and went down to $8 million.
- This is a new one for their information technology needs.
- And then last on page four is item number 58 to the Department of Technology, Information Technology.
- Line 88 for Technology Innovation Prize. Can you explain that prize?
- This is our technology, the C2 technology work.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 17th, 2026 at 09:11 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- And then next we have the Department of Information Technology. the Department of Information Technology
- Online 186, Department of Public Safety and 187, they're both dealing with technology.
- I think both of these, 186 and 187, are important because technology is their basis.
- Just want to reiterate how important that career technology education is.
- Career technology. And then advanced placement support. I'm not exactly sure. It's so vague.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are things that we need in technology.
- My company is also a member of the Vapor Technology Association.
- And technology companies need to be thinking about how to make things better.
- kids and their use of technology.
- And like you said, the technology.
Keywords:
gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There are other technologies that we can leverage now.
- But there are other technologies we have now.
- I'm just saying the science and the technology Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- So the first screwworm flies were sterilized using X-ray technology.
- X-ray technology has come forward a lot in the last 40 to 50 years.
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- I think a lot of those improvements can be found through or solved through technology.
- And I think there are a lot of technological innovations that we're all looking to implement to bridge
- I think a lot of those improvements can be found through or solved through technology.
- I know that one of the arms of the Supreme Court is the law and technology front.
- And as that technology advances, I think we're going to see more of that.
Summary:
The Senate Executive Committee met in hybrid format and first considered two gubernatorial judicial appointments. Morgan T. Zurn, nominated to the Delaware Supreme Court, described her background in public service, the Court of Chancery, DOJ, and federal clerkship, and answered extensive questions about judicial philosophy, precedent, statutory interpretation, access to justice, AI and deepfakes, corporate law stability, civility, social media, and public confidence in the courts. Christy N. Vitola, nominated to be Commissioner of Family Court, discussed her Delaware upbringing, legal career in family law and child support, and experience with pro se litigants and high-volume dockets; she was questioned about handling family court cases efficiently, the best interests of the child, and correcting calculation errors. No votes on the nominations were taken during the portion shown.
The committee then moved to legislation. House Bill 443, concerning background checks for volunteers and mentors in the Department of Education’s mentoring program, was presented as a technical update to allow DOE to continue receiving wrap-back reports and to ensure mentors undergo state and federal criminal background checks. There was no public comment or committee debate on the bill. House Bill 431 with House Amendment 1, sponsored by Representative Bush and Senator Hoffner, would allow composting of yard waste, food residue, and other organic materials to divert waste from landfills, extend landfill life, reduce disposal costs, support farmers by returning nutrients to the soil, and reduce methane emissions; it also preserves county/local control over siting and inspection. Senator Townsend asked whether composting was currently allowed, and Senator Hoffner explained that the bill would authorize it under the stated controls. No public comment was offered on either bill.
At the close of the meeting, the chair noted that the bills and nominee backers had been circulated for signatures. Senator Hocker moved to adjourn, Senator Townsend seconded, and the committee adjourned without objection.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We need new technologies that are cheaper than the existing ones, and we're trying to get them in, but
- We need new technologies that are cheaper than the existing ones, and we're trying to get them in, but
- We need new technologies that are cheaper than the existing ones, and we're trying to get them in, but
- We need new technologies that are cheaper than the existing ones, and we're trying to get them in, but
- that might be out there technologies that might be out there that<00:30:26.480>
haven't <00:30
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state.
The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation.
HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.