Transcript Highlights:

• All right, seeing no opposition, the amendment is adopted.
• We'll show that amendment adopted without opposition. We're now back on the bill as amended.
• I will show that amendment adopted without opposition.
• We'll show that amendment adopted without dissent. We're back on the bill as amended.
• We'll show that amendment adopted without dissent. We're back on the bill as amended.

Bills: S0828 , S1274 , S1310 , S1378 , S1562

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: sovereign immunity, public transit, contractors, liability, state agents, transportation, traffic signal modernization, seaports, commercial space launch, micromobility, automated license plate recognition, railroad crossing safety, railroad crossings, grade crossing, public railroad-highway grade crossing, rail safety, crossing technology, advanced detection systems, monitoring systems, sensors

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard and advanced several bills. CS/SB 1274 (transportation) was amended to remove multiple unrelated provisions and instead address local residential speed limits, license plate frame rules, rural airport funding, yellow-light timing at red-light camera intersections, private use of license plate readers, and FDOT payment rules; it passed unanimously. CS/SB 1310 (railroad safety) was amended into a study bill directing FDOT to examine advanced detection and monitoring systems at public railroad crossings and report policy options; it also passed unanimously after testimony from rail interests supporting a study but cautioning about interoperability and safety concerns. CS/SB 828 (sovereign immunity for public transit contractors) would extend sovereign immunity protections to private contractors providing public transit services for state and local governments. Supporters argued it would reduce costs, improve predictability, and help rural paratransit access, while opponents warned it would be a broad expansion of sovereign immunity and could conflict with railroad employee protections under FELA. Despite opposition from some members and outside groups, the bill was reported favorably. SB 1378 (traffic enforcement) passed and would strengthen abandoned-vehicle removal, penalties for unlawful plates or stickers, and vehicle seizure authority for fleeing/eluding cases. The committee also confirmed a slate of appointees in one vote, then heard SB 1562 (motor vehicle dealers), which would limit manufacturers from concentrating sales with a single dealer group once a brand has a meaningful Florida presence and require broader dealer representation to promote competition. It received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on earlier bills, and the committee adjourned, with the chair noting it was likely the final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• events, critical infrastructure, or correctional facilities, and only with federally authorized technologies
• And as we are watching the advancement of technology excel at an exceptional rate, we want to make sure
• The amendment is adopted. Vice Chair Stearns. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• The amendment is adopted. Vice Chair Stearns. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• The amendment is adopted. Vice Chair Stearns. Thank you, Madison. Vice Chair.

Bills: HB2198 , HB2401 , HB2462 , HB2419 , HB2210 , HB2205 , HB2249

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: regulatory efficiency, permitting, licensing, executive order, state government, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, unpiloted aircraft, drones, regulation, airspace safety, privacy, address confidentiality, administrative law judges, privacy protection, staff employment

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to go ahead and get the substitute adopted. Then we can discuss.
• We maintain the governor's appropriation for textbook adoption. If you go on down to... adoption.
• I make a motion to adopt the amendment. Representative Collins seconded.
• I think we did adopt the sub. Did we not? Yes, and we adopted the sub. Okay. Any other questions?
• May I make a motion to adopt? Oh, Sheet? May I make a motion to adopt? Oh, here it is. Let's see.

Bills: SB113 , SB114 , SB305 , SB111 , HB600 , SB112 , SB150 , SB109 , SB122

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: education funding, appropriations, local education boards, school safety, workforce development, Alabama, technology, higher education, career technology centers, public institutions, grants, local education agencies, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students

Transcript Highlights:

• I moved for adoption. Yield for questions. The first and the second. Any questions?
• Unanimous consent to adopt my unanimous consent unless there's an objection, we'll adopt it as it is.
• Move for adoption. Yield for questions. Any questions on the bill? Second. Open the cue, please.
• So, move for adoption. Yield for questions. Receiving a first and a second. We'll open the queue.
• So, move for adoption. Yield for questions. Any questions, discussion, or debate? Seeing none?

Bills: HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1094 , HJR1095 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1094 , HJR1095 , SJR49

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Keywords: administrative rules, rule approval, joint resolution, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, Corporation Commission, Department of Environmental Quality, Liquified Petroleum Gas Board, water resources, wildlife conservation, tourism, zoning commission, energy regulation, agricultural regulation, agency rules, permanent rules, state agencies, Oklahoma Legislature, business and commerce, professional licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Ground O was enacted in the 75th legislative session in 1997 as part of Governor Bush's omnibus adoption
• The purpose of Ground O was to expedite terminations so that children could be adopted.
• this legislature, has made it clear that reunifying parents with their children is the goal, not adoptions
• Those who have had the child for two months can file a petition to terminate and adopt.
• also, the statute regarding the substantial past says anybody can file a petition to terminate and adopt

Bills: HB809 , HB 1193 , HB1916 , HB2558 , HB1973 , HB2350 , HB2399 , HB2340 , HB 116 , HB330 , HB2496 , HB116

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: digitized signature, waiver of citation, marriage dissolution, electronic notarization, family law, HB 1193, informal marriage, common-law marriage, declaration of informal marriage, confidentiality, privacy, county clerk, vital statistics unit, Family Code, Health and Safety Code, marriage records, public records, personally identifying information, PII, legal representative

Transcript Highlights:

• January 30th meeting of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee.
• The Technology Services Board Security Subcommittee and the Technology Services Board itself are the
• They formally adopt the statewide technology and cybersecurity policies and standards, making them official
• We are even looking at technology now.
• We are even looking at technology now.

Bills: HB2579

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: public media, digital equity, funding, media access, communication technology

Transcript Highlights:

• SECURE FOR THE AUTODESK TECHNOLOGY ENGAGEMENT CENTER AT CSUN, CSUN WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE PREPARING
• Upon adoption of this resolution, it shall be in order to consider in the House a bill, H.R. 261, to
• UPON ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION, IT SHALL BE IN ORDER TO CONSIDER IN THE HOUSE A BILL, H.R. 261, TO
• Upon adoption of this resolution, it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill, H.R. 3617,
• The question is on the adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no.

Bills: HCR74 , HJR72 , HR1042 , HR1048

Keywords: joint session, Congress, communication, President, HCR74, national emergency, government authority, Executive Order, legislative action, rule, special rule, House resolution, floor procedure, procedural resolution, firearms, gun laws, less-than-lethal weapons, weapons technology, National Marine Sanctuaries Act, undersea fiber optic cables

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2020, numerous school districts have adopted a four-day school week or a hybrid school schedule
• The issue at hand is that some of these districts. have adopted a shortened school week, even though
• As a result, I filed HB1209. time, to prohibit schools from adopting a four-day school week with some
• Two, a school district with an enrollment of 8,000 or higher may adopt a four-day school week as long
• Nor does it apply to ISDs that have already adopted a four-day school week.

Bills: HB 1209 , HB4746

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: school funding, instructional days, education, public schools, school performance, four-day school week, performance rating, school governance, school calendar, education funding, emergency closures, school district, school operations, Texas education, public school accountability, academic distinction designation, postsecondary readiness, career and technical education, CTE, P-TECH

Transcript Highlights:

• We're adopting the sub for $375 million, and that was Senator Smith's motion. All right.
• The substitute is adopted. Is there a motion? Uh, Senator Allen. Is there a second?
• So, this is the Advancement and Technology Fund, and I would refer you to page 11.
• Substitutes adopted. Is there a motion on the bill?
• The substitute is adopted. Is there a motion on the bill? So moved.

Bills: SB305 , SB109 , SB122 , SB111 , SB114 , SB113 , SB150 , SB112 , SB289 , SB303

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation Education

Keywords: education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, Tuskegee University, Alabama Education Trust Fund, appropriation, agricultural research, Southern Preparatory Academy, fiscal responsibility, financial reporting, Education Savings Accounts, RAISE Fund, CHOOSE Act Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Students generally have a better grasp on technology than their parents.
• Students generally have a better grasp on technology than their parents.
• Department of Justice and at the forefront of the American technology industry.
• Department of Justice and at the forefront of the American technology industry.
• I am currently the CEO of American Compliance Technologies.

Bills: S1694

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Bills: HR214 , HR213 , HB1692 , HR706 , HJR25 , HB1968 , HR1156 , HR212 , HR211

Keywords: House of Representatives, Ethics, Homeland Security, committee elections, government, House resolution, committee assignments, standing committees, House Ethics Committee, Committee on Ethics, Homeland Security Committee, Committee on Homeland Security, congressional organization, Member appointments, committee membership, legislative procedure, oversight, ethics oversight, national security, ethics

Bills: HB483

Committee: House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: decentralized, unincorporated, nonprofit, smart contracts, distributed ledger technology, governance, membership, economic activities

Bills: SF2335

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: education, technology, cognitive function, academic performance, working group, students, mental health, best practices, research

Transcript Highlights:

• Science and Technology is called to order. Secretary, please note the roll.
• Office within the Office of the Attorney General to pursue consumer fraud violations involving technology
• Any balance above $10 million at the end of a fiscal year is transferred to the Foreign Adversary Technology
• This is administered by the Department of Homeland Security to replace foreign adversary technology and
• Yes, I just was wondering, so this is the Foreign Adversary Technology Rip and Replace Fund.

Bills: SB1308

Committees: House Science & Technology , House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Keywords: foreign adversary, consumer fraud, technology security, critical infrastructure, Arizona attorney general, fraud office, appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Massachusetts' technology ecosystem that provides a fertile ground for innovation in the technology
• , a location sensor technology.
• So that's what technology is, and it has to be the best technology.
• It's their technology.
• . technologies.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses children post-adoption and allows for continuity of care.
• All right, those in favor of adopting the amendment signified by saying 'aye'.
• And it is adopted. And the bill is before you as amended.
• All those in favor of adopting the amendment, signified by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nay'.
• Aye's have it, and when he's adopted.

Bills: SB1638 , SB504 , SB2072 , SB1283 , SB1216 , SB1655 , SB2011 , SB1643 , SB1446 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB1448 , SB1496 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1827 , SB2066 , SB2104

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Governmental Tort Claims Act, liability limits, claims, medical negligence, tort reform, state liability, public health, claims adjustment, compensation limits, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2768, authored by Chairman Capricleone, establishes a new state information technology apprenticeship

Bills: HB 1240 , HB2768 , HB2788 , HB3146 , HB4850 , HB5032 , HCR90

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, HB 2768, Texas information technology apprenticeship, state IT credential, information resources workforce, junior college, technical institute, apprenticeship program, workforce development, state agency hiring, job classification, career ladder, bachelor's degree substitution, associate degree, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state auditor classification officer

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met without a quorum, so no votes or formal actions were taken. The chair laid out several bills and resolutions for explanation and public testimony, with each item left pending subject to the call of the chair. Early items included House Bill 1240, a cleanup measure to create a single uniform definition of the Texas-Mexico border region across state law, and House Bill 2768, which would establish an IT apprenticeship credential through junior colleges and technical institutions to help fill state government technology jobs. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 90, which would encourage establishing a Texas trade and investment office in Jerusalem. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided: one witness opposed it on foreign policy and values grounds, while a Texas Association of Business representative strongly supported it, citing Israel’s innovation and trade potential. Another major item was House Bill 4187, a committee substitute for legislation affecting the Texas Historical Commission; the sponsor described changes expanding use of trust fund money for historic sites, allowing more affiliated nonprofits, clarifying retail operations, and creating a framework for training and consistent interpretation at historic sites. A Texas Historical Commission witness explained that the bill would shift responsibility for maintaining many state-owned historical markers and monuments, including markers on private land, to the commission. Additional measures included House Bill 2788, which would shield Texas Workforce Commission fraud-prevention methods from public information requests; House Bill 5032, directing state agencies to plan for public display of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texas Constitution, and the Victory or Death letter at the Capitol Complex; House Bill 3146, which would eliminate outdated memoranda-of-understanding requirements for certain State Office of Administrative Hearings arrangements; and House Bill 4815, a cleanup bill modernizing economic development statutes, revising the Made in Texas standard to 51% Texas-origin content, repealing the Governor’s Broadband Development Council, and making other conforming changes. The committee ended by recessing, with members indicating they would likely vote on pending business later when a quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• OSTP advises the President on federal science and technology policy.
• artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G technology.
• I drafted non-regulatory guidance for emerging technologies to give the public trust in how these technologies
• I am committed to American leadership in emerging technology.
• , PCAST, the National Science and Technology Council.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the industry folks seem to like it too, so urge your adoption.
• The amendment is adopted, Vice Chair.
• So I'm urging your adoption of this bill in passage. Thank you. Thank you.
• I move adoption of a striking amendment H3738.1.
• The motion before the committee is the adoption of the striking amendment.

Bills: SB5188 , SB6313

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington Technology Solutions, or WOTEC, provides the state's core technology services, including management
• . ...for the purpose of providing information technology-related digital experience platform services
• I'm Washington Technology Services WOTEC Director and State I'm Washington Technology Services WOTEC
• So if they adopt... ...forever in Title 29A if they chose that.
• So if they adopted, if they opted into Title 29A, they would still have the option to, in the future,

Bills: HB2235 , HJR4210 , HB2520 , HB2491 , HB2499 , HB2408 , HB2435

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions, transparency, Constitution amendment, legislative sessions, session duration, state legislature, governance, emergency meetings, public agencies, accountability, open government, HB2491, WaTech, Washington Technology Solutions, public disclosure, public inspection