Video & Transcript Research : 'digital divide'
Page 70 of 323
TX
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1, HB7, HB15, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB27, HB1, SB8, HCR13, SB2, SB5, SB10
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
TX
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1, HB7, HB15, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB27, HB1, SB8, HCR13, SB2, SB5, SB10
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill will divide each officer's... HR files into two separate files.
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1, HB7, HB15, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB27, HB1, SB8, HCR13, SB2, SB5, SB10
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- more to a digital world where things<00:09:11.519>
can <00:09:11.680>be <00:09:11.839>< - And it also secures the data digitally.
- And it also secures the data digitally.
- And it also secures the data digitally.
- is um is a huge win for the digitized is um is a huge win for the Commonwealth.
Keywords:
0:20 Rollcall
2:28 Definition of Legacy system and demands of modern workplaces
10:48 Discussion of funding and planned expenditures
22:26 Contingency funding
23:16 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard a presentation from the Commonwealth Office of Technology on legacy IT modernization funds and how they are used to address outdated, unsupported, or unsustainable systems. David Carter and Carrie Welch explained the state’s definition of a legacy system under KRS 7A.180, emphasizing not only vendor support issues but also changing business needs, regulatory compliance, and the loss of institutional knowledge for older systems. They described the office’s review process for determining whether a project qualifies, including assessing business risk, comparing options such as upgrades, replacements, shared solutions across agencies, or commercial products, and then matching the project to available funding.
The presenters said COT reports twice a year to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on progress with legacy modernization projects. They reported 30 projects funded to date, with 18 completed, and said remaining projects are still moving forward while agencies continue to identify modernization needs. They highlighted examples of completed work, including modernized security cameras, replacement of unsupported systems, migration of documents to the Commonwealth Enterprise Content Management Platform, restoration of vendor support, a digital policy acknowledgement portal, replacement of the State Police dispatch system, and digitization of paper records for faster retrieval and better disaster resilience.
Members asked for more detail on how the $10 million request would be allocated, including system-by-system spending, the split between software, hardware, vendor contracts, and staff time, and how the office determines when a system needs replacement. COT said it did not have a system-by-system or cost-category breakdown at the hearing but could provide one later, and explained that the funds are intended for development and first-time acquisition costs rather than ongoing maintenance. They also said the $5 million annual request was based on prior years’ experience and that agencies often contribute some funding themselves, so the program could still operate if appropriated less than the full amount. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- company that does that rather than have the HOA do it and then assess the neighborhood for the cost divided
- the<00:27:02.400>
cost <00:27:02.640>by <00:27:02.880>the <00:27:03.039>divided - <00:27:03.360>
by <00:27:03.520>the for the cost by the divided by the for the cost - by the divided by the number<00:27:03.760>
of <00:27:03.919>homes. - made by private equity firms, which have a track record of driving up land rent, often by double digits
Keywords:
HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 003 Jan 17th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Therefore, we must also retain and preserve records created in digital or electronic form.
- We are using skin color to divide. Again, this sentiment flies directly in the face of Dr.
- /c><01:09:43.759>
skin <01:09:44.000>color <01:09:44.319>to <01:09:44.480>divide - >> We are using skin color to divide. >> We are using skin color to divide.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance with visiting students from Dr. Martin Luther King Early College, and approved the journal from the previous day after a brief, humorous exchange about a correction to the minority leadership title. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1002, a resolution commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and honoring Dr. King’s life, nonviolent leadership, and role in the civil rights movement. The resolution recounted his education, activism, speeches, writings, the Montgomery bus boycott, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the history of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Colorado and nationally, including the state holiday commission and the holiday’s service-oriented observance.
Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy as a call to action, the importance of nonviolence, community service, and the need to continue addressing injustice. Speakers highlighted the role of young people in the civil rights movement and urged continued work on equity, dignity, and inclusion. One member also connected King’s legacy to current concerns about immigration enforcement and federal power, arguing that justice requires active resistance to injustice. Another member objected that the discussion had become politicized and used the opportunity to criticize immigration policy, while the chair reminded members to stay within the resolution.
The resolution text was read at length and included a call for observances, ceremonies, and activities across Colorado, encouragement of service projects, and support for teaching King’s legacy and nonviolent principles in social studies standards. The transcript shows the House adopting the journal, but it does not show a final vote on the resolution within the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:55:08.799>
the <00:55:09.799>usual digits the usual digits the usual practice<00:55 - If I can associate the first three digits to your Hawaii, I can associate the next two digits to the
- Four digits. They're randomly generated, but they last four digits, and we're exposing them now.
- If I can associate the first three digits to your Hawaii, I can associate the next two digits to the
- Four digits. They're randomly generated, but they last four digits, and we're exposing them now.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on.
The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing.
The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 20th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And digital assets, does that include money? No.
- And digital assets, does that include money? No.
- So any digital asset—I mean, most money is digital now.
- So currently, I guess Louisiana has been receiving these digital assets, I guess, unclaimed digital assets
- It's an exchange that allows you to purchase digital currency, or digital assets.
Summary:
The committee took up several House measures. HCR 66, as amended, asked Louisiana Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to study rural parish assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities, and it was moved forward without objection. HB 387, a clarification to allow the fire marshal’s office to review architectural and engineering plans equally, also passed favorably without objection. HB 1223, which would have LED promote Louisiana’s clinical trial capacity and adjust internal review board processes, was amended and moved favorably. HB 950, aimed at helping older adults recognize and avoid fraud through materials and resources from the Office of Elderly Affairs, was reported favorably. HB 975, a routine measure to recreate the Public Service Commission, was also reported favorably. HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, was amended and moved favorably. HB 1222, described as a Grocery Initiative Act to let LED identify ways to address food deserts and food insecurity, was introduced near the end of the meeting.
The most extensive debate centered on HB 617, a consumer transparency bill requiring mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing. The author said the bill was intended to curb hidden fees and help consumers compare prices, with examples such as hotel resort fees and automatic restaurant service charges. Supporters argued it would improve transparency, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups said the bill was too broad, vague about terms like “total price,” unclear on enforcement and penalties, and could create compliance burdens and litigation risk, especially for small businesses. Housing advocates opposed the bill’s housing carve-out, arguing it could weaken renters’ ability to bring unfair-practice claims. Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection.
The committee also heard lengthy testimony on HB 797, which would create a Bayou Gold certification for certain transactional gold vendors that meet state-defined standards such as segregation, insurance, and nearby storage. The sponsor said the goal was to give consumers confidence and encourage vendors to keep gold closer to Louisiana, while critics argued the program would amount to a state endorsement of private companies, create misleading consumer impressions, and expose the state to confusion or liability. The bill drew opposition from the Sound Money Defense League and others, but the committee ultimately reported HB 797 favorably, with the understanding it still had to go to Finance. HB 1228, a hearing-aid cleanup bill updating definitions, contracts, testing periods, and licensing rules, was also moved favorably without objection.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's in the digital world.
- You could be, I mean, the age of a digital highway in the air could be upon us.
- Capacity Grant Program, similar to the Digital Connectivity Program.
- This program will allow communities to fund digital literacy programming, digital literacy training,
- and digital training, as well as cybersecurity training.
Summary:
The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency.
The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill H. 702 will alleviate the consequences of this inevitably digital future by ensuring younger generations
- I mean, wouldn't it create that problem of dividing a team?
- It weakens and divides our communities. In closing, I say, don't tread on me and my family.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- mechanism of accounting and transference of ownership of the of the digital currency.
- It's a digital mechanism of accounting. As with the U.S.
- What we have is the digital currency, digital economy, in which accounting and mechanisms handled by
- I want Texas to lead in this, to lead in the digital...
- In this case. expanding it to digital assets, in this case Bitcoin. This is a dumb question.
Bills:
SJR34, SB10, SB18, SB19, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB480, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB767, SB790
Keywords:
parental rights, parents, children, custody, care and control, upbringing, family law, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, child welfare, education policy, medical decisions, parental authority, primary decision makers, family autonomy, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display, First Amendment
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/10/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- statement from Digital Mint. statement from Digital Mint.
- The funds move rapidly through digital The funds move rapidly through digital wallets,<01:05:03.960
- <01:51:22.680>
assets custodial accounts for digital assets custodial accounts for digital - Thank you. digital asset strategy over the last 4 digital asset strategy over the last 4 and<01:53:55.200
- what it's doing is providing a digital what it's doing is providing a digital safety<01:58:43.160
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And digital technologies available in the marketplace.
- Although you can have a just a digital recording, sometimes transcripts are not needed.
- It used to be that when a digital, if a court wanted to use the digital technology, they had to get permission
- So there's a gap there that if we're, if we're going to have the local courts opting to do digital.
- It's when the digital comes in that there's a that there's a gap.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 702 ENHANCES TRANSPARENCY AND AUTHENTICITY RELATING TO DIGITAL CONTENT. THERE IS A STRIKE ALL.
- THEY WORK A LOT LIKE A DIGITAL CONTENT. HOPEFULLY THAT HELPS CLEAR THAT UP.
- Truenow: THIS AMENDMENT CLARIFIES THAT PAWNBROKERS CAN EITHER USE DIGITAL OR PRINTED FORMAT.
- SINCE WE HAVE SEEN DIGITAL RIGHT TO REPAIR BILLS PASS IN OTHER STATES.
- HAS ANY BREACH HAPPENED THAT HAS BEEN TIED BACK TO DIGITAL RIGHT TO REPAIR? >> Sen.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- number, so if I put 24 that rate gets divided by 24; if I get picked seven, it gets divided by seven
- number, so if I put 24 that rate gets divided by 24; if I get picked seven, it gets divided by seven
- number, so if I put 24 that rate gets divided by 24; if I get picked seven, it gets divided by seven
- number, so if I put 24 that rate gets divided by 24; if I get picked seven, it gets divided by seven
- number, so if I put 24 that rate gets divided by 24; if I get picked seven, it gets divided by seven
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House elects Rep. Lisa Demuth as House Speaker 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- strong yet willing to listen, decisive yet collaborative, but above all this leader needs to unify a divided
- In a time when we need someone who can unite, not divide, who can lead with purpose, not partisanship
- unify a divided unify a divided house<00:01:38.240>
today <00:01:38.560>our <00:01: - who can lead who can unite not divide who can lead with<00:04:32.280>
purpose <00:04:33.080>- The people of Minnesota have given us a unique opportunity with this closely divided House.
Summary:
The House met to elect a Speaker. Representative Baker nominated Lisa Demuth on behalf of the Republican caucus, emphasizing civility, trust, inclusiveness, bipartisanship, and the need to unify a divided chamber. Representative Igo seconded the nomination, praising Demuth’s experience, integrity, consensus-building, and focus on affordability, safety, and future planning. On behalf of the DFL caucus, Representative Mhler nominated Melissa Hortman, describing her leadership in football metaphors and highlighting her work since 2019, including the Minnesota Values Project, her handling of major crises, and her willingness to put the institution and state above personal interests. Representative Hollands seconded Hortman’s nomination, stressing her mentorship, willingness to collaborate across differences, and sacrifice for the greater good.
Nominations were then closed, and the clerk pro tem called the roll for the Speaker election. After the roll call, the results were announced as 67 votes for Representative D. Dibble and 65 votes for Representative Hortman. The presiding officer declared Representative D. Dibble duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 session. Members were appointed to escort the speaker-elect to the rostrum, and Senator Bobby Joe Champion administered the oath of office.
In remarks after taking the oath and receiving the gavel, the new Speaker thanked family, supporters, voters, and colleagues, said the office was an honor and a responsibility, and pledged to lead with integrity, respect, collaboration, and accountability. The Speaker said the House should focus on real results for Minnesotans, maintain civility, keep government efficient and accountable, and work across party lines on issues such as public safety, schools, workforce shortages, infrastructure, and support for farmers.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Bill to require warning labels on social media platforms in MN, HF1289, OKd in committee 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also here as a member of the Kids Keep It Digitally Safe campaign, a global alliance fighting for
- <00:03:10.560>
Safe <00:03:10.959>campaign the Kids Keep It Digitally Safe campaign - the Kids Keep It Digitally Safe campaign contest,<00:03:12.000>
a <00:03:12.239>global - These websites are publicly available on the internet and are part of the same digital ecosystem where
- could be done by teaching kids digital could be done by teaching kids digital literacy<00:13:22.079
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- On line 124 and digital literacy, so what does that entail?
- Dixon, would you give a very concise definition of digital literacy?
- So we that entails digital literacy.
- 15:07.680>
for >> And find digital literacy for >> And find digital literacy for & - >> very concise definition of digital >> very concise definition of digital literacy
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (11-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- As this committee well knows, students depend on consistent digital access for virtually every aspect
- Digital access is also critical for key administration tasks like grading, attendance, and financial
- As this committee well knows, students depend on consistent digital access for virtually every aspect
- Digital access is also critical for key administration tasks like grading, attendance, and financial
- As this committee well knows, students depend on consistent digital access for virtually every aspect
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Michael McCurley, president of Zo Education and a senior vice president with Zo Group, about the company’s role in providing broadband and managed network services to Kentucky schools. He said Zo Education serves all Kentucky K-12 public school districts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, offering more bandwidth at lower cost than the prior provider and also providing cybersecurity and network protection. He emphasized that reliable connectivity is essential for instruction, testing, remote coursework, and school administration.
McCurley also addressed the ongoing contract dispute involving the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Open Fiber Silicom, saying Zo Education is not a party to the litigation but is concerned about possible disruption to schools and students. In response to committee questions, he said the company incurred unexpected costs when it had to reroute connections and build alternate network paths, including one school move that cost more than $50,000 to serve a site generating under $2,000 per month. He said outages and incidents are more frequent when Kentucky Wired access is unavailable, and that Zo could not have bid at its current price without access to Kentucky Wired.
Committee members discussed the broader implications of the dispute and the state’s broadband structure. Senator Williams said the committee’s priority is avoiding disruption to students and noted concerns about infrastructure purchases and upgrades tied to the network, saying he had not seen clear contractual support for some of the expenditures. He also referenced a future audit and said the committee should preserve options and taxpayer funds. The committee then reviewed its report to LRC, including changes related to infrastructure purchases and water asset management technology, and agreed to submit the report without a committee vote. The chair announced the next meeting would be in January, with no December meeting scheduled, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #21
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you are a digital user... No, because I am too, so I'm not going to call myself a nerd.
- What the bill does is it outlines merchant requirements for selling digital goods that are not owned
- So if you are a digital user. No, because I am too, so I'm not going to call myself a nerd.
- What the bill does is it outlines merchant requirements for selling digital, look like. Commerce.
- What the bill does is it outlines merchant requirements for selling digital goods that are not owned