Transcript Highlights:

• wastewater technology.
• A modern portal should enforce required fields and intake, validate basic parcel and zoning information
• A modern portal. applicant guidance. A modern portal.
• A modern portal could enforce required fields at intake, validate basic parcel and zoning information
• emerging technologies. emerging technologies.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm excited to present some of this information to the committee, and without further ado I'll welcome
• One thing I think is important to mention in terms of the modernization of our XHLF rate — that stands
• So we looked to modernize these approaches to address their delays in ramping and how they energized,
• So we looked to modernize these approaches to address their delays in ramping and how they energized,
• The protection of kids in the world of new technology is important.

Bills: HB2133, HB2592

Keywords: sexual material, consent, synthetic depiction, privacy, internet regulation, rights protection, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a couple things I'd like to get more information on.
• But we will definitely get you that information.
• We're looking to ensure competitive, modern, convenient, and safe learning spaces.
• <01:08:42.480> in technology in technology in person<01:08:44.560> the person the person
• <01:37:42.679> our upgrades will modernize our upgrades will modernize our infrastructure<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of that Medicaid management information of that Medicaid management information system,<00:53:21.520
• <00:55:18.079> technology<00:55:18.640> to department of information technology to
• department of information technology to build<00:55:19.119> a<00:55:19.280> scalable<00
• <01:04:22.119> center regional 14 applied technology center regional 14 applied technology
• modernize your is it for that project? modernize your is it for that project?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• modernization plans.
• DHS, with Handle Information Technologies.
• DHS, with Handle Information Technologies, this amendment to an existing contract is to deploy RightTrack
• This is to support strategic objectives of streamlining collaboration and improving information technology
• But I'm just speaking by looking at the information.

Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda item, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, reports, and a member disclosure. The supplemental agenda was accepted, and the Office of State Procurement’s rule revisions were approved after Jessica Patterson explained they were driven by 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, CASO Consulting recommendations, and updates to sole source, bid, protest, and debarment provisions. The methods of finance and discretionary grants were also approved, covering a range of university capital projects, health and human services grants, historic preservation awards, and tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys for services provided during a contract gap, a Department of Health ratification for water-leak repairs, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, a Veterans Affairs HVAC ratification, an ADFA medical services ratification, and a UA Little Rock painting contract ratification. Members questioned the Public Safety ratification at length about why the expired Motorola contract was not caught sooner and why it took months after discovery to come forward; agency officials said the work was tied to bond funding and was not tracked in ASIS, and the chair urged agencies to develop better monitoring procedures. The committee approved a large slate of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including many recurring service agreements for DHS, higher education institutions, corrections, health agencies, and state support functions. Several members asked about specific contracts, including aerial application services for correctional farms and a Southern Arkansas University custodial contract, and staff or agency representatives provided brief explanations. The meeting concluded with review of reports and approval of a member disclosure involving Representative Andrew Collins’ investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• technology to help fix some of the issues that we're facing.
• We should also allow secure, protected access to distribution network information so technology providers
• I think it's a lot of the technology.
• I can give you technologies if that's helpful. Sure, sure.
• It is truly simply a relic of technology from 25 years ago.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Technologies.
• And this activity in modernizing the information systems is going to be key, and this website specifically
• On Line 42, you will see there's a 20 million appropriation to the Department of Information Technology
• I will also note you all had a discussion with DPS earlier about the Department of Information and Technology
• Moving down to line 52, the Department of Information Technology (DOIT) requested a total of $35 million

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:15.520> site economic developers to inform site economic developers to inform site
• invest in maintenance and modernization invest in maintenance and modernization of<00:35:42.880>
• The one that information you received.
• > under<01:28:48.560> heavy Modern agriculture is also under heavy Modern agriculture is
• Are we sharing technology with other countries? Are we gathering technology from other countries?

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 2:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: Mississippi State University officials testified in support of the university’s separately funded agricultural, forestry, and veterinary units, emphasizing their economic impact, research output, and need for continued state support. Keith Cobalt, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said the division generates a $1.7 billion impact on Mississippi, but warned that state and local funding has not kept pace with federal dollars or inflation. He argued that global competition, especially from China and Brazil, is hurting row crop and forestry producers, and highlighted a Vision 2030 study finding about $10 billion in agricultural and forestry value leaves the state through value-added processing. He also raised concerns about rural depopulation and proposed rural innovation hubs to help retain population and jobs. Nick Frank, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said state appropriations make up about 25% of the college’s operating budget and are needed to support salaries, staffing, and service capacity. He described the college’s education, diagnostic, and clinical missions, including disease surveillance and responses to threats such as avian influenza, screwworm, and equine herpes virus. Frank said the college is expanding facilities with $18 million in 2024 state funding for a new farm animal hospital and cattle handling facility, but still needs additional support for equine and small animal renovations. He also requested support for rural veterinary scholarships and said inflation and salary competition from other schools and private practice are making retention difficult. In response to committee questions, Frank said the college enrolls about 118 to 119 students per class, with roughly 54 to 55 in-state students and tuition of about $29,900 for in-state and $53,000 for out-of-state students. He clarified that the “vet assistants” program is a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary medical technology, not a certificate. He also explained that staffing growth has largely been in the hospitals to address clinical shortages and improve care. Dr. Westberger, dean of the College of Forest Resources and director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said Mississippi’s forests support a $19 billion economic impact, 84,000 jobs, and a $4.5 billion payroll, while also providing environmental benefits. He said the college and research center are nationally recognized, including an NSF ranking placing Mississippi State 10th in natural resource conservation research expenditures for a small university. Westberger highlighted research on forest management, pest detection, mass timber, wildlife disease surveillance, and value-added bioproducts, including efforts to attract mills and manufacturing. He said Mississippi has added 10 mills or mill expansions in five years with more than $1.5 billion in investment and over 1,000 high-paying jobs, and noted the college is planning a new mass-timber annex to address capacity and showcase the material. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stacey Weeks with our Medicaid Division, as she has all of the financial information relative to this
• Stacey Weeks with our Medicaid Division, as she has all of the financial information relative to this
• I also have some fiscal information on what the effects of this BDR would be on my office.
• Any other information we need to have?
• Okay, thank you very much and thank you for the information.

Bills: AB49, AB93, AB108, AB169, AB188, AB212, AB221, AB224, AB251, AB282, AB284, AB296, AB304, AB331, AB356, AB366, AB375, AB409, AB467, AB475, AB476, AB479, AB494, AB514, AB515, AB533, AB542, AB550, AB558, AB567, AB568, AB571, AB581, AB583, AB584, AB585, AB595, AB596, AB597, SB170, SB427, SB460, SB508

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, health insurance, speech-language pathology

Transcript Highlights:

• Share security information with us?
• In fact, I would say they're the world leaders in one-way attack drone. technology.
• Military technology and equipment? They have certainly increased the amount they provide.
• They have a very strong plan to modernize and to expand.
• Information and narratives are power then, aren't they?

Keywords: committee meeting, legislation, public testimony, SB4, HB2214, bipartisan support

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and hear testimonies related to legislative matters, including public concerns and implications surrounding the proposed legislation. Notably, the members engaged in a vigorous debate over SB4, where several representatives shared differing viewpoints on its impact on local communities and the environment. Public testimonies were heard, with advocates arguing for the bill's potential benefits, while opponents raised significant concerns regarding the fiscal implications and land use. Following these discussions, the committee moved to vote on HB2214, which passed without issue, illustrating the bipartisan support for certain initiatives tied to public welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are informed that the Vice President is in traffic and so after consulting to my right and left we
• But what we can do is actually have the kind of technology that gives our troops and gives our. people
• Russia has nearly completed their modernization of all of their nuclear forces, and China's modernizing
• I think it's a one-and-change, if I could speak informally.
• I remain skeptical, agnostic as I put it, but more inclined based on new information.

Keywords: defense, geopolitical tensions, military readiness, China, Russia, U.S. military, Indo-Pacific, alliance, procurement

Summary: The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• additional information for us. Ms. additional information for us. Ms.
• So, I would like to request that information. I think Ms. Highmark has some information for us.
• some information for us. some information for us. Uh,<00:37:24.440> Mr.
• described as targeting large technology described as targeting large technology companies,<00:59
• <01:41:16.120> This the truth of our modern world. This the truth of our modern world.

Bills: HF4561, HF4343

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill helps create a fully digital modern system. The chair calls Tony Hall. Ms.
• Some of that information from 2016, and since then cities have grown.
• The technology has not, not been there for them to take the driver out of these 18 wheelers.
• Allowing home delivery of specialty license plates would help modernize how the state of Texas serves
• Home delivery these days is viewed as a minimum expectation of the modern online shopping customer.

Bills: HB 341, HB 469, HB 971, HB 1624, HB 2721, HB 2959, HB 3365, HB 3731, HB 3793, HB 3861, HB 3946, HB 3966, HB 4348, HB 4401, HB 4402, HB 4924, HB 4966, HB 5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not a budget hearing today, I hope General Reid to hear about how Transcom has informed the Air
• Decisive advantage demands a modernized and connected sealift, airlift, and air refueling fleet.
• modernizations that you hope will come about?
• Coast Guard to make sure that we can share information.
• Very informative here. Hearing, this hearing is now adjourned.

Keywords: Transcom, logistics, military readiness, air refueling, KC-135, KC-46, strategic infrastructure, geopolitical threats, Alaska

Summary: During this meeting, the committee hosted an extensive discussion on the operations and logistical challenges facing the U.S. Transportation Command (Transcom). General Reid provided testimony on key areas including the importance of maintaining robust logistical capabilities in contested environments, particularly in relation to geopolitical threats posed by adversarial nations. Various members emphasized the necessity for modernization of the air refueling fleet, addressing issues such as the readiness of the KC-135 and the procurement of the next-generation KC-46 aircraft, which has experienced delays and technical challenges. The dialogue further extended to the strategic importance of U.S. ports and transportation infrastructure, especially in regions like Alaska which play a crucial role in military logistics and power projection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits governmental contracts for information technology with foreign sources of concern.
• Quick question, are any state or local government entities currently utilizing information technology
• A governmental entity won't be able to enter into any new contracts regarding information technology
• And regarding that subject, regarding contracts related to information technology, what's key is who
• technology or owns and manufactures information technology, then that would be prohibited.

Transcript Highlights:

• some of our technology in a way that we believe is extremely helpful in.
• So, we have handed you out some additional supplemental information. It's helpful.
• Historically, you all have provided the best information in 2023. You all gave us pay parity.
• Digitization: leveraging technology to reduce paper use and storage space requirements.
• Checking, cause what I've been informed, they were told that was not kept on file.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:03.840> technology<00:05:04.840> and<00:05:05.039> Statewide information
• technology and Statewide information technology and Statewide program<00:05:06.440> management
• levels we enhanced courtroom technology levels we enhanced courtroom technology to<00:08:17.039>
• System templates, and updates to approximately 22 information technology applications.
• <00:15:54.360> Technology 22 Information Technology 22 Information Technology applications

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard a budget presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on behalf of the Minnesota judicial branch. Shorba described the courts’ structure, mission, and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court filings annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. He emphasized the branch’s constitutional obligation to provide fair and timely access to justice and said the courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriations. He also highlighted recent accomplishments made possible by prior legislative funding, including eliminating the pandemic felony and gross misdemeanor backlog, expanding remote and hybrid hearings, improving courtroom technology, sustaining treatment courts, and increasing pay for interpreters and psychological examiners. Shorba outlined the judicial branch’s 2026–27 budget request, which he said totals a 12% increase over the starting biennial base. Major requests included $77.3 million in 2026–27 and $104 million in 2028–29 for a 6% judicial salary increase and related compensation costs; $5.1 million in 2026–27 and $1.76 million in 2028–29 for digital accessibility compliance with new federal ADA rules; $4 million in 2026–27 and $800,000 in 2028–29 to modernize justice partner access to court records; $7.2 million in 2026–27 to raise pay for contract psychological examiners; and $18 million in 2026–27 to increase juror pay from $20 to $100 per day and align mileage rates with federal rates. He also discussed ongoing funding needs for interpreter services, jury costs, cybersecurity, and other statutorily required court services, saying temporary funding provided in the prior session will expire and that permanent support is needed. Members asked questions about treatment courts, employee bargaining, and mental health competency issues. Representative Eric requested more detail on funding for newly launched and existing treatment courts, and Shorba said many treatment courts begin with federal grants before transitioning to state support after about three years. He confirmed the judicial branch negotiates its own employee contracts rather than the executive branch doing so, and said the branch has three unions plus many unrepresented employees. On mental health and competency, Shorba said the branch is focused on obtaining timely psychological evaluations and is not responsible for treatment services themselves, but acknowledged a shortage of examiners and treatment beds and said a related competency board would be testifying the following week. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• By removing ambiguity in the law and updating it to include modern technological standards, SB 1276 protects
• technology, correct?
• Our technologies are built in modern facilities today.
• technology.
• We don’t have camera information. We don’t have tracking information.’

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research and new technologies are offering a new hope for the future of Florida citrus.
• Today technology continues to revolutionize nearly every facet of our economy and our lives at a pace
• Keeping up with the ever-changing technology landscape and the constantly increasing price tag of information
• technology is a real problem for government at every level, just like it challenges every sector of
• Florida's rulemaking process can and should be modernized to better serve our state.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we've centered modern way.
• of of technological expertise as well. of of technological expertise as well.
• uh business requirements and technology uh business requirements and technology requirements<00:
• to make investments in that technology. to make investments in that technology.
• That's not, you know, kind of the modern approach. Um, this is kind of the modern approach.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all