Transcript Highlights:

• work to improve Hawaii, specifically your extraordinary efforts on early education and broadband technology
• work to improve Hawaii, specifically your extraordinary efforts on early education and broadband technology
• We've also requested $68 million to transform Mayor Wright.
• <00:23:55.520><c> to</c> we've also requested $68 million to we've also requested $68 million to transform
• mayor Wright this effort will transform mayor Wright this effort will add<00:23:58.520><c> more</c><

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology is just like it is with our equipment.
• We can do it with the technology that's available.
• Ameri-Carbon, as well as the University of North Dakota and Microbeam Technologies, are the technology
• And then the technology providers coming into that are U&D and then microbeam technologies.
• That depends upon the type of transformers, the size, etc.

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• , reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating Technology Chairman Babin, and Ranking Technology
• </c> and risked allowing critical technology and risked allowing critical technology to<03:07:15.480>
• ,</c><03:07:27.120><c> reducing</c> safeguarding technology, reducing safeguarding technology, reducing
• At the same promising technologies.
• But, it has also been technology.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 16, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when you think about what our world looked like 18 years ago, certainly technology has changed so
• With me this morning is Don Kopecki from the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.
• Don Kopecki, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, in support of SB 1239
• First, the language that requires expenditures to help create or accelerate a transformative shift away
• Tony Gonzalez, on behalf of Tomra North America, a leading reverse vending machine technology company

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental, climate, transparency, water affordability, recycling, and refinery transition issues. SB 1087 would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time spent on modeling and CEQA-related work; it drew strong support from MPOs and environmental groups with some opposition from clean air, housing, and industry advocates concerned about VMT, housing impacts, and agency authority. SB 1239 would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when major regulations are materially changed; manufacturers and business groups supported the transparency measure, while the chair opposed it as adding delay and inefficiency to rulemaking. SB 1125 would create the framework for a statewide low-income water rate assistance program; it received broad support from utilities, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members, and the committee advanced it on a 3-1 vote. SB 1180 would set rules for spending from the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, with broad support from environmental justice and conservation groups and opposed-unless-amended positions from industry groups seeking tighter limits and more oversight; it advanced on a 3-0 vote. SB 1161 would require CARB to present household-level cost impacts of regulations in plain language, and it advanced on a 4-0 vote despite late opposition from environmental groups. SB 955, updating beverage container recycling and redemption requirements, passed 5-0, and SB 1259, requiring refineries to disclose cleanup liabilities and decommissioning information to aid long-term planning, drew strong support from environmental and local government witnesses but firm opposition from petroleum, labor, and business groups; the committee began discussion but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when you think about what our world looked like 18 years ago, certainly technology has changed so
• With me this morning is Don Kopecki from the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.
• Don Kopecki, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, in support of SB 1239
• First, the language that requires expenditures to help create or accelerate a transformative shift away
• Tony Gonzalez, on behalf of Tomra North America, a leading reverse vending machine technology company

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill would do over time would potentially eliminate those two 20%s through the knowledge, the technology
• And also, as mentioned, because of the rural health transformation program received by the Health Care
• In addition, it is another compact that is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, so we could
• And, as mentioned, the Rural Health Transformation Program grant of $211 million includes passage of
• It's not specific to this, but each of our analysis talks about the rural health transformation program

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0. House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're often centers for collaboration, technology access, and developing research skills.
• I'm glad you brought the technology part of the role of a library media specialist.
• So thanks for bringing up the technology part.
• They've now increased their staffing to improve technology support across their region.
• </c><01:38:08.159><c> access</c> Library budgets and Technology access Library budgets and Technology

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> budget and how transformational it was. budget and how transformational it was.
• But thanks to advances in technology, from electric vehicles to fracking, we have been able to reduce
• But thanks to advances in technology, from electric vehicles to fracking, we have been able to reduce
• But thanks to advances in technology, from electric vehicles to fracking, we have been able to reduce
• 02:01:30.199><c> transportation</c> most uh transformational transportation most uh transformational

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the ability to make that using advanced technologies and advanced manufacturing.
• The other thing that we’ve done in the past year is brought online a new technology.
• How can we use new technologies?
• Secretary of the Executive Office of Technology, Services, and Security.
• One area where investment is now critical is information technology modernization.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call the Information Technology Committee to order. Good morning, everyone.
• We'll call the Information Technology Committee to order.
• I'm the chief technology officer here for the state of North Dakota.
• Has there been any conversations at all around the rural health transformation dollars?
• Again, this is not really simply a technology investment.

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Jim Wood here on behalf of Fireside, a technology-based wildfire risk management company
• Through voter-approved transportation funding, CCTA has delivered transformative projects and improved
• mobility, safety, and economic vitality. ...transformative projects that improve mobility, safety, and
• diesel particulate matter in pollution, making the transportation transition to zero-emissions technologies
• That is why we are supporting this technology-neutral approach. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The transformers that the utility companies put in on the pole... [00:18:45] The state doesn’t fund the
• The transformers that the utility companies put in on the poles... [00:19:10] ...to regenerate the electricity
• My comment is that, considering this is a formal committee meeting and as chair of technology, I’d be
• Is there another technology required in this bill, or will we anticipate the floating solar, if it's
• The technology is emerging.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a growing global issue driven by globalization, migration, and technology, allowing The issue is
• driven by globalization, migration, and technology, allowing regimes to target critics even in democratic
• So helping to armor the states to transform... ...of political warfare in our minds.
• So helping to armor the states to transform from what China considers the states to be a soft underbelly
• And we've also seen it in the national security circumstance where people have used other technologies

Bills: HCR7, HB76, HB84, HB132, HB265, HB275, HB322, HB635, HB808, HB883, HB1054

Keywords: juvenile justice, electronic monitoring, annual report, supervision outcomes, data transparency, inmate release, notification, law enforcement, victims, public safety, hit-and-run, crime of violence, felony, sentencing, battery, sound, intentional harm, physical pain, hearing impairment, video voyeurism

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationally, we've seen how data centers can transform communities for the better, bring an economic impact
• good question, and that's the important part of this whole process is to ensure that it is a new technology
• They're the backbone of modern technology.
• They support health care systems, aviation, logistics, banking, agriculture, and the everyday technology
• That simple question became the rallying cry for Miami’s transformation into a tech hub and Florida’s

Bills: S0408, S0986, S0678, S0800, S1050, S0484, S1118

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next one here is the World Health Transformation Program, or...
• Next one here is the rural health transformation program, or making rural Idaho healthy again.
• Is that rural health transformation program going to be under a separate heading and a separate division
• This next request is for the rural health transformation...
• This is for the rural health transformation program, and why this very large amount, you ask?

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 5, 2026 minutes and then heard a lengthy budget presentation from Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon and Medicaid Director Sasha O’Connell. The department outlined numerous supplemental and line-item requests across Medicaid, child and family services, welfare/self-reliance, and support functions, including funding for state hospital billing authority, Medicaid caseload and cost growth, rural health transformation staffing and program funds, child care capacity and program integrity work, kinship navigation, home visiting, and IT and procurement modernization. The committee also discussed the department’s reorganization and the need for additional procurement support for large Medicaid contracts. Much of the discussion focused on Medicaid spending growth, especially in disability services and behavioral health. Sharon said higher utilization and more intensive services, including residential habilitation, youth residential treatment, and substance use services, were driving costs. Members asked about safeguards against provider overuse or steerage; the director said the department uses annual assessments, internal reviews, data mining, and referrals to program integrity, and that some provider behavior had already prompted a proposed rate reduction for residential habilitation. She also explained that the department is seeking to maintain contractor support for disability assessments rather than absorb the work in-house. The committee also reviewed the department’s response to budget reductions and federal changes. Sharon explained the 4% provider rate reduction, the resulting savings, and the need for an additional $22 million in general funds to balance Medicaid, with options for further cuts still before the legislature. Other topics included the state’s Medicaid estate recovery and program integrity contractors, the impact of new SNAP administrative cost-sharing rules, Medicaid work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews under state and federal law, and a request for three dedicated procurement staff in the Department of Administration to speed Medicaid contracting. No further votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the committee adjourned to attend the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think if we can get our technology working, we will hear, uh-huh, we do have some folks there.
• This legislation also allows the most qualified individuals to serve on the Assistive Technology Council
• So, underrepresented, in my view of education, should always be based on how are we transforming outcomes
• have been traditionally underrepresented, including but not limited to math, science, computer technology
• , electronics, communications, technology, engineering, and career education.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections. The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows them to have technologies available that they wouldn't have and so on, but I think there's
• It's called the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• And I think we should emphasize that word "transformation."
• I think Congress really wants to see transformative changes to how rural health care is delivered, and
• Rural health transformation program.

Transcript Highlights:

• upgrade the electrical distribution infrastructure, which includes the replacement of the existing transformer
• substation, utility feeder lines, facility transformers, switchgear, and installation of an additional
• Chief of the Community Services Division and also the Project Executive for Behavioral Health Transformation
• given the upcoming and ongoing administrative workload that comes with the behavioral health transformation
• On issue two, we continue to have optimism for the promise of the change and transformation that's before

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From agriculture to small business, to medicine, entertainment, education, labor, science, technology
• We met with leaders in health care, agriculture, climate technology, and innovation, and we saw firsthand
• criminal justice work. national leadership, transformational criminal justice work.
• This bill will support long-term transparency and accountability in our high-speed rail transformation
• The rapid advancement of AI and generative AI technology has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you can see on slide five, HHSC was transformed into the agency that you see today.
• We have a robust team of data analysts who are looking, using modern technology and artificial intelligence
• of the cases that are even recognized, would, would you have the percentage of whether it's AI technology
• if we can increase that, um, we just need to know where to place the funds, whether it's in more technology
• Senate Bill 11 in the 85th regular session, uh, transformed what had been called foster care redesign