Video & Transcript Research : 'technology security'
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- technology in government, and AI as well.
- Rob Lloyd, who is the chief technology officer and director of information technology with the City of
- or modern technology and to make it easier for the state to secure and collaborate across agencies.
- , so we have an existing process that we use for privacy and security reviews for technology.
- Presenters are Justin Roach, information security manager from Spokane County Information Technology
Summary:
The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness.
Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation.
The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence Task Force 2025 (6-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Chief Information Security Officer with the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
- standpoint, we've been using artificial intelligence in security technologies for a decade or more.
- artificial intelligence in security artificial intelligence in security technologies<00:37:13.120
- So focusing our security technologies on things being more heuristic, more behavioral, instead of relying
- remote, uh all our security technologies are<00:41:49.320>
internet <00:41:49.640>enabled,
Keywords:
Meeting Start - 00:00
Roll Call – 00:34
KY Chamber of Commerce KY Business Perspectives – 01:50
COT Update on SB4 – 27:16
Adjournment – 48:18, 958, all
Summary:
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Task Force met for its first meeting of the year and heard updates on federal AI policy, state implementation of Senate Bill 4, and the business community’s perspective on AI regulation. Co-chairs noted that federal legislation could affect the task force’s work later in the year, but said Kentucky still has significant issues to study, including energy, land use, education, social media, and children’s engagement with AI. The task force had quorum and no votes were taken.
Kate Shanks of the Kentucky Chamber said the business community supports continued discussion but favors a federal approach over a patchwork of state laws. She described the Trump administration’s new AI executive order as emphasizing innovation over regulation, noted the pending federal AI action plan, and discussed congressional action including the Take It Down Act and industry-specific changes to existing laws. She warned that state-by-state AI rules could increase costs and burden businesses, and said the Chamber would prefer incremental, flexible policy that avoids conflict with existing law and limits private rights of action. Members asked about uniform model legislation, education uses of AI, and civil liability; Shanks said a model approach could help avoid fragmentation and that liability should generally be handled through consumer-protection-style enforcement rather than broad litigation.
The Commonwealth Office of Technology then reported on implementation of SB 4, saying it has worked with industry, agencies, other states, and vendors to build an AI policy framework now in final review. Officials said an AI Governance Committee has been established and will meet in July, and a draft RFP is being prepared to meet the bill’s tracking and documentation requirements. They said no major implementation challenges have been identified so far, but the impact of pending federal rules remains uncertain. Members also discussed the need to educate students and teachers about AI, with one member emphasizing that schools should teach both how to use AI and how to think critically about information online.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine reducing waste, fraud and abuse through innovation, focusing on how AI and data can improve government efficiency. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Joint Economic Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- AI technologies offer some powerful solutions.
- These technologies offer tremendous potential across government.
- For instance, the Social Security Administration OIG estimated over $7 billion in supplemental security
- Social Security fraud recently, we know that Social Security has been a remarkably effective program
- How do I take your technology, your understanding of the technology, march it over to GAO, or an actual
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight
Summary:
The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Preston Griffith, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary, and Dario Gil, of New York, to be Under Secretary for Science, both of the Department of Energy. Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the most consequential technologies in the world.
- , quantum and biotechnology and fusion technology.
- Office of Cyber Security, Energy Security and Emergency Management.
- And that are secure, reliable, and affordable.
- the discovery and commercialization of new technologies?
Keywords:
nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation
Summary:
The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine interdicting illicit drug trafficking, focusing on a view from the front lines. Feb 26th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The next generation of technology, vapor technology, could be developed by our Pacific Northwest Lab
- Any tool will help us down this road whether it's x-ray technology, vapor technology, even going to like
- I call old school canine technology.
- I've certainly heard a lot about scanning technologies, but what are the other types of technology that
- . inspection technology, NII.
Keywords:
Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- for national security.
- with this technology... ...but then there hasn't been a lot done with this technology since then.
- And one is we have to have energy security, and we've lost it. We've lost that energy security.
- We've lost that energy security.
- This is today's technology.
Summary:
The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the quality of questions from the group, followed by a series of technical presentations from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent nuclear regulatory changes tied to presidential executive orders, including NRC Part 53 for advanced reactors, the forthcoming Part 57 for very small reactors, and DOE updates to reactor authorization standards. He emphasized efforts to align DOE and NRC processes, use risk-informed and performance-based licensing, support reactor deployment for AI/data centers and national security, and use AI to speed communications and crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements. In response to questions, he said there was no plan to merge agencies, but rather to improve coordination and public outreach through groups like GAIN and NEI.
David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and reprocessing. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), why it is needed for advanced reactors, and DOE’s HALEU Availability Program and related investments in enrichment, transportation, deconversion, and supply chain development. He also covered spent fuel management, the possibility of centralized storage or a fuel-cycle campus, the Center for Used Fuel Research, and ongoing work on high-burnup cask testing and reprocessing technologies. Tolman described aqueous, pyrochemical, and fluoride-volatility reprocessing approaches, noting the advantages and waste characteristics of each, and said several companies are working with INL on these technologies.
Ashley Shields presented INL’s AI and nuclear work, focusing on the Genesis initiative and the Prometheus effort to use AI to design, license, build, and operate reactors with far less human intervention. She described INL’s broad use of generative AI tools, the need to manage large volumes of legacy technical data, and applications in reactor design, materials discovery, autonomous laboratories, and digital twins. Shields said AI is being used to reduce the enormous documentation burden in nuclear licensing and to support autonomous or remotely operated reactor demonstrations, while stressing that humans remain in supervisory roles. In discussion, she addressed data security, model access, and the continued need for software engineers. The session then recessed briefly and resumed with Mitch Kerman beginning a presentation on critical minerals and materials.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Her work has contributed to national security.
- She's been a leader on spectrum policy, an area that bridges both technology and national security.
- security interests.
- arena. realm as well as technology spaces.
- I'll start with cyber security and making sure networks are deployed in a secure way.
Summary:
During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine bipartisan legislative frameworks for digital assets. Feb 26th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Digital Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- Unlike securities, which cease to exist if the securities issuer has been dissolved, digital assets,
- This is unlike any security that's out there.
- That is not itself a security is sort of embodiment of a securities transaction So the law has not recognized
- or placed on non security assets some characteristics of being a security simply because they were sold
- So let's let's go back to some other technologies.
Keywords:
Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony
Summary:
The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are known technologies.
- Those are known technologies.
- I mentioned security. We have a lot of test beds related to national security.
- This is our... ...security. We have a lot of test beds related to national security.
- On the security side, we had...
Summary:
The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce.
A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base.
The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 22nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and strengthen our national security. and strengthen our national security.
- technology and tokens respectively. technology and tokens respectively.
- The shift to open RAN technology not only enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign-made
- wireless technology, 6G. generation of wireless technologies. generation of wireless technologies.
- . technologies. technologies.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Sep 17th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- The first one is comparing IT practices to the Center for Internet Security Critical Security Controls
- Let's ask Ralph Johnson, State Chief Information Security Officer with Washington Technology Solutions
- Ralph Johnson, State Chief Information Security Officer with Washington Technology Solutions, to come
- Controls, National Institute of Technology and Standards and Technology, Thank you.
- Controls, National Institute of Technology and Standards and Technology, Cybersecurity Framework, and
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s Office cybersecurity performance audits for fiscal year 2025, covering both state agencies and local governments. SAO staff explained that the audits are conducted independently under Initiative 900 and are kept confidential at the entity level, with detailed findings shared directly with the audited organizations. They reported that state agency audits found nearly one-third of assessed safeguards fully implemented on all systems and 227 vulnerabilities across seven agencies, including three critical and 21 high-severity issues. For seven local government cybersecurity audits, nearly a quarter of safeguards were fully implemented on all systems, and auditors identified nearly 300 vulnerabilities, including nine critical and 47 high-severity issues.
SAO also summarized its ransomware resiliency audits and critical infrastructure audits for local governments. In six ransomware audits, a little over 35% of assessed safeguards were not in place, while about 60% were at least partially in place. In 39 critical infrastructure audits, focused largely on water and sewer providers, auditors found over 260 vulnerabilities and said more than 10% were critical or high. Staff highlighted that these audits have led to improvements, including one vendor making security changes after SAO testing that were later echoed in a federal advisory. They also described related services such as cybersecurity checkups, policy guidance, and other cyber-related work by the office.
Washington Technology Solutions’ state chief information security officer, Ralph Johnson, praised the audits and said they help protect essential public services. He cited a sharp national rise in ransomware incidents against governments and said Washington has used more than $11 million in federal and state cybersecurity grant funds for over 200 projects. In response to questions from Representative Scott, SAO and WOTEC discussed options for addressing urgent vulnerabilities, including compensating controls, grant funding, and low-cost mitigation steps. The committee also discussed how Washington’s program compares nationally, with Johnson saying Initiative 900 is unusually comprehensive and that local governments often seek audits voluntarily. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony was offered but none was given.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026 at 08:25 am
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are known technologies.
- I mentioned security. We have a lot of test beds related to national security. This is our...
- Security. We have a lot of test beds related to national security.
- On the security side, we had— Annually, over 100 items that we had to approve on the security side.
- Is there a difference in the security concerns in those plants? So physical security? You mean?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Transparent Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance 12/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , accessibility, the sustainability of the technology as part of our overall enterprise technology landscape
- technology as part sustainability of the technology as part of<00:03:42.000>
our <00:03:42.159 - technology of our overall enterprise technology landscape<00:03:44.239>
and <00:03:44.480> - the expense of safety and security. the expense of safety and security.
- That, as I said, was already reviewing security, accessibility, the potential for the technology if there
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Oct 8th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- 6.2% toward their Social Security.
- They developed what's called neutral atom and ion trap technology. Technology.
- And legacy as New Mexico on pioneering this technology.
- Best quantum technologies.
- Any technology is going to involve opportunity costs.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 10, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 12
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, their testimony states that this bill goes beyond
- by removing gas water heaters, and promoting electric water heating systems, utilizing heat pump technology
- by removing gas water heaters, and promoting electric water heating systems, utilizing heat pump technology
Bills:
HR11, HB1872, HB2171, HB2161, HB2416, HB2518, HB2617, HB2159, HB2606, HB2362, HB2385, HB2476, HB1923, HB2444, HB1608, HB1967, HB1968, HB2502, HB1782, HB2357, HB2445, HB1870, HB1838, HB2137, HB2208, HB2458, HB1972, HB2007, HB2160, HB2343, HB2315, HB2505, HB1857, HB469, HB1452, HB814, HB1621, HB1880, HB1831, HB1572, HB2119, HB2139, HB2459, HB2194, HB2561, HB2017, HB1931, HB1700, HB1719, HB1726, HB1737, HB1742, HB2049, HB2383, HB2116, HB2446, HB2249, HB2255, HB2320, HB2360, HB2581, HB2443, HB1531, HB2622, HB9, HB2290, HB2291, HB2235, HB2263, HB2498, HB1579, HB1728, HB1900
Keywords:
808 Elite, youth football, American Youth Football National Championships, AYF, Hawaii football, youth athletics, sports recognition, commendation, House resolution, student-athletes, sportsmanship, teamwork, state pride, Hawaii youth sports, national championship, early learning, apprenticeship, child care, education funding, workforce development
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Legislative Commission on Data Practices 12/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:06.160>
has how the evolution of technology has how the evolution of technology has - That, as I said, was already reviewing security, accessibility, and the potential for the technology
- That, as I said, was already reviewing security, accessibility, and the potential for the technology
- That, as I said, was already reviewing security, accessibility, and the potential for the technology
- surveillance technologies. surveillance technologies.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity 8/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an important bill, the Stand for Security Act, This is an important bill, the Stand for Security
- There are approximately 1.2... ...million security guards in this country, making the private security
- I know that security involves risk.
- I know security work comes with risks. We understand. I know security work comes with risks.
- I'm a security officer. I support this bill. Thank you. Security officer, I support this bill.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several Senate bills focused on workforce training, public safety, health, and consumer protection. SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would expand and modernize private security guard training, especially de-escalation training, and drew strong support from security workers and labor groups who described dangerous encounters and inadequate preparation. Opponents, including security firms and business groups, argued the bill would impose major costs, create staffing shortages, and push employers toward unregulated alternatives. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill to Labor and Employment, with some members noting support contingent on future amendments about training capacity.
SB 936 by Senator Blakespear would restrict retail sales of larger nitrous oxide canisters while preserving legitimate medical, culinary, and automotive uses. Supporters, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, counties, public health groups, waste agencies, and law enforcement organizations, said misuse of nitrous oxide is causing addiction, impaired driving, neurological harm, and disposal hazards. There was no organized opposition on the record, and the committee passed the bill to Public Safety.
SB 1271 by Senator Reyes would require the Medical Board to collect data on licensed midwives’ capacity to serve as preceptors and train new students, with the information reported to the Legislature. Supporters said California’s midwifery pipeline is strained, especially in rural and birth-desert areas, and that more data is needed to expand training access. The committee passed the bill to Health. SB 903 by Senator Padilla would prohibit AI chatbots from being advertised or used as therapists without appropriate licensed-professional oversight and informed consent, and would reinforce confidentiality and patient-protection rules. Testimony centered on the death of a teenager after extensive interactions with an AI chatbot, with supporters urging stronger guardrails and opponents asking for amendments; the committee passed the bill to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The consent calendar item, SB 1165 by Senator Caballero, was also approved and sent to Revenue and Taxation.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's a safe, secure, sustainable baseload energy source for the future.
- There's been some... ...technology issue is not an engineering issue.
- A powerful addressing system must be secure by default.
- You are now secure. Give me the thumb drive back.'
- So in this, the post-quantum security system so far has not been broken.
Bills:
HB2809
Keywords:
cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors, 1182, all
Summary:
The Committee on Science and Technology heard two informational presentations before taking up its only bill, HB 2809. The first presentation, from the University of Arizona, focused on fusion energy research and commercialization. The presenter described fusion as a clean, safe, long-term energy source with major potential for Arizona, emphasized growing U.S. and Chinese investment in the field, and argued that Arizona could become a hub for fusion supply chains, talent, and deployment. Members asked about timelines, regulation, and how fusion might compare with small modular reactors and other energy sources; the presenter said fusion could be commercially deployable in roughly 12 to 15 years if public-private investment continues. The second presentation, from XRDNA, described a spatial-temporal addressing system for physical objects and events, aimed at improving coordination across space, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. The company said it is testing with Space Force and launch providers, uses AI provenance tools, and sees its main near-term use case in logistics and space operations.
HB 2809 would require state agencies handling sensitive data, including elections, public safety, benefits, finance, and infrastructure information, to implement post-quantum encryption meeting or exceeding CMMC 2.0 validation, using a U.S.-based vendor and U.S.-developed, manufactured, or maintained components. An amendment clarified that agencies would not be required to connect offline systems to the internet to install encryption, and that agencies could use offline methods such as removable media. The sponsor argued the bill is needed because Arizona’s legacy systems are vulnerable, cited prior cyber incidents and audit findings, and said the bill would secure data even on older systems while keeping the encryption key with the Auditor General. Members generally supported the concept but raised questions about implementation, costs, the Auditor General’s role, and the need for more stakeholder input. No one signed in opposition; the Secretary of State’s office was noted as neutral.
The committee adopted the Pingarelli amendment and then passed HB 2809 as amended on a 9-0 vote, giving it a due pass recommendation. Several members explained their yes votes as support for the bill’s goal while emphasizing the need for careful implementation and broader discussion. The meeting then adjourned.