Video & Transcript : 'technology transformation' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jun 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- was only about 15 years ago that Uber launched its first product here in California, the home of technology
- I'm here representing Uber Technologies Incorporated, one of the transportation network companies that
- We also use technology to help safety for all road users.
- We also use technology to help safety for all road users, not just our drivers and riders.
- Your industry has transformed transportation, and it's crazy to think... ...transformed transportation
Summary:
The hearing focused on transportation network companies in California, with the chair framing it as an informational hearing on the history, regulation, safety, climate, accessibility, and data issues surrounding Uber, Lyft, and smaller or autonomous TNC services. The CPUC described its decade-long regulatory role, including safety rules, background checks, insurance requirements, reporting obligations, and two major legislative programs from 2018: the Clean Miles Standard and the Access for All program. Members asked about complaint trends, data collection and disclosure, program implementation, and how the CPUC uses annual reports for policymaking, compliance, and program oversight.
Uber and Lyft said the statewide framework has supported growth while providing safety and access benefits, but both companies emphasized that insurance is a major cost driver and argued that California’s UM/UIM requirement is unusually high compared with other vehicles. They said the Clean Miles Standard is pushing electrification but faces headwinds from EV affordability and charging infrastructure, while Access for All has expanded wheelchair-accessible service but still needs continued support. They also discussed transit partnerships, wildfire response, and the potential role of autonomous vehicles, with both companies saying human drivers will remain important and that future regulation should account for new technology.
The final panel, including the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and UC Berkeley researchers, presented evidence that TNCs have increased congestion and reduced transit ridership, especially in dense urban areas. They described prior research showing TNCs contributed to congestion growth in San Francisco and noted that this work helped spur local taxes on ride-hailing trips to fund safety and transit improvements. The panel also discussed the CPUC’s evolving data-disclosure decisions, arguing that public access to TNC trip data is important for understanding transportation impacts and informing local policy.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 23rd, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- This is important life-saving technology. Other states are deploying Next Generation 911.
- Require best available technology. C.
- Require best available technology in order to restart operations. D.
- But if you had up-to-date technology, we wouldn't be here. And I wouldn't be here right now.
- I'm concerned about the best available technology definition as well, because it's very vague, right?
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine United States Special Operations Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed hearing in SVC-217. Apr 8th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Hansel, I welcome your thoughts about how you intend to foster transformation within the intelligence
- Space Force, one of the most visionary and transformative decisions for our national security.
- Subcommittee for the Science Space and Technology Committee, where I had oversight, excuse me, oversight
- This includes ensuring we have the right technology and organizational structure to enable our personnel
- So my question for you, sir, is if How will you work to speed up commercial technology adoption?
Keywords:
national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations
Summary:
The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of the United States European Command and United States Africa Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed he Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- And throughout this intense and challenging transformation, the presence of U.S.
- Front-Run Manned Aerial Systems Technology and Integrated Air Missile Defense Platforms are critical
- Army's transformation and contact initiative that is really based on lessons learned from Ukraine.
- 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.
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.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- vehicles, and two, vehicles with driver-assist technology.
- This is not anti-technology. This is pro-human life.
- That is a different type of technology.
- The most challenging part was that this was a new technology, that no one knew how to... ...a new technology
- But also, we don't want to stifle technology.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, focusing on safety, regulation, first responder impacts, and the state’s evolving oversight framework. The chair said the committee would hear all panels before public comment, with witnesses limited to five minutes and public commenters to one minute. The first panel featured an industry representative, a safety academic, and victims/advocates who described sharply different views of AV safety and accountability.
Ariel Wolf of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that fully autonomous vehicles are distinct from driver-assist systems, said AVs are already reducing crashes and fatalities, and urged clear, uniform standards. Dr. Missy Cummings countered that remote operations and computer-vision failures show the technology still depends on human intervention and can be unsafe, especially when remote assistance is done from abroad. Robert O’Dowd and Dylan Angulo, both tied to Tesla crash cases, described fatal and serious injuries involving Autopilot/Full Self-Driving, criticized limited transparency and data access, and called for stronger disclosure, preservation of crash data, and mandatory fixes or disabling of defective software.
Committee members questioned witnesses about data comparing AVs to human drivers, the role of remote operators, liability, and whether California should create clearer standards for the human element behind AV systems. Several members and witnesses discussed the need for “guardrails,” black-box-style data access, and accountability for the remaining crash risk. The hearing then shifted to first responders and road users: a San Francisco Fire Department representative described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access during emergencies and urged a public safety manual override; a San Jose police representative said officers need clear enforcement authority, training, and reliable ways to stop or redirect AVs; a rideshare driver described near-collisions and congestion caused by robo-taxis; and a Teamsters representative opposed proposed heavy-duty AV truck rules as too reliant on manufacturer self-certification and lacking independent validation.
In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials defended California’s regulatory structure. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings and permit types, and is developing a fourth package that would add reporting, enforcement tools, emergency-response requirements, and rules for heavy-duty AVs. DMV said it has revoked or suspended permits when needed, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC said its authority covers passenger service only, requires safety plans and ongoing reporting, and continues oversight after permits are issued. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The 2021 Metropolitan Transit Commission Transformation Action Plan showed near-universal support from
- The task force was charged with developing the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan.
- It was established in 2003. agency's transformation task force. It was established in 2003.
- community college system to train workers in high-demand sectors like health care, green energy, technology
- partnership with UCR and Riverside City College for a center for the study of advanced science, technology
Summary:
The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment.
The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit.
The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- California is at the forefront of AV technology and robotaxi services.
- But there are really just two technologies to focus on for this discussion.
- This is not anti-technology. This is pro-human life.
- That is a different type of technology.
- I don't know if you're aware of the technology around dispatch in San Jose.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with the chair emphasizing that all panel testimony would be heard before public comment. The first panel included an industry representative from AVIA, a George Mason University professor, a Dawn Project representative, and a crash survivor. Testimony sharply divided between supporters who said AVs and driver-assist systems can reduce crashes and create jobs, and critics who argued that current systems are unreliable, rely on unsafe remote assistance, and are being deployed without enough transparency or accountability. Committee members questioned witnesses about safety data, the distinction between Level 2 and Level 4 systems, remote operations, liability, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger reporting requirements.
The second panel focused on first responders and workers. A retired San Francisco Fire Department official described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access, and said remote hotlines have been too slow to resolve incidents, urging a public-safety manual override for police, fire, and paramedics. A San Jose police deputy chief said law enforcement sees AV safety potential but needs clear authority, training, and standardized protocols to handle traffic violations and emergency interactions. A San Francisco rideshare driver described near-collisions, red-light violations, and congestion caused by robotaxis, calling for fines, permit suspensions, and better public access to incident data. A Teamsters representative criticized DMV’s proposed heavy-duty AV rules as too permissive, especially for 80,000-pound autonomous trucks, and argued for independent validation, operational limits, and legislative action if regulators do not act.
In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials described California’s existing AV regulatory framework and defended the state’s oversight. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings, and is now developing a fourth package that would expand reporting, strengthen enforcement, and require AVs to respond to emergency geo-fence messages and law enforcement direction. DMV also noted current permit counts and past suspensions and revocations, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC began outlining its role in regulating passenger service for hire. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only, and the committee chair indicated the testimony would inform future policy and legislation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- These decisions reflect a growing recognition of the current limitations in electric truck technology
- So I'm here primarily just to share information about the charging technology available to electrify
- Question number one: is it technologically possible?
- So question number one, is it technologically possible?
- The demand is there, and the technology is ready now. It's time to make this transition.
Summary:
The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services.
A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Take our weapons, our swords of war and conflict, and transform them.
- </c> conflict, and transform them. conflict, and transform them.
- The personnel, training, and technology necessary to protect our homeland and keep our communities safe
- Secret Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, Science and Technology Directorate, Office
- </c> Training Centers, Science and Technology Training Centers, Science and Technology Directorate,<02
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She works as the CEO of the Northwest Gas Association and was the CEO of the Washington Technology Industry
- The underlying bill updates and clarifies how our state's Clean Energy Transformation Act applies to
- fossil fuels for emergency backup requirements are exempt from compliance under the Clean Energy Transformation
- fossil fuels for emergency backup requirements are exempt from compliance under the Clean Energy Transformation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 10th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- access and opportunities as men in every part of society, politics, government, business, science, technology
- Parity is not about numbers it's about progress that transforms. policies, communities, and lives.
- As Deputy Executive Director for Stanislaus County, she leads transformative projects like the Crow's
- For over two decades, Angelica has transformed CHRLA into a mass-membership, immigrant-led organization
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2450, Arizona Science and Technology. HB 2459, mobile home parts. HB 2460, business projects.
- bona fide; HB 2697, expired opioid; HB 2698; Commerce; HB 2699, contracts, public works; HB 2700, technology
- ; Science and Technology; HB 2702, data center; Commerce and Natural Resources, Energy and Water; HB
- HB 2233, rural hurt transformations; HB 2234, municipal life; HB 2235, due no attention; HB 2236, appropriation
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because in this day of technology, it may not be a doctor in the room.
- </c> Because in this day of technology Because in this day of technology it<00:40:34.160><c> may</c><
- And it's a transformational investment in the future of pediatric care here in Kentucky and beyond.
- And<01:02:05.520><c> it's</c><01:02:05.640><c> a</c><01:02:05.720><c> transformational</c><01:02:06.880
- ><c> investment</c> And it's a transformational investment And it's a transformational investment in<
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and excused absent members. The chamber received second readings of several bills and resolutions, including measures on ad valorem taxes, planning and zoning, tax-dollar restrictions, provisional medical licensing, Medicaid oversight, environmental regulations, municipal financial reporting, nuclear workforce development, and county law libraries. Committee reports advanced bills on economic development, education, judiciary, and veterans/public protection, and the body also received a list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics such as rural revitalization, athletics, SNAP eligibility, diaper tax exemption, domestic violence, middle school math, pedestrian bridges, constitutional amendments, education, and several honorary resolutions.
The Senate then took up House Bill 314, which would reorganize the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (Kentucky Wired) by moving it under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, restructuring its board, and adding members representing cities and counties. Supporters said the bill was an administrative change, not a funding measure, intended to focus the network on students, teachers, and public users while awaiting an audit. Critics argued the project has been a costly taxpayer burden and called for stronger oversight. The bill passed final passage 32-6.
The chamber also passed Senate Bill 157, which aligns Kentucky law with federal mortgage rules so that certain rate buy-down payments do not count against borrower fee caps, with supporters saying it would help housing affordability and reduce costs for borrowers. Senate Bill 214 also passed unanimously; it allows the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to accept non-federal funding for grants without routing those funds through the Department of Finance. The Senate later adopted several resolutions, including Senate Resolution 61 recognizing Links Incorporated Day, Senate Resolution 114 commemorating the 80th Southern Legislative Conference, and Senate Resolution 118 honoring Joseph H. Mattingly Jr. Additional remarks highlighted a Black History Celebration event and a lengthy floor speech criticizing the Kentucky Hospital Association’s reserves and urging investigation, followed by consideration of Senate Resolution 55 on Profound Autism Day in Kentucky.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This discovery could help technologies.
- Over the past five years, we've transformed an empty lot in South Minneapolis into a four-story mixed-use
- Over the past 5 years, we've<00:47:03.359><c> transformed</c><00:47:04.000><c> an</c><00:47:04.319><c
- > empty</c><00:47:04.640><c> lot</c><00:47:04.960><c> in</c><00:47:05.280><c> South</c> we've transformed
- an empty lot in South we've transformed an empty lot in South Minneapolis<00:47:06.160><c> into</c><
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- And as a kind of reminder, the Census Bureau is increasing their reliance on technology and third-party
- Now they're doing in-office, you know, Google Earth kind of type of technology.
- A lot of older buildings being transformed to housing.
- A lot of older buildings being transformed to housing. A lot of new construction is coming online.
- A lot of older buildings being transformed to housing. A lot of new construction is coming online.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on the Census held a hearing on September 22, 2025 focused on preparations for the 2030 census, with an emphasis on Massachusetts’ role in building a complete address list and improving local participation in census-related address review programs. Chair Brownsberger and witnesses from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, the UMass Donahue Institute, Watertown, and MassGIS described the importance of accurate address data for congressional apportionment, federal funding, and state and local planning. They also discussed the first major upcoming step, the Block Boundary Suggestion Project, and the later Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) process, both of which rely on municipalities reviewing and correcting census geography and address files.
John Rosenberry of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office said outreach to cities and towns is beginning now, with a likely December start for the block boundary process based on the 2020 cycle. He stressed that local officials, clerks, building inspectors, housing authorities, and GIS staff should be engaged early, especially to capture new development and conversions created under the state’s housing policies. Susan Strait of UMass Donahue explained that LUCA allows local governments to compare their address lists with the Census Bureau’s master address file, and that Massachusetts had very high participation in 2020; she cited examples where local review added hidden or newly built housing units and noted that Boston later corrected a group-quarters undercount of about 6,000 students through a post-census review program. In response to questions, she clarified that those corrections affected annual estimates and funding formulas, but not the 2020 apportionment count.
Watertown City Manager George Proakis described how local address review is complicated by accessory dwelling units, single-family to two-family conversions, and large multifamily projects, and urged continued state support for local governments doing this work. Dan Marrier of MassGIS then outlined the Massachusetts Master Address Database, explaining that it combines multiple sources, including E911, assessor, voter, and municipal data, to create a standardized residential address repository used for census preparation and other state functions. He said the database has helped improve census accuracy, including by updating more than one million Census Bureau address-point locations before 2020, and noted that local municipalities remain the final authority on addresses even as MassGIS standardizes and reconciles variants across the Commonwealth.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, really, to put this briefly in local perspective, to understand why this gap funding is transformative
- The current high school, the current middle school, one elementary school, and the area technology center
- center all sit on the main technology center all sit on the main central<00:23:59.760><c> campus.
- We've also seen increases in energy costs, construction costs, cost to maintain important technology
- infrastructure, and the list technology infrastructure, and the list could<00:38:15.040><c> go</c><00
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024.
The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students.
The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/23/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:39.040><c> and</c> thousands of little transformers and thousands of little transformers and
- /c><00:50:32.960><c> these</c><00:50:33.200><c> coal</c> technologies can go where these coal technologies
- That was a encourage new technologies.
- Uh, if that were fully technologies.
- Second, the generation fleet is transforming rapidly.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Mehmet Oz, of Pennsylvania, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Mar 25th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But I believe technology is the great enabler.
- We could do them with basic technology that's out there.
- So I know we're working a lot on the technology.
- You build a middle layer. and then you put in modern technology in front of it.
- What's the technology that we need to do the job?
Keywords:
Social Security, Medicaid, Frank Bisignano, Elon Musk, benefit processing, office closures, public testimony, administration policies, health care, vulnerable populations
Summary:
The committee meeting focused heavily on the nomination of Frank Bisignano as the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, with intense discussions around the current state of Social Security and its management under the current administration. Members voiced significant concerns regarding potential changes to Social Security and Medicaid, specifically addressing issues such as office closures, delays in benefit processing, and the perceived policies from Elon Musk's association with the administration. Public testimonies highlighted fears that these changes would severely impact the accessibility of benefits for seniors and vulnerable individuals, resulting in a chaotic environment at the SSA. Members expressed a unified opposition to the notion of dismantling these critical programs, emphasizing the long-term implications on their constituents' well-being.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Kids know those technologies better than their parents.
- This is a new technology.
- This is a new technology. It is a powerful technology. and we believe minors need to.
- This is a new technology. It is a powerful technology.
- It is such new technology. The technology changes over time.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The seven service organizations were identified that were significant to Core Technology Services, or
- I think we need to be able to utilize more technology.
- And we are continually looking at ways that we can better service... ...utilize more technology, and
- That's the goal of the rural health transformation.
- Certainly that committee will be involved in the oversight of rural health transformation.
Summary:
The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts.
The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects.
Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.