Transcript Highlights:

• Since that bill took effect, our commission has used remote technology for meetings extensively.
• . survey findings, we recommended that the law be changed to facilitate greater use of remote technology
• Since that bill took effect, our commission has used remote technology for meeting extensively.
• Carruthers can speak to this, of other boards and commissions using this technology very productively
• We think that this technology assists in making state government look more like California.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization heard several bills related to outdoor advertising, open meetings, and San Francisco economic development. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up processing of outdoor advertising permits by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and clarifies customary maintenance of signs. Supporters said the bill would reduce permit backlogs and help local governments and the billboard industry; there was no opposition. The committee passed SB 364 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for additional votes. SB 470 by Senator Laird would extend until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative Bagley-Keene open meeting rules adopted in SB 544, allowing state boards and commissions to continue using remote participation under specified conditions. Supporters from the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities said the current law has increased public participation, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including ACA of California Action, the California News Publishers Association, and media and transparency groups, argued the bill weakens in-person public access and accountability. The committee approved SB 470 to Appropriations, with some no votes and the roll held open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would let San Francisco create a hospitality zone in Union Square/Yerba Buena with up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants to support downtown recovery. City and business representatives said the measure would help fill vacancies, attract restaurants, and boost foot traffic, while remaining temporary and geographically limited. The bill passed to Appropriations with broad support and no opposition. SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the special outdoor advertising rules for signs in former redevelopment areas; supporters said it would give affected communities time to find a permanent solution, while billboard industry opponents warned about compliance and federal highway funding risks. The committee passed SB 783 to Appropriations as amended, and then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• very different from any period in the past, especially considering our reliance on information technology
• Department has found a number of challenges, including integration of software and information technology
• for production, we have to focus less on requirements... and have more adaptive ways to create technologies
• McKenzie, we are much more reliant upon information technology and software-based systems today than
• And, you know, what won World War II for us wasn't the capability of our technology, it was our ability

Transcript Highlights:

• any hydroelectric facility, regardless of size or operational date, to qualify as a carbon-free technology
• any hydroelectric facility, regardless of size or operational date, to qualify as a carbon-free technology
• She adds that modern hydroelectric facilities use advanced technologies to safely generate significant
• <00:05:02.360> to<00:05:02.600> safely use Advanced Technologies to safely use Advanced
• Technologies to safely generate<00:05:03.440> significant<00:05:04.000> amounts<00:05:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So to begin, Platforms and all the other platforms underneath this emerging technology.
• And we wouldn't want to risk discouraging technological innovation in New Jersey.
• labels. ...of a variety of retail technology, including electronic shelf labels.
• I struggle to understand what the threat of a technology is if it can continue to be used and can be
• And as Jessica can certainly explain better, it's not technologically possible with these tags.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, my question is about the technology.
• technologies that you described.<00:26:34.960> Okay.
• Uh, and and those types of technologies.
• medical devices and medical technology. medical devices and medical technology.
• . many of whom knew what technologies. many of whom knew what assistive<01:53:53.679> technologies

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agriculture technology and energy agriculture technology and energy infrastructure<00:08:04.400>
• Talis has deployed and technology today.
• <00:29:52.640> In how long does this technology last?
• In how long does this technology last?
• >> Minnesota could utilize that technology >> Minnesota could utilize that technology

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

• > approach<00:24:15.919> with above technology solutions approach with above technology
• a range of different technology types.
• But then the next technology types.
• , and any other technology.
• Technology, and Energy Committee. The Technology, and Energy Committee.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expands income verification technology expands income verification technology and<00:04:54.200><
• , including lost technology systems, including lost federal<00:05:09.080> support<00:05:09.560
• <00:08:54.600> of modernization and alignment of modernization and alignment of technology
• <00:09:06.640> modernization cross-agency technology modernization cross-agency technology
• <00:35:54.680> for resources to improve our technology for resources to improve our technology

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• And then establishing a longer-term fund that would set aside money for technology modernization on an
• ongoing basis and have it focused on technology modernization.
• ongoing basis and have it focused on technology modernization.
• ongoing basis and have it focused on technology modernization.
• ongoing basis and have it focused on technology modernization.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders unveiled their “North Star Comeback” budget plan, describing it as a focused effort to make Minnesota more affordable, reduce government waste, and strengthen the economy. They said the package would include a $3.8 billion tax cut proposal with one-time property tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, childcare relief, lower car tab fees, and funding for schools through scholarship-granting organizations. They also framed the plan as a response to rising costs for groceries, housing, energy, insurance, and childcare. A major emphasis of the rollout was government accountability, especially a strong Office of Inspector General bill and IT modernization to reduce fraud. Leaders said the OIG proposal had moved out of committee and was now in Ways and Means, with a working group continuing to reconcile House and Senate differences. On IT modernization, Chair Paul Torkelson said the plan would likely use a two-pronged approach, with about $15 million for near-term needs and a longer-term fund for ongoing technology upgrades; he said many such investments could qualify for federal matching dollars. The leaders also highlighted Medicaid conformity, saying Minnesota should align with federal changes to avoid losing funding, and they discussed a property tax rebate proposal as a one-time $1 billion return to taxpayers to offset higher property taxes. In response to questions, they said many of the budget items were still moving through the process and some had not met finance deadlines, while others were already in bills. They repeatedly criticized House Democrats for blocking or delaying Republican proposals and said they wanted bipartisan cooperation to pass the plan this year.

Transcript Highlights:

• As many of you know, we are the co-chairs of the Information Technology Oversight Committee, and we met
• agency, which is the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
• agency, which is the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
• central technology agency, um, which<00:19:24.799> is<00:19:24.960> the<00:19:25.120><
• That's the basics of the Technology.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:06 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 SB 53 Discussion: 01:54 SB 53 Vote: 09:09 SB 192 Discussion: 10:15 SB 192 Vote: 13:42 HB 290 Discussion: 15:02 HB 290 Vote: 16:08 HB 314 Discussion: 16:45 HB 314 Vote: 19:38 Adjournment: 21:32, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53, sponsored by Senator Thomas, addressed Fayette County planning and zoning procedures after a 2024 law was interpreted to limit public comment at certain hearings. Thomas, along with witnesses Walt Gaffield and Zachary Davis, argued the bill would clarify that residents have a right to speak for or against planning matters affecting their homes and neighborhoods. The committee voted favorably on SB 53, with all members present voting yes. The committee then took up Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would allow smaller cities to use agreed-upon procedures instead of full audits under certain conditions, with standards set by professional accounting rules and oversight by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Department of Local Government. Supporters said the bill would help small and midsize cities facing audit costs and a shortage of auditors without reducing accountability. The committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 192 unanimously, with several members explaining their support. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would change how county law library funds can be used, allowing bar associations to spend money on online legal research tools rather than only books. The sponsor said some local associations have unused funds and need more practical options. The committee passed HB 290 unanimously. Finally, House Bill 314, sponsored by Representative Lockett and Senator Williams, would reorganize oversight of the Kentucky Wired network by consolidating authority and personnel into the Commonwealth Office of Technology amid concerns about KCNA’s management. The bill drew criticism from Senator McDaniel, who called Kentucky Wired a boondoggle and questioned its costs, but the committee still passed HB 314 with favorable expression 9-2 and sent it to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI is a promising technology that is being used to speed through administrative processes that humans
• But just like any technological tool, there is a limit to how you use AI, and it doesn't necessarily
• However, we know that as AI technology continues to advance, there's concerns about how it's going to
• using this technology to get us to a yes as fast as possible, not to a no.
• , and we're using this technology process, and we're using this technology to<00:17:50.160> get

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a pretty strong one-day where you're building physical infrastructure with that laboratory R&D technology
• House Bill 27 better aligns the tax credit with how major technology and advanced manufacturing projects
• House Bill 27 better aligns the tax credit with how major technology and advanced manufacturing projects
• Growth and helps New Mexico attract and retain technology-driven employers. Thank you.
• We think increasing flexibility and encouraging greater investment in technology and innovation would

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe has been instrumental in shaping multiple industries, including technology, health care, media, energy
• The Netherlands is home to one of the most specialized important pieces of technology in the global economy
• much to send this technology to China? And Mr.
• And third, I will focus on our cooperation with the Netherlands on critical and emerging technologies
• circumstance that the We've been through in recent years where the United States invented this technology

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Importantly, this bill will also hold the developer or deployer of the technology accountable to ensure
• that the technology does not violate the law.
• AI can definitely bring advantages in the health care space, but as with all emerging technology, there
• AI can definitely bring advantages in the health care space, but as with all emerging technology, there
• common-sense way to add some much-needed protections for patients as we continue to see new AI technologies

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee held its first regular bill hearing of 2025 and considered a wide range of measures on health care access, professional regulation, animal welfare, and consumer protection. Early in the hearing, the committee adopted its rules and then approved a consent calendar of several bills, including measures by Chen, Caloza, Carrillo, Arreguín, Berman, and Flora. The committee also took up AB 1082, which would allow California nursing students enrolled in out-of-state programs to complete clinical training in California; supporters said it would help address the nursing shortage and keep students closer to home, while opponents warned it could worsen already limited clinical placement capacity and reduce oversight. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations after a quorum was established. The committee then heard and advanced several health-related bills. AB 50, by Assembly Member Bonta, would ease Medi-Cal access to over-the-counter hormonal contraception by removing the need for a prescription for coverage purposes; pharmacists, reproductive health advocates, and medical groups supported the bill, and it passed unanimously to the Committee on Health. AB 489, also by Bonta, would prohibit AI systems from misrepresenting themselves as licensed health professionals; supporters from medical, psychiatric, behavioral health, and other professional groups said the bill would protect patients from misleading chatbot advice, and it passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 481, by Assembly Member Rubio, would expand the tasks that federally qualified lab personnel can perform under CLIA supervision to help address lab staffing shortages; labor groups raised concerns about training, certification, and supervision, but the bill passed to Appropriations with an amended do pass recommendation. The committee also considered animal welfare and access-to-care measures. AB 631, by Assembly Member Lee, would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; supporters said the reporting would improve policy and resource allocation, while members discussed how the requirement would work for shelters without websites, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 867, also by Lee, would prohibit cat declawing except when medically necessary for the animal; animal welfare groups strongly supported the bill, while the veterinary association opposed it as an improper legislative regulation of veterinary surgery, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing a limited number of qualified dentists trained in Mexico to practice in underserved California areas; supporters framed it as a cost-neutral way to address major dental access gaps, the California Dental Association remained opposed unless amended, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Several members later added their votes on the various items after the hearing, and the committee kept the hearing open briefly to allow additional add-ons.

Transcript Highlights:

• They did so in unprecedented ways, using new, novel tools and technologies of the 21st century.
• You're the Eugene and Barbara Bernard Professor in Intellectual Property, Technology and Civil Rights
• Federal and state governments fund and promote censorship and blacklisting technology.
• Media and technology companies have come under withering attack. Why?
• It's not as though modern technology has presented us with purely unique, sui generis...

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is high schools, area technology centers, and there's 50 area technology centers around the
• And this is high schools, area technology centers, and there's 50 area technology centers around the
• , automation and efficiency technologies, automation and efficiency technologies, world-class<00:
• So that's and Technology uh program.
• And that fourth, of course, anything to do with technology.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:58 Putting Young Kentuckians to Work: First Year Update 00:04:06 Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative 00:21:59 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership 00:57:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October minutes, and heard first a progress report on the state-funded “Putting Young Kentuckians to Work” initiative. Workforce leaders from Cumberland Workforce Development Board and Kentucky Works said the HB 1 funding has allowed them to contract with all 10 workforce boards and build new pipelines with high schools, area technology centers, school districts, and community and technical colleges. They reported an end-of-year goal of 3,600 job placements, with 218 placements reported as of October 2025 and enrollment numbers continuing to rise. Testimony emphasized that the program is aimed at disconnected youth and high school seniors, that federal WIOA funds are too limited to support this work alone, and that the flexible state funding has enabled short-term training and placements in fields such as welding, CDL, and CNA. Members asked about barriers to implementation, wage levels, and services for students with disabilities; presenters said the main challenge was building school relationships and that wage growth should improve as students gain more skills and credentials. The committee then received an update on the Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative. Representatives from Greater Louisville Inc. and Commerce Lexington explained that the General Assembly previously provided $250,000 for a consultant to develop a statewide talent attraction and retention strategy, and that more than 13 organizations across the state support the effort. Development Counsellors International described its research process, including statewide stakeholder engagement, and said the goal is to create a Kentucky talent value proposition that combines job opportunities with quality-of-place messaging. They reported that Kentucky faces a shrinking labor force and a projected national worker shortfall, while internal research found 47% of working-age respondents could consider leaving the state within two years because they are not confident in career opportunities. At the same time, they said 96% of surveyed higher education students would stay if offered a full-time job, and 72% of employers expect to expand staffing in the next two years. The presenters said they are moving from research into messaging and an action plan, and that the strategy should be customized and measurable rather than one-size-fits-all.

Transcript Highlights:

• on technology on technology uh<00:29:08.159> in<00:29:08.399> terms<00:29:08.559><
• Technology has evolved.
• uptick in the development of technology uptick in the development of technology and<00:47:04.240
• of Technology. of Technology.
• the Commonwealth Office of Technology. the Commonwealth Office of Technology.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Discussion of the KentuckyWired Network 00:00:55 Discussion of the Water Resource Information System 00:35.40 Discussion of Geographic Information Systems 00:52:30 Discussion of Committee Report to LRC 01:15:05, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a presentation from Leadcore representatives Jimmy Bird, Mike Murray, and Rebecca Moss on the Kentucky Wired network. Leadcore described its role as the design-builder and service provider under the KCNA contract, saying the network was built with roughly 13,200 feet of fiber, mostly aerial, and that the use of non-armored cable was a Kentucky-side decision made to reduce cost. They also said aerial construction and non-armored cable increase maintenance challenges, including storm damage and squirrel-related damage, and reported FY25 service activity of 104 break-fix events, 30 maintenance replacements, 64 storm-damage events, and nearly 13,000 feet of fiber replaced to date. Committee members questioned whether the original project anticipated this level of replacement and whether any forecast existed for maintenance under non-armored cable. Leadcore said it did not do a formal forecast and could not say whether the replacement rate was above or below norms, though it acknowledged the decision not to use armored cable came from the Kentucky side of the contract. Members also asked about whether replacements caused network degradation; Leadcore said it tries to replace cable at existing splice points to avoid degradation and, where needed, uses armored cable for replacement sections going forward. The committee then explored Leadcore’s relationship with Excel and KCNA. Leadcore said it has a service-level agreement for KCNA-related fibers but not for dark fibers used by Excel, and that Kentucky Wired fibers get priority on service requests. It said outages are reported through a 1-800 number and that it was not aware of any access problems to the huts. On the tech refresh, Leadcore said its understanding is that maintaining the network is its responsibility, but the technology refresh is not; it said only a very limited amount of refresh has occurred and that this did not match the original contract intent. Leadcore also said it had not been asked to defer maintenance. The chair closed by saying the testimony would inform a committee report and that he intended to recommend clawing back or withholding some previously authorized Kentucky Wired and refresh funding until an audit is complete, with the committee to vote on a report later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We really need to modernize our program integrity technology.
• We really need to modernize our program integrity technology.
• Um, technology is one thing.
• <01:15:05.760> solutions we need business technology solutions we need business technology
• I think we also technology is one thing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Telematics technology is not new.
• And the technology has not been proven to accurately reflect risk.
• This is not a new technology, and the national standard is still opt-in. Okay.
• As genetic technology advances, so too must our safeguards.
• As genetic technology advances, so too must our safeguard.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very simple technology, and we're storing it permanently in cement.
• It's very simple technology, and we're storing it permanently in cement.
• And I'll tell you, there's some very exciting technology in food processing.
• Kyle Orion, on behalf of the California Emerging Technology Fund, in support. Okay.
• , we forget that we're still leaving We move forward in society with technology.

Keywords: 987, senate, all