Transcript Highlights:

• , defense technology, and so much more.
• technology, and so much more.
• Innovation isn't just about technology; it's about people.
• Innovation isn't just about technology; it's about people.
• Innovation isn't just about technology, it's about people.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development held a hearing on the DRIVE Act, a proposal to invest $400 million in Massachusetts research and innovation without new taxes. Governor Healey and administration officials said the bill would direct $200 million to public higher education research and regional partnerships and $200 million to a research funding pool for hospitals, universities, and other institutions, with the goal of retaining talent, leveraging private and philanthropic dollars, and offsetting major federal R&D cuts. They argued that research is a core economic engine for the state, supporting jobs across labs, construction, services, and surrounding businesses, and said the bill would help protect the Commonwealth’s tax base and competitiveness during a period of federal uncertainty and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether Fair Share surtax dollars should instead be used for K-12 and other community needs, whether the proposal is enough given the scale of lost federal grants, and how the money would be allocated. The governor responded that the funds are one-time surplus dollars, that most surtax revenue already supports education, and that the bill is meant as a bridge to stabilize public higher education and research. She also said the legislation includes a review board and could support a revolving or matched-fund approach in some cases. Several members pressed for more detail on selection criteria, future funding, and whether private companies and large endowments should contribute more. University of Massachusetts leaders and researchers testified that federal grant cancellations and delays are already causing layoffs, furloughs, rescinded admissions, and lost research capacity. UMass officials said the bill would help preserve faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research programs in medicine, climate science, marine science, Braille instruction, and AI decision-making. They emphasized that the funding should be merit-based and that the state needs to act quickly to prevent talent from leaving Massachusetts. Business, labor, and industry groups, including MassBio, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, AIM, the AFL-CIO, and Building Trades, supported the bill, saying it would protect jobs, sustain the innovation ecosystem, and reinforce Massachusetts’ national leadership in research and life sciences. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Committee on Science, Technology and Energy, or otherwise known as "90% energy bills."
• EPA also regulates air toxics, but they do it more from a technology standpoint.
• EPA also regulates air toxics, but they do it more from a technology standpoint.
• One of the challenges we always face is upgrading and replacing equipment.
• <02:03:45.079> because retrofitted redesigned upgraded because retrofitted redesigned upgraded

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These costs include layoff expenses, costs tied to labor management agreements, and security upgrades
• By uh, October 1st, that number will decrease to 231. security upgrades uh in some instances, security
• upgrades uh in some instances, and<00:02:58.239> increased<00:02:59.200> staffing<00:02
• The OA report recommended that the Minnesota legislature begin to plan for the replacement or upgrading
• But I would also point out that, you know, today as we see the emerging possibilities of technology,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It had to get upgraded, and there was two different ways to do that.
• It had to get upgraded, and there was two different ways to do that.
• It had to get upgraded, and there was two different ways to do that.
• It had to get upgraded, and there was two different ways to do that.
• It had to get upgraded, and there were two different ways to do that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:39:44.400> as<00:39:44.640> they<00:39:44.880> plan state for systems upgrades
• as they plan state for systems upgrades as they plan for<00:39:45.359> the<00:39:45.520> 2026
• It is a system that the state should have invested in upgrading a long time ago.
• It is a system that the state should have invested in upgrading a long time ago.
• It is a system that the state should have invested in upgrading a long time ago.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It would upgrade, basically...
• When and if convicted of a felony, it would upgrade basically or enhance the mandatory minimums that
• It would be far more expensive based on the technology we currently have.
• It would be far more expensive based on the technology we currently have. Not only that, Mr.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 19, 2026, with a long agenda and several members’ bills and resolutions. The committee first considered HB 255, as substituted, which would add up to two years of imprisonment for a person charged with a felony or rioting offense who wore a mask or face covering to evade identification, with exceptions for religious coverings, motorcycles, and medical use. Supporters said it targeted concealment during felonies; the ACLU opposed it as redundant and potentially overbroad, while the Louisiana District Attorneys Association clarified the enhancement would apply only to felony convictions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 255 favorably by a vote of 8-3. It then advanced HB 378, which creates penalties for using a vehicle to obstruct first responders and law enforcement; after an amendment narrowed the bill to first responders, it was reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, also passed favorably after testimony emphasizing attacks on houses of worship. HR 272, requesting a study on parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably as well. The committee also heard HB 479, the Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act, which would require more detailed reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts. Supporters, including the ACLU, said the bill would improve transparency and help lawmakers make better fiscal decisions; clerks of court opposed it as an unfunded mandate. Despite amendments shifting reporting duties and clarifying compliance with Children’s Code Article 412, the bill failed on a 4-7 roll call. The committee then deferred HCR 99 and took up HR 278, which asks the Attorney General to consult stakeholders and review electronic monitoring laws and regulations; supporters described serious failures in the current GPS monitoring system, and the resolution was reported favorably. HR 273, creating a task force to study work release programs, was also reported favorably after members said it would help refine the system and gather cost data. Later, the committee heard SB 448 on the Office of the State Public Defender. After discussion of a recent Supreme Court ruling and concerns about expert-witness funding and indigency determinations, the committee adopted an amendment adding a contradictory-hearing process and appellate review protections, then reported the bill as amended. HCR 100, concerning casino property sales, was amended to remove specific property references and instead urge the Gaming Control Board to consider economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the casino association withdrew opposition after the amendment, and the resolution was reported favorably as amended. The committee also voluntarily deferred SB 278 and HCR 91. HB 261, which would create exceptions to abortion laws for rape and certain sex offenses, drew extensive emotional testimony from supporters and opponents, including survivors and legislators discussing rape, incest, and fetal life; the bill was defeated 2-10. Finally, the committee took up HB 778 on kratom possession, with the author arguing for a distinction between natural kratom and synthetic products, and supporters and opponents offering conflicting testimony about safety, addiction recovery, and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finance Authority, to include green space, property acquisition, some utility and infrastructure upgrades
• , as well as the necessary pedestrian safety upgrades to start being able to deliver those community
• We've invested with the capital money that we've been able to receive over the years into technology,
• We've invested with the capital money that we've been able to receive over the years into technology,

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But then you'll also see welding technology.
• So this includes everything that is our career certificate programs, our applied technology diplomas,
• Again, in our recording arts technology, so many businesses are using multimedia platforms and skills
• I did want to allude to one question that you asked, Senior Chancellor, about technology."
• Trying to bring that technology in, those are some ways that I am looking at to try to upgrade, because

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first session of the year, took roll, welcomed new member Senator Bracey Davis, and had members briefly describe their backgrounds and interest in higher education. Chair Harrell framed the committee’s focus on maintaining Florida’s top national ranking in higher education and workforce development, with an emphasis on funding decisions tied to student success, workforce needs, and the state college system. Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell presented the Department of Education’s workforce and Florida College System budget requests and data. He described requested increases for adult education, Florida College System program funding, workforce development, and several grant programs, including workforce capitalization, apprenticeship/teacher apprenticeship, Open Door, and CAPE industry certifications. He highlighted record enrollment and completion growth across Florida’s colleges and technical centers, major gains in career dual enrollment, and expansion in programs such as nursing, AI, cybersecurity, welding, HVAC, and manufacturing. Members asked about labor-market demand, the impact of artificial intelligence on future job training, teacher apprenticeship details, mission creep and duplication in CTE programs, student placement and wages after graduation, and articulation between technical college clock hours and college credit. South Florida State College President Fred Hawkins testified about challenges facing a rural college, including low local college-going rates, long travel distances, limited faculty recruitment due to salaries, and the need for more operational funding to expand capacity. He cited strong job placement and licensure outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography, and said the college is exploring AI tools to improve student services and reduce staffing pressure. Pinellas Technical College Executive Director Mark Hunter described strong dual enrollment, high job placement, employer partnerships, and a reported 400% return on investment, while also warning that many programs have waiting lists because of staffing and equipment constraints. He explained how technical college coursework is aligned with state college credit through content-based articulation agreements. The committee then opened the floor for public comment, but no additional business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not specify what new technology is targeted here, and it also is targeting new technology with
• It does not specify what new technology is targeted here, and it also is targeting new technology with
• It does not specify what new technology is targeted here, and it also is targeting new technology with
• In regards to the new technology, you know, there’s adaptive technology, adaptive surfboards, motorized
• In regards to the new technology, you know, there’s adaptive technology, adaptive surfboards, motorized

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the router upgrade, this is the infrastructure existing sites. 129 of those have been completed.
• Uh, we were going to upgrade the radio system, and I was quite confident that that’s all we were going
• radio system project. uh we were going radio system project. uh we were going to<00:26:54.960> upgrade
• the radio system and I was to upgrade the radio system and I was quite<00:26:57.120> confident
• Why don’t we upgrade these as we go along?

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:23 Approve Minutes from January 15, 2026- 00:01:03 Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS- 00:01:47 Adjournment- 00:54:18, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from Kentucky State Police on the SERVE radio system project, with David Barker and consultant Brandon Marshall explaining progress across multiple phases. They reported that Mayfield PD fire/EMS and Graves County Sheriff are fully operational on the system, Phase 2 is 77% complete with 48 existing sites finished and 13 new sites pending acquisition, and Phase 3A remains funded but not yet complete. They also said router upgrades are complete, radio dispatch positions and mobile/portable rollout are complete, and microwave replacement is nearly finished, with one remaining site delayed by weather. A major part of the discussion focused on why the project has taken so long and why equipment is being purchased before some sites are built. KSP said the project began as a radio system upgrade but expanded as they discovered additional infrastructure needs, including routers and microwave links that were not in the original scope. They explained that equipment must be purchased in advance to match versions and preserve warranty coverage, and that older existing tower sites are being refurbished rather than replaced to make use of existing public-safety infrastructure. They also said all expenditures are tracked in inventory and accounting records and that the project remains transparent. Members pressed for a master plan and timeline, with Representative Smith arguing the project needs clearer structure and fewer layers of decision-making. KSP acknowledged the need for a timeline, said they had plans but not a full timeline earlier, and stated that if the remaining funding is approved they expect to complete the remaining existing sites and 25 new sites by June 30, 2027. They said 56 new-build sites remain, identified as the yellow-dot sites on the maps, and that some sites may be able to use existing Demar/National Guard tower locations. The committee did not take a vote on the project during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• communications with local partners, for data contracts required to do eligibility determinations, IT systems upgrades
• communications with local partners, for data contracts required to do eligibility determinations, IT systems upgrades
• /c> eligibility determinations, uh IT eligibility determinations, uh IT systems<00:14:50.120> upgrades
• systems upgrades, and um communications. systems upgrades, and um communications.
• And while technology changes are coming, they haven't proven to be impactful in shortening those timelines

Bills: HF4401, HF4466

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access

Transcript Highlights:

• credentialed by Cardiovascular Credentialing International to assist with cardiac electrophysiology technology
• credentialed by Cardiovascular Credentialing International to assist with cardiac electrophysiology technology
• , or cardiovascular invasive technology, provided that they do not independently operate or energize
• important bill to ensure that these technologists have the right credentials in an ever-expanding Technological
• utilization of donor milk has necessitated the need for the Mother's Milk Bank to have a larger, upgraded

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received committee reports from Banking and Insurance and Judiciary. Several leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber took up calendar and procedural motions, including re-referrals and tabling actions on multiple bills. House Bill 1102 and Senate Bill 911 were re-referred to Appropriations, House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 599 were briefly laid on the table and then returned to the calendar, and House Bill 2400 and Senate Bill 746 were also sent to Appropriations. The Senate later agreed to consider a discharge-related motion on minimum wage, but the motion to make it a special order of business failed by a vote of 23-27. On final passage, Senate Bill 1182 passed 50-0 after Senator Boscola described it as a modernization of the Board of Vehicles Act to address software-based vehicle features, warranty reimbursement, data protections, loaner vehicles, and related dealer/manufacturer issues; she noted amendments had been adopted to address stakeholder concerns. Senate Bill 1334 also passed, 29-21, after the Senate rejected Amendment A44049, which would have exempted certain cardiology technicians from licensing requirements if credentialed and supervised; supporters argued the exemption reflected existing practice and credentialing, while opponents said the bill was needed for patient safety and consistent oversight. Senate Bill 1372 passed 50-0, and House Bill 2426 was re-referred to Appropriations. The latter part of the session focused heavily on minimum wage and budget timing. Senators Tartaglione, Hughes, and Costa argued Pennsylvania had gone 20 years without raising the minimum wage and urged action on a House-passed minimum wage measure, while Senator Pittman said Republicans were willing to “meet in the middle” but opposed the House proposal as written. Members also discussed the state budget, the rainy day fund, and whether the Senate should remain in session; after debate, Senator Pittman’s motion to recess to the call of the President pro tempore was adopted 27-23, and the Senate stood in recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked a lot over the last couple of days about the recent upgrade to the state's bond rating,
• So as technology improves and as we integrate that into our.
• I am serious as we talk about the new technology that's hitting.
• That's the new technology from the 1920 Industrial Revolution that's going to push nations ahead.
• Arizona and chip manufacturing, and how other states handle technology in California.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• The technologies behind pavement design haven't changed a ton over the last decade or so.
• As technology improves and as we integrate that into our Road and Bridge Infrastructure, those types
• As we talk about fusion and the new technology that's hitting...
• The new technology from the 1920 Industrial Revolution that's going to push nations ahead.
• Technology in California. Just spend a little time and just look at that World Economic Forum.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• through the Senate and the House and on the President's desk, the military will have $150 billion to upgrade
• Out a beautiful custom-made Rolls-Royce Spectre where the audio system upgrade is $21,000.
• ISIS is re-emerging, so the technology we need to keep them over there so they can't get here.
• Renewable and increasingly cheaper technologies.
• We're talking about spending $150 billion to upgrade the ability of the military to defend us at the

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of it is just infrastructure upgrades to start up their kind of drone industrial park that's out
• when we talk about ports of entry, it's not just the bricks and mortar; it is the systems and the technology
• It takes the technology to verify that They're in compliance, and if somebody's in compliance and we
• The back office technology is always something that, just like everything else, you've got to continue
• Again, that's a $6.8 million dollar brick and mortar investment plus technology.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Army is trans- forming its organizations and delivering technology to keep up with the evolving battlefield
• platforms as well because we're cognizant of the talent that we seek for the Space Force, leveraging technology
• physical training and the fitness that they're working on, we're also exploring whether we can bring technology
• We upgraded the position of the from a one-star to a two-star.
• When something changes, like we're talking about with UAS, counter-UAS, and that technology that is changing

Keywords: NDAA, military recruitment, personnel readiness, testimony, military leaders

Summary: The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• I THINK IF WE CAN GET OUR TECHNOLOGY WORKING WE WILL HEAR, WE DO HAVE SOME FOLKS THERE.
• IT IS NOW NOT FAST ANYMORE COMPARED TO THE NEW ONES SO WE HAVE JUST ARRANGED WITH THE VIDEO TO UPGRADE
• THIS LEGISLATION ALLOWS THE MOST QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE ON THE ASSISTANT TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL PRIORITIZING
• STUDENTS HAVE BEEN TRADITIONALLY UNDERREPRESENTED INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MATH, SCIENCE, COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
• , COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND CAREER EDUCATION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• review waste management facility reports and inspections, and we're asking for IT to make sure we upgrade
• The reality is this industry is getting smart about what they're doing with technology.
• I think there's a lot of opportunity for. new technologies like hydrogen, like CO2, that we all are excited
• In an era when key national security and cutting-edge technology projects are looking to locate and develop
• Carbon capture and storage is one of the most practical, necessary... and common-sense technologies for

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're faced with technology that just moves us right along, but we don't think about our seniors.
• anticipated that revenues generated by the new sales tax will continue to fund highway construction upgrades
• approved the value of localized transit investments in Orinda, where Measure J supported our ADA ramp upgrades

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several revenue and taxation bills, beginning with SB 1124, which would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. Senator Archuleta and Dr. Alex Zhu testified that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and that awareness is low, while retail groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, notice, and penalties. Members discussed screening access and cost, and the author indicated willingness to reduce penalties. The bill passed 4-0 to the Senate Health Committee. The committee then heard wildfire-related tax relief measures. SB 1352 would clarify that disaster victims rebuilding homes may increase the size of a reconstructed home by up to 10% without triggering reassessment, and SB 1343 would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a rebuilt primary residence after a disaster. Both measures were supported by local officials and taxpayer groups, with some concern about administration and whether the benefits would skew toward higher-income households. Each bill passed unanimously, with SB 1352 sent to Appropriations and SB 1343 also sent to Appropriations. SB 1172 would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, prompted by concerns that revenues in places like Shafter and Dinuba were being diverted away from local communities. The bill drew support from the League of California Cities and the California Retailers Association, while some members worried about local control. It passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters said it would let voters decide on continued investment in roads, transit, and congestion relief, while taxpayer groups opposed it. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1404, which would restore a fire prevention fee in state responsibility areas and use it to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author arguing the fee would help address rising wildfire costs and reduce reliance on other funding sources. Rural county and taxpayer groups opposed it, citing affordability, double-charging, and constitutional concerns; some members also questioned the fee’s administration and burden on fixed-income residents. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals to improve retention and access to care; it drew support from a rural clinic and no opposition beyond a CTA tax-credit concern, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including SB 1072, SB 1165, and committee bills SB 1435-SB 1437, was also adopted.