Video & Transcript : 'foreign intelligence' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- As many of you already know, artificial intelligence has many upsides and potential to improve the lives
- Artificial intelligence has many upsides and potential to improve the lives of Californians across our
- SB 903 establishes clear, reasonable standards to protect consumers as artificial intelligence enters
- It's unclear to me if this bill allows a therapist to utilize artificial intelligence to help him or
- her in their assessment of... ...intelligence to help him or her in their assessment of an issue and
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 936 on nitrous oxide sales. Senator Blakespear and supporters, including Orange and Humboldt County supervisors and public safety, medical, waste, and local government groups, argued the bill would curb youth misuse, impaired driving, and hazardous waste by prohibiting retail sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than eight grams while preserving legitimate uses. There was no lead opposition testimony, though members raised questions about enforcement and existing regulatory agencies. The committee ultimately moved the bill on a due pass basis to Senate Appropriations, with broad support and no recorded opposition at the time of the vote.
Members also heard SB 1312 on abandoned cemeteries and SB 1340 on small business contracting transparency. SB 1312 would use the existing cemetery workgroup process to develop recommendations for addressing abandoned cemeteries, with the author and the Cemetery and Mortuary Association describing vandalism, theft, and inadequate endowment funds as ongoing problems. SB 1340 would require state agencies to report more detailed small business contracting information, including actual payments, to the Office of the Small Business Advocate; the Controller’s office supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and help small businesses compete for state work. Both bills were moved forward on due pass motions to Senate Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 903 on artificial intelligence in mental health care, SB 1271 on midwifery preceptor data, and SB 1327 on EV charger accuracy oversight. SB 903 drew strong support from mental health and professional groups that said AI should not replace licensed clinicians, while medical and technology groups opposed it unless amended, warning the definitions were too broad and could hinder beneficial tools and research; the author said the bill was meant to keep a human clinician in the loop and allow administrative uses with consent. SB 1271 was supported by midwives and birth workers who said California needs better data on preceptor capacity to expand training and address maternity care deserts; it advanced to Senate Health. SB 1327 would shift EV charger accuracy oversight from CDFA’s weights and measures division to the California Energy Commission; supporters said this would modernize and standardize enforcement, while county sealers and others opposed the shift as unnecessary, costly, and potentially weakening consumer protections. SB 1327 passed on a divided vote to Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications. Several bills were held on call after votes, and the committee established quorum before taking formal actions.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- It is artificial intelligence.
- It is artificial intelligence.
- But I would tell you that last year, our community was rocked by artificial intelligence.
- Artificial intelligence got in the hand of a child, and they decided to Artificial Intelligence got in
- So it will also be unlawful to generally possess an artificial intelligence picture of a victim under
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition.
HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no.
The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 3/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Our macroeconomic consultant, S&P Global Market Intelligence, released their baseline forecast to us
- </c><00:08:45.000><c> released</c> SNP Global Market intelligence released SNP Global Market intelligence
- S&P Global Market Intelligence predicts that some of that momentum will carry into 2025.
- S&P Global Market Intelligence projects CPI inflation will remain elevated at an annual rate of about
- S&P Global Market Intelligence...
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action.
Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected.
Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- TODAY IN EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION SUBCOMMITTEE, WE ARE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
- BEING HERE TODAY YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO BRING THE OVERVIEW OF THE SRV EDUCATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
- THE MISSISSIPPI ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE NETWORK IN EDUCATION.
- AT USF WE HAVE ADDRESSED A FRAMEWORK WHERE WE WANT THE HUMAN ASSISTANCE GUIDE INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS AND
- THAT CLEARED OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO REDEFINE THE ENGAGEMENT REGARDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Sep 23rd, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- that, then we track that so that we can provide the necessary protective cover and that threat intelligence
- Evolving threat intelligence and proactive hunting.
- Threat intelligence is, you know, we have a mechanism of gathering the intelligence of what is evolving
- So if you go on to page number 8, the Artificial Intelligence Initiative, when we came in front of you
- So what does the Intelligence-Led Policing Project do? I would describe it, I guess...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And certain foreign dividends.
- Net controlled foreign corporation testable income.
- If the foreign entity is more profitable, then you gain.
- In some cases, there might be foreign secrets, foreign trade secrets, things like that.
- They might be foreign-based. They have some U.S. entities.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. The LAO and Franchise Tax Board explained the basic mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and how water’s-edge generally excludes most foreign subsidiaries while worldwide reporting includes the full unitary group. FTB officials said water’s-edge filers are a small share of corporate filers but account for a large share of tax liability, and they described filing trends, industry mix, and the administrative steps needed to administer either system.
Members and witnesses debated the policy trade-offs. Supporters of moving away from water’s-edge argued that it enables profit shifting, especially for large multinational and IP-heavy firms, and that eliminating it could raise significant revenue and improve fairness for smaller domestic businesses. They cited estimates of billions in potential revenue and said California already has the audit and reporting infrastructure to handle worldwide reporting, though some transition time would be needed. Opponents argued that worldwide reporting would tax foreign activity unrelated to California, create double taxation, increase compliance burdens and litigation, and could be difficult for foreign-based multinationals to document. They also warned that some of the revenue estimates are highly uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable.
Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the risk of companies leaving California, the effect on intellectual property shifting, and whether federal or Supreme Court action could block a change. Witnesses generally said major firms would be unlikely to leave because California taxes sales rather than physical presence, but some costs could be passed on to consumers. The panel also discussed alternatives such as conforming to federal international tax rules like NCTI/GILTI and adding anti-abuse rules. No vote or bill action was taken; the hearing was informational only.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee and Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And certain foreign dividends. And those were included. And certain foreign dividends.
- This was one of the reasons why there was so much foreign pushback on this: many foreign countries and
- In some cases, there might be foreign secrets, foreign trade secrets, things like that.
- losses relative to their U.S. to foreign income?
- I mean, you have a domestic business with no foreign-source income... ...any foreign operations.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- nationals and that foreign nationals were not involved.
- Sponsors must attest that the expenditure was not financed by foreign nationals, and that foreign nationals
- Are you saying that a foreign national currently...”
- say, oh, wait a minute, I am a foreign national?
- providing meaningful protection against foreign influence.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So basically a foreign company could back a lawsuit.
- Foreign principal: any country, government, person, sovereign wealth fund, or entity listed as a foreign
- Thank you. ...name foreign terrorist organizations.
- , or entity described in the definition of, quote, foreign principal in the Foreign Agents Registration
- United States if they have ties to foreign companies or foreign countries?
Committee:
House Legislative Review
Summary:
The Committee on Legislative Review met in executive session and voted House Bill 2408 due pass by an 8-0 roll call. It then considered House Bill 3092, where a House Committee amendment was adopted and rolled into a House Committee substitute despite objections that the amendment had not received a public hearing and would repeal significant insurance-related provisions. The substitute for HB 3092 was then approved 6-3. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 3004, which passed unanimously 9-0.
In open hearing, Representative Hausman presented House Bill 3090 as a transparency measure requiring the state treasurer to report annually on special treasury funds that have had no spending for five years and whether those funds were moved to general revenue. She said the bill would help lawmakers identify inactive accounts and unused money. Members asked how the reporting would work, what funds might be affected, and whether the bill would move unused balances into GR after five years; the sponsor said it would. No witnesses testified for or against, and the hearing closed.
The committee then heard House Bill 3205 from Representative Castile, which would regulate third-party litigation funding, require disclosure of outside and foreign-linked funders, restrict funding from foreign adversaries, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Members questioned the bill’s scope, including whether the foreign-terrorist language could be read too broadly and how liability and funding-risk provisions would work. Testimony in support came from Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Insurance Coalition/Missouri Civil Justice Coalition, and medical associations, all arguing that litigation funding can distort lawsuits, hide outside influence, and expose businesses and plaintiffs to abusive or foreign-backed financing. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> to</c><00:10:07.200><c> have</c> for foreign foreign Nationals uh to have for foreign foreign Nationals
- Yeah, the 1630 Fund is a national concern that takes foreign donations from foreigners, including, uh
- Yeah, the 1630 Fund is a national concern that takes foreign donations from foreigners, including, uh
- Yeah, the 1630 Fund is a national concern that takes foreign donations from foreigners, including, uh
- Yeah, the 1630 Fund is a national concern that takes foreign donations from foreigners, including, uh
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 30, which addresses pension spiking and retired state troopers returning to work. The sponsor and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority staff said the bill would codify court language clarifying that across-the-board raises from the General Assembly do not count as pension spiking, and the committee substitute would also give retired troopers rehired on a year-to-year basis the same vacation, sick leave, and bereavement benefits as new troopers. The committee adopted the substitute and a title amendment, and HB 30 passed 9-0.
The committee then considered House Bill 27, which removes an arbitrary 2023 date from the Planned Communities Act that had created confusion over political signage rules in HOA and planned community phases. The sponsor said the change would preserve HOA authority to regulate sign size, duration, and placement while eliminating inconsistent treatment of neighboring properties. The bill passed 10-0.
House Bill 45 followed, proposing to ban foreign funding in Kentucky elections and ballot measures and to require disclosure for express advocacy ads related to ballot measures. Supporters said the bill would put ballot measures on the same footing as candidate and PAC restrictions and prevent foreign nationals from influencing Kentucky elections; one senator raised concerns that the language could unintentionally chill participation by noncitizens, especially in one-on-one discussions, and the sponsor said he would work on that issue. The committee adopted the bill as amended, and it passed 8-1.
The final major item was House Bill 211, which would create a narrow exemption allowing cigar bars under defined conditions, including a revenue threshold, age restrictions, ventilation requirements, and local permitting options. The sponsor said the bill would not roll back general smoke-free laws but would allow tightly regulated cigar bars and grandfather existing ones from some requirements. Public health witnesses, including a nurse, a physician, and a thoracic surgeon, opposed the bill, warning it would weaken strong smoke-free protections, harm workers and patrons, and reverse progress against tobacco-related disease. The transcript provided did not include a final vote on HB 211.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-WTL, CPN-LBT, CPN-TCA, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-EDT DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- This is to hear SB 640 relating to artificial intelligence.
- intelligence this measure requires<00:22:47.159><c> corporations</c><00:22:47.840><c> organizations<
- Thank you very much. artificial intelligence is bad for small artificial intelligence is bad for small
- chat box or other intelligence chat box or other technology<00:26:03.679><c> that</c><00:26:03.799><
- </c><00:26:57.960><c> techn</c> for the artificial intelligence techn for the artificial intelligence
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred.
The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred.
The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 534 (05/22/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> do our best to prevent foreign do our best to prevent foreign meddling. meddling. meddling.
- strictly prohibits foreign bill strictly prohibits foreign influence<00:10:31.480><c> including</c><
- </c> someone finds information that a foreign someone finds information that a foreign entity<00:10:48.839
- </c> we're not going to allow foreign we're not going to allow foreign entities<00:11:05.280><c> to</
- </c><00:14:19.240><c> entities</c> fixing a loophole where foreign entities fixing a loophole where foreign
Summary:
The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 534 met to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill dealing with foreign influence in elections and related election-law provisions. The House members explained that they had spent several hours revising the bill line by line to better fit existing statute, while preserving the substance of the Senate bill. Senator Lang reported that, after meeting with the Secretary of State, his concern about a foreign entity using a lobbyist for procurement matters was resolved, and he said the House language addressed election-law and warrant article issues rather than procurement issues.
Senator Rosenwald raised concerns that the House version broadened the bill too far into local elections and could burden or discourage candidates for local offices such as select board, library trustee, or fire commission. In response, House members said the bill does not require local candidates to form committees or file new reports; instead, it prohibits foreign entities from donating to local campaigns and makes enforcement complaint-driven through the Attorney General’s public integrity unit. They said an earlier affirmation requirement had been removed and characterized the change as closing a loophole for foreign funding of local candidates and measures.
After discussion, the Senate voted to accede to the House position, with the chair calling the vote and announcing that the ayes had it. The committee then discussed placing the measure on the consent calendar, but that plan was dropped because of an anticipated objection. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- down there and we created a team, if you will subcommittee to deal permanently with artificial intelligence
- And who do we draw from artificial intelligence. Okay.
- So artificial intelligence nakedly by itself strategically where you're going is one thing how that fits
- Next step is a senior crime intelligence analyst. And that's located in Miami-Dade.
- The position was reclassified to a senior crime intelligence analysts to one.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And certain foreign dividends. And those were included. And certain foreign dividends.
- Net controlled foreign corporation testable income.
- In some cases, there might be foreign secrets, foreign trade secrets, things like that.
- They might be foreign-based. They have some U.S. entities.
- losses relative to their U.S. to their foreign income, yes.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:39:19.280><c> artificial</c> develop or use an artificial develop or use an artificial intelligence
- 00:39:20.720><c> evaluate</c> No government entity shall deploy, develop, or use an artificial intelligence
- blockchain and whatever else to be, uh, one of the topics of the interim will be how artificial intelligence
- topics of the interim will be how topics of the interim will be how artificial<00:55:04.319><c> intelligence
- </c><00:55:04.880><c> and</c><00:55:05.200><c> data</c> Artificial intelligence and data collection deals
Committee:
House Judiciary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And certain foreign dividends. And those were included.
- The net controlled foreign corporation testable income.
- If the foreign entity is more profitable, then you gain.
- In some cases, there might be foreign secrets, foreign trade secrets, things like that.
- Any foreign operations.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available.
Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals.
In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee and Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And certain foreign dividends. And those were included. And certain foreign dividends.
- Net controlled foreign corporation testable income.
- If the foreign entity is more profitable, then you gain.
- In some cases, there might be foreign secrets, foreign trade secrets, things like that.
- They might be foreign-based. They have some U.S. entities.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on California’s taxation of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Committee members and witnesses discussed how unitary taxation and sales-factor apportionment work, why multinational corporations are a small share of filers but a large share of tax liability, and how foreign income, profit shifting, and double taxation concerns affect policy choices. The Franchise Tax Board explained current filing rules, the seven-year water’s-edge election, and recent filing statistics showing about 21,562 water’s-edge returns in 2023, roughly 6% of C corporation filers but about half of corporate tax liability.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office and FTB staff emphasized that revenue effects from eliminating water’s edge are uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable, and they noted possible revenue volatility and administrative complexity. Several committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the burden on FTB, whether certain industries are more likely to shift profits, and whether companies would leave California; witnesses generally said there was no strong evidence that firms would exit the state because tax liability is driven mainly by California sales. They also discussed how California already administers both methods, how the election can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on a firm’s facts, and how federal reforms like GILTI/NCTI, CAMT, and OECD Pillar Two may affect the issue.
The second panel presented sharply contrasting views. One professor and a tax policy advocate argued that water’s edge creates unfairness, encourages profit shifting, and leaves California with billions in lost revenue, while a Tax Foundation witness argued that mandatory worldwide reporting would tax the wrong income, create double taxation and litigation risk, and impose heavy compliance burdens, especially for foreign-based multinationals. A later panel from the California Budget and Policy Center supported closing the “water’s-edge loophole,” saying it would raise needed revenue for public services and level the playing field between large multinationals and smaller domestic businesses. No vote or formal action was taken; the hearing was informational only.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Christopher Landau, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary, Michael Rigas, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, and Matthew Whitaker, of Iowa, to be United States Permanent Representati Mar 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The days of endless discussion are over in U.S. foreign policy.
- competitors, and attract foreign investment to the United States.
- And that's why I supported the review of all foreign assistance.
- We're going to disagree about a lot in the foreign-policy space.
- policy and foreign assistance apparatus.
Committee:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been experimenting with artificial intelligence and what you see here is a hologram of me.
- I've been experimenting with artificial intelligence, and what you see here is a hologram of me, and
- this meeting is going to be run entirely by artificial intelligence.
- business and my experiment has been entirely successful, no hallucinations from my artificial intelligence
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered a prayer and pledge, welcomed a seventh-grade class from Contra Costa Jewish Day School, and made routine announcements, including birthday wishes for Senator Hurtado and committee meeting notices. The body then took up two resolutions on the daily file. SR 82 by Senator Perez recognized Children’s Dental Health Month and highlighted the importance of early oral health care, the prevalence of tooth decay among California children, disparities affecting Latinx, Black, and low-income children, and Medi-Cal and other state efforts to expand dental access. SR 84 by Senator Caballero commemorated Women in Construction Week and emphasized the need to expand opportunities for women in the construction trades through apprenticeships, inclusive job sites, and workforce development to address labor shortages and support California’s housing and infrastructure goals.
Both resolutions were adopted unanimously by roll call votes of 31-0. Afterward, members announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings. The Senate then heard multiple adjourn-in-memory requests, including one from Senator Alvarado-Gil honoring eight victims of the February 17 avalanche near Truckee and another from Senator Wiener honoring Camille Moran, a San Francisco transgender advocate, artist, and community leader. The presiding officer noted the Senate would recess and reconvene on Monday, March 9, 2026, with an adjournment motion to follow later that day.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3546 makes clear that artificial intelligence systems and other non-human or inanimate things
- If we were to allow an artificial intelligence system to have personhood, for instance, if that system
- Will there be any other questions about who we can and cannot marry as far as artificial intelligence
- As far as artificial intelligence, seeing none, do I have a motion?
Summary:
The committee heard a series of bills, mostly on broadband, artificial intelligence, business law, public safety, funeral services, health care transparency, and licensing. HB 2293 extended the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset to December 31, 2030 to allow it to administer remaining broadband grant funds. HB 3545 set standards for state agency use of AI, including human oversight for high-risk decisions, transparency for AI-generated content, and annual public reporting. HB 3546 prohibited AI systems and other non-human entities from being granted legal personhood under Oklahoma law. HB 3260 added the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association to the list of approved continuing education providers for funeral directors. HB 3147 created a Route 66 centennial specialty license plate to support preservation and centennial activities, HB 3369 eased food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable extinguishers instead of mandatory automatic suppression systems, HB 4453 created the Oklahoma Health Care Cost Transparency Board, HB 3660 addressed national organic reduction, HB 3081 lowered the age for fire extinguisher technicians from 21 to 18, HB 2035 allowed funeral homes to sell certain third-party transportation packages, and HB 3498 modernized corporate and LLC statutes to improve Oklahoma’s competitiveness for business formation.
Most bills were presented by their authors, several with proposed committee substitutes or corrections that were adopted without objection. Members asked a few questions, particularly on the AI bills, the Route 66 plate, the food truck fire code change, and the corporate law modernization. The AI personhood bill drew discussion about legal liability and human rights, while the corporate code bill was described as modeled on Delaware-style business law to attract and retain companies in Oklahoma.
Votes were largely unanimous in favor. HB 3545, HB 3546, HB 3260, HB 3147, HB 3369, HB 4453, HB 3081, HB 2035, and HB 3498 all received do-pass recommendations, with vote totals ranging from 11-0 to 16-0. HB 3660 passed 15-1. HB 3673 was laid over at the author’s request, and Chairman West’s bill was also laid over to the committee’s next meeting on Thursday.