Video & Transcript Research : 'demand response'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under those rules, the chair is responsible for preserving order and decorum during committee meetings
- We've got a responsibility to support those who keep Texas strong.
- Um, AG is responsible for $2.2 million to our state.
- Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division, um, we're responsible for every barcode scanner in the
- Well, I'm gonna get in trouble, but obviously it's supply and demand.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Office of Inspector General debate 2/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:15:18.240>
for executive branch responsible for executive branch responsible for ensuring - That is our responsibility.
- to<00:45:36.240>
coordinate responsible for helping to coordinate responsible for helping - <01:24:32.560>
us paying attention to and is demanding us paying attention to and is demanding - We are in a point in our demand it.
Summary:
The committee took up Senate File 856, a bill to create a statewide Office of Inspector General to combat fraud. Representative Norris presented a delete-everything amendment that would keep most of the Senate bill but add more emphasis on fraud prevention, fully fund the office, avoid duplicating work already done by the BCA’s financial crimes division, and preserve subject-matter expertise by keeping some existing inspectors general in their agencies. He said the amendment would retain strong investigative powers, including subpoenas, while using the BCA for arrests, and he acknowledged his original version was likely too broad, so he planned to offer smaller amendments if needed.
Chair Nash and other members challenged the DE on both process and substance. Nash said the amendment had not been shared with key stakeholders, noted that the Senate author had publicly distanced herself from it, and pointed to a governor’s office document saying the administration wanted a different approach than the Senate bill. He argued the Senate bill was a bipartisan, bicameral product and said the committee should be careful about accuracy and process. Representative Davis questioned Norris about the claim that the Senate bill was underfunded and about the governor’s role in selecting the inspector general, arguing that the governor should not have broad control over the office.
Norris responded that the Senate bill’s fiscal note estimated roughly $12 million for the biennium, but the bill appropriated less than that amount, and he said the Constitution requires the governor to appoint the inspector general if the office is in the executive branch. He said the DE tried to preserve independence through a bipartisan advisory commission, Senate confirmation, a five-year term, restrictions on partisan activity, and removal only for cause with a public hearing. After debate from several members, the committee held a roll call and the DE failed on a 7-7 tie, so it was not adopted.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Jan 28th, 2026 at 03:08 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But I also think we have a lot of responsibility as elected officials.
- My name is Bo Wilson, and I am a leader with Students Demand Action.
- My name is Bo Wilson and I am a leader with students demand action.
- Responsible gun dealers, no.
- Madam Chair, Representative, I appreciate your response.
Keywords:
Medicaid, healthcare, medical education, salaries, graduate education, clinician pay, health sciences, education funding, faculty salary, University of New Mexico, healthcare funding, general fund, state budget, New Mexico legislation, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, 996
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- As you can see, we also help to prepare individuals for jobs, not only in high-demand industries, but
- Industries but also to help uh demand Industries but also to help uh all<00:25:27.159>
motans - Jobs in demand and identify potential training needs, etc., for businesses that are growing and helps
- times of high demand in numerous municipalities<01:24:21.560>
uh <01:24:21.679>including <01:36:48.920>careers <01:36:49.840>some competencies for in- demand careers some
Summary:
The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities.
Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff.
The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, in response to these complaints or other concerns, we issued many warning letters, as I mentioned
- subpoenas civil investigative demands subpoenas civil investigative demands out<00:14:40.240>
- >
labor <00:43:08.600>costs responsiveness or increase labor costs responsiveness or increase - , on market forces of supply and demand, on market forces of supply and demand, the<01:09:30.880>
- responsive to workplace needs. responsive to workplace needs.
Keywords:
surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from March 3, 2026, and then received a presentation from the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General on the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act. Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Miko and Deputy Attorney General Jessica Whitney reviewed the law’s scope, consumer rights, business obligations, and enforcement history. They said the law took effect July 31, 2025, gives Minnesotans rights to access, delete, and opt out of sale, profiling, and targeted advertising, and is enforced by the Attorney General with penalties up to $7,500 per violation. They reported more than 200 complaints in the first six months, many warning letters, and a shift from education to active enforcement now that the initial warning-letter period has expired.
Committee members asked about how the universal opt-out works, what happens when companies deny deletion or editing requests, how the office determines willful noncompliance, and whether the law could burden small businesses. The AG’s office said the opt-out can be set through privacy-protective browsers or extensions, companies must respond to consumer requests within 45 days, small businesses are exempt as defined by the SBA, and investigations look for patterns and evidence of willful conduct rather than minor technical violations. The office also said it needs additional funding to fully staff enforcement efforts and noted that it has already issued subpoenas and civil investigative demands.
The committee then took up House File 3408, the Stop Grocery Surveillance Price Gouging Act. The author explained that the bill would prohibit retail grocers, physical and online, from setting individualized prices based on consumer information, would limit certain uses of facial recognition and electronic shelf labels, and would preserve narrow exceptions for discounts and loyalty programs. Public testimony followed from the Minnesota Farmers Union in support, arguing that grocery consolidation and surveillance pricing could worsen already high food costs and harm fair competition. The Minnesota Grocers Association opposed the premise that grocery stores use surveillance pricing, said shelf prices are generally uniform and set from a single storewide database, and argued electronic shelf labels are efficient and not nefarious. A technology company representative similarly said ESLs do not use personal data or facial recognition, prices are uniform, and a 2025 study found no meaningful price increases after ESL adoption. The bill was laid over for possible further discussion after the testimony.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we stand here today grieving, outraged, and unwavering in our demand for accountability.
- We must demand full... ...that are not controlled by the very agencies under scrutiny.
- We must demand full transparency from federal law enforcement about their use of force.
- This demands... Federal agents are using lethal force against citizens.
- This demands attention and action from both sides of the aisle. We can no longer look away.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Arizona Society of CPAs, the Arizona Airports Association (with a proclamation designating Arizona Aviation Day), and students from Onyose Day Academy in Yuma for School Choice Week. Additional guest introductions included school choice and community advocates.
The chamber then handled executive nominations and a long list of bill introductions and committee referrals. Measures covered a wide range of topics, including veterans’ property tax exemptions, ESA reporting and spending limits, public school communications requirements, sentencing and expungement, SNAP work and audit provisions, immigration-related restrictions, water and land issues, election law, domestic relations, health insurance and fertility coverage, and several education, transportation, and public safety proposals. The Senate also moved through second-reading consideration of numerous bills and resolutions, including measures on voting security, prison sentencing, weather modification, water supply, emergency shelters, rural health, reentry programs, and foreign contributions.
A large portion of the floor time was taken up by personal privilege statements focused on human rights and immigration enforcement. Senators from both parties spoke about alleged abuses by federal immigration authorities, citing deaths and injuries in several states and calling for investigations, transparency, and an end to excessive force. Separate remarks also addressed a humanitarian crisis in Iran, with a resolution read in support of human rights and the Iranian people. The chamber recessed and later reconvened to continue reading bills and announcements.
No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the transcript beyond routine procedural actions, and the meeting ended with committee announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled session.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- She is responsible for basically be like the medical board has medical. director.
- The board remains a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.
- Yet our expanded mandate carries vast responsibilities.
- So, one entity is responsible for 2,000 anatomical cases. Okay.
- The state of Texas would warrant some type of a response, I mean any response.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:05:30.320>
and compassion, responsibility, and compassion, responsibility, and foresight - Uh, Representative Duran, do you have a response?
- Um I I I can it is going to be response?
- I assume that assume responsibility.
- So if they were unable to assume responsibility for a call but had not agreed in writing with St.
Keywords:
suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- demand for energy across the state. demand for energy across the state.
- So if my with that demand problem.
- <01:58:28.680>
response or local delivery area demand response or local delivery area demand - <02:42:47.200>
You waiting for a response on that. You waiting for a response on that. - >
hopefully appreciate that response and hopefully appreciate that response and hopefully they
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a quorum call showing 116 members present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It then took up three ceremonial resolutions. One honored Robert Buchanan for his philanthropy, community leadership, and service in the greater Washington region; another welcomed a visiting delegation from County Tipperary, Ireland, and recognized efforts to strengthen Maryland-Ireland ties; and a third congratulated Dr. Miriam Rogers on her retirement as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools and her 2026 Woman in School Leadership Award.
The chamber then moved through a series of committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports on bills without objection and ordering them to third reading. Measures included House Bills 435, 954, 1087, 1470, 936, 1110, 1554, 187, 324, 688, 776, 1152, 1320, and 1348, covering topics such as movie captioning in public accommodations, procurement and finance, health care facilities, school food procurement, tax foreclosure notice requirements, agricultural electricity tax study, expungement, child support rights, intercepted communications penalties, juvenile supervision, police orders studies, victim notification, and human trafficking reporting.
Several bills were amended before being advanced, including House Bill 768 on benefits for children in custody, which added a foster youth savings program; House Bill 877 on institutional debt reporting, which changed reporting dates and required a data dictionary; House Bill 1092 on child advocacy centers, which clarified continuity-of-care standards and technical assistance grants; House Bill 310 on restrictive housing for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, which required assessment at admission; House Bill 634 on police training, which added training on intellectual and developmental disabilities; House Bill 750 on access to religious facilities; House Bill 752 on gift card valuation and forgery; House Bill 1005 on child abuse and neglect reporting; and House Bill 1105 on consumer protection limitations, which was amended to apply only to civil suits.
House Bill 1105 drew additional discussion, with the minority leader asking for a special order to review the changes, and the House agreed to postpone it until the appropriate time the next day. Later, House Bill 953, which would authorize transfers from the Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund, prompted extended questioning about Western Maryland flooding, FEMA denials, and the state’s response; the bill was presented as a way to provide relief after federal aid was denied. The transcript ends with the House still in session and continuing through the appropriations report.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 2, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is Douglas Hahn, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, waving in opposition.
- Emma Gallardi, Moms Demand Action, also waving in opposition.
- Kent Olson, Moms Demand Action, and appearing in opposition to the bill. Thank you, sir.
- It could be responsible for scratching out a human life.
- It could be responsible for scratching out a human life.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor said the bill restores the rights of law-abiding 18-year-olds. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters from Gun Owners of America and Florida Carry arguing that adults 18 and older should have equal Second Amendment rights and that current law is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities, while opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates, students, parents, and Parkland-related speakers, said the bill would reverse a post-Parkland safety measure and increase risks of suicide, accidental shootings, and school violence. Several members debated the bill, with opponents emphasizing Parkland, the Florida State shooting, and public polling showing broad opposition; supporters stressed parental responsibility, mental health, and constitutional rights. HB 133 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote of 13 yeas, with several members voting no.
The committee then took up CS/HB 289, which would revise Florida’s wrongful death law to allow parents to recover damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to let grieving parents seek civil remedies, and members questioned how it would apply in situations involving surrogacy, rape, ectopic pregnancy, medical care, and damages calculations. The sponsor said the bill would not allow suits against the mother, would not apply to lawful non-negligent medical care, and would be handled through ordinary wrongful death damage proof before a jury. Public testimony was again split: supporters from pro-life and faith groups said the bill recognizes unborn children and aligns Florida with many other states, while opponents from civil liberties, reproductive rights, and advocacy groups warned it could be used to target abortion providers, helpers, and even families or businesses in miscarriage-related cases, and could be weaponized by abusive partners. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 289, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota Senate acquies to the demands Minnesota Senate acquies to the demands of<00:36:19.680>
the - are responsible to our students. are responsible to our students.
- <02:36:07.040>
that <02:36:07.920>the responsibility to make sure that the responsibility - <03:04:44.240>
here we do have this responsibility here we do have this responsibility here - The responsibilities are expanded.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We are culturally responsive um with our instruction.
- . responsibility. responsibility.
- Um a distinguished in on demand writing.
- What is the demand right now for applications to your school?
- What is the demand questions for you.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement.
Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy.
Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Shink: [questionable; response not clearly captured].
- Senator Geiss: [questionable; response not clearly captured].
- Senator Lindsey: [questionable; response not clearly captured].
- Senator Hoitenga: [questionable; response not clearly captured].
- Senator DeMuse: [questionable; response not clearly captured]. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services met with a quorum, adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes, and then unanimously adopted S-1 substitutes for House Bills 5570 and 5571. The chair said the committee would take testimony and likely not move to final passage that day, in order to allow more discussion and questions. The bills, as substituted, would allow local governments to permit certain multifamily buildings up to four stories to be built or converted with a single staircase, subject to conditions such as limits on units per floor, floor size, and existing fire safety requirements. A sunset provision was described as ending the statute once LARA adopts corresponding building code rules.
Representatives Fairbairn and Wooden testified in support, saying the bills are intended to address Michigan’s housing shortage by making smaller infill and “missing middle” projects more feasible and less costly. They argued the current two-stair requirement drives up costs, makes land assembly harder, and limits development on narrow or irregular lots. Senators asked about stair width, emergency safety, the choice of four stories instead of six, and why the American Institute of Architects opposed the approach; the sponsors said the 48-inch stair width was intended to allow two-way movement, four stories was a compromise aligned with expected code changes, and the architects preferred rulemaking over statutory change.
Supportive testimony came from Pew Charitable Trusts, which said research from New York City, Seattle, and other places found fire death rates in modern single-stair buildings to be indistinguishable from other multifamily buildings, and that modern safety features such as sprinklers, alarms, and fire-rated construction make these buildings safe. A developer from Ann Arbor and the Michigan Home Builders Association said the reform would improve floor-plan efficiency, reduce wasted circulation space, lower construction costs, and help smaller projects pencil out. Abundant Housing Michigan also supported the bills, estimating they could reduce apartment construction costs by nearly 13%. The clerk read in numerous written cards in support from business, housing, municipal, and advocacy groups, while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union were listed as neutral. The committee adjourned without further business.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Howard Lutnick, of New York, to be Secretary of Commerce. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And we are going to be responsive.
- Well, that's an unacceptable response.
- I'm not asking for a response, Mr. Lutnick; I am not. Mr.
- If we are demanding of our businesses that they meet emission regulations, and if we're demanding that
- , we either need to stop demanding it here or demand it of them.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/18/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:02.960>
citizens <00:13:03.480>in fight and be responsible citizens in fight - and be responsible citizens in their<00:13:03.800>
external <00:13:04.320>environment. - <00:29:59.160>
in skills that employers are demanding in skills that employers are demanding - for young people that are needing demand for young people that are needing to<00:30:21.560>
find< - it's also solving an employment demand it's also solving an employment demand for<00:30:42.320><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/24/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- So, any response to that?
- It's supply and demand. in my opinion. It's supply and demand.
- And we're not there supply and demand.
- So, >> any response, Commissioner? uh chair uh >> any response, Commissioner?
- So, >> any response, Commissioner? uh chair uh >> any response, Commissioner?
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 098 Apr 21st, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- is to be fiscally responsible. is to be fiscally responsible.
- These bills demand infrastructure.
- These bills, they demand good.
- basically as demanded by the governor." basically as demanded by the governor."
- ,<02:28:16.520>
a <02:28:16.600>demand deriving an artificial demand, a demand deriving
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from April 20, 2026. Members then made announcements about committee schedules, open enrollment, and the Bolder Boulder event, and welcomed guests from the Leadership Program of the Rockies. The House also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 20, recognizing April 9, 2026 as Home Education Day in Colorado, on a 60-2 vote with three excused. Supporters described home education as a longstanding family choice and emphasized parental rights and educational flexibility.
The chamber then received committee reports, including an Appropriations Committee report advancing House Bills 1052, 1132, 1143, 1226, 1343, and 1344 to the Committee of the Whole. The Majority Leader moved several bills to special orders for April 21, 2026 at 9:20 a.m., and the motion was adopted without objection.
The Committee of the Whole took up House Bill 1028, concerning second language diploma endorsements for graduating high school students. After adopting the appropriations report, the House passed the bill. Supporters said it would recognize bilingualism and Colorado’s diversity. The committee then considered House Bill 1143, concerning background checks for non-employment-based educational opportunities. The bill sponsor said it would allow qualified people without Social Security numbers to participate in internships, clinical placements, and volunteer opportunities by using alternative identification. Several members opposed the bill and supported amendments, arguing for employer or institutional choice, narrower definitions, and concerns about constitutional rights, tax compliance, and the breadth of the bill. Amendment L6 failed, and the transcript ends amid extended discussion of Amendment L7 regarding enforcement against public entities, with no final action on the bill shown in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/28/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:10:54.360>
side <01:10:54.640>resources other demand side resources other demand - Based on the chief response from Mr.
- from hope that was somewhat responsive from hope that was somewhat responsive thank thank thank
- legislature with the responsibility legislature with the responsibility delegated<04:42:59.120><
- <05:22:01.000>
a uh that is a skill set that Demands a uh that is a skill set that Demands
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have surging electricity demand.
- increase in order to meet surging demand increase in order to meet surging demand during<00:50:51.200
- <00:51:08.640>
and to be during periods of peak demand and to be during periods of peak demand - <00:51:16.440>
so during these periods of peak demand so during these periods of peak demand - You'll get it down. transmission Investments Peak demand is transmission Investments Peak demand is not
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- In the interest of time, I adopt her response to this issue.
- H. 106, H. 191, and S. 41 do what common sense and fairness demand.
- H. 106, H. 191, and S. 41 do what common sense and fairness demand.
- Demand for services... And this bill is timely, relevant, and ready.
- Demand for services are up, but funding is down.
Summary:
The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee.
Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb.
A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.