Transcript Highlights:

• uneducated people, which would impose significant long-term costs on society, including lower rates of literacy
• <00:48:40.520> of society, including lower rates of society, including lower rates of literacy
• higher<00:48:41.680> rates<00:48:41.880> of<00:48:42.000> unemployment, literacy
• , higher rates of unemployment, literacy, higher rates of unemployment, and<00:48:42.840> higher

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• third area supports the effective use of technology to improve academic achievement and digital literacy
• third area supports the effective use of technology to improve academic achievement and digital literacy
• third area supports the effective use of technology to improve academic achievement and digital literacy
• million for federal adult education programming and a little over $1 million for integrated English literacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a Minnesota Department of Education presentation on federal education funding and the potential effects of federal actions on those dollars. Chair Kunesh framed the discussion around concerns about threats to the U.S. Department of Education and noted that federal funds make up about 10% of Minnesota’s education budget, or roughly $1.4 billion. Senator Lang pushed back, emphasizing that 90% of school funding comes from state and local sources and urging the committee to focus on state mandates and how to pay for them. New member Senator Clark introduced himself and said he would teach ethics or running if he were a teacher. Department staff explained that federal education dollars are divided between entitlement/formula funds and competitive/discretionary grants. They said Minnesota receives federal money through established systems and that the department is seeking clarity about how federal changes might affect the flow of funds, oversight, and program administration. They also outlined Minnesota’s legislative review process for federal funds, which includes several pathways such as the governor’s biennial budget, supplemental budget submissions, legislative advisory committee review, and expedited review processes when needed. The presentation then focused on ESEA Title funding, especially Title I. Staff said Title I is one of the largest federal education programs in Minnesota, with about $200 million in current funding, and supports 476 local education agencies. They described how funds are allocated through Minnesota’s North Star accountability system and Compass support structure, based on measures such as poverty, graduation rates, and state assessment performance. Examples of allowable supports included professional development, attendance initiatives, reading curriculum, training, and peer coaching. Senators asked whether executive action could affect these funds and whether the money flows directly to districts or through the state; staff responded that they would avoid speculation and would continue explaining the different funding streams and oversight structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we talk about data centers, maybe because of computer changes.
• This is our high-performance computing center. We call it the Collaborating Computing Center.
• The Collaborating Computing Center gives you a perspective on other things we do.
• But some of the capabilities we look for are basically mechanical engineers, nuclear engineering, computer

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we could do that because I think once we cross this line and we start allowing technology in the computer
• 24.800> the and we start allowing technology in the and we start allowing technology in the computer
• 25.760> the<00:10:26.000> police,<00:10:26.399> it's<00:10:26.640> a computer
• to replace the police, it's a computer to replace the police, it's a very<00:10:26.959> slippery<
• So, it's not AI doing this or computers.

Keywords: 00:20 Roll Call 01:56 HB 7 13:46 HB 7 Vote 17:54 HB 226 24:05 HB 226 Vote 25:13 HB 258 27:13 HB 258 Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met for its second meeting of the 2026 session and first took up House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Hale, which would allow school districts to install stop-arm camera systems on school buses to enforce civil penalties against drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. Hale said the bill had passed the House before, described widespread violations and the danger to children, and outlined the bill’s provisions, including public warning signs, privacy protections, and fines of $300 for a first offense and $500 thereafter. Supporters cited child safety and personal experiences with school-bus-related incidents, while one member opposed the bill on the grounds that it relied too heavily on technology instead of a human officer. The committee then voted and reported HB 7 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 226, sponsored by Representative Bratcher, which would redirect the $5 fee from Kentucky National Guard specialty license plates from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to the Kentucky National Guard Association. Bratcher and National Guard representatives said the change would send roughly under $15,000 a year to support readiness, mobilization, and professional development for serving Guard members, and argued that specialty plate revenue should go to the organization tied to the plate. Representative Donworth raised concerns about taking money from the veterans trust fund and suggested a direct budget allocation instead, but the sponsor said the amount was small and that the current arrangement did not return the funds to the Guard. The committee voted to report HB 226 favorably. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Representative Payne, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill raises the weight limit for hauling milk from 80,000 to 90,000 pounds and clarifies that the rule applies to both state and federal highways, based on federal treatment of milk as a non-divisible product. After the substitute was adopted, the committee approved the bill, and HB 258 was reported favorably with the committee substitute attached.

Transcript Highlights:

• people have gotten more technology savvy, and judges and attorneys do more of their own work on the computers
• Get computers that can connect to that Fusion Center or employees to run the computers?
• Get computers that can connect to that fusion center or employees to run the computers?

Summary: The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms. The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns. No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have computer systems and HR folks and office managers to do this work for them.
• They're not—these are not sophisticated computer systems, that sort of thing.
• So if FDLE goes and sets up a computer portal, it's going to require the business...
• So if FDLE goes and sets up a computer portal, it's going to require the business owner to go out and
• Or if they don't have the software, I don't know how many people are really not working on computers.

Summary: The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > policy our email and computer policy our email and computer policy is<00:52:27.520> old.
• Can I hook up my computer? I do not know if there's a way to do that.
• Madam Chair, is there a way that I can hook up my computer? Can I hook up my computer?
• Can I hook up my computer? I do not know Can I hook up my computer?
• Technical assistance, um my computer?

Bills: HF3643, HF4470, HF4462, HF4366, HF4172, HF3629, HF4356, HF3093

Keywords: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, HF4470

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's about a $10 million investment for every megawatt of computing power.
• computing power. computing power.
• I think all of us are going to continue to use cloud computing and things like that.
• The chips run the compute algorithms.
• these computations.

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:15 Approval of Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Meeting 00:55 Helping Power Kentucky’s Growth – 01:25 Powering and Deploying AI – 41:00 Fueling America’s Intelligence – 56:12 Adjournment – 01:10:37, 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• The algorithm is on the memory card right as the memory card gets into the computer; there's an algorithm
• that would have been a lift, but now I mean this is a search that I could probably program on my computer
• > the<01:15:37.679> time<01:15:37.840> I've<01:15:38.000> been on my computer
• in the time I've been on my computer in the time I've been speaking<01:15:38.400> with<01:15:
• ,<01:16:03.440> but you can do a search on the computer, but you can do a search on the computer

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I confessed last week that my knowledge of computers is very limited.
• What about software that comes in a little package and you plug it into your computer and it downloads
• into your computer?
• Does it somehow magically transform what it is when it goes into the computer?
• if there was any jurisprudence that kind of discussed this distinction as it relates to software, computer

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was here at the last hearing when they talked about the technology and it wouldn't work on the computers
• I was also there when they did the end-to-end test, and it did work on their computers.
• that I recall from our last hearing is the claim that, well, we're using Windows ME or whatever computers
• Phase two: as we get into setting up Wi-Fi access points and computer panic buttons—we’re not going to
• But in terms of that specific opt-out, that’s a question probably for the... have a computer panic button

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard a presentation from Senator Kevin Payne on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, which he said were inspired by the Parkland and Uvalde shootings and designed to bypass overwhelmed 911 systems through panic-button alerts, live camera access, and direct communication with law enforcement. Committee members broadly praised the concept as a school safety tool, while also noting it should complement, not replace, school resource officers. Senator Payne said the audit had not fully captured the systems’ value and emphasized what he saw in Yavapai County as a successful example. Auditor General Lindsay Perry then summarized the second special audit in the JLAC school safety series, explaining that it reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She noted that 12 of 14 law enforcement agencies had provided follow-up information, while Pinal and La Paz counties had not, and that the committee had requested additional details on participating and non-participating schools. Members pressed Perry about Pinal County’s refusal to respond and about delays in payment to Mutualink, and several members defended the committee’s oversight role. The committee then heard from the vendors. Mutualink’s CEO said the system is intended to connect schools, dispatch, law enforcement, fire, and EMS through live video, floor plans, and group communications, and argued that implementation problems often stem from training, infrastructure, and coordination rather than the technology itself. Motorola Solutions described its work in Maricopa, Yuma, and Tucson, including panic alarms, radio and dispatch integration, and school participation challenges; it said Tucson canceled its contract after schools declined to join. Navigate 360 described its Cochise County project as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented, with ongoing training and support, but acknowledged it did not yet meet all statutory criteria and that two charter schools had opted out. Members repeatedly raised concerns about procurement, inconsistent implementation, rural infrastructure, training, and whether the systems met all statutory requirements, and vendors said they would follow up on those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• They did not make NVIDIA chips; they built computers there, especially Dell computers.
• For exports, it's computer parts and chips, and then for imports, it's built computers and phones.
• Roughly about 70% to 80% are built computers and phones.
• Also, again, those Dell computers and tablets, etc., that are steadily crossing at Santa Teresa.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap is. computed as 10%.
• Uh, the tax itself is computed on the entity's margin, which is defined as the total revenue less the
• There is also an alternative calculation referred to as the EZ computation for entities that have less
• than 20 million in revenue, total revenue, uh, that, that does not involve, uh, the computation of that
• with less than 20 million in total revenue and the rate for that, uh, computation is 0.331%.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap is computed as 10%.
• The tax itself is computed on the entity. margin, which is defined as the total revenue less the greater
• for entities that have less than 20 million in revenue, total revenue, and that does not involve computation
• And then as I mentioned, there is a separate rate for the easy computation, which again is for entities
• with less than $20 million in total revenue. and the rate for that computation is 0.331 percent.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:27.560> phone<00:08:28.160> and<00:08:28.320> every<00:08:28.520> computer
• <00:08:29.000> in making every phone and every computer in making every phone and every computer
• 00:09:28.839> would<00:09:28.960> make<00:09:29.160> every<00:09:29.360> computer
• that again, would make every computer that again, would make every computer and<00:09:29.839>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why we have a program within my bureau that works with districts around their literacy programs
• ><01:21:55.600> their works with districts around their works with districts around their literacy
• <01:21:56.639> It's<01:21:56.880> called<01:21:57.040> bridging literacy programs
• It's called bridging literacy programs.
• But, uh, last year, their kindergarteners' literacy benchmark went from 44% to 89% over the course of

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• thought about a lot for people, but it is the central core... ...people, but it is the central core computer
• It is everything for most state employees when they turn on their computer.
• And it sounds complicated, but what it really is is the process of maintaining this critical computer
• state can be modern... ...current, and that at no point I would like to do that, but we don’t have a computer
• And he said, at some point you reach a point where you can't just have the computer on the left side

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• College, the College of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing.
• The new initiative, the College of Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity computing.
• You get a good four-year degree in computer science in a year or 2.
• Don't use dual key log in on their computers. Look, if you don't do that, you are a target.
• is the person sitting in front of a computer in educating that person as we've talked about training

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be communicating back and forth either by cell phone or through the computer.
• Well, whether it be cell phones or laptop computers, those computers have the same types of firewalls
• built into those computers.
• You know, it's really good working with us to enable all those security features. those computers uh
• for instance I can I those computers uh for instance I can I have<00:50:02.480> a<00:50:02.640

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Randy White on the state’s juvenile detention network and several facility projects. He identified the currently operating detention centers as Boyd County for females, Breathitt County for low-risk males, Fayette County for high-risk males, Adair County for high-risk youth from Jefferson and surrounding counties, Warren County for high-risk males, and McCracken County for low-risk males. Members asked about capacity and staffing; White said Boyd County houses 33 and is usually near full, Breathitt County is about half full, Fayette County runs about 80-90% full, Campbell County’s operational limit is about 25 due to staffing, Adair County can hold 60 and has hit capacity several times this year, Warren County holds 43 and usually runs near capacity, and McCracken County holds 43 and is not currently full. He said staffing is generally harder in higher-risk facilities and in metropolitan areas because of wages and housing costs. White then updated the committee on the Louisville Detention Center downtown renovation and the Lyon facility project. For the Louisville downtown facility, he said schematic design and design development are complete, construction documents are expected by late February or early March, bids are anticipated in April, and completion is projected for March 2027. He explained the delay is due to extensive renovation work needed to bring the building up to current building, life-safety, ACA, and PREA standards, including security, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, food service, and roof work. The project is designed for 64 beds for high-risk Jefferson County boys, with the facility currently vacant and those youth being housed in Adair County and Campbell County. For the Lyon project, he said the contract was issued November 21, 2024, demolition is underway, completion is expected June 14, 2026, and the facility will have 34 beds in four pods for low-risk offenders; he said the project appears to be on time and on budget within the $4.5 million authorization. The committee also discussed the medical services contract. DJJ officials said they are reviewing whether to continue with the current state contract provider, Wellpath, or pursue an RFP, while retaining current merit staff and continuing oversight through four nurse program administrators. They said DJJ uses a state master agreement to staff nurses, APRNs, and the chief medical officer, and that the current contract is about $20 million per year. Members asked about Wellpath’s bankruptcy filing; officials said they were aware of it, asked questions, and were told it would not affect Kentucky service delivery or contracting, though they could not recall the bankruptcy type and offered to provide more detail later. They also said DJJ is working with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to become a Medicaid provider, and any future contractual partner will need to be a Medicaid provider. Finally, White described the proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility. He said DJJ must accept court-ordered youth even when they have severe mental illness, but detention centers are not equipped to treat those youth and private psychiatric hospitals often refuse them or discharge them early. He argued that a dedicated secure treatment facility is needed for a small number of highly violent, high-need youth who require intensive psychiatric care and are disruptive in detention. The facility would provide behavioral and psychiatric treatment, reduce delays caused by lack of beds or outside placements, and serve youth determined by clinical assessment to need a secure treatment environment. No votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So computers and electronics are on the top of that list on both sides, and that is in billions, not
• The computer and electronic products make sense. Thank you.
• This slide right here, the computer and electronic products make sense, but the transportation equipment

Bills: HB2754

Keywords: Arizona Commerce Authority, business development, economic growth, small business support, job creation, Board of Directors, e-verify, grant administration, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Monica Villalobos, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who shared trade and economic data on Hispanic businesses and consumers in Arizona and nationally. She emphasized that Hispanics are a major economic driver, that small and medium-sized businesses are central to trade, and that tariffs and border disruptions can disproportionately hurt smaller exporters and importers. She also described the Chamber’s district-level trade profiles and an upcoming business engagement tour to Mexico City aimed at matching Arizona and Mexican small businesses. Members asked about major Mexico trade products, transportation equipment, and what the state could do to support small businesses; Villalobos said access to capital and technical assistance are the biggest needs, especially as some federal support has been cut. The committee then took up HB 2754, which would expand the Arizona Commerce Authority board to include the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, shift oversight of trade offices to legislative appropriation, require annual reporting on trade office activities to JLBC, and remove the sunset date for the Arizona Competes program. The sponsor argued the bill would restore legislative oversight and give lawmakers a stronger role in trade office decisions and the Competes Fund. Members generally supported the bill’s oversight goals, though some raised concerns about the board changes and indicated they might seek amendments later. The committee voted 5-0 with two present and three absent to give HB 2754 a do pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.