Video & Transcript Research : 'applied sciences'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- It is better science for animals and people.
- As the bill title suggests, this bill only applies to cosmetics.
- They might think of just literally applying makeup to an animal. That's not what happens.
- Their phrase 'responsible adult use' does not apply.
- The phrase 'responsible adult use' does not apply to nicotine because it addicts children.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Araceli Campa Ramirez, on behalf of California Life Sciences, in opposition. Thank you.
- Araceli Campa Ramirez, on behalf of California Life Sciences, in opposition. Thank you.
- In other words, they need to use a form of worldwide combined reporting in order to apply the global
- It applies the same standard to everyone. And again, the compliance burden...
- While we support claimants' ability to apply to counties for these funds on their own and at no cost,
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee.
The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense.
Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Plus, a subsequent reduction in insurance rates is if internal pressures were applied to those who have
- If if this isn't the appropriate posture, does this apply to all medical negligence cases going forward
- But it would apply to every aspect of medical negligence and I feel like be negligent if I voted to put
- We must embrace that viable science-based solutions like awg atmospheric water generation systems to
- I haven't heard anyone applied for a licence applied for a permit was rejected for the criteria was for
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee - Morning Session Dec 17th, 2025
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- There are a few different categories that people can apply for those grants and loans, so appreciate
- The same type of science that works for water quality can work, and if we show our work and show we did
- But there's been litter applied in that area.
- They're not actually applying the litter on their own property.
- Are there enough businesses and stuff for them to apply to in the state of Oklahoma?
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Blaine Arthur and Deputy Commissioner Jan Lee described the agency’s divisions and recent efforts to improve efficiency, including expanded online licensing, electronic veterinary inspection certificates, and a new laboratory information system. They highlighted youth and workforce programs, local food initiatives for schools, market development efforts, and ongoing animal health concerns such as avian influenza, equine herpesvirus, and the threat of New World screwworm. They also discussed staffing, turnover, and uncertainty around federal cooperative agreement funding, while noting they were not requesting new or additional appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Members asked about meat inspection staffing, the use of one-time forestry firefighting funds, biosecurity and national security coordination, and agency staffing levels. The department said meat inspection was currently in good shape but dependent on federal funding stability, and explained that prior firefighting dollars had been used for equipment purchases. They also said they work with state and federal partners, including DHS and FBI, on threat preparedness and have reduced turnover by adjusting salaries and maintaining staffing at or below prior levels.
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission then presented its budget and program overview. Staff described the agency’s long history and current work in water quality, flood control, soil health, unpaved roads, wetlands, and woody species control, especially eastern red cedar removal. They emphasized data-driven, voluntary conservation practices, citing stream cleanups, flood-control dam benefits, pond cleanouts during drought, and the Cherry-Peach watershed project as examples of programs that improve water resources and reduce wildfire risk. The agency said its workload has grown significantly and requested funding for critical dam repairs, local conservation district staffing, continued unpaved roads work, and expansion of woody species control statewide.
Members asked about county matching for road and dam projects, who to contact about flooding roads, sediment removal from pond cleanouts, and the effectiveness of county training programs. Commission staff explained that county in-kind work can count as match, local conservation districts are the first point of contact, and the road training has produced measurable savings and better maintenance practices. They also clarified that “high hazard” dams are those where failure could threaten people or infrastructure downstream, not necessarily dams that are structurally failing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Its hydro test requirement applies only to restarts of pipelines that have been idled for five years
- all levels of government and bringing leaders together, listening to different perspectives, fire science
- all levels of government and bringing leaders together, listening to different perspectives, fire science
- Together, listening to different perspectives—fire science, construction leaders, planning, insurance
Summary:
The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations.
SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- folks understand their rights and responsibilities around those things, I don't think it's rocket science
- like China. to use these disease outbreaks as an excuse for unjustified trade barriers that are not science-based
- steps will you take to ensure that international trade restrictions imposed on U.S. products are science-based
- making sure that the specialty crop producers in our country are represented and have the chance to apply
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- million or greater and areas designated as state critical concerns, ensuring that these stringent rules apply
- The science is clear that plastic is not... recreational activity along our coast brings in hundreds
- our economy to visitors will be greatly diminished and our economy will fill the effects and the science
- The science is clear that plastic is not only detrimental to our wildlife, particularly our sea turtles
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met and heard several bills on boating, anchoring, plastics, coastal resilience, and permitting. HB 735, expanding the Boating Improvement Program to fund boat-trailer parking at public ramps and offering a submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best practices, drew no opposition and was reported favorably. HB 371, a nature-based coastal resilience bill, was amended with a strike-all and then reported favorably with committee substitute. HB 287, allowing building or plumbing permits to move forward while septic system permits are still under review, also passed favorably after testimony from the onsite wastewater industry and a brief debate about construction delays and final occupancy certification.
The committee also took up HB 565 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of items like bags, cups, and bottles and maintain statewide uniformity. The sponsor argued it protects consumer choice and business consistency, while environmental groups, PTA representatives, and others warned it would worsen plastic pollution, microplastics, and local cleanup burdens. Despite opposition and a 13-5 vote with several members opposed, the bill was reported favorably. Members also discussed HB 565’s policy background, including prior DEP studies and the tension between state preemption and local environmental regulation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 565 in the transcript’s boating context, actually HB 565 on anchoring limitations in Biscayne Bay and other heavily impacted areas. Supporters from Miami Beach and North Bay Village said derelict and anchored vessels are harming waterways, seagrass, public safety, and enforcement efforts, while cruisers and boating groups argued the bill would displace responsible boaters and fail to solve derelict-vessel problems. The committee adopted an amendment, then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by an 18-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed and the subcommittee adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Education Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- All those titles are Learning-specific for math, English, science, social studies, and those programs
- We will implement new programs to review the framework, emphasizing science and Of course, literacy is
- I have heard that there is maybe some confusion with colleges of education and maybe applying for this
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it because there's some up to apply?
- prohibitive reason they're not applying? prohibitive reason they're not applying?
- That's a science in and of itself. It's a different science on I-80 than it is on 2026.
- <01:38:19.800>
It's That's a science in and of itself. - It's That's a science in and of itself.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- You would now be asking questions in terms of when students choose to apply to the school about their
- Cabral, spent countless hours helping me apply to different universities.
- So I'm not saying that who applies... Sure. So I'm not saying that who applies is random.
- What is random is among those who apply. If it is oversubscribed, there's a random lottery.
- My youngest son is now in the second grade at the Pioneer Charter School of Science.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success.
A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform.
The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So this would apply strictly to private property, or would this apply to state property as well?
- So<01:40:33.040>
this <01:40:33.280>would <01:40:33.520>apply So this would apply - That is really to specify that you have to apply.
- Sometimes those entities don't apply, and we can't force them to be on the committee.
- That is really to specify that you have to apply.
Keywords:
agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 29 (2-18-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, clinchers apply.
- >> Without objection, clinchers apply. >> Without objection, clinchers apply.
- Without objection, clinchers apply.
- applied gentleman from Mr.<00:45:23.920>
Mr. - Clinchers applied. >> Gentleman from McCracken. >> Mr.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00:00
Senate Message 00:04:53
Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:27
Report of Committees 00:06:16
Orders of the Day 00:08:42
SB 172 00:08:54
HB 392 00:11:47
HB 529 00:16:02
HB 456 00:22:04
HB 424 00:25:27
HJR 50 00:30:04
HB 577 00:32:29
HB 213 00:36:10
HB 58 00:40:22
HB 10 00:45:23
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:04:32
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:17:33
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 01:20:15
ConC/Rules Report 01:25:00
Floor Amendments 01:26:56
Adjournment 01:27:21, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum of 96 members, excused absent members, and approved the prior journal. The chamber also received Senate messages transmitting Senate Bills 969 and 141. Several bills were reported from committee and placed on the calendar, including measures on on-farm animal health, insurance regulation, crimes and punishments, employment, artificial intelligence, utility fuel adjustments, education, and addictive online platforms.
The House then took up and passed Senate Bill 172, which allows the Public Service Commission to spread sudden fuel cost spikes over several months to reduce consumer bill shock. It passed 95-0. House Bill 392, dealing with local public agency transactions and procurement, was amended by committee substitute to remove disputed best-value procurement and residential bidder preference provisions, lower the small purchase threshold increase to $50,000, and add indexing and other local purchasing changes; it passed 97-0. House Bill 529, concerning the parole board, was amended to stagger board terms, allow limited term extensions, authorize panel hearings, and adjust parole review timing; it passed 99-0. House Bill 456, relating to unclaimed property and the state treasurer, was passed 100-0 after adding an unclaimed property awareness week, removing a residency requirement for the treasurer, clarifying mineral royalty reporting, and tightening reporting requirements.
The House also passed House Bill 424 on social work licensure, which exempts student interns and trainees, sets supervision standards, updates licensure rules including multi-state licensure, background checks, and telehealth, and requires board representation from social work education; it passed 94-0. House Joint Resolution 50, directing a study of child care regulations and processes by the Auditor of Public Accounts, was adopted 98-0. House Bill 577, modernizing economic development statutes by renaming and updating innovation programs, expanding the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, allowing certain out-of-state companies to qualify if they relocate within 180 days, and broadening angel investor participation, passed 98-0. House Bill 213, reducing the service requirement for rehiring retired police officers from 20 to 15 years and allowing local employers to offer health benefits, passed 98-0. House Bill 58, on privacy protection and automated license plate reader data, was taken up with a committee substitute and floor amendment allowing limited data retention and training use under redactions; the transcript cuts off during explanation of the bill after the amendment was adopted.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Weapons Station Yorktown, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Colonial Behavioral Mental Health
- regulatory hurdles, including taxes and rules written over 50 years ago that were never intended to apply
- REGULATORY HURDLES, INCLUDING TAXES AND RULES WRITTEN OVER 50 YEARS AGO THAT WERE NEVER INTENDED TO APPLY
- It was never intended to apply to them in the first place. It should not apply to them now.
- IT WAS NEVER INTENDED TO APPLY TO THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT SHOULD NOT APPLY TO THEM NOW.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If no request is made, any overpayment is applied toward next year's property taxes.
- in other counties, such as My neighbor to the north, you have to specifically know you overpaid and apply
- It does repeal the inefficient sales tax exemption that's in there and applies it back to the R&D sales
- research and development fuels progress in virtually every sector: advanced manufacturing, life sciences
- Licensed by the FCC, the same rule applies to free over-the-air local FCC licensed radio broadcasters
Keywords:
SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 7th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- yourself this question, should water districts that are servicing high fire risk areas this only applies
- It's it just applies to Ventura County and is supported by all the all the legislators in Ventura County
- The science is clear. Home hardened. If it's notOWNER.
- the things that We're making a mistake if we don't get these losses under control and we have the science
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- YEAR OF SERVICE I WILL BE COMPLETING THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
- WEARING BEANIES BECAUSE THEY DRINK A HARD IPA SO IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE THE ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS APPLY
- WE TESTED THESE PRODUCTS USING THE SAME METHODOLOGY REGULATORY GUIDELINES AND TESTING PARAMETERS WE APPLY
- WE HAVEN'T SEEN THE SCIENCE, WE'VE ALL ASKED FOR IT BUT WE HAVEN'T SEEN IT WRITTEN WE HAVE AN EDUCATED
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My last assignment was as a professor of military science in charge of Army ROTC at UC Berkeley.
- My name is Carly Hall, and I'm a junior at Fresno State studying political science.
- What would the criteria be to apply for this? I would be all in. Thank you.
- What would the criteria be to apply for this? I would be all in. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense.
The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense.
AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense.
The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- In high school, Minty and I founded a science club that put on science nights at local elementary schools
- In high school, Minty and I founded a science club that put on science names at local elementary schools
- Cyclists don't dismount, as science instructs, and often don't slow down, using a bell to alert pedestrians
- Counterintuitive, but that's the science, and those are the facts behind it.
- I urge you to please pass this legislation to ensure the intent of the law is applied to trucks operated
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment.
Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee On Information Management and Technology 06/17/2026 8:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And finally, a briefing on Oregon's involvement in the National Science Foundation's AI-Ready America
- And finally, a briefing on Oregon's involvement in the National Science Foundation's AI-Ready America
- As such, Fourth Amendment warrant requirements no longer apply if the government wants to obtain it.
- This final item concerns the National Science Foundation's AI-Ready America Initiative.
- So the AI-Ready America Initiative was launched by the National Science Foundation and a really quick
Summary:
The committee held a series of informational briefings on information management and technology issues. It first heard from ACLU representatives on data privacy, who argued that Oregon should strengthen protections against private data brokers, government purchases of personal data, reverse warrants, automatic license plate readers, and local police surveillance. They urged data minimization, limits on data sales and retention, and broader transparency and accountability measures. Members asked about practical uses of license plate readers, state sales of data, and how Oregon’s approach compares with other states; the presenters said similar proposals have been adopted elsewhere, including data minimization in Maryland and a state version of the Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act in Montana.
The committee then received a detailed update from the Department of Administrative Services and Enterprise Information Services on licensing system modernization for 14 boards and commissions with the most immediate need. DAS said it is seeking a shared procurement approach through an RFP that would create either one scalable system or two tiers of systems, depending on agency needs and security requirements, with contracts expected by September. Committee members emphasized the need for a more unified, user-friendly statewide login and service experience for businesses and residents, and raised concerns about small agencies “figuring it out on their own” without sufficient cybersecurity or technical expertise. EIS said it is overseeing the investment review, security and architecture review, and future implementation planning, and noted that multiple agency requests may still come back to the legislature in the next session.
The committee also discussed a revised cybersecurity incident notification concept. Staff explained that the earlier bill had raised stakeholder concerns, so the co-chairs directed further interim work with the Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council and other local government and K-12 stakeholders. The goal is a narrower, voluntary “911-style” notification process that would let public bodies alert peers and potentially receive assistance after cyber incidents; a temporary voluntary process is being tested now, with a work group developing language for possible 2027 consideration.
Finally, the committee heard updates from the new state chief data officer on data governance, data sharing, geospatial work, and the state transparency website, followed by a briefing on data centers from NCSL and the Technology Association of Oregon. The data officer described efforts to expand data inventories, data governance plans, data literacy, and interagency sharing, along with statewide aerial imagery, geospatial standards, and the open data portal. The data center discussion focused on national and state trends, including rapid growth in data centers, rising electricity and water demand, and legislative responses such as new rate classes, reporting requirements, and cost-allocation rules to protect ratepayers. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- think about that that that would apply think about that that that would apply only<05:50:57.478>
- granted Asylum they don't have to apply granted Asylum they don't have to apply for<07:04:16.200
- <07:05:49.200>
for office and applies for office and applies for Asylum<07:05:51.958>two - It punishes those who apply for protection from within our borders.
- It punishes those who apply for protection from within our borders.