Transcript Highlights:

• about the innovative technologies? about the innovative technologies?
• It is I will tell you at on technology.
• it is really about uh using technology it is really about uh using technology with<00:15:57.040>
• but in terms of electronic uh technology but in terms of electronic uh technology we're<00:16:06.560
• Department of Information Technology Department of Information Technology policy. policy. policy

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, for one thing, the invention of modern technology, which some of us still today don't care for, but
• modern technology and the invention of the printing press diminished cursive as a means of everyday
• <00:09:14.800> which the invention modern technology which the invention modern technology
• 09:18.959> modern<00:09:19.360> tech<00:09:19.839> modern<00:09:20.399> technology
• but modern tech modern technology but modern tech modern technology um<00:09:22.080> in<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:42.720> including last two decades in technology including last two decades in technology
• <00:41:56.800> Um manufacturing technology and defense.
• Um manufacturing technology and defense.
• So this frontier technology and energy.
• <00:57:47.119> and Paduka uh using our own technology and Paduka uh using our own technology

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:

• There's some complexity in the code right now based on the technology in some senses, that the technology
• > there >> So the technology is there >> So the technology is there >> that<
• <01:40:39.199> in right now based on the technology in right now based on the technology in
• <01:40:42.159> as some senses that the the technology as some senses that the the technology
• aspects with with the technology. aspects with with the technology.

Bills: HB1697, HB1678, HB1679, HB2282, HB1940, HB1671, HB1481, HB2015, HB2207, HB2486

Keywords: natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a registration system with the<00:36:39.440> technology.
• medical technology data at scale?
• /c><00:47:57.839> and technology companies invest years and technology companies invest years
• <00:48:28.079> used highly specialized technologies used highly specialized technologies used
• Thinking state implementing technology.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He wrote in his journal at school that entry read, 'One future technology that will change our lives
• 00:04:18.400> future school that entry read one future school that entry read one future technology
• that will change our lives is technology that will change our lives is a<00:04:20.759> robot<
• is<00:04:32.000> better<00:04:32.240> than This is an 8-year-old child wanting technology
• There is an adult mask and a pediatric mask, and the technology on the grid, which Tony will show you

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 44, also called Landon’s Law, which would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac and remove liability concerns for schools that have them. Representative Candy Massaroni and other supporters said the bill is intended to provide an added rescue option in choking emergencies, especially for children and students with disabilities, and cited concerns that there are no current procedures to rescue some individuals who use wheelchairs or have disabilities. Testifiers from Equal First Aid and Life Act described the device as noninvasive, non-powered, and available with adult and pediatric masks, saying it works by creating suction to dislodge an object from the airway. They also referenced American Heart Association, CDC, and Red Cross guidance in support of broader availability. Lauren McCubbin, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her son’s life and death, saying he choked on a bouncy ball at Boston Elementary on November 21, 2022 and died despite the presence of a nurse and firefighters. She said the bill is meant to ensure no other family has to experience a similar loss and argued that a LifeVac device might have given her son a chance. Committee members asked for clarification about what the device is and why paramedics did not have it, and the bill’s supporters explained that it is a simple suction device and that some emergency services are only beginning to adopt it. After the testimony, a motion and second were made on the bill. The committee then moved into questions and discussion about the device’s function, FDA registration, and use in schools, but no final vote or other action was stated in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:47.519> services office of Enterprise technology services office of Enterprise technology
• It’s all been technology-focused primarily.
• focused primarily everything technology focused primarily everything technology<01:03:24.599> but
• primarily driven by from a technology primarily driven by from a technology perspective<01:04:00.279
• the office of Enterprise technology the office of Enterprise technology Services<01:10:06.280>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , gaps in aging technology, gaps in aging technology, disconnected<00:04:22.920> data,<00:
• <00:05:10.360> for It enables us to use technology for It enables us to use technology for
• that we have ways to do technology that we have ways to do modernization?
• <01:19:36.520> capabilities, some of the technology capabilities, some of the technology capabilities
• <01:20:18.480> that<01:20:18.640> you uh, camera technologies that you uh, camera technologies

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 581, Senator Jennings, Department of Information Technology, statewide information technology
• This bill requires the Secretary of Information Technology to post a statewide information technology
• , Department of Information Technology, Department of Information Technology, statewide<00:36:54.560
• technology master statewide information technology master plan<00:36:56.560> reporting<00:36:
• to post a statewide uh technology to post a statewide uh information<00:37:08.160> technology

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• still in use and some of the technology still in use and some of the technology there<00:15:51.839
• <00:56:49.119> and differences between the technology and differences between the technology
• I like the differences in the technologies. It just feels a little not focused.
• I like the differences in the technologies. It just feels a little not focused.
• I like the differences in the technologies. It just feels a little not focused.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so while the economic technology.
• carrier of last resort technology carrier of last resort obligations<00:19:22.640> remain<00:
• <00:25:17.520> and<00:25:17.760> advance<00:25:18.240> broadband technology and
• We need laws today that reflect technology and what consumers really want and need.
• so I I understand the the the technology so I I understand the the the technology challenges<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The world's top innovators are here in Massachusetts, developing things like new battery technologies
• that's available now with respect to nuclear technology is very different from the technology that was
• VPPs bring together rooftop solar and battery systems with other technologies such as smart thermostats
• There are much needed efforts to accelerate our deployment of thermal energy technologies, and we are
• Solar plays a critical role in that, so we urge the committee not to set back a technology that can be

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things also is that our eligibility system is technology from the 1990s.
• So the next recommendation is what is called technology-first.
• of technology.
• So these are just types of efficiencies that technology can bring about.
• These are just types of efficiencies that technology can bring about.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Technologies to protect the quality and Technologies to protect the quality and quantity<00:13:41.240
• and for a really exciting technology and for a minor<00:54:02.079> change<00:54:02.359> of
• out, so they don't want to give away their technology.
• out, so they don't want to give away their technology.
• out, so they don't want to give away their technology.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits a manufacturer, sale, and use of technology... Explicit consent.
• This bill does not ban technology.
• Technology evolves. Online recruitment continues to grow and change dramatically.
• They use new technology.
• And increasingly, technology has changed the way vendors access and consume this material.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• infeasible to do it is technologically infeasible to do so. so. so.
• And the board comes to me and says, please demonstrate why it was technologically infeasible to do so
• infeasible and the board technologically infeasible and the board hears<00:36:46.520> from<00
• technologically infeasible to do so. technologically infeasible to do so.
• <00:37:16.880> infeasible<00:37:17.760> or<00:37:17.880> what's technologically

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These schools invest heavily in teachers, facilities, mobile classrooms, technology, but are consistently
• In doing so AB 1053 will improve the quality of educational technology and ensure that educators have
• I think all, as technological savvy folks, know that Wi-Fi at best has its issues.
• I would like to highlight the challenges with the definition of educational technology certification
• technological solution.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and other essential cost of technology and other essential researches<00:19:03.000> such<00:19
• infrastructure costs our technology infrastructure costs our technology costs<00:21:44.159> um
• costs um which we're using technology costs um which we're using technology now<00:21:46.440>
• The pace has changed appreciably, and the technology that we use now and what we handle as evidence is
• The pace has changed appreciably, and the technology that we use now and what we handle as evidence is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call the Information Technology Committee to order. Good morning, everyone.
• We'll call the Information Technology Committee to order.
• Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Justin Data, and I head up the Information Technology
• I'm the chief technology officer here for the state of North Dakota.
• Again, this is not really simply a technology investment.

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh it's an educational technology bill, made its way out of House Commerce, came over here, Senate more
• technology committees and the<00:24:08.120> General<00:24:08.400> Assembly<00:24:08.920
• Uh it's educational technology<00:24:32.800> bill,<00:24:33.200> made<00:24:33.360>
• :24:33.480> way<00:24:33.720> out<00:24:33.880> of<00:24:34.240> uh technology
• bill, made its way out of uh technology bill, made its way out of uh House<00:24:34.600> Commerce

Keywords: 927, senate, all