Video & Transcript Research : 'digital opportunities'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill it created uh a digital platform which is uh bring all uh workforce opportunity in one place
- This aims to create a centralized digital platform where students can find internships and other opportunities
- So our aim is to bring it statewide, make it one digital platform for students to have an equal opportunity
- So our aim is to bring it statewide, make it one digital platform for students to have an equal opportunity
- Bring it before the committee. opportunity, it refills opportunity. opportunity, it refills opportunity
Keywords:
workforce development, youth employment, internships, mentoring, job opportunities, digital platform, online portal, career pathways, youth workforce, employment and economic development, DEED, general fund appropriation, nonprofit grant, social media outreach, digital outreach, workforce opportunities, teen jobs, young adults, career exploration, Minnesota youth
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, with that, we will start with the hearing of House Bill 2365, “Advancing Digital Opportunities
- to develop recommendations to advance digital connectivity and advise the Broadband Office on digital
- Regarding the Digital Equity Opportunity Program, this program is renamed as the Digital Opportunity
- The National Digital Skills Coalition reported that 92% of jobs require digital skills, yet only two-thirds
- , I ask this committee to support HB 2365, the digital equity opportunity bill, and pass it out of the
Keywords:
civil air patrol, military, Washington, emergency services, public safety, digital opportunities, accessibility, technology, economic growth, education, quantum technology, economic development, workforce development, innovation, technology industry, 904, all
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2365, “Advancing Digital Opportunities for All,” would shift digital equity responsibilities more squarely to the State Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, update the Digital Equity Forum’s duties, and require more regular reporting and coordination on the state digital equity plan. The prime sponsor said the bill is mainly a governance update to align state law with changing federal and state structures. Testimony from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation providers strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for broadband access, devices, digital skills, and online safety, while Commerce testified to technical and fiscal concerns and said amendments were needed to address costs.
House Bill 2446 would direct Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30 using non-state funding if possible, with the goal of identifying growth areas, workforce needs, partnerships, and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The sponsor and supporters from the technology industry, Microsoft, and the Technology Alliance argued that Washington has strong research assets but needs a coordinated strategy to compete with other states. Committee members raised concerns about regulatory capture, cybersecurity, and the need to keep the strategy broad enough to cover quantum communications, networking, and sensing; a friendly amendment was requested to reference “quantum technology” rather than just quantum computing. House Bill 2357 would create a state Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cyber missions, and search and rescue. The Military Department, Civil Air Patrol leadership, and veterans’ representatives supported the bill, saying it would improve coordination and emergency response without changing federal authorities or creating a fiscal impact.
The meeting ended with a work session on strengthening Washington’s visitor economy. State of Washington Tourism, the Washington Wine Commission, and industry advisory group members presented recommendations for a more sustainable tourism funding model, centered on an industry-supported assessment and a target annual program budget of about $25 million. They said Washington is underfunded compared with peer western states and could lose billions in visitor spending over the next decade without a stronger, more predictable funding structure. Committee members discussed the importance of statewide benefits, international visitation, and balancing support for urban and rural destinations, and the chair said tourism investment bills would be considered later in the session.
OK
Keywords:
HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment
OK
Keywords:
HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 4274, with a PCS accepted without objection. The bill concerns military students and military school choice, restoring language from the Open Enrollment Act, removing a six-month residency requirement for military families, and addressing early enrollment administration. After brief discussion, the committee voted 10-0 to report the bill out as due pass.
HB 3076, authored by Rep. Lepak, would create a new alternative certification pathway for teachers to help address the teacher shortage by allowing third-party certifiers outside the traditional higher-education route. Members asked about accreditation, existing pilot language, and how this differs from emergency or adjunct certification. The author said the bill is intended as an additional route for career changers, with examples from other states and a model that includes follow-up support after hiring. The committee also discussed adding mentor-teacher language, and the bill passed 10-2 as due pass.
The committee then considered HB 4358, which would limit screen time for K-5 students to one hour per day, with the author noting possible changes for class-based use, testing, and virtual schools. HB 3312, with a PCS, would require schools to offer firearm safety education in grades K-12, while allowing parents to opt their students out; it passed 9-2. HB 3288, also with a PCS, would increase physical activity for school-age children and prohibit withholding recess or physical education from pre-K through 5th grade as punishment; it passed 11-0.
Finally, HB 3885, with a PCS, would impose mandatory disciplinary actions for third- through fifth-grade students who assault or attempt to assault teachers or school employees. The author said the bill is aimed at improving teacher safety and retention, while still allowing in-school suspension and case-by-case superintendent discretion. Members discussed whether schools already have such authority and whether suspension is always the best response. The bill passed 8-3 as due pass. HB 4277 and HB 4173 were laid over.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify. Thank you, Brian.
- live in that community, just gives them an opportunity.
- Thank you, Chair Berg, for this opportunity to speak.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
- Thank you for this opportunity to testify.
Keywords:
affordable housing, sales tax, housing programs, tax incentives, economic development, religious organizations, development, housing opportunities, land use, 904, all
Summary:
House Finance met on January 15 and heard public testimony on House Bill 1717 and House Bill 1859 before moving into a work session on the Working Families Tax Credit. HB 1717 would let cities and counties create a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing, with testimony from Habitat for Humanity, housing advocates, counties, cities, and developers emphasizing that the local tax rebate could help projects pencil out amid high construction and financing costs. Supporters also said the bill would give local governments flexibility to tailor affordability requirements, while a committee question raised how county and city approvals would interact. The bill’s sponsor said the measure was revised after last session to fit budget constraints and to help speed housing production.
HB 1859 would expand affordable housing opportunities on land owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold for density bonus eligibility from 100% to at least 50% affordable units and creating a new state and local sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects. The sponsor and supporters said faith communities have land near transit and services but projects often fail to finance under current rules; several witnesses described existing or planned church-based housing developments in Tacoma, Redmond, Bellevue, Spokane, and elsewhere. Some testimony asked to include affordable homeownership projects in addition to rentals, and one committee exchange focused on how homeownership could affect congregational land legacy and gentrification concerns. A county representative objected to a provision requiring local governments to create a process for updating regulations upon request from qualifying organizations, calling it an unfunded burden.
In the work session, the committee heard from advocates and a policy researcher about the Working Families Tax Credit. Testimony focused on simplifying eligibility and application processes, expanding eligibility to all adults 18 and older, increasing the benefit amount, including people without earned income, and raising income limits. A California Policy Lab presenter described a data-linking approach used in California to identify eligible non-filers and improve take-up through targeted outreach, which increased participation and put millions more dollars into households’ pockets. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the work session.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- All testifiers may not have the opportunity to testify.
- structure at the state level means better coordination, cleaner strategic vision, and stronger opportunities
- structure at the state level means better coordination, cleaner strategic vision, and stronger opportunities
- Thank you very much for the opportunity to testify today.
- </c> Thank you very much for the opportunity Thank you very much for the opportunity to<01:00:06.960>
Keywords:
economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state.
On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So there is the opportunity to both be ...carbon sales as well.
- I'll take this opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 2544.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Rea Burns.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Rea Burns.
- Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you so much, Mr. Pesnich.
Keywords:
natural climate solutions, ecosystem services, revenue generation, economic opportunities, environmental policy, water rights, adjudication, Columbia River, environmental impact, natural resources, tribal members, fish and wildlife, commission, indigenous rights, state regulation, 904, all
Summary:
The committee began with House Bill 2170, a DNR request bill that would authorize ecosystem service projects on state trust lands, including carbon and other natural climate solutions, with contracts lasting up to 125 years and Board of Natural Resources oversight. The sponsor and DNR said the bill would diversify revenue, modernize forest management, and help meet climate goals; supporters argued it would add tools without mandating changes to timber harvests. Opponents from timber companies, counties, school districts, and logging groups warned the bill could reduce harvest levels, lower trust revenue, hurt rural jobs and mills, and lock up working forests for generations. Supporters from environmental groups and some local officials said the bill would create more stable revenue, support climate and watershed benefits, and could still allow timber harvests. No vote was taken, and the chair noted HB 1508 and HB 2170 were both active ecosystem services vehicles for possible amendments.
The committee also briefly heard House Bill 2578, which would add four tribal commissioner seats and four alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with representation from federally recognized tribes on both sides of the Cascades. The staff briefing described the new positions, qualifications, staggered terms, and quorum changes. The prime sponsor said the bill would strengthen co-management and tribal-state partnership, but the hearing was suspended before public testimony and no action was taken.
Later, the committee took up House Bill 2544, a pilot process for the Upper Columbia Water Rights Adjudication. Staff explained that the bill would direct Ecology to begin the adjudication in two phases, first focusing on tribal and federal claimants and then all other claimants, with a report due in 2035. The sponsor said the bill would make a decades-long process more efficient and allow earlier settlement discussions without reducing anyone’s rights. Colville Tribes testified in support, as did other tribal representatives, saying the phased approach would improve clarity and efficiency; the hearing then moved into public testimony on the bill.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (7-24-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- The next item on the agenda is a discussion of conservation opportunities in Kentucky.
- The next item on the agenda is a discussion of conservation opportunities in Kentucky.
- The next item on the agenda is a discussion of conservation opportunities in Kentucky.
- The next item on the agenda is a discussion of conservation opportunities in Kentucky.
- </c> unlocks a lot of other opportunities unlocks a lot of other opportunities even<00:45:01.800><c>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:26
Approval of Minutes 00:02:27
LIHEAP Presentation and Public Hearing 00:02:42
Conservation Opportunities in Kentucky 00:29:52, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide.
Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify.
After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, there are opportunities in rural communities for improving health disparities, for lifting
- There are some opportunities there that could have been funded at this time to add additional employment
- opportunities, but it will come about.
- I appreciate the opportunity to share how this works in practice, and I'm happy... ...goals and fiscal
- I appreciate the opportunity to share how this works in practice, and I'm happy to answer any questions
Keywords:
museum, cultural affairs, lowrider, Espanola, appropriation, feasibility study, broadband access, low-income, rural areas, Indian nations, affordable internet, employment opportunities, detention centers, immigration, economic development, repurposing facilities, job transition, rural development, housing, affordable housing
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 310, which would appropriate $1 million to continue planning and development for a Lowrider Museum in Española. The sponsor said the project had already received prior capital outlay support and that the new funding would help complete the study and planning phase for a future world-class museum. Members asked about the increase from prior funding levels and discussed the broader cultural and economic value of the museum. The bill received a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Memorial 51, which addresses the economic and community impacts of ending civil immigration detention in affected rural counties. Sponsors said the memorial would call for planning around workforce retraining, economic diversification, community services, and possible repurposing of detention facilities. Testimony and discussion focused on the short-term harm to workers and local economies, the role of Workforce Solutions, and concerns about family disruption, housing, property tax revenue, and whether facilities might close or be repurposed. The memorial passed on a 7-0 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 194, which would expand the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code to support housing shortage areas and workforce housing through property tax freezes and related incentives. The sponsor and Apartment Association representative described the bill as a tool to increase missing-middle housing, with affordability requirements, voucher acceptance, audits, and reporting provisions. Members raised concerns that the amendment was very large and difficult to absorb in the committee timeframe, and several said they preferred to see it as a substitute bill. No motion was made to adopt the amendment, HB 194 was rolled, and HB 323 was also rolled because the sponsor was unavailable. The committee then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:01 am
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, there are opportunities in rural communities for improving health disparities, for lifting
- We have people that have been in the area for generations, and it just so happens that a job opportunity
- There are some opportunities that are there that could have been funded at this time to add to the village
- Could have been funded at this time to add additional employment opportunities, but it will come about
- I appreciate the opportunity to share how this works in practice, and I'm happy to answer any questions
Keywords:
museum, cultural affairs, lowrider, Espanola, appropriation, feasibility study, broadband access, low-income, rural areas, Indian nations, affordable internet, employment opportunities, detention centers, immigration, economic development, repurposing facilities, job transition, rural development, housing, affordable housing
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I've had the opportunity to bill today.
- Appreciate the opportunity.
- Appreciate the opportunity.
- And I a lot opportunity and I took it.
- So, it's it development opportunity.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12
Approval of Minutes 00:02:25
Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48
Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58
Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56
Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members.
The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky.
Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 12, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So appreciate the opportunity<00:15:36.800><c> to</c><00:15:36.959><c> to</c><00:15:37.120><c> be</c>
Keywords:
right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 12, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> continued leadership in the digital continued leadership in the digital economy.<00:02:44.160><c
- It gives a wider scope for a digital.
- </c><00:04:43.759><c> innovation</c> technology and digital innovation technology and digital innovation
- </c> blockchain financial technology digital blockchain financial technology digital innovation<00:11
- </c> committee, thank you for the opportunity committee, thank you for the opportunity to<01:02:42.720
Keywords:
right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, well, thank you for this opportunity to weigh in on this bill, and thank you for everything
- Thank you, Chairman Nancy, and I do appreciate that you made every opportunity to accommodate us this
- I think most of you had the opportunity to... to meet Teresa Burnett earlier today, who is a constituent
Keywords:
broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- would like to close on their bill, simply make a request to the members of the committee for that opportunity
- broadband, and it reflects the growing need of consumers for faster speeds to participate in the digital
- Opportunities of Texas' last mile grant program, but we didn't receive formal bids in those locations
- I had the opportunity to go to other legislatures and speak about this concept that we put forward because
Keywords:
broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (6-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in Somerset to other other opportunities in Somerset to other other opportunities that<00:09:56.720
- </c> that we face and also the opportunities that we face and also the opportunities that<00:32:35.440
- <c> to</c><00:34:15.919><c> really</c> ina-lifetime opportunity uh to really ina-lifetime opportunity
- </c><00:56:39.280><c> for</c> and creating more opportunities for and creating more opportunities for
- Uh we opportunities for literacy.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:12
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:33
Kentucky’s New Assessment and Accountability Model Update: 00:03:50
Federal Education Policy and Its Impact on States: 01:00:55
Educational Leadership Training Opportunities in Kentucky: 01:26:44
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 02:10:38
Adjournment: 02:13:57, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Education met for its first interim meeting and established a quorum before taking up its first topic, Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability model. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, joined by KDE staff and superintendents, described a multi-year effort involving the Kentucky “Now We Learn” Council, more than 50 educators and stakeholders, at least 18 pilot districts, surveys, focus groups, town halls, and four prototype frameworks. He emphasized three priorities for the new model: vibrant learning experiences, innovation in assessment, and collaboration with communities.
Fletcher said the state accountability portion would continue to meet federal requirements and identify CSI/TSI/ATSI schools, while shifting toward more emphasis on individual student growth, grade-level equivalency in reading and math, career and technical education, graduation rate, and English language proficiency. He also said science would remain a required assessment but be reported separately rather than counted in the CSI/TSI calculation. He stressed that the model should focus on growth, local flexibility, and meaningful measures that reflect community expectations, while still preserving a statewide framework.
The committee also heard from Bullitt County superintendent Jesse Bacon, who described his district’s local accountability work. He said Bullitt County formed a community coalition with broad representation from across the district, business leaders, and community members, met six times during the school year, and worked toward a public-facing dashboard that would show community expectations, evidence of accountability, and areas for improvement. Bacon said the district identified six community-defined pillars, beginning with student learning and foundational academic knowledge, as part of a system intended to communicate strengths and improvement areas to the public.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology (10-26-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItoOwwqB52U, 2026-06-21T07:17:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses in Kentucky – Data from Employer Surveys Presenters 00:02:59
The Threat of Cyberattacks on Our Nation’s Critical Infrastructure 01:08:16, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2365 relates to digital equity.
- Lastly, it specifies that when administering the digital opportunity program, the Department of Commerce
- Lastly, it specifies that when administering the digital opportunity program, the Department of Commerce
- The next bill we will consider is House Bill 2365, advancing digital opportunity for all.
- opportunity program.
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing
Summary:
The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met on January 27, first in executive session and later for public hearings. In executive session, the committee considered House Bills 2157 (high-risk AI systems), 2351 (protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations), 2365 (digital equity), 2357 (establishing the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol), and 2446 (developing the quantum technology industry). Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. The committee adopted amendments to HB 2157 exempting activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA, and then advanced the bill. HB 2351 and HB 2365 also advanced after debate and amendment votes; several definition-related amendments to HB 2365 were adopted, while others, including a data-sharing amendment and a rural-area amendment, were rejected. HB 2357 passed without amendment, and HB 2446 advanced after adoption of an amendment extending the strategy deadline, broadening eligible contractors, and making a technical correction.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, and economic mobility, and urged continued investment. Some witnesses suggested technical changes, including stronger accountability and clearer reporting. Commerce staff said the program had reached many organizations and people and supported the bill with technical recommendations.
A second public hearing was held on House Bill 2606, which would update the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures in response to a JLARC audit. The bill would remove certain reporting requirements, add measures tied to privacy training, public contacts, staff education, and privacy assessments, and expand the office’s duties to include review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor and the state chief privacy officer both said the bill aligns the office’s statute with its current capacity and JLARC’s recommendations, and the hearing concluded with no further committee action before adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> America<00:25:13.679><c> Digital</c><00:25:14.320><c> Inc.</c> America Digital Inc.
- America Digital Inc., in opposition on Zoom.
- Again, thank you for the opportunity.
- </c> Uh we appreciate we had an opportunity Uh we appreciate we had an opportunity um<00:49:47.440><c
- </c><01:26:50.719><c> digital</c> HP uh 2003 relating to digit digital HP uh 2003 relating to digit digital
Keywords:
eviction, housing stability, tenant screening, court records, writ of possession, foreclosures, public sale, eligible bidders, housing, downpayment, judicial foreclosure, digital financial assets, consumer protection, financial kiosks, refunds, transaction security, HB1642, Hawaii, cryptocurrency ATM, crypto ATM
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 227 relating to eviction records. Supporters, including the Public First Law Center and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would help people who prevail in eviction cases avoid long-term housing harm from online court records, while the Public First Law Center said keeping records off eCourt Kokua would not violate the First Amendment because the records would still be available in person. Members discussed access-to-justice concerns, and a witness said legal aid attorneys could still access the records through the attorney-only Jeff’s system and the court’s access-to-justice room. The chair also asked about precedent, and a witness cited a Hawaii Supreme Court case as supporting removal from the online database rather than sealing records entirely.
The committee then took up HP 1775 relating to foreclosures, but the transcript only shows in-person opposition comments from the Hawaii State Bar Association Collection Law Section, the Hawaii Credit Union League, and the Hawaii Bankers Association. The credit union and banking groups said they had concerns about broader negative impacts on mortgage lending and other requirements, but no detailed discussion or action was captured before the committee moved on. The next measure, HB 1560 relating to consumer protection, drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and cryptocurrency companies including Coinflip and America Digital, which said they already use wallet-pinning and other safeguards to prevent fraud. AARP Hawaii did not take a formal position but said the bill addressed a real problem, noting that Hawaii residents, especially in Kona, had lost more than $920,000 in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams and arguing that stronger oversight was needed.
The committee also heard HB 1642, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the ban as the best way to protect consumers from fraud, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed it, arguing kiosks provide cash-based access to crypto, especially for unbanked or underbanked consumers, and that targeted regulation would be better than an outright ban. AARP Hawaii took no formal position but strongly emphasized the harm caused by scams, saying victims are often frightened into acting quickly and that kiosk transactions currently lack enough friction or intervention. Finally, HB 1647, also on consumer protection, would impose liability on host businesses that provide space for crypto kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection warned small businesses might not understand the liability, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed the bill, saying it would unfairly shift enforcement duties to host stores and could discourage businesses from hosting kiosks, effectively creating a de facto ban. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/04/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2010 deems it unlawful for a seller of digital goods to offer for sale
- or advertise a digital good to a purchaser using the terms “buy” or “purchase,” or any other term that
- a reasonable person would understand to confer an unrestricted ownership interest in that digital good
- The bill outlines the applicability of the digital goods advertising requirements, requires any affirmative
- Finally, the bill deems a violation of the digital goods advertising requirements an unlawful practice
Keywords:
digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, independent contractor, marketplace, digital services, contractual agreements