Transcript Highlights:

• Please. ...exposure to risky vendors in critical telecom infrastructure in two key ways.
• We've seen other federal government actions related to security cameras, Hikvision.
• We've seen congressional reports about crane infrastructure.
• Geopolitics, market instability, and national security as well, policy and law.
• Anyway, that's just something for an infrastructure.

Bills: SB1046

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would bar critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and cut off state, local, or federal infrastructure funding for violators. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill responds to real national-security risks from China, citing examples such as Huawei, Hikvision, and other foreign-linked technology concerns, and saying states can act where federal efforts are incomplete or slow. Members raised questions about cost, timing, and whether the bill duplicates federal action; Macklin said the bill targets public procurement and that state action remains appropriate. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation. The committee next received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role as an innovation hub. He described university work on automation, microgrids, critical mineral recovery, tailings remediation, workforce training, and heat-stress protection, and said Arizona can help de-risk new mining technologies through research partnerships, training networks, and policy support. Members asked about microgrids, federal and state law changes, tariffs, workforce decline, AI, and how the Legislature could help; Luxbacher emphasized the need for coordinated training pipelines, incubators for mining startups, and support for pilot projects and processing capacity. Jeremiah Pate, founder and CTO of Lunisand, then presented on subsurface imaging technology using georadiotomography. He said the system can image deep underground from airborne platforms, helping locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and hidden defense-related threats more quickly than traditional methods. Members asked about archaeological uses, mineral identification, water detection, whether similar companies exist, and defense applications. Pate said the technology is still developing but is unique in its field-practical airborne capability. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair and adjournment.

Bills: SB893

Keywords: foreign land ownership, military protection, critical infrastructure, whistleblower rewards, state security, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• critical infrastructure.
• out of critical infrastructure and replace it with something that doesn't have these security vulnerabilities
• infrastructure.
• Critical infrastructure is defined in the bill.
• They probably wouldn't otherwise buy because of these security vulnerabilities.

Bills: SB1308

Keywords: foreign adversary, consumer fraud, technology security, critical infrastructure, Arizona attorney general, fraud office, appropriations, 1182, all

Summary: The Science and Technology Committee heard Senate Bill 1308, which would create a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office within the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and litigate consumer fraud involving technology produced by foreign adversaries. The bill also establishes a Foreign Adversary Fraud Fund, includes a $500,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026-27, and directs excess balances to a Foreign Adversary Technology Rip and Replace Fund administered by the Department of Homeland Security to help remove and replace vulnerable technology in state systems and critical infrastructure. A representative from State Armor and an attorney with experience in the Attorney General’s consumer litigation unit testified in support. They argued the measure would protect consumers from undisclosed security vulnerabilities in products such as cameras and routers, citing examples of hacked or relabeled foreign-made devices and saying the cases could generate restitution and penalties that would more than offset the initial appropriation. They also said the bill would help governments avoid buying products with hidden risks and would support replacing vulnerable equipment in public systems. Members asked how the rip-and-replace fund would be used and who would identify critical infrastructure for replacement. Testimony indicated the Department of Homeland Security would administer those funds and identify the infrastructure, while the Attorney General’s office would use the appropriation to pursue cases. After discussion, the committee voted 8-0, with one member absent, to give Senate Bill 1308 a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Daniel Zimmerman has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security
• Every single national security option the President needs. is underpinned by air and space power.
• If confirmed, I look forward to bringing over 25 years of intelligence and security experience to the
• If confirmed, I would draw on almost two decades of national security experience and intelligence in
• But can you support me and this committee in working on those infrastructure projects?

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Border Security will come to order. Mr.
• Leadership at the governor level, and it's completely different dealing with their secretary of security
• With that, members, without any other business to come before the Senate Committee on Border Security

Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• state, particularly in the areas of border security, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency
• operations and critical infrastructure threats.
• But as far as related to border security...
• I'm the Governor's Homeland Security Advisor.
• There's room for critical infrastructure protection.

Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• payment systems, the financial plumbing that ensures that billions of payments go through, from Social Security
• the progress on inflation and the cooling in the labor market, we have continued to reduce our securities
• Treasury plays a central role in supporting our nation's payment infrastructure, which processes a vast
• directly on what was a very large amount of interest rate risk, a large portfolio of long-term securities
• control six trillion dollars in annual payments to millions of American citizens, including Social Security

Bills: SB257

Keywords: supply chain resilience, critical supply chains, critical goods, manufacturing, domestic manufacturing, reshoring, nearshoring, supply chain security, supply chain shock, supply chain disruption, critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Homeland Security is directed to administer the Rip and Replace Fund, which shall be
• Activities that undermine national security.
• Let's say you buy a security camera system to protect your home and loved ones.
• This is both consumer fraud and a national security problem.
• I'm interested in this nexus between consumer fraud and the national security risk.

Bills: SB1097, SB1308

Keywords: appropriation, claims, relief, state funding, named claimants, foreign adversary, consumer fraud, technology security, critical infrastructure, Arizona attorney general, fraud office, appropriations, 1182, all

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on March 11, 2026, and considered two bills. The first, SB 1097, was described as the annual name claimants’ bill, appropriating $370,211.08 from the General Fund and $33,021.08 from other specified funds to pay claims against state agencies in fiscal year 2026. There was no public testimony, no questions from members, and the committee voted 14-0 to give the bill a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1308, which would create a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office and Fund in the Attorney General’s Office to pursue consumer fraud involving technology produced by foreign adversaries. The bill also appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 and establishes a mechanism to transfer excess fund balances to a new Foreign Adversary Technology Rip and Replace Fund administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Kelly Curry testified in support on behalf of State Armor, arguing the bill addresses both consumer fraud and national security risks tied to connected technologies and foreign-made surveillance equipment. Members asked about similar cases and settlements in other states, and Curry cited recent filings in Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as a Missouri case that reportedly settled in the tens of millions. During the vote, some members explained support while expressing general caution about creating new funds or appropriations outside the budget process. The committee approved SB 1308 on a 10-4-2 vote and sent it forward with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were here last year with a critical infrastructure bill, which passed very strongly with no opposition
• to charge perpetrators that did. ...ability to charge perpetrators that did damage to critical infrastructure
• What this bill does, and you've got to pass out on it, it includes communications infrastructure, which
• It protects critical infrastructure facilities that are enclosed by a wall and a fence, but also we're
• Well, they did damage, and when they do damage, then that is damaging critical infrastructure.

Bills: HB320, HB207, HB208, HB290

Keywords: public works, sealed bids, bid notice, public notice, newspaper advertisement, centralized website, digital platform, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, county commissions, municipalities, contracting, procurement, construction bidding, Alabama code Title 39, bidding requirements, electronic bidding, online bid posting, HVAC, heating and air conditioning

Transcript Highlights:

• in the areas of border security, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness.
• operations and critical infrastructure threats.
• of this committee, we're talking about border security, but, but, but the function of homeland security
• And protecting that critical infrastructure.
• for the governor, the governor's homeland security adviser.

Bills: SB 36, SB 2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Border Security will come to order. Uh, Mr.
• Security, their state-level police, uh, but very little cooperation out of Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, or
• With that, members, without any other business coming before the Senate Committee on Border Security,
• So with that, members, without any other business come before the Senate Committee on Border Security

Bills: SB36, SB2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking. Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending. The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Homeland Security.
• to coordinate and strengthen Texas Homeland Security and Border Security initiatives.
• that would help secure the border.
• That is critical to border security. As well as homeland security.
• I'm the chief of security at the fairgrounds. You're private security?

Bills: HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023, SB 36

Keywords: employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no situations in which a security guard company can legally classify their security guard employees
• So, what does a security company have to do?
• Private security?
• Yes, sir. private security companies that are telling their guards, their security officers that they're
• Obviously, does it have the security safeguards in place?

Bills: SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, every time we try to secure funding for those facilities, we have to go through the process
• Nearly all Texas residents now possess these secure, federally recognized IDs.
• Critically, this resolution does not... ...weaken border security.
• It leverages existing rigorous security standards already embedded in the REAL ID Act.
• embedded or this chip embedded in... ...which is another additional security feature.

Bills: HB3484, HCR112, HCR125

Keywords: border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a secure system.
• It requires the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to create a list of critical infrastructure to
• It requires the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to create a list of critical infrastructure to
• A lot of these products have security risks.
• It's not exclusive to border security. Anyway, any questions for me on that?

Bills: SB1072, SB1111, SB1114, SB1116, SB1122, SB1179, SB1250, SB1308, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1487, SB1547, SB1549, SB1551, SB1552

Keywords: reimbursement rates, intellectual disabilities, community services, economic security, funding appropriations, automated license plate readers, law enforcement, privacy, data access, public records, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare

Summary: The committee first approved the February 3, 2026 minutes and reordered the agenda to accommodate sponsors and speakers. SB 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate behavioral health patient brokering statewide, was presented as a response to Medicaid fraud and exploitation of vulnerable Native American patients. After brief questions about why Maricopa County would handle statewide oversight, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0 vote with one member not voting. The committee then took up SB 1111, as amended by a strike-everything amendment regulating automated license plate readers. The amendment limited use to specified law enforcement purposes, required verification of alerts when feasible, imposed data-retention and handling responsibilities on agencies, and created a misdemeanor penalty for unauthorized release of data. Supporters from Phoenix, Tempe, Prescott Valley, the Arizona Chiefs of Police, and the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association argued the bill provides needed statewide guardrails while preserving a valuable investigative tool for missing persons, stolen vehicles, and serious crimes. Opponents from the ACLU, Institute for Justice, and private citizens raised privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns, warning about dragnet surveillance, unclear terms like “legitimate” law enforcement purposes, lack of public access to records, and the risk of misuse for immigration or abortion-related tracking. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1111 as amended a do pass recommendation on a 7-2 vote, with one not voting. Next, SB 1116, as amended, was approved. The bill requires appeals or adverse determinations on behavioral health claims under AHCCCS fee-for-service to be reviewed by someone with relevant clinical experience, and the amendment broadened the requirement to include medical-necessity denials and specified at least two years of similar clinical experience. Senator Werner said the measure was intended to curb inappropriate denials and improve payment for behavioral health providers serving Native communities. Access was neutral but said the bill’s terms were too broad and could require additional staff; the committee nonetheless adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-0. Finally, SB 1122, as amended, was approved 10-0. The bill bars AHCCCS from requiring prior authorization for behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan, while the amendment prohibited 100% prepayment review and adjusted the corrective-action language. Senator Werner and provider representatives said the measure was needed because providers were being delayed or denied payment, contributing to closures, workforce shortages, and patient brokering. The committee then began hearing SB 1072, a major appropriation to increase reimbursement rates for home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony focused on severe caregiver shortages, overtime costs, and unassigned service authorizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our critical infrastructure is.
• So I am intimate with critical infrastructure.
• when there are serious security concerns.
• So there is Hikvision out there right now in critical infrastructure.
• We all want security. Madam Chair, may I explain my vote? Okay. We all want security.

Bills: HB2121, HB2134, HB2451, HB2700

Keywords: modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services

Summary: The House Committee on Science and Technology convened for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills focused on technology policy, infrastructure security, and a new study committee on assistive technology. Testimony was generally supportive of the bills’ goals, though several members raised concerns about implementation, costs, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission on the infrastructure bill. HB 2121 would prevent manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, such as using third-party parts or firmware changes, and would allow owners or the Attorney General to sue for damages. After discussion about consumer ownership, security, and possible manufacturing impacts, the committee adopted the Fink amendment narrowing the bill to consumer products and gave HB 2121 a do pass recommendation by a 7-1 vote with one present. HB 2134 would restrict Chinese-produced equipment from critical infrastructure and limit contracts with Chinese companies; the sponsor and supporters framed it as a national security measure, while opponents focused on cost, implementation, and utility coordination. The committee heard testimony from the Arizona Corporation Commission, which said the bill would require new staff and resources, and from outside witnesses who said the bill was prospective and aligned with federal restrictions. HB 2134 passed 5-4. HB 2451 would adjust Arizona Space Commission board terms, extend the strategic plan deadline, and add astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s duties. Supporters described the commission as a bipartisan effort to grow Arizona’s space industry, and the bill passed 8-0. HB 2700 would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and technology-first approaches for people with disabilities. The sponsor and a constituent advocate described how assistive technology can improve independence and service delivery, and members expressed support for the concept. After adopting the Connolly amendment, the committee approved HB 2700 as amended by an 8-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• efficient airport infrastructure. efficient airport infrastructure.
• essential airport infrastructure essential airport infrastructure project.<00:04:28.720> With
• ponds and the wastewater infrastructure. ponds and the wastewater infrastructure.
• about fixing aging in infrastructure. about fixing aging in infrastructure.
• infrastructure than we've heard earlier. infrastructure than we've heard earlier.

Bills: HF604, HF1972, HF578, HF1951, HF629, HF864, HF874, HF1155, HF884, HF2365, HF643, HF234, HF2655, HF2637, HF2535, HF2530, HF2344, HF584, HF524

Keywords: airport funding, bonds, transportation, capital investment, Karlstad, community center, Breckenridge, state bonds, economic development, HF578, Faribault, River Bend Nature Center, bonding bill, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR grant, nature center, visitor center, environmental education, multicultural center

Transcript Highlights:

• funding source for infrastructure funding source for infrastructure operations,<00:04:55.400>
• support one another, our infrastructure support one another, our infrastructure must<00:09:04.920
• infrastructure element there. infrastructure element there. Chair<00:12:10.960> Moller.
• and capital security. and capital security.
• and security needs. and security needs.

Bills: HF4810, HF4597, HF1082, HF3230

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, 911, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform

Transcript Highlights:

• of the country is critical in promoting trade, supporting economic growth. and improving border security
• These projects assigned by this category must enhance security for the movement of goods from international
• border crossings to state highway system and reduce congestion near key infrastructure within 60 miles
• Finally, I want to emphasize the potential impact on our ability to secure crucial federal and state
• These partnerships are vital for large-scale infrastructure projects and a weakened regional commitment

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So, House Bill 4524 represents a forward-thinking investment in Texas aviation infrastructure, fostering
• So, House Bill 4524 represents a forward-thinking investment... investment in Texas aviation infrastructure
• This creates an imbalance between infrastructure development and taxpayer fairness, especially when public

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration