CTI Technology and Innovation committee passes several bills ‘by’ for the day; HB654 (biometric data) also deferred

Delegate Holly Sebel, who presided over the CTI Technology and Innovation meeting, opened the session Wednesday, confirmed a quorum and led roll call and member introductions. "We do have a quorum, so great to to see everyone early this Wednesday morning," she said as members identified themselves and the districts they represent.

Why it matters: The committee’s early-business actions set the day’s docket: three bills were moved "by for the day," meaning debate and consideration will be postponed. Among them was HB654, identified in the meeting as the Consumer Data Protection Act, described in the transcript as the biometric data bill — a topic that could carry privacy and technology implications if later scheduled for debate.

What happened: The chair announced HB293 (sponsored by Delegate Helmer) would be passed by for the day; members moved and seconded the motion. The chair then announced HB654 (the Consumer Data Protection Act, the biometric data bill) and HB797 would likewise be passed by for the day; both were moved and seconded. The chair called a voice vote, members responded "Aye," and no objections were recorded. The transcript records the chair saying, "All those in favor of those 3 bills being passed by for the day? Aye. Anyone object?" and then confirming the items were set.

Sponsor absence and next steps: The chair noted Delegate Maldonado, sponsor of HB638, was not present. When the sponsor was still absent, the transcript records that HB638 was requested to be passed by for the day as well. The chair said members would reconvene next week and that pages should return at that time.

Process and record: The meeting conducted these docket actions by voice vote; there was no roll-call tally recorded in the transcript. No committee debate on the merits of any bill appears in the transcript. With no other business, the chair moved to adjourn and thanked members for their time.

What’s next: The committee is expected to reconvene at its next scheduled meeting to consider these bills when sponsors or additional members are present or when items are formally scheduled for consideration. The transcript does not record any committee votes on the merits of the bills, only the procedural "pass by" actions.