Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see some taken from unclaimed property from the insurance commissioner and Secretary of State
• In this case, it's the state of Oklahoma making an employer contribution to the tune of 16.5%.
• organizations, including the Department of Public Safety and state troopers.
• Would you speak to the state department of Education, our pre-K through 12 schools?
• There are land applications going on in the state where they are using it for fertilizer.

Bills: SB1177

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Between State Route 260 and Penrod Road.
• State Route 260. ...congestion on state highways like State Route 260.
• A state bridge is not a 100-year bridge, and we have to put a 100-year bridge in, and our own state has
• State Treasurer in fiscal year 2027 for the state match of the Douglas Port of Entry and allows expenditures
• So I'm here to serve the whole state.

Bills: SB1272

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused first on local infrastructure needs in Legislative District 7, especially the East Wolford Road Extension project in Show Low. City and county officials said the road and new bridge would provide a critical alternate route around U.S. 60 and State Route 260, improve access to Summit Healthcare, reduce congestion, and create a safer evacuation path during wildfires or flooding. They emphasized that the project is fully designed and shovel-ready, with substantial local and developer funding already committed, and described past flooding and the Rodeo-Chediski Fire as evidence of the need for another emergency crossing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 as a match for the Douglas Port of Entry project, contingent on a federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff described the project as a major trade, jobs, and border-security investment that would support a new commercial port and expansion of the existing Raul H. Castro Port of Entry. They said the project is intended to speed commerce, strengthen inspection and security, and leverage significant federal and private investment, while noting a funding deadline and a remaining local gap. During testimony, Douglas representatives said the city has already secured part of the required match, is pursuing additional federal and bank financing, and cannot easily raise the rest through local bonds because of time and tax-base limits. Members asked about timelines, private participation, and security impacts. The committee approved SB 1272 on a 6-0 vote, with one member absent, and the bill was returned with a do pass recommendation.

Bills: SB365

Keywords: cash transactions, rounding, legal tender, state regulations, consumer transactions, 923, senate, all

Bills: HJR1086, SB392

Keywords: judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, permanent rules, legislative approval, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state crime?
• comparable state crime to that. comparable state crime to that.
• state law. state law.
• And then again as a state the state agencies will be able to see a dashboard for the entire state so
• the state agencies will be able to state the state agencies will be able to see<00:55:07.359> a

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• something that's happening in the state something that's happening in the state now?
• law-abiding citizens in this state. law-abiding citizens in this state.
• <00:36:37.440> if state and to the laws of this state if state and to the laws of this state
• That's not a state law.
• They do owners across the state.

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in line with other state agencies.
• , Wyoming DOT housing around the state?
• , Wyoming DOT housing around the state?
• those properties that are that are state those properties that are that are state or<00:12:42.320
• ,<00:20:14.320> which that loves wildlife in the state, which that loves wildlife in the state

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:22.079> with reminder, too, there are 46 states with reminder, too, there are 46 states
• wasn't good for the state.
• wasn't good for the state.
• wasn't good for the state.
• Uh Representative Harshman, I state.

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to grow in our state, we have to find a fair, balanced process.
• to grow in our state, we have to find a fair, balanced process.
• to grow in our state, we have to find a fair, balanced process.
• to grow in our state, we have to find a fair, balanced process.
• to grow in our state, we have to find a fair, balanced process.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout the state.
• throughout the state.
• throughout the state.
• throughout the state.
• throughout the state.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Not sure if y'all know a lot about it, but it was a nuisance to the state of Texas.
• The state of Texas allows the officers to... ...and gives it to their discretion whether they're going
• Think about that. ...work and they have to live their lives, and the State of Texas is not getting their
• There is going to be a law on the books in September stating that you cannot tamper with it.

Bills: HCR10, HCR9

Keywords: balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism, HCR 9

Bills: SB 476, SB 664, SB 745, SB 826, SB 989, SB 1080, SB 1171, SB 1320, SB 1437, SB 1727, SB 1809, SB 2289, SB 2320

Keywords: education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, criminal history, court officials, background check, bail determination, Texas judiciary, occupational license, criminal conviction, provisional license, licensing authority, educational programs

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona is one of these states.
• Arizona is one of these states.
• that we have in our state?
• Ensuring that the State Land Department... ...the State Land Department operates with predictability
• We've removed them from underneath the state land to have their own state setup board that does several

Bills: SB1082, SB1200, SB1335, SB1336, SB1559, SB1761, SB1762, SB1785, SCM1007

Keywords: petting zoos, animal encounters, public health, handwashing, supervision, sanitization, safety regulations, civil penalties, water supply, groundwater, Phoenix, certificates, long-term storage credits, water conservation, municipal provider, replenishment obligation, water banking, annual report, Arizona Water Banking Authority, water supply management

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee first considered two nominations. Jessica Manuel was introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, where testimony emphasized her science background and experience working with agencies and stakeholders. Members asked about wolf management and her qualifications, and the committee voted 8-0 to recommend her confirmation. Stephen Williams was then introduced for the Arizona Livestock Loss Board, with discussion focused on his livestock and State Land Department experience and how the board handles wolf-related livestock losses. The committee also voted 8-0 to recommend his confirmation. The committee then took up several bills. SB 1785, which would codify ADWR’s one-mile safe-harbor policy for recovery wells near groundwater storage facilities, passed 5-3 after ADWR said it largely reflected current practice but requested clarifying language. SB 1082, requiring sanitation measures and signage for petting zoos and similar animal encounter exhibits, drew strong testimony from a parent advocate describing severe E. coli/HUS cases and opposition from fair/agriculture representatives who argued the bill was too broad and unnecessary; after amendment, it failed 4-4. SB 1336, extending the State Land Department and creating a temporary oversight committee with a broad amendment on lease holdovers, notice periods, and committee membership, passed 6-2 after significant debate over the committee’s composition and scope. Later, SB 1200, which would require ADWR to revisit certain Phoenix AMA assured water supply applications using older groundwater models, passed 5-3 despite opposition from CAP and ADWR over added replenishment obligations and concerns about relying on outdated models. SB 1335, requiring the Arizona Water Banking Authority to post its annual report online, passed 7-1. SB 1559, creating rural groundwater management work groups in each basin to report to ADWR, passed 5-3 after supporters said it would improve basin-level coordination and opponents argued it created new bureaucracy without enforcement tools. SB 1761, appropriating $47.7 million to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Experiment Station, passed 7-1 amid broad support but some concern about funding levels. Finally, SCM 1007, urging Congress to divest and improve the San Carlos Irrigation Project electric system, passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Mexico's affordable spay and neuter law has created resources across communities, across the state
• So the lawsuit originated in state court, it was removed to federal court.
• Now, it's important that that not be misinterpreted or misapplied and stated falsely that there's been
• And due to federal changes, including in HR1, the federal reconciliation bill, states are prohibited
• So without state action, ...creating new programs similar to the HDAA.

Bills: HB25, SB38, SB101, HB199

Keywords: juvenile delinquency, firearm possession, criminal background checks, state law, gun control, youth offense, conviction, public safety, SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:27.680> funds may require a recipient of State funds may require a recipient of State
• use as of public Fund in state use as of public Fund in state government<00:13:32.399> with
• with you representa leing that our state with you representa leing that our state employees<00:14
• employees of that office in state employees of that office in state agencies<00:21:03.240> we
• welcome to the committee please state welcome to the committee please state your<00:51:31.400>

Bills: HF25, HF1, HF428

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices

Transcript Highlights:

• By the United States Department of Education.
• So we were a SAC state. We are a SAC state.
• Freiberg was thanked, and the Chair stated that the board was clear.
• an exit code to a student that differs from the exit code assigned.
• I've had to deal with some exit code issues in the past.

Bills: HR175, HCR81, SB105, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB522

Keywords: TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 6 and began with a presentation from LSU leadership, including LSU System President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton. They outlined LSU’s goals of building an “elite” flagship university while maintaining accessibility through transfer pathways from regional campuses, increasing research expenditures toward top-tier status, and keeping more Louisiana students in-state for college and jobs. Members responded positively, praising LSU’s leadership, workforce focus, and efforts to retain the state’s best and brightest students. The committee then considered several bills. SB 105, by Sen. Kathy, would reinstitute a TOPS Tech-related benefit for veterans using existing TOPS Tech funds, with no new money added; it was reported favorably. SB 374 would create a uniform framework for college economic development districts, allowing other institutions to establish districts with local government approval; Rep. Tarver offered and the committee adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported with amendments. SB 304 would let Louisiana institutions choose from a Board of Regents-approved list of accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, while preserving specialized accreditation; it was reported favorably. The committee also took up SB 522, which would allow vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters when supported by the State Board of Commerce and Industry. Rep. Taylor objected that the bill should apply equally to public schools and charter schools, but the committee ultimately voted 9-1 to report the bill favorably. SB 290, a cleanup bill on student exit codes and school accountability data, was reported favorably. H.R. 175, which would have asked for a study of TOPS Tech, was voluntarily deferred by the author. Finally, H.C.R. 81, by Rep. Freiberg, requested a Department of Education study on options for public school systems facing declining enrollment, including funding, staffing, closures, and consolidation. Caroline Romer of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools supported the study, and Rep. Taylor asked whether charter schools should be included in the review. The resolution was reported favorably. The meeting ended with several members recognizing visiting mayors and other guests before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was unaware of the volume of cold cases that our state continues to work on.
• Has this procedure been implemented by another state that you know of?
• The reserves are over a dozen states I know of just in my own research.
• that are actually operating in the state of Oklahoma.
• Triple II state charges.

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Transcript Highlights:

• use it for construction, but you can use it for small remodel projects or small construction projects
• Because our system of government that I immigrated into here in the United States and in this state,
• It builds wealth in the state. It's a wealth-building amendment. It builds wealth in the state.
• The Young Men's Christian Association serves in every state and territory across the United States.
• within this state.

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.

Transcript Highlights:

• In recent years, some states have moved to full practice authority for pharmacists.
• The first one is for the state IT department, and it's a request of $1,500,000.
• And so that's the initial request from state ITD.
• And so that's the request from state ITD.
• , of all 50 states.

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. It adopted the procedural employment committee report naming Senate staff for the special session. The chamber then took up several health-care and appropriations measures, first adopting amendments to Senate Bills 2401, 2402, and 2403 before moving them to final passage. Senate Bill 2401 passed 44-2 and requires physicians to complete at least one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health, part of a broader rural health care package. Senate Bill 2402 passed 46-0 after major amendments negotiated between the medical and pharmacy boards; as amended, it expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution in limited areas while excluding categories such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy agents, Schedule II drugs, biological products, and narrow therapeutic index drugs. Supporters said it would improve rural access and help secure rural health transformation funding, while questions focused on how pharmacist competence would be measured and enforced. Senate Bill 2403, also passed 46-0, creates a short-term medical facility emergency operating loan program through the Bank of North Dakota, reduced by amendment from $10 million to $5 million, to help a financially distressed rural hospital. Senators discussed the hospital’s mismanagement, the need for a bridge loan, and safeguards including a limited application window and expiration in 2027. Senate Bill 2404 passed 46-0 and provides supplemental appropriations to the Information Technology Department for ADA-related website accessibility compliance and to the Public Service Commission for additional legal costs in federal energy-rate litigation. The Senate then made announcements about a Highway Patrol safety presentation and filing deadlines, excused an absent member, and adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, we have received communication from the Secretary of State.
• attached is a true and correct listing of senators who are issued certificates of election by the State
• In testimony whereof, I have set my hand and affixed the great seal of the State at the capital in the
• Sincerely, Michael Howe, Secretary of State, and the certification of members of the Senate were included
• 29th day of December 2025, signed Kelly Armstrong, Governor, attested by Michael Howe, Secretary of State

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call establishing a quorum of 45 members present and two absent. The chamber received certification from the Secretary of State and the governor’s executive order calling the special session to address funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program and to act quickly to accept and appropriate federal funds. The main action was adoption of the procedural rules for the extraordinary session. Senator Klein explained the proposed rule changes, which were designed to speed up consideration of bills during the short session, including limits on bill introduction, same-day second reading and final passage, elimination of standing committees for the session, creation of a Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee, and authorization for remote testimony and limited remote participation. The procedural committee’s report on these rules was adopted without opposition. The Senate also adopted reports naming members to the Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee. Announcements noted that the Senate Employment Committee, Joint Policy Committee, and Joint Appropriations Committee would meet later that morning, that the Senate would not reconvene at 4 p.m., and that a Highway Patrol presentation on legislator safety would be held. The Senate then moved through the listed orders of business and recessed, planning to meet in joint session with the House before adjourning until Thursday, January 22, 2026.