Transcript Highlights:

• Kevin practiced law in Bartlesville after finishing law school.
• we're adding in here is we've got instances where somebody might be living in a nursing home or assisted

Bills: HB2299, HB2939, HB2941, HB2960, HB3062, HB3087, HB3114, HB3244, HB3262, HB3304, HB3345, HB3386, HB3431, HB3498, HB3581, HB3645, HB3648, HB3764, HB3852, HB3974, HB4141, HB4144, HB4227, HB4237, HB4343, HB4425

Keywords: Article V, convention, amendments, criminal penalties, legislative authority, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, firearm liability, tort reform, manufacturers

Transcript Highlights:

• Kevin practiced law in Bartlesville after finishing law school.
• And then finally, on page four, we talk about if you lose eligibility for the program...
• We talk about if you lose eligibility for the program, then you’re going to be removed from the program
• I don't think that it does make the program moot, but your point is well taken.
• I will take it under advisement. ...does make the program moot, but your point is well taken.

Bills: HB2299, HB2939, HB2941, HB2960, HB3062, HB3087, HB3114, HB3244, HB3262, HB3304, HB3345, HB3386, HB3431, HB3498, HB3581, HB3645, HB3648, HB3764, HB3852, HB3974, HB4141, HB4144, HB4227, HB4237, HB4343, HB4425

Keywords: Article V, convention, amendments, criminal penalties, legislative authority, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, firearm liability, tort reform, manufacturers

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee considered a large slate of executive nominations and bills. The nominations of Kevin Buchanan to the Oklahoma State Council of Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, Bobby Raines to the Polygraph Examiners Board, and Colton Richardson to the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board were each advanced to the full Senate without opposition. The committee then heard and advanced several measures on elections, criminal law, public safety, and civil procedure, including bills on Article V convention commissioner guardrails, precinct official terms and oaths, fraud and identity theft, treatment screening for arrested individuals, electronic monitoring eligibility, press access to certain arrest information, foreign terrorist organization-related offenses, CDL eligibility tied to the meth registry, sheriff service fees, fentanyl overdose reporting and presumptions, corporate law updates, appraiser fees in condemnation cases, child sexual abuse reporting protections, eviction mediation, garnishment response deadlines, retired municipal judges carrying firearms, critical mineral ownership restrictions, removal of a sunset on a sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator, enhanced riot and assault penalties, ability-to-pay hearings at sentencing, firearm component liability protections, hospice admission authority, government tort claims coverage for OU Health Authority, and tort claims coverage for county jails housing inmates for other entities. Several bills drew notable questioning and amendments. House Bill 2299, dealing with Article V convention commissioners, was advanced after debate over the bill’s “intimidation” language and its potential effect on political speech; Senator Jett opposed it on vagueness grounds. House Bill 3852 on precinct officials was amended to reflect Election Board recommendations, including changing a disqualification period from three to six years, before advancing. House Bill 2939, removing obsolete fax-machine references from election law, was amended to strike a repealed-law reference and then advanced. House Bill 4343, setting a $350 fee for court-appointed appraisers, prompted extended concern about fixing a market rate in statute; the title was stricken so the measure could be worked on further, but it still advanced. House Bill 4227, the child sexual abuse NDA bill, advanced after the author recognized concerns and agreed to strike the title for further work, and House Bill 3386 on same-day eviction mediation also advanced after the author struck title to revisit discrimination concerns. Other measures advanced with little or no opposition, including House Bills 3244, 3345, 3114, 4144, 3764, 3304, 3262, 2941, 3498, 4141, 4237, 3062, 3431, 3581, 3648, and 3974. Some bills generated focused policy questions, such as whether the fentanyl overdose presumption would be rebuttable, whether the meth registry is lifetime or time-limited, whether the electronic monitoring bill would be too restrictive, and whether the riot-mask felony language could affect law enforcement officers operating in an official capacity. The committee also restored title on several measures before advancing them. The meeting concluded with Chairman Howard thanking the committee and staff and noting it was his final policy committee meeting as chair before adjournment.

Bills: HB241, HB381, HB241

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, vaccine, public health, emergency response, vaccine distribution, healthcare legislation, state coordination, veterans, disability, employment preference, state agency hiring, supplemental security income, PTSD, mental health, grants, treatment protocols, pilot program, personalized treatment, neuroinflammation

Transcript Highlights:

• legislature on the task force, but we also do hear regularly from members who want to discuss the tire program
• whoever's interested can call us at the department and we'll set up a meeting to discuss the tire program

Bills: HB27, HB290, HB308, HB311, HB382, HB417, HB575, HB755, HB980

Keywords: HB 290, Act 426, sunset law, Department of the Treasury, Louisiana Treasury, re-creation, reauthorization, statutory entities, termination date, sunset review, Title 49, fiscal administration, state finance, agency continuation, legislative authority, insurance premiums, Municipal Fire and Police, dedicated fund, assessments, Louisiana legislation

Bills: HB606, HB606

Keywords: HB606, Alabama, Department of Transportation, DOT, public highways, utility relocation, right-of-way, state right-of-way, road construction, bridge, tunnel, toll road, interstate highway, defense highway, utility facilities, broadband, telecommunications, cable, electricity, gas

Bills: SB332, HB362, HB323, SB332, HB362, HB323

Keywords: public works, construction management, project delivery methods, alternative delivery, administrative rules, public advisory council, contracting, bidding procedures, protests, transparency, local government, public meetings, accountability, education, electric utility, transportation, oversize vehicles, transport permits, state highway system, firefighters

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill establishes a teacher housing assistance program to provide housing vouchers to certain eligible
• this program for themselves.
• this program for themselves.
• </c> would like to see the IHA program would like to see the IHA program adapted<00:16:41.960><c> to<
• </c> program for themselves. program for themselves.

Bills: HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729, HB2559

Keywords: owner-builder, exemption, housing crisis, contractor, leasing restrictions, affordable housing, construction, regulations, teacher housing, housing vouchers, teacher retention, Hawaii Department of Education, hard-to-staff schools, housing, first-time home buyers, savings account, tax deductions, homeownership, savings accounts, tax deduction

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. HB 1743 would expand the owner-builder exemption by repealing a leasing restriction and requiring notice when a leased residential structure was built by an unlicensed contractor. Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and the Contractors Licensing Board opposed the bill, warning it could encourage unlicensed contracting and weaken consumer protections, while Hawaii Realtors, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, BIA Hawaii, and others supported it as a way to increase housing flexibility. After questions about whether licensed electrical and plumbing work would still be required, the committee voted to pass HB 1743 with amendments and a defective date. The committee also heard and advanced HB 2122 HD1 on teacher housing, which would create a teacher housing assistance program using vouchers from the teachers housing revolving fund. Testimony included support from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, and individuals, with the Office of Collective Bargaining in opposition and the Department of Education offering comments. The bill was voted out as is. The committee then considered HB 1756 and HB 1837, both updating the individual housing account program to reflect current housing prices; supporters including Housing Hawaii’s Future and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said the limits were outdated and needed inflation adjustments, and HB 1756 was passed with amendments while HB 1837 was deferred as nearly identical. HB 1729 would disallow the state home mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Hawaii Realtors opposed it, while Housing Hawaii’s Future supported it as a way to prioritize first-time homebuyers and reduce competition from second-home buyers. The chair noted a possible revenue savings estimate and the committee passed the bill with amendments, with several reservations. Finally, HB 2559 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential property to limited exclusive groups of buyers, which the Office of Consumer Protection said needed an enforcement clarification and the Realtors said could affect some legitimate private-listing situations. The chair proposed replacing the outright ban with a disclosure requirement for private listings, and the committee passed HB 2559 with amendments. The hearing then adjourned after the chair thanked members, staff, and the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Yeah, it's good to at least be schooled on how to do it properly. >> Yes. >> Thank you.
• be &gt;&gt; yeah, it's good it's good to at least be uh<00:14:59.440><c> be</c><00:14:59.680><c> schooled
• 00.560><c> how</c><00:15:00.720><c> to</c><00:15:00.800><c> do</c><00:15:00.880><c> it</c> uh be schooled
• on on how to do it uh be schooled on on how to do it properly.<00:15:01.600><c> Yes.

Bills: SB2671, SB2902

Keywords: permit processing, permitting reform, county permits, development permits, building permits, land use, construction delays, housing development, infrastructure development, county workforce, differential pay, salary incentive, performance bonus, recruitment and retention, expedited hiring, vacancy rates, permit backlog, government modernization, county mayor, county council

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two measures. SB 2671, relating to essential permitting positions, drew no oral testimony beyond written comments from the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of Planning. The chair said the bill was intended to make government more efficient and reduce red tape in the permitting process. SB 2902, relating to renewable energy, received testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, Kauai Island Cooperative, Bright Saver, and 350 Hawaii. Supporters described the bill as a way to expand access to plug-in or balcony solar, lower electricity bills, improve resilience, and broaden access for renters and apartment residents. Several testifiers urged amendments to avoid limiting the measure to condominiums, to remove condominium board approval language, and to eliminate utility or PUC registration requirements. The PUC said registration could help with safety, linemen protection, and circuit hosting-capacity concerns, and noted that improper installation or oversizing could create problems. After a brief recess, the committee voted to recommend both bills for passage with amendments and deferred each to April 19, 2042. The recommendations were adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• patients, banks and their clients, teachers and students, parents, pilots, manufacturers, and construction
• teachers and students, parents, pilots, manufacturers,<00:15:44.720><c> and</c><00:15:45.040><c> construction
• </c> manufacturers, and construction crews. manufacturers, and construction crews.
• He said he still contends that the committee should follow the Florida model that teaches kids in school
• He said he is also a member of the Tuscaloosa City School Board and the father of a 7-year-old who is

Bills: HB69, HB114, HB161

Keywords: firearms, possession, Class 1 municipalities, criminal penalties, federal law, stolen firearms, prohibited persons, HB114, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, dental board, dental licensing, dentist regulation, professional licensing, occupational licensing, healthcare regulation, licensure board, state agency continuation, agency sunset review

Bills: HB517, SB110

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a senior at North Florida Christian School here in Tallahassee.

Bills: S0326, S0598, S0632, S0786, S1110, S1256, S1380, S1588, S7042, S7044

Keywords: curators, estates, court appointment, fiduciary duty, bond requirements, removal, surrogate, funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 7042 on legal tender and SB 1380 before taking up the remaining agenda. The committee first reported favorably C.S. for SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and what oversight applies. It then reported favorably SB 1256, which standardizes PBM pharmacy audits by requiring uniform audit standards, scope, frequency, penalties, and due process protections for pharmacies; testimony from pharmacists emphasized concerns about conflicts of interest, excessive audits, and disproportionate penalties, while preserving fraud investigations. The committee also reported favorably C.S. for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services after adopting an amendment that removed provisions on civil damages caps and phasing out direct disposers; the bill updates licensure and contract rules and addresses unclaimed remains. SB 632, which sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies during the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup, was reported favorably despite opposition from an attorney who argued the existing coverage framework should not be reduced. C.S. for SB 786, creating a nonjudicial process to close out undisputed trusts and discharge trustees, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 1110, a major bill expanding Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity limbs, and requiring annual reporting. After adopting an amendment clarifying eligible recipients, the committee heard extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the medical, developmental, and financial importance of prosthetic coverage, and members spoke in strong support before the bill was reported favorably. Later, the committee considered SB 1588, which implements last session’s legal tender law by refining definitions, narrowing custodian provisions, eliminating unnecessary examination requirements, and repealing the sunset clause; members raised questions about verification and anti-money-laundering concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7044 as a committee bill to expand public records exemptions to records relating to newly regulated custodians of gold and silver. The meeting concluded with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please... Contact the committee staff.
• Supervisor and our Voting Systems Analyst as our Assistant Tabulation Supervisor.
• I heard about an assistant. Supervisor, but I hadn't heard the word manager.
• And I know that because I actually do voter registration in high schools quite a bit.
• There are already guidelines in place to assist with this process.

Bills: HB304, HB401, HB556, HB1475, HB1489, HB2259, HB2424, HB2773, HB2811, HB3323, HB304

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship proof, provisional ballot, election security, Texas, voting rights, deep fakes, misleading videos, election integrity, criminal offense, digital misinformation, deep fake, political manipulation, misinformation, artificial media, political influence, artificially generated media, election influence, Texas Election Code, healthcare reform

Transcript Highlights:

• We have run the statewide syringe exchange program since this legislature codified that in 1993.
• </c><00:25:45.520><c> of</c> Coalition, uh, which is a program of Coalition, uh, which is a program of
• </c><00:28:50.880><c> Ultimately,</c> program integrity efforts.
• Ultimately, program integrity efforts.
• Peter Oshiro, program manager for the Department's Food Safety Branch.

Bills: SB2275, SB2390, SB2540, SB3142, SB2414, SB2340, SB2848

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• went through a lot 15 years ago, maybe longer, regarding supernumeraries and needing to phase that program
• went through a lot 15 years ago, maybe longer, regarding supernumeraries and needing to phase that program

Bills: SB182, SB251, SB252, HB74, HB159, HB292, SB182, SB251, SB252, HB74, HB159, HB292

Keywords: psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill

Transcript Highlights:

• We have programming in over 20 prisons in Texas, including our character, um, education program called
• House Bill 4341 also includes a grant program to assist these fac facilities in meeting these requirements
• , energy efficiency programs.
• It's a low-income assistance program, or it's an energy efficiency program, they don't necessarily push
• buildings, new construction.

Bills: HB 1951, HB 2715, HB 3092, HB 3237, HB 3278, HB 3511, HB 3592, HB 3675, HB 3778, HB 3782, HB 3826, HB 3970, HB 4016, HB 4049, HB 4341, HB 4344, HB 4406, HB 4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4341 also includes a grant program to assist these facilities in meeting these requirements
• , energy efficiency programs.
• They don't necessarily advertise them, whether it's a low-income assistance program or an energy efficiency
• program.
• construction.

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• In a study done in New Jersey by the Beacon Hill Institute, it was found that school construction costs
• Schools built under project labor agreements (PLAs) cost 16.25% more than schools that were bid through
• And there's 35,000 union construction workers in Texas.
• But to give you specific examples of the school board or the school district you're talking about, I
• Again, going back to the school districts, there's a claim that there are school districts that have

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• It proposes a small change to the medical cannabis program.
• The goal is to continue refining the program to support patients.
• This definition also incorporates reciprocity for tribal medical cannabis program patients, which is
• <00:35:13.520><c> um</c><00:35:13.760><c> representative</c> program um representative program um representative
• </c> benefit from the social Equity program benefit from the social Equity program will<00:37:57.000>

Bills: HF1672, HF1877, HF1735, HF1734, HF1271, HF1634, HF1615

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections

Transcript Highlights:

• Automated savings programs are...
• is a voluntary program.
• It is a portable state IRA program, and workers may take it from job... to job.
• This bill creates the Alabama Retirement Savings Program, and it's a...
• We've also got a lot of different programs...

Bills: SB163, SB173, SB155, HB93, SB163, SB173, SB155, HB93

Keywords: State Auditor, property investigations, negligence, loss report, civil actions, Alabama Retirement Savings Program, state-facilitated retirement savings, auto-IRA, automatic enrollment, payroll deduction IRA, retirement savings access gap, private sector workers, small business retirement plan, portable retirement account, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, life-cycle fund, capital preservation fund, financial literacy, Department of Workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program that was a 40 credit program. program that was a 40 credit program.
• </c> a program. a program.
• </c> programs just as one example. programs just as one example.
• And we planted a plot of Kernza on a high school at Rocori High School.
• </c> Rocori High School. Rocori High School.

Bills: HF4698, HF4608

Keywords: higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses