Transcript Highlights:

• threatened in our schools.
• That Running Start is a great benefit to our students and our communities and to our families.
• dollars in the budget to support our students and our families and our professional staff.
• So when I hear about tightening our belt, I agree, we do need to tighten our belt.
• I think we should have tightened our belt not in our paramount constitutional duty.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met in executive session on three bills. For Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, staff explained it would create an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers to support grants for abortion clinical care access. Representative Marshall offered amendments to limit grants to Washington residents, expand eligibility to IVF and fertility providers, prioritize medically underserved areas, and add a 2031 sunset; all were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then voted 18-10 to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. For Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, staff briefed a striking amendment that would reduce savings in K-12 spending by changing local effort assistance and Running Start limits, prioritizing some transition-to-kindergarten funding, and eliminating inflation increases for National Board bonuses. Members debated a series of amendments on bus depreciation, charter school LEA payments, transition-to-kindergarten funding, and Running Start. Some amendments were adopted, including a bus depreciation change and a Running Start adjustment, while others were rejected. The committee then adopted the striker as amended and reported the bill out 17-12 with a due pass recommendation. For Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would establish the Washington Electric Transmission Authority and related board and advisory structures, members considered amendments on rural land-use expertise, eastern Washington board representation, corridor review standards, tribal workgroup removal, and payments in lieu of taxes for transmission facilities. One amendment was withdrawn and the others were rejected except for a landowner/rural expertise amendment that passed. The committee then reported the bill out 18-11 with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, members exchanged closing remarks thanking staff and colleagues, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and more resilient forests.
• Our other big fear is we have giant piles of biomass in the forest that we don't get to burn in time,
• Our other big fear is we have giant piles of biomass in the forest that we don't get to burn in time.
• Our irrigation district is a conjunctive use district.
• groundwater using our unlined earthen canals.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for our
• We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for our
• our communities.
• It's the mismanagement of our forest. We must look at prioritizing these communities of interest.
• budgets and put money in our pockets for our constituents.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests. The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills. A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is of great use to our company, but mostly to our clients.
• And<01:43:04.760><c> um</c><01:43:05.320><c> our</c> And um our And um our it<01:43:07.120><c> it</c>
• </c> on this in our committee. on this in our committee.
• What is in our food? What is in our water? The environment.
• </c><02:12:00.720><c> The</c> in our food? What is in our water? The in our food?

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I would say, from our point of view, the Jones Act is working.
• If we want to compete with China, we need to secure our borders and we must keep the Jones Act.
• If we want to compete with China, we need to secure our borders and we must keep the Jones Act.
• You mentioned that the Jones Act is important for us because it helps with our security, etc., etc.
• That requires fixing some of our democracies, including the U.S.

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this legislature has the ability to act, set policy, and... ...has the ability to act, set policy
• As you know, this funding further supports the operations of our parks, our rinks, our forests, beaches
• and waterways, our open spaces, wildlife, and recreation areas, and extend our imperative to address
• Our budget here provides $5 million for grants Our budget here provides $5 million for grants to community
• Immigration shapes all of our lives.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:59.520><c> which</c> Hawaii State Planning Act which Hawaii State Planning Act which establishes
• Um and so, you know, we under act 36.
• </c><00:14:53.519><c> that</c> are supporting um the uh the act that are supporting um the uh the act
• </c><00:16:18.800><c> You</c> measure on our agenda. Uh sure. You measure on our agenda. Uh sure.
• </c> we are just a few hours away from our we are just a few hours away from our deadline<00:16:40.880

Bills: SB3294

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: wrongful conviction, compensation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, innocence, legal process, burden of proof, case manager, medical coverage, judicial discretion, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 3294, a controversial measure concerning post-release assistance for people pursuing reversals of prior court decisions where innocence is in question. Members discussed keeping the bill moving on the “human side” while a House companion addressed the legal issues. The adopted amendments removed advanced compensation language and instead required DCR, with DHS, to help petitioners prepare applications for financial and medical assistance, notify DHS upon release, assign a case manager to assist with a cell phone for one year, housing, employment, mental health counseling, and expedited benefits, and provide a state ID upon release. The measure also included technical amendments and a defective date, and it passed unanimously. The joint committees then heard SB 2237 on fire prevention, which would require state agencies to create and update hazard maps and direct DNR to adopt rules and clear brush. DLNR testified that a single lead agency should develop the maps with input from other agencies, that a five-year timeline would be more reasonable, and that assigning DNR all fuels management on state lands would create an unfunded mandate. Members discussed using the newly created fire marshal’s office as the lead, and the committees ultimately deferred the bill in favor of a broader wildfire mitigation measure already moving in another committee. The final agenda included SB 2596 on government leases, SB 30002 on the Hawaii State Planning Act and green infrastructure, and SB 3067 on records and filing requirements. SB 2596 was advanced unamended to Ways and Means. On SB 30002, OPSD explained that a 2025-2027 comprehensive review of chapter 226 is underway, with a report and draft legislation due in 2027, and members debated whether to move piecemeal changes now or wait for the broader review; the bill nevertheless passed unamended. SB 3067, which updates outdated filing formats and drawing scales, also passed unamended with DAGS supporting the measure in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our roads and bridges are what connect us to the people and places that matter most in our lives.
• government where we all work together because our roads and bridges our airplanes our airports the safety
• We are in the process. us right now of some major projects, fixing some of our bridges or maintaining
• on our roads.
• A lot of people come. to ride through our beautiful forests. Sounds like something I need to do.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eternal God, our maker, our creator, our sustainer of life; God of our silent tears, God of our weary
• And God, we pray for our leader.
• Important to our communities.
• I know that we are trying to get our education and our spending into a place where our teachers feel
• So what are our values?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Choose our representatives and have our voices and our votes count at the ballot box.
• no longer reflect our values, our struggles, or our hopes.
• Our swim team is also comprised solely of residents of Greenwood Forest and competes regionally.
• , our health. ...care, our safety, and our votes to those in power.
• You know our votes are our voice. This is no benign act.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and more resilient forests.
• Our other big fear is that we have giant piles of biomass in the forest that we don't get to burn in
• So we're on track to create a lot of forest biomass waste.
• Our irrigation district is a conjunctive use district.
• groundwater using our unlined earthen canals.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and water bills, beginning without a quorum and then proceeding after quorum was established. AB 706, by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, would create a fund to support projects that use forest biomass from wildfire mitigation in environmentally beneficial ways. Supporters said it would help reduce wildfire risk, avoid open burning, improve air quality, and support energy reliability; opponents from environmental groups raised concerns about biomass impacts and sustainability. The bill passed the committee 5-0 and was sent to Energy, Utilities and Communications. The committee then took up AB 2026, also by Aguiar-Curry, which would streamline permitting for groundwater recharge and allow more flexible diversion permits during wet periods. Support came from local water agencies, counties, and water associations, which argued the bill would help capture flood flows, reduce costs, and improve groundwater sustainability. Opponents, including Defenders of Wildlife, salmon and environmental groups, and several irrigation districts, argued the bill could harm fish, public trust resources, and downstream users by allowing diversions based on broad wet-year criteria. Members discussed the bill at length, with some supportive of the recharge goals but urging more safeguards; it passed 4-0 and was sent to Environmental Quality. Other measures included AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area to additional portions of several counties and add Lake County, which supporters said would improve habitat, climate resilience, and watershed-scale conservation; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. AB 2075 would clarify fire-safety equipment requirements for land-clearing operations and make employers responsible for compliance; farm and cattle groups sought more flexibility for rangeland, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 1960 would allow Cal Fire wildfire prevention grants to fund community-level home-hardening projects and was sent to Emergency Management. AB 1808, dealing with Western Joshua tree conservation and local permitting/fee issues, drew support after opposition groups withdrew concerns and passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. The committee also heard AB 550 on incidental take permits for species not yet listed, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• farmers, our ranchers, our state, conservation land, our environmentalists, and our homeowners, as far
• We've been working pretty extensively on the nematode biocontrol, testing it at our forest site and working
• Uh, we've been working pretty extensively on the nematode biocontrol, testing it at our forest site and
• I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact QLB has had on our forests at our restoration site.
• We stand in our on our Division.

Bills: HB1621 , HB1880 , HB1831

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: pesticides, environmental impact, agriculture, 1,3-dichloropropene, chlorpyrifos, land management, wastewater compliance, state funding, survey issues, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Agriculture and Food Systems and Energy and Environmental Protection heard three bills. HB 1621 would create a conservation, agriculture, and soil health incentive program under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with annual reporting and funding. Testimony was broadly supportive from the Climate Commission, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Farmers Union, White Alliance for Progressive Action, and the Farm Bureau, and the bill was described as a way to advance soil health and support producers. HB 1880 would prohibit, beginning in 2027, the use of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone). The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered written comments, Hawaii Farmers Union supported the ban citing drift and health concerns, and the Farm Bureau opposed it, arguing growers need such tools; the bill also drew discussion about crop rotation and other pest-management practices. HB 1831 would authorize funding to address survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on certain non-agricultural parklands; the Attorney General’s Office warned the bill as written may violate the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause and suggested revisions, while the department and Farm Bureau supported the measure’s intent. The committees later took up decision-making and voted to pass all three measures with amendments, with the effective dates changed to July 1, 3000 and HB 1831 amended to reflect the Attorney General’s suggested changes. The Agriculture and Food Systems committee then heard HB 1572, which would establish a four-year restorative aquaculture development program to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure and workforce capacity, create pilot sites, and convene an advisory council. The Attorney General noted a technical issue about whether council members would be compensated, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union all expressed support for streamlining aquaculture and promoting restorative aquaculture. Members asked about the bill’s focus on restorative aquaculture, and the department said the program would give the area dedicated resources and a framework. The committee also heard HB 219, which would temporarily reestablish the coffee berry borer pesticide subsidy program and manager position; the department, Waimea Coffee Association, Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union supported it. HB 2139 would fund University of Hawaiʻi research on treatment methods for the Queensland longhorn beetle. Testimony from DLNR, the invasive species council, university researchers, farmers, and the Farm Bureau emphasized the beetle’s spread and damage to trees and crops, and described nematode biocontrol as promising but labor-intensive and in need of more research and scaling. Members asked whether the funding was for research rather than a position, whether the current nematode approach is sufficient for large orchards, and whether other controls are being explored; the response was that the bill funds testing and that more work is needed, including local production of nematodes if the method proves effective.

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we achieve these goals when we are crippling our ranchers and our farmers' ability to farm?
• to our rebuild.
• not even a local to our place to have such a big impact on our environment and our people?
• to our place to to local local to our to our place to to have<01:09:37.640><c> such</c><01:09:37.799
• <01:09:40.120><c> our</c><01:09:40.319><c> people</c> environment and our people environment and our

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard SR 18, which asks DLNR to transfer active agricultural land leases to the Department of Agriculture to support agriculture. DLNR, through Don Chang, opposed the resolution, saying the department has already been transferring parcels by mutual agreement and should not be required to transfer lands it does not consent to. Ranchers and agricultural advocates strongly supported the measure, arguing that the lands are active production areas, that partial transfers would undermine ranching operations, and that water infrastructure built by ranchers must be protected. Testimony from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural land for food production, wildfire management, and long-term ranch viability. Committee members pressed both sides on acreage, specific parcels, and whether negotiations were still ongoing, with DLNR later clarifying that some parcels remain under negotiation and that some proposed transfers have been narrowed or adjusted. Several specific ranches and parcels were discussed, including Batello, Diamond B, Delo, Nobriga, and Kapala Ranch. Witnesses described the operational importance of water systems, grazing areas, and access routes, and said that losing productive acreage would threaten business viability. Some members expressed concern that the proposal appeared to transfer productive land while leaving less useful land with ranchers, and urged the department to continue transparent negotiations and consider the practical impact on agriculture and conservation. A DLNR representative said some transfers were tied to other needs, such as transportation mitigation, and not to a broader effort to take more land. The Department of Agriculture later stated it supports the intent of the measure, but suggested its concerns would likely be addressed if the resolution were narrowed to the specific parcels at issue. The chair also announced that the related House bill on the same subject remains alive and will be heard by Water and Land on Thursday. After concluding SR 18, the committee moved on to SCR 51 and SR 33, which seek a working group to evaluate establishing and administratively placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development indicated support for the concept, noting the office’s value in Maui wildfire recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have done dangerous, skilled work, protecting our homes, our communities, and our loved ones.
• AB 2483 fixes that.
• Eighty-two percent of our students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, and yet 98% of our graduates
• Currently, there's a gap between our state's values and our formal recognitions.
• This is a moment of pride, of recognition, of inclusion, of our commitment as a state to our diversity

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I talk about our employees, our employees are those people.
• What do we do for our schools, our roads, our bridges?
• We're investing in our equipment and we're investing in our people.
• Not our local landowners at our mines.
• So our customers, our North Dakota customers, So our customers, our North Dakota customers, should those

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh</c> read this morning our our entry level uh read this morning our our entry level uh uh<00:10:51.200
• We're strong supporters of working lands and forests. Our main concern is the...
• Um, again, this bill won't fix that problem, uh, but from our perspective, regulatory scrutiny is a valuable
• Um, again, this bill won't fix that problem, uh, but from our perspective, regulatory scrutiny is a valuable
• Um, again, this bill won't fix that problem, uh, but from our perspective, regulatory scrutiny is a valuable

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It fixed it. computer as well. There we go. It fixed it.
• It's not too late, but the time to act is now.
• So it's my hope that the committee joins me in support of Senate Bill 1586 for our children, for our
• I experienced it myself trying to run around, call all levels of government, even our members of our
• We rely heavily on some of our grant funding for our local recycling centers.

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee met to hear Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Brown described a constituent’s experience with contamination near an old landfill in Franklin County and said the bill was intended to give the Department of Natural Resources clearer authority to investigate and remediate such sites, create a funding stream by redirecting 10% of solid waste tipping fees, establish an interim committee for further study, and tighten seller disclosure requirements for properties with abandoned landfills. He argued the state has 29 such sites, that the issue has been ignored for decades, and that environmental studies are the necessary first step before cleanup and possible grant applications. Support came from University of Missouri engineering dean Marisa Grosoccoe, who said the bill would provide the regulatory framework and stable funding needed to move forward, noting that even about $1 million annually would likely fund only a few studies per year but would reduce uncertainty and help identify cleanup costs and future land use options. She emphasized that studies can unlock additional funding and eventual redevelopment benefits. In opposition, Solid Waste Advisory Board chair Chris Bussin and Mark Solid Waste District program manager Diana Bryant argued the districts already perform important recycling and household hazardous waste work, that the proposed diversion of tipping fees would significantly reduce local program funding, and that DNR already has authority to address landfill issues. They also questioned the accuracy of the abandoned landfill list and warned that cuts could harm existing services. A county commissioner testifying for information purposes echoed concerns about impacts on small communities and local grant-funded recycling programs. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules and the Executive Law in relation to jury awards
• Preserve land, which was not intended to be included in the Forest Preserve.
• It's an act to amend the Surrogates' Court Procedure Act. Thank you. By Senator Sepúlveda.
• It's an act to amend the Surrogates' Court Procedure Act in relation to court filing.
• It's an act to amend the Judiciary Law in relation to exempting senior citizens from jury.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee chair opened by emphasizing that the committee would consider bills from any member, regardless of party, so long as they would make the judiciary more streamlined, efficient, and accessible. The committee then took up Senate Print 410, which would change how judges review jury awards in employment discrimination cases. The sponsor argued the bill would curb consistently low awards and reduce pressure on plaintiffs to settle, while a member raised concerns about limiting judicial review. After discussion, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with one member recorded without rights. The committee next advanced Senate Bill 548, authorizing the sale of a specific parcel of Forest Preserve land associated with Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility, and Senate Print 887A, a Surrogates’ Court filing bill, with a suggested amendment clarifying that initial filings may not yet have a file number. It also reported Senate Print 947, barring residential landlords from charging fees for rent payments made by ACH or online systems, and Senate Print 1142, extending the statute of limitations for employment discrimination actions. Other measures reported included the homeowner protection program bill (2627A), skier and snowboarder duties bill (3209), a constitutional amendment on voter qualifications allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 by the general election (3231), and a bill increasing county court judges in certain jurisdictions (4836A), which was referred to Finance. Additional bills advanced were Senate Print 5089 creating a residential condominium owner bill of rights, Senate Print 5288 on the proper form of exhibits in civil practice, and Senate Print 9037 exempting senior citizens from jury service, with discussion noting the bill’s opt-in feature for seniors who wish to continue serving. Most measures were approved by voice vote with little or no opposition, and the meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, it's the custom and tradition of the Senate that we begin our session each day with prayer.
• Will members and our Guests in the gallery, please rise as you're able for the invocation.
• Our chief sergeant at arms is celebrating a birthday today.
• This chamber, I forgot last Friday, May first, our distinguished colleague Jack Stewart just celebrated
• Our chief sergeant at arms is celebrating a birthday today. Adam Kane, congratulations.

Bills: SR28 , SB201 , SB1379 , SB1525 , SB1966 , SB2112 , SB2170 , HB2749 , HB3262 , HB3265 , HB3673 , HB3781 , HB3040 , HB3076 , HB3369 , HB3982 , HB3462 , HB3465 , HB3521 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB4095 , HB4298 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4408 , HB4454

Keywords: alpha-gal syndrome, alpha gal, tick-borne illness, tick bite allergy, red meat allergy, meat allergy, dairy allergy, anaphylaxis, Lyme disease, public health, tick prevention, vector-borne disease, allergy awareness, May awareness month, Oklahoma Department of Health, outdoor safety, health education, research funding, minimum salary, education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• And so my two children is our Declaration of Independence.
• lives, our fortunes, and our...”
• We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. Thank you, Mr.
• Our chief sergeant-at-arms is celebrating a birthday today.
• Our distinguished colleague, Jack Stewart, last Friday, May 1st, our distinguished colleague, Jack Stewart

Bills: SR28 , SB201 , SB1379 , SB1525 , SB1966 , SB2112 , SB2170 , HB2749 , HB3262 , HB3265 , HB3673 , HB3781 , HB3040 , HB3076 , HB3369 , HB3982 , HB3462 , HB3465 , HB3521 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB4095 , HB4298 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4408 , HB4454

Keywords: alpha-gal syndrome, alpha gal, tick-borne illness, tick bite allergy, red meat allergy, meat allergy, dairy allergy, anaphylaxis, Lyme disease, public health, tick prevention, vector-borne disease, allergy awareness, May awareness month, Oklahoma Department of Health, outdoor safety, health education, research funding, minimum salary, education funding

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special family recitation of the Declaration of Independence by Senator Hamilton’s children. The chamber then adopted SR 28, recognizing May as Alpha-Gal Awareness and Prevention Month in Oklahoma and encouraging awareness, prevention, and research on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergic condition. Senator Seifried also introduced constituents affected by alpha-gal. Later, the Senate heard a gallery introduction from advocates for victims of impaired driving, highlighting the toll of DUI-related crashes in Oklahoma. The Senate then took up several House amendments and final-passage votes on bills. SB 201, clarifying that a teacher pay raise applies to certified classroom teachers, passed 47-0 and was advanced as an emergency. SB 1379, SB 1525, SB 1966, SB 2112, and SB 2170 also passed after adoption of House amendments, with SB 1525 and SB 1379 advanced as emergency measures. SB 1525 raised the threshold for contracting to host a conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and SB 1966 served as the annual omnibus highway, memorial highway, and bridge designation bill. Among the House bills considered, HB 3262 increased the sheriff fee for service of process from $50 to $100 and passed 37-8. HB 3265 allowed a psychologist to make PTSD determinations for the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System and passed 47-0. HB 3781, a major insurance modernization bill changing rate-filing procedures for homeowners insurance and expanding the insurance commissioner’s review authority, passed 39-6 after extended debate over transparency, regulation, and market impact. HB 3040 expanded sex-offender loitering restrictions around businesses serving minors and passed 40-4, while HB 3076 authorized alternative teacher certification providers under OEQA oversight and passed 38-6 as an emergency measure. The chamber also passed HB 3369, a deregulation and efficiency bill affecting fire suppression and LP gas inspections, HB 2749, which shifted an intergenerational education program toward a Medicaid state plan amendment, HB 3982 on fleet vehicle titling, HB 3462 creating a shorter residential-only plumbing licensure pathway, HB 3465 extending the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program to 2029, HB 3521 modernizing money transmission law, HB 3796 as an Oklahoma Insurance Department omnibus bill, HB 3800 as a roofing-industry cleanup bill, and HB 4095 modernizing the 211 hotline advisory council. Several of these measures drew debate over regulation, workforce needs, public safety, or fiscal and policy impacts, but all of the listed bills ultimately passed by recorded vote.