Video & Transcript Research : 'Oklahoma Today Magazine'

Page 11 of 500
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Administrative Rules Feb 24th, 2026

Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • But today we've got, I guess, 10 bills here we're going to run through.
  • Yes, I appreciate that today.
  • House Bill 3005 is an extension of the sunset on the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.
  • It's not a whole lot different today, but when I've got some of these guys to deal with.
  • Nonetheless, thank you all for being here today. We have assigned rules.
Summary: The committee met in a new room and took up a package of 10 bills, mostly sunset extensions. Chairman Kendrick explained that although the bills were drafted as one-year extensions, he moved committee amendments on each to change the sunset date from 2027 to 2031 so the agencies would stay on a five-year cycle and avoid having too many sunsets come due in the same year. The committee adopted the amendments, and the bills were then presented and advanced. The bills extended the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (HB 3000), Child Death Review Board (HB 3001), Commission on County Government Personnel Education and Training (HB 3002), Board of Chiropractic Examiners (HB 3003), Board of Examiners of Optometry (HB 3004), Oklahoma Climatological Survey (HB 3005), Oklahoma Advisory on Indian Education (HB 3006), Environmental and Natural Resources Advisory Councils (HB 3007), and Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence (HB 3008). HB 4319 was a separate policy bill changing the Administrative Procedures Act to require specific and explicit statutory authority, codifying a common-law requirement. Most bills passed unanimously after the amendments, with HB 3007 passing 9-2. After the bill votes, Chairman Kendrick returned to the chair and gave an update on administrative rules work, saying the committee was preparing multiple rules bundles and resolutions for floor consideration. He emphasized that fiscal analyses marked “unknown” are unacceptable under the Administrative Procedures Act and the Raines Act, and that agencies must provide a comprehensive analysis or use “zero” or “none” instead. The meeting then adjourned.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: HB3851 - Added Feb 18th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances

Transcript Highlights:
  • didn't flag any, but again, it's always possible when you're adjusting the three-tier system in Oklahoma
  • since that act has come out, there have been strained supply chains, especially in rural parts of Oklahoma
  • struggling with, and it doesn't seem unreasonable to help make sure that the businesses in rural Oklahoma
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: HB3851 - Added Feb 18th, 2026

Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances

Transcript Highlights:
  • didn't flag any, but again, it's always possible when you're adjusting the three-tier system in Oklahoma
  • since that act has come out, there have been strained supply chains, especially in rural parts of Oklahoma
  • struggling with, and it doesn't seem unreasonable to help make sure that the businesses in rural Oklahoma
Summary: The Tobacco, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances committee met with a quorum and considered several bills related to alcohol distribution and hemp/THC products. House Bill 3334, presented by Rep. Hays, would create a limited retail on-supply alcohol act allowing on-premise licensees to buy alcohol beverages from off-premise licensees. Supporters said it could help rural businesses facing strained supply chains and delayed deliveries after alcohol market changes; the committee voted to pass the bill. The committee then heard House Bill 4248, which would add protections to keep children from ingesting alcoholic drinks containing hemp with THC-like effects. Members discussed whether the bill might be amended further, but the author said the goal was to protect kids and preserve the bill’s current structure. The committee voted to pass HB 4248. House Bill 4450, presented by Rep. Newton, would regulate THC gummies and liquids by requiring serving-size labeling, limiting servings to 10 milligrams of THC each, and prohibiting child-attractive shapes such as animals, cartoons, or human forms. Members raised concerns about vague language like “reasonable resemblance” and about color restrictions, and the author said he was willing to work on those provisions. The committee voted to pass the bill. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 3851, which Rep. Marti said concerns the process for selling and distributing private label products and clarifies the ABLE Commission’s interpretation of current law. An amendment deleting Sections 1 and 3 was adopted without objection, and the committee then voted to pass the bill as amended. The meeting ended with the chair noting it was the last meeting of the year and adjourning.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: HB3530 - Added Feb 11th, 2026

Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances

Summary: The committee considered several alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and ABLE Commission bills. House Bill 3011 was amended to clarify that home beer brewing would not be taxed if the beer is not being sold, and then passed by recorded vote. House Bill 3143, extending the moratorium on marijuana licenses, and House Bill 3144, adding a cap to prevent a large number of licenses if the moratorium is lifted, both passed. House Bill 3881, creating a regulatory framework for alternative nicotine products including e-liquids and vape products, passed after a question clarified it does not apply to medical marijuana vapes. The committee also advanced House Bill 3519, which replaces the current bond requirement for abandoned grow sites with an annual $2,000 fee paid to OMMA, creates a revolving fund capped at $5 million for cleanup costs, and waives the fee after five consecutive years of ownership in the same name as the license. Members discussed how the fund would be used and whether it was protected from legislative sweeps. House Bill 3522, requested by the Restaurant Association, requires the ABLE Commission to report its disciplinary actions annually and passed unanimously. Finally, House Bill 3530, with a committee substitute adopted as the working draft, sets timelines for ABLE licensees to produce requested documents. It also passed by recorded vote. The meeting then adjourned.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Judiciary REVISED: Links added Feb 3rd, 2026

Criminal Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 3266 is a request for some Oklahoma City police officers in Oklahoma City and some of the
  • This came from some detectives at the Oklahoma City Police Department as well.
  • She is a senior at the University of Oklahoma, and will be doing wonderful and great things when she
Summary: The Judicial Criminal Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with the chair noting the committee had roughly 55 bills assigned and urging members to review them in advance to move hearings along efficiently. A new committee member, Representative Clinton, was welcomed, and Vice Chair Harris later introduced a legislative intern, Allie Burwell, who will be working in his office during the session. Several bills were heard and advanced. HB 2937 would allow otherwise qualified individuals to carry firearms on boats, as a cleanup measure related to constitutional carry; it received a due pass. HB 3419 would extend the felony offense for corruptly disclosing private bid information from state officials to officials of counties and cities, and it also received a due pass. HB 3264 would make domestic violence by strangulation an 85% crime, and HB 3266 would increase penalties for reckless driving tied to collisions and street racing/takeovers; both were advanced. HB 3267 would make breaking and entering into an occupied dwelling a felony in itself, and members discussed how accidental entry or prosecutorial discretion would be handled; it also received a due pass. HB 3268 addressed fake or fictitious tags, including problems involving commercial vehicles, and was described as a response to concerns from Oklahoma City police and the Corporation Commission. Members asked about drafting changes and title references, which were explained as cleanup language tied to recent reclassification and drafting procedures. The bill was then advanced with a due pass. Two other bills, HB 3495 and HB 3497, were held over, and the committee adjourned after the chair again asked members to review bills and raise concerns beforehand.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • state of Oklahoma.
  • to qualify children in the state of Oklahoma.
  • Anyway, this is allocating, or appropriating, $93,000 each to the Oklahoma School for the Blind and Oklahoma
  • I do understand that many people from rural Oklahoma attend the Oklahoma City State Fair, but I would
  • because so many rural Oklahoma kids, so many rural Oklahoma people... ...so many rural Oklahoma kids
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, today we are celebrating our first annual Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy Day at the Capitol.
  • Join with me today as we pray.
  • We remember today We remember today the heavy price of our freedom.
  • We gather today specifically for Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day, a day that we used to refer
  • Today, we're honored to have a number of the members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard and Air National
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • She's an Oklahoma native, born and raised in Beaver, Oklahoma, for all y'all panhandle folks, and a licensed
  • Whenever we strengthen this partnership, we open doors for Oklahoma businesses, Oklahoma workers, and
  • Oklahoma families.
  • And so today, let us send a crystal clear message: Oklahoma stands firm with those who share all values
  • today.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Jared for being our doctor today. Sure appreciate. Dr. Jared for being our doctor today.
  • How about Southern Oklahoma? Southern Oklahoma.
  • Oklahoma families.
  • And so today, let us send a crystal clear message: Oklahoma stands firm with those who share our values
  • today.
Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, and heard an invocation, a Veteran of the Week recognition for Colonel William S. Hartzell, and several guest introductions and special presentations, including the Coeta Tigers wrestling team, the Murray State College shotgun team, and visitors from Taiwan. The chamber also recognized the Psychologist of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Doctor of the Day, and Pages of the Week, along with committee meeting announcements and a motion to adjourn at the end of business. Members then considered and passed a series of bills. Senate Bill 1290 on 211 services passed 82-0 and its emergency clause also passed. Senate Bill 1530 on state government and innovation/research funding passed 58-27. Senate Bill 1847 on Medicaid home and community-based services passed 78-10 with its emergency clause. Senate Bill 169 increasing longevity pay for state employees passed 85-4 with emergency. Senate Bill 1377 requiring DHS to provide duffel bags and hygiene items for foster children passed 88-4 with emergency. Senate Bill 1990 on the Incentive Evaluation Commission passed 88-4. Senate Bill 1991, a cleanup measure redirecting certain lease and land-sale revenues to O-CAMP, passed and its emergency clause also passed. The House also adopted H.R. 1050 reaffirming Oklahoma’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, followed by remarks from Taiwanese officials. Senate Bill 1778, the Strong Readers Act, passed 87-5 with emergency after discussion about reading screeners, funding tiers, and an optional second-grade assessment. Senate Bill 1579, described as a taxpayer bill of rights related to ad valorem tax, drew extended debate over property taxes and state savings before passing 85-0. Senate Bill 1992, defining strategic financial partners for an income tax credit, passed 65-24. The House then moved to adjourn until Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The result has been that there have been an increase in calls to the Oklahoma Poison Center as a result
  • Our chief sergeant at arms is celebrating a birthday today.
  • Our chief sergeant at arms is celebrating a birthday today. Adam Kane, congratulations.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session May 4th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • condition affecting Oklahoma residents; that the Oklahoma State Senate encourages health care providers
  • According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, approximately 700 deaths caused by automobiles on Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma has an impaired driving problem.
  • That's one Oklahoma in just about every day.
  • Oklahoma has an impaired driving problem.
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.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

General Government Apr 7th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are you aware that Oklahoma has been a right to work since state Since 2001, you're recognized.
  • The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be exempt from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act
  • This is our last committee, and we will do it today if we can.
  • Anything that Oklahoma not at all. No, thank you for that question.
  • That that This concludes the agenda for today.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

General Government Apr 7th, 2026

General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are you aware that Oklahoma has been a right-to-work state since 2001? I am. You're recognized.
  • That is happening in the state of Oklahoma. You're recognized for follow-up.
  • The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department would be exempt from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act
  • Okay, then we will do it today if we can.
  • That concludes the agenda for today.
Summary: The committee first laid over Senate Bill 263, then took up several other measures. Senate Bill 1877, which would create a centralized reporting system for reports through the Secretary of State, was discussed as similar to House Bill 3047 and was reported due pass by a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 1884, concerning access for statewide educator associations and individual school employees, drew questions about union access, off-campus recruitment, right-to-work law, and possible conflicting language on fees and reimbursement; it was reported due pass 6-1. The committee then advanced tourism and public safety measures. Senate Bill 1365 would update promotional fund language and allow the Tourism and Recreation Department to make certain merchandise purchases outside the central purchasing process up to $75,000; it passed 6-2. Senate Bill 2174 would change the appointment and makeup of the State Fire Marshal Commission board and was reported due pass 8-0. Senate Bill 1525, as amended by a PCS, would let the Tourism and Recreation Department contract for support of its annual tourism conference and charge registration fees to recoup costs, with emergency language added; it passed 6-2. The committee also approved House Bill 1810, which would allow expert testimony in human trafficking cases and add trafficking victims to existing victim services, by an 8-0 vote. On workforce and agency administration, Senate Bill 1771 would expand the Workforce Commission’s authority to collect funding, expenditure, and performance data and to hire outside counsel; it passed 5-2. Senate Bill 1805 would bar certain group homes and post-adjudication treatment facilities from using contract staff, due to concerns about records access and staffing; it passed 6-1. Finally, Senate Bill 1960 would move the Oklahoma Receivership Office under the Oklahoma Insurance Department to modernize and reduce duplication, and it was reported due pass 7-0. The meeting then adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, pursuant to Article IV, Section 30, Oklahoma Constitution.
  • Members, today we have the Southeastern Oklahoma State University men's tennis team.
  • concurrent classes at Oklahoma City Community College.
  • Honored to have you with us today. Floor leader, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • Thank you for joining us today. Floor leader, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And through each member today, Lord, bless the great state of Oklahoma, our home, in Jesus' name.
  • Members, today I have with me...
  • Members, today we have the Southeastern Oklahoma State University men's tennis team.
  • concurrent classes at Oklahoma City Community College, and they're here with their professor today.
  • Thank you for joining us today. Thank you very much. Thank you for joining us today.
Summary: The House convened, took the roll, offered an invocation, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the nurse of the day, Stephanie Cooper. Members also adopted motions related to a multi-day adjournment request and received several guest introductions, including students, athletes, family members, and constituents in the galleries. The chamber then considered and passed several bills. HB 2936 clarified that certain offenders may not adopt children, including in surrogacy-related situations; it passed 71-0. HB 2967 exempted certain vehicle title transfers between guardians and children or grandparents and grandchildren from motor vehicle excise tax; it passed 69-10. HB 3627 added the State Committee of Blind Vendors to the list of public bodies allowed to meet by video or teleconference and passed 70-2, with the emergency clause also approved. HB 3721 created a survivor-benefit option for children of unmarried public safety officers who die before retirement after qualifying for benefits; it passed 77-3, and the emergency clause was adopted. Additional measures passed included HB 4132, a data protection bill, by 77-0; HB 4303, extending the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances, by 70-0; HB 4478, raising the daily deposit threshold for school activity funds from $100 to $500 while requiring weekly deposits, by 73-5; HB 4322, removing the requirement that a funeral director in charge also be a licensed embalmer/director, by 61-17; and HB 4227, protecting the legal rights of child sexual abuse victims, which was amended with cleanup language and then passed with no recorded nays. The House then adjourned until Monday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Aeronautics and Transportation REVISED Apr 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Aeronautics and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do have a couple of executive nominations to hear today.
  • We ran into a situation where those in Oklahoma are buying from Oklahoma dealers and they are shipping
  • Situations where those in Oklahoma are buying from Oklahoma dealers and they are shipping these out to
  • It was asked for by the Oklahoma City.
  • This bill is supported by the Oklahoma Blood Institute and first responders.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Aeronautics and Transportation REVISED Apr 13th, 2026

Aeronautics and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, we do have a couple of executive noms to hear today. I'm very excited about that.
  • It has been a very rewarding career to serve the citizens of the state of Oklahoma.
  • I would look forward to serving the consumer in the state of Oklahoma.
  • We ran into a situation where those in Oklahoma are buying from Oklahoma dealers. ...where those in Oklahoma
  • This bill is supported by the Oklahoma Blood Institute and first responders.
Summary: The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee heard two executive nominations first and advanced both unanimously. Tim Gatz was nominated to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Transportation, with supportive remarks from Senator Paxton and Senator Guthrie about his responsiveness and long service; the committee voted 12-0 to advance him. Justin Blake Wilson was nominated to the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission, introduced by Senator Howard as a banker and entrepreneur interested in public service; he also advanced 12-0. The committee then considered several transportation and motor vehicle bills. House Bill 3982 would give certain commercial fleets a 90-day temporary tag and allow nonresidents 60 days to title and license vehicles in another state; it advanced 12-0. House Bill 2123, a backup measure related to a Tulsa/Jenks/Bixby Arkansas River bridge project aimed at easing congestion and improving safety, also advanced 12-0. House Bill 2979 would allow ODOT to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request, with ODOT identifying 14 qualifying locations and an estimated cost of $266,000; it passed 12-0. House Bill 2997, a consumer protection bill targeting bait-and-switch practices in retail motor vehicle sales and increasing enforcement staffing, advanced on a 10-2 vote after discussion of raising the maximum fine from $1,000 to $10,000. Other measures approved included House Bill 3148, allowing licensed new and used motor vehicle dealers to perform their own VIN inspections, which passed 12-0; House Bill 4108, adding airport operational areas to the list of critical infrastructure and prohibiting trespass there, which passed 12-0; House Bill 4143, raising the damage threshold for a required written collision report from $300 to $3,000 and allowing no report when parties exchange information, which passed 11-1 amid concerns about fault and insurance verification; House Bill 4266, the omnibus license plate bill, which passed 12-0 with a zero fiscal impact noted; House Bill 2053, clarifying outdoor advertising rules for playgrounds and planned unit developments, which passed 12-0; and House Bill 4058, allowing optional blood type information on driver licenses and ID cards to aid first responders and blood supply efforts, which passed 11-0. The chair closed by thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the committee’s final meeting and his last as chair.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I invite all of Oklahoma to pray, Lord.
  • presence here in Oklahoma.
  • We have the president of the Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma, Dixie Green, here today.
  • Injury Association of Oklahoma, Dixie Green, is here today in the northern gallery.
  • Members, one week from today is Bob Will's day.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I invite all of Oklahoma to pray.
  • presence here in Oklahoma.
  • But today we are here to recognize something different.
  • here today, and I have a proclamation from the governor.
  • Members, one week from today is Bob Wills Day.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Aaron Hudkins, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Emily Corley, Doctor of the Day Dr. Jason Reagan, and a proclamation recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month. Members also honored the Edmond Santa Fe Palm Squad and Ava Garrett for assembling and funding 100 overnight bags for children entering foster care in memory of fallen Oklahoma service member Serena Butcher. On legislation, the House considered and passed House Bill 3522, a transparency measure requiring alcoholic beverage licensees to report disciplinary actions annually, and House Bill 4300, a Department of Human Services request bill aligning child-care worker assessment language with federal requirements. Both bills advanced without debate; HB 3522 passed by recorded vote and HB 4300 passed 94-0. The chamber also recognized 17 Pages of the Week and heard multiple announcements, including caucus and birthday notices, a planned Jeans Day request tied to Bob Wills Day, and the introduction of Oklahoma Task Force One members and a search dog. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.