Transcript Highlights:

• We never wanted the no-chance games to be converted over to VLTs or games that are illegal now.
• That was previously determined to be an illegal gambling machine by the Missouri Gaming Commission shall
• We're trying to get rid of the illegal machines that have been operating for the past five years illegally
• The past five years illegally.
• gambling machine right outside, right next to the front door that a kid was on.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The Emerging Issues Committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bills 2404 and 2172. The committee adopted a House Committee substitute for both bills and then voted the substitute do pass by a 10-2 roll call vote. The transcript did not include substantive bill discussion beyond the substitute adoption and final vote. The committee then took up House Bill 2989 in executive session. Sponsor Representative Hardwick described a large House Committee substitute with numerous changes, including technical cleanup, a longer transition period for gray machines, lowering a felony provision to a Class A misdemeanor, increasing a casino-related fee with proceeds going to the Missouri Veterans Commission, and other revisions to gaming-related language. Members adopted three amendments, including one barring previously illegal gambling machines from being licensed as video lottery terminals and another requiring games to be out of line of sight from the front entrance. The committee then adopted the revised substitute and voted House Bill 2989 do pass by an 8-5 vote. In public hearing, Representatives Miller and Amato presented House Bills 1746 and 1769, which focused on artificial intelligence. They said the bills are intended to establish that AI has no personhood and to create accountability and risk-management standards, with discussion centered on using the NIST AI risk management framework and clarifying liability among developers, deployers, and users. Committee members asked about liability, harm definitions, and possible conflict with federal policy; the sponsors said the bill would be refined further. One public witness testified in favor, saying states should act proactively on AI rather than wait for problems, and no opposition testimony was offered before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• gambling.
• One key note of concern is the rise of illegal sports betting through prediction markets.
• One key note of concern is the rise of illegal sports betting through prediction markets.
• One key note of concern is the rise of illegal sports betting through prediction markets.
• Are there gambling limits on sports games? Are there gambling limits on sports games?

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Summary: The House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a field hearing at the Puyallup Reservation, hosted by Chairman Stearns, and heard three informational presentations: sports betting, tribal health data sovereignty, and the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) Task Force. No bills were voted on; the meeting was primarily a work session and question-and-answer discussion. On sports betting, Emerald Queen Casinos and the Washington State Gambling Commission described how sports wagering operates in Washington under tribal-state compacts, including on-premise mobile betting, compliance and anti-money laundering rules, and the use of third-party oddsmakers. Tribal representatives said sports betting supports tribal economic development and asked for future changes to allow wagering on Washington college teams and to address concerns about illegal prediction markets. Committee members asked about geo-fencing, betting limits, and why in-state collegiate betting is prohibited. Vicki Lowe of the American Indian Health Commission discussed tribal data sovereignty, emphasizing that tribes have inherent sovereignty and a government-to-government relationship with the state, and that tribes should have equitable access to their own health data. She explained that during COVID, tribes lacked access to state-held tribal affiliation data and that public records concerns led the Department of Health to stop collecting some tribal affiliation information. Members discussed how data-sharing agreements and tribal consultation should work going forward. Lucy Smartlut of the Attorney General’s office reported on the MMIWP Task Force, including updated case counts, the work of the cold case unit, forensic genetic genealogy efforts, and survey findings showing weak tribal-law enforcement coordination and inconsistent collection of tribal affiliation data. She said the task force’s immediate need is sustainability, continued collaboration, and better training and communication, while members raised questions about funding, interagency coordination, and prevention efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• specifically to allow the use of telephone, internet, and group purchases, resulting in underage gambling
• . and changes to open the door wide for what the legislature intended to be illegal gambling.
• Let me say this another way: the illegal organized crime lottery operation we now have is not the result
• The nature of gambling attracts a culture of corruption and brings out the worst in people.
• addiction and gambling addiction recovery groups.

Bills: SB82 , SB1807 , SB2254 , HB 119 , HB 130 , HB581 , HJR98 , SB1988 , SB 18 , SB 34

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds certain gambling crimes as predicate offenses for racketeering. Rep.
• But essentially, what this bill seeks to accomplish is that it will add a multitude of the illegal gambling
• State on all different types of forms, from a local form to internet gambling.
• 30,000 transactions in that one alone, an illegal sports gambling ring.
• are going after our consumers' funds by offering illegal gambling online.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 24, 2026, and heard a series of bills, with members generally expressing support for measures aimed at public safety, corrections, and criminal procedure. The committee first amended and reported HB 957, which removes the 72-hour advance notice requirement for sheriffs transferring prisoners, while adding notice to the prosecuting authority as well as the court. Testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said the change would help with overcrowding and security-related inmate moves, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then heard HB 106, which prohibits giving children non-prescription melatonin without parental consent. After debate over whether consent should be written, the committee rejected an amendment requiring prior written consent, but adopted a broader amendment making the bill apply to any person rather than only child care centers. Testimony from Gretna Police Chief Brett Lawson described a case involving a nanny and a one-year-old child, and child care representatives said licensed centers already require parental consent forms. HB 106 was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 111, which adds associate’s degrees to the existing sentence-reduction credits for incarcerated people who complete higher education programs; DOC said the programs are accredited and monitored, and supporters framed the bill as part of workforce reentry. Several other bills were advanced. HB 64 clarifies that judges may recall arrest warrants and requires notice to law enforcement when a warrant is recalled; former Rep. Joe Marino testified in support, describing problems with old or mistaken warrants remaining active. HB 53 adds certain gambling offenses as predicate acts under Louisiana’s racketeering law, with the Attorney General’s office citing illegal gambling operations and prison-based gambling rings. HB 152 updates the state controlled dangerous substances schedules to match federal changes, adding 13 opioids. HB 102 creates second-degree cruelty to elderly persons and persons with infirmities, with amendments adding the offense as a predicate felony and refining the penalty and affirmative-defense language; the bill drew emotional testimony from advocates and family members describing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and it was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 137, which strengthens penalties for threats against schools and adds a civil cost component for false threats; the Speaker Pro Tem said the bill is meant to deter school threats and reduce disruption and emergency response costs. HB 57 was reported favorably to clarify that courts may consider criminal histories in ex parte temporary restraining order proceedings. HB 337 increases from two to four the number of special charitable bingo events allowed each year for licensed nonprofits. Finally, HB 100 was substantially amended so that driving 100 mph or more is treated as reckless operation rather than a new felony speeding offense, and HB 155 expands the prohibition on unlawful drone use to additional Capitol grounds locations; both were reported favorably as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, with several bills supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups and a few receiving limited opposition or informational cards.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:45:28.479><c> Um</c><02:45:28.720><c> I'm</c> whether this is illegal gambling.
• Um I'm whether this is illegal gambling.
• It's in our constitution as an illegal, as not allowing that kind of gambling.
• It's in our constitution as an illegal, as not allowing that kind of gambling.
• It's in our constitution as an illegal, as not allowing that kind of gambling.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Gaming

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've also registered longstanding concerns that this is an expansion of gambling that could put
• sweepstakes casinos offer no consumer protections, leaving youth, our community, and those with gambling
• The proponents have consistently said that the online sweepstakes throughout this process are illegal
• Why make something illegal that is supposedly already illegal? Thank you.
• We know those issues that plague our communities across the state. ...of gambling addiction, so on and

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee met without an initial quorum and began as a subcommittee to hear several measures before the Assembly session. AB 770 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to use a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who said it would create construction and permanent jobs and help finance the project without taxpayer burden; there was no opposition. Members asked about the revenue estimate and how it would be used, and the bill later passed on concurrence. SB 451 was heard next and would clarify the law to allow a 50-50 charitable raffle at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related loophole. Supporters from the bill’s author, the 49ers, and the NFL said it would preserve charitable fundraising and maintain existing audit and transparency rules. CalNonprofits did not take a formal opposition position but raised concerns about fairness compared with other nonprofit raffles and about expanding gambling. The committee discussed how raffle proceeds are distributed to charities, and the bill passed with 12 votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 831 by Assembly Member Valencia would make dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos unlawful in California while preserving lawful social sweepstakes that do not award cash prizes. Supporters, including several tribal nations, labor, business groups, and the Sports Betting Alliance, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers and vulnerable populations, and defends tribal gaming sovereignty and revenues. Opponents, including sweepstakes and gaming industry representatives and many members of the Kletsel-Dehe Wintun Nation and allied tribes, argued the bill would eliminate a legal industry, reduce economic opportunity for smaller or geographically disadvantaged tribes, and should instead be regulated and taxed. Members debated consumer protection, tribal exclusivity, and the lack of consumer-group testimony; the committee ultimately passed AB 831 on concurrence, and the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It gets at advertising... drugs over social media, which is not illegal. Okay.
• It's for other illegal activities, including drug proliferation, theft, human trafficking, and illegal
• It's just a... a bad mix, and it's all about the gambling.
• We don't allow casino gambling in this state, so I don't know why we would allow cockfighting gambling
• We also found syringes, narcotics, and evidence of illegal gambling.

Bills: SB137 , SB1216 , SB1226 , SB1238 , SB1255 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1325 , SB1460 , SB1543 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1921

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 456 deals with illegal organ purchasing and trafficking.
• And so unfortunately, the law as it stands says that we're required to post a sign that says it's illegal
• been issues and instances where law enforcement vehicles have been used to conduct some of these illegal
• been issues and instances where they have used law enforcement vehicles to conduct some of these illegal

Bills: SB127 , SB456 , SB482 , SB659 , SB739 , SB816 , SB1234 , SB1666 , SB1886 , SB1980 , SB2580 , SB2611 , SB2693 , SB2776

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: child abuse, reporting obligation, statute of limitations, negligence, legal professionals, human organs, criminal penalties, physician license, medical ethics, illegal trade, smuggling, human trafficking, felony offenses, law enforcement, authorized peace officer, peace officer definition, tracking equipment, communications access, electronic surveillance, cell phone records

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:04:02.080><c> I</c> which is the illegal gambling laws.
• I which is the illegal gambling laws.
• operators would become a better option for the gambler and then we'd see more of this illegal gambling
• </c> we'd see more of this illegal gambling. we'd see more of this illegal gambling.
• And how would you and your organization enforce against those illegal online gambling?

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there would be illegal activity taking place with that.
• You know, there would be illegal activity taking place with that.
• You know, there would be illegal activity taking place with that.
• And that's when it makes... ...unlimited licensure in canopy is that product floods into the illegal
• They actually stated that it followed Prop. 207 and helped turn the illegal market into a legal one.

Bills: SB1206 , SB1254 , SB1290 , SB1421 , SB1432 , SB1515 , SB1563 , SB1641 , SB1649 , SB1670 , SB1671 , SB1747

Committees: House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Keywords: storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention, storm chaser, residential construction contract, workers' compensation, joint check, claim solicitation

Transcript Highlights:

• 1287 simply allows the Oklahoma Abstractors Board to deny abstractor licenses to those who are here illegally
• Oklahoma's sweepstakes law and expands its reach to include all entities that are making money off illegal
• gambling in Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma has only three limited exceptions for gambling: the lottery, horse racing, and class 3 tribal
• Finally, these illegal offshore entities and foreign operators across the state of Oklahoma millions

Bills: SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Gambling addiction is increasing across the United States.
• offshore and illegal gambling.
• gambling.
• This is not increasing gambling alternatives in Oklahoma.
• It does not create a new avenue of gambling.

Bills: HB3834 , HB3940 , HB4346 , HB2947 , HB3257 , HB3264 , HB4326 , HB4421 , HB3944 , HB3979 , HB4118 , SCR22 , SB169 , HB1047 , HB2123 , HB2650 , HB3260 , HB3403 , SR41 , HB3649 , HB3742 , HB3831 , HB3996 , HB4321 , HB4339

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and recognized several guests and groups in the gallery, including the Ponca City High School Poe High Steppers, the Edmond Democratic Women, family members of senators, a Grace Reform Baptist Church co-op group, and Oklahoma 4-H participants. The chamber also honored the Red Oak Lady Eagles state championship basketball team with a citation and remarks celebrating their first school basketball title and strong season. The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, supporting the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign to reduce bird mortality during migration by encouraging reduced exterior lighting in peak migration months. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 41, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual 4-H Day at the Capitol, with testimony from 4-H representatives emphasizing youth leadership, civic engagement, and workforce readiness. Several bills passed, including House Bill 169 (house amendments adopted and the bill passed as an emergency measure), House Bill 2123 on the Arkansas River bridge, House Bill 2650 on summary administration estate thresholds, House Bill 3260 on funeral director continuing education approvals, House Bill 3403 on a DEQ/OSU sewage sludge pilot study, House Bill 3649 on the Mental Health Department real property trust, House Bill 3742 on criminal discovery, House Bill 3831 on a Task Force One revolving fund, House Bill 3996 on indigent defense experts in capital cases, House Bill 4321 on limits on retroactive building rule application, and House Bill 4339 on summary administration notice timing. House Bill 1047, which would have authorized a tribal sports betting framework and related revenue distributions, drew extensive debate over gambling addiction, revenue, tribal compacts, geofencing, and NIL funding, but failed 21-27; Senator Coleman gave notice of intent to reconsider. The Senate then announced an Appropriations Committee meeting and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bedding through offshore and illegal bedding through offshore and illegal platforms<03:25:21.120
• I'm looking at what comes along with gambling and sports and making gambling in Hawaii legal.
• I'm looking at what comes along with gambling and sports and making gambling in Hawaii legal.
• </c> children to get involved with gambling children to get involved with gambling or<03:29:16.080><c
• I enjoy gambling personally myself.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE A PRESENTATION BY THE FLORIDA GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION ON ILLEGAL GAMBLING IN FLORIDA.
• GAMBLING WHICH IS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
• SMALL GIRL PLAYING AN ILLEGAL SLOT MACHINE AT AN ILLEGAL CASINO IN OUR STATE RIGHT NOW.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS OBSERVED CRIMINALS LEAVING AN ILLEGAL CASINO GOING TO THE NEXT ILLEGAL CASINO THAT
• GAMBLING.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> are popular you'll hear from gambling are popular you'll hear from gambling managers<00:14:26.839
• </c> the nation for charitable gambling the nation for charitable gambling demonstrating<00:16:10.240
• We do some posts with gambling operations do pay their property taxes out of charitable gambling.
• We do some posts with gambling operations do pay their property taxes out of charitable gambling.
• We do some posts with gambling operations do pay their property taxes out of charitable gambling.

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recognize this is introduced in part to address illegal gambling markets in the sports wagering area
• As my colleague at MGM in treating problem gambling they in treating problem gambling they provide<02
• </c> offered within the illegal offered within the illegal Market<02:48:13.920><c> I</c><02:48:14.080
• Our current gambling laws allow for social gambling like poker, knight, Super Bowl betting pools, and
• </c> it would lure into gambling it would lure into gambling those<03:31:07.840><c> persons</c><03:31

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• gambling.
• Finally, these illegal offshore entities and foreign operators cost the state of Oklahoma millions of
• This is trying to stop the illegal gambling that's coming in.
• This is about illegal gambling. This is about consumer protection.
• I ask your vote today to shut down these illegal activities and that drain on state resources.

Bills: SB2065 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1589 , SB1597 , SB1216 , SB2173 , SB2028 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2014 , SB1805 , SB2044 , SB1836 , SB1380 , SB2179 , SB1436 , SB1558 , SB933 , SB1651 , SB1328 , SB1572 , SB1966 , SB175 , SB1475 , SB1950 , SB2049 , SB2052

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Doctor and Psychologist of the Day. The chamber also presented a citation to Oklahoma Task Force One’s K-9 search and rescue unit, with remarks praising its in-state and out-of-state disaster response work and professionalism. Several gallery introductions followed, including a student shadowing Senator Mann and the Crooked Oak Hispanic Student Association. The Senate then considered several bills. SB 2065, as amended, renamed the measure the Lucille Morehouse Pollinator Act and updated state insect/pollinator designations; it passed 48-0. SB 1641 required business entities to provide an email address on incorporation filings for electronic notice of annual reports; it passed 48-0. SB 1642 allowed physicians to make prescriptions in divided quantities, with discussion focused on opioid prescribing and post-surgical treatment; it passed 48-0. SB 1589 increased penalties for sweepstakes violations and expanded the law to target illegal online gambling operations; it passed 48-0. SB 1597 removed the requirement that the State CASA Association follow specific national standards while keeping local training and background-check requirements. Debate centered on whether removing national standards would reduce DEI-related training; Senator Boren opposed the bill on that basis, while the author argued it preserved Oklahoma flexibility. The bill passed 41-7. SB 1216 broadened judicial discretion for drug court eligibility for some offenders with prior domestic violence-related charges, and senators questioned whether the language was clear enough and whether it could affect eligibility rules; the author said the intent was to expand discretion, not change DV accountability. It passed 44-4. At the end of the session, the Senate voted to reject House amendments to SB 893 and request conference committee consideration. Announcements were made about committee meetings, a women’s caucus lunch, and an Irish Caucus gathering. The Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a presentation by the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida.
• And then I transition into the subject of this, which is the illegal gambling that is throughout the
• Unfortunately, illegal gaming is omnipresent, and there's multiple ways to skin the illegal gaming cat
• Unfortunately, illegal gaming is omnipresent, and there's multiple ways to skin the illegal gaming cat
• gambling.

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , it's constitutionally illegal.
• , it's constitutionally illegal.
• , it's constitutionally illegal.
• , it's constitutionally illegal.
• , it's constitutionally illegal.