Transcript Highlights:

• I want to tell you, on this program, I've had parents, I've had administrators time and time again say
• And I will tell you, as a husband of a teacher and as a parent of four kids that went through schools
• Professional days are teacher-parent conferences and some of the staff development days they have.
• This bill adds in maternity leave for adoptive parents as long as the child is up to the age of four.
• I, as a parent of now two elementary school children, my frustration with testing has been the results

Bills: HB2210 , HB2398 , HB2959 , HB3006 , HB3026 , HB3151 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3467 , HB3590 , HB4268 , HB4359 , HB4427

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee considered a long agenda of education-related bills, including school calendar changes, scholarship and tax credit cleanup, charter school facilities, apprenticeship expansion, testing windows, and teacher staffing rules. Several measures were framed as technical or clarifying changes, while others drew more substantial debate over accountability, eligibility, and funding. The committee also heard a bill to extend the sunset of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education and another to allow certain military dependents to start kindergarten based on their home-country age rules. Among the more debated bills, House Bill 3590 updated the Opportunity Scholarship Fund Act by changing reporting and income-verification language; senators questioned whether the bill effectively expanded eligibility or added accountability, but the author said it was a cleanup measure and the title was struck before passage. House Bill 3151 would raise the minimum school year from 166 to 173 days beginning in 2027-28, contingent on an additional $175 million in common education funding; supporters argued Oklahoma students need more time in front of teachers, while opponents questioned the evidence and fiscal impact. House Bill 4359 moved statewide assessments to the last four weeks of the school year, with an amendment changing the window from three to four weeks, and House Bill 4427, as amended, continued limits on adjunct teachers in early grades while clarifying qualifications and timelines for existing adjuncts. The committee also advanced House Bill 2398, which would create “credentials of value” to help students and families evaluate postsecondary programs based on workforce demand and economic return, and House Bill 3372, which would create a charter school facilities fund and loan/collateral mechanisms; the latter passed on a narrower vote after questions about asset disposition and state control. Other bills passed with little or no opposition, including a 24-hour reporting requirement for school abuse to outside law enforcement, an expansion of youth apprenticeship eligibility, adoption-related maternity leave, and a pilot for teacher growth metrics and NBCT funding. Most measures were reported out favorably, with several title-stricken amendments adopted along the way.

Transcript Highlights:

• Students and parents ask us every year what they can do over the summer or over the break to help make
• Ron Cook, I'm a board member and a parent.
• So it really started with parents' search for answers for some of those questions, and then a lot of
• But we gathered some parents and individuals that either had a neurodivergent loved one or their lives
• I'm going to share as a board member of SLS, but right now I'm going to share as a parent of John, and

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning. Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Students and parents ask us every year what they can do over the summer or over the break to help make
• Ron Cook, I'm a board member and a parent.
• So it really started with parents' search for answers for some of those questions, and then a lot of
• But we gathered some parents and individuals that either had a neurodivergent loved one or their lives
• I'm going to share as a board member of SLS, but right now I'm going to share as a parent of John, and

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as my parents was trying to figure out what my problem was, why I kept cutting out of school, why
• Well, I got away with that for about a week, and my parents didn't find out.
• Well, I got away with that for about a week, and my parents didn't find out.
• And joining us in the gallery are his parents, Jennifer and Eric, and brother Jacob.
• and Eric, parents, Jennifer and Eric, and<00:14:25.400><c> brother</c><00:14:26.000><c> Jacob.

Bills: HB1576 , HB2490 , HB1546 , HB1588

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I'm comfortable with the part of the bill that says parents will have to sign a permission form
• "I'm comfortable with the part of the bill that says it is 100% voluntary, so I'm not telling parents
• what to do, but parents are going to have to be involved in that decision.
• It would have to be what the student's parent allows them to have permission to use.
• But the parents also have to determine that it’s okay that that teacher gets to spend that time with

Summary: The committee met for a very long session and considered a large number of bills, with the chair noting the meeting would run late and providing pizza and a recess. Early measures included HB 1752, authorizing the AG’s office and district attorneys’ counsel to buy vehicles with available funds, and HB 2961, a tuition waiver for Gold Star recipients; both advanced with strong support, though HB 2961 drew a question about its estimated annual cost of roughly $312,000 to $520,000. Members also approved HB 2967, exempting certain family vehicle transfers from motor vehicle excise tax, and HB 2973, requiring school districts to use a specific accounting code to show how state-appropriated dollars are spent. Several education and transparency bills also moved forward, including HB 3031 on common course numbering, HB 3057 centralizing statutorily required reports with LOFT, and HB 3052 codifying child welfare procedures related to fentanyl exposure cases. The committee then took up a series of public safety, health, and infrastructure measures. HB 3242, which would create a framework for student prayer during non-instructional time, generated extensive debate over whether it was a mandate, whether it could create fiscal and supervision burdens, and whether it raised local control and constitutional concerns; it passed 17-10. Other bills approved included HB 3066 creating a revolving fund tied to rural behavioral health workforce dollars, HB 3086 requiring the DOC director to brief the board annually on budget and inmate deaths, HB 3175 creating an Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 3177 letting the Oklahoma Corporation Commission set salaries for its court reporters, HB 3178 establishing standard depreciation tables for farm equipment, HB 3429 creating an alternative funding mechanism for career tech capital projects, HB 3548 encouraging youth-run small businesses, HB 3638 directing Oklahoma to participate in the federal Summer EBT program, and HB 3704 expressing intent to opt into a federal tax credit for scholarship-granting organizations. Later, the committee approved HB 1590 creating an education infrastructure linked deposit program for charter and nonprofit schools, HB 3759 requiring temporary school allocations to be set before June 30, HB 3831 recognizing and funding Oklahoma Task Force One after federal support declines, HB 3904 unbundling Medicaid maternal health payments, and HB 4092 creating a protected 988 mental health trust fund and related oversight. After a brief recess, the committee continued with HB 1979 creating a task force to study a centralized early childhood office, HB 1983 requiring a middle school course on online scams and digital safety, HB 1242 expanding agricultural sales tax exemptions to deer and elk, HB 1250 creating a law enforcement public safety technology revolving fund, HB 2952 changing motor vehicle excise tax treatment for trade-ins, HB 3404 setting up a prescribed burn association fund, HB 3671 allowing experienced teachers to carry career teacher status to a new district with approval, HB 3920 extending a tax exemption to organ transplant nonprofits, HB 4118 creating a nonrefundable caregiver tax credit, HB 3944 cleaning up the State Finance Act, HB 3969 renaming a correctional facility after a former sheriff, HB 3973 creating a revolving fund tied to reopening Swojack, HB 3975 and HB 3976 creating mechanisms for oversight and potential funding of rural health initiatives, HB 3978 updating the Oklahoma World Jobs Act, HB 3983 serving as a placeholder for tobacco tax negotiations, and HB 3984 creating a mechanism to recruit productive new residents. Most bills passed on strong votes, while HB 1983 failed in committee 13-14 and was not reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many, many studies show that kids do way better in a two-parent home, and we don't want to discourage
• Many, many studies show that kids do way better in a two-parent home, and we don't want to discourage
• As many of you know, my parents immigrated to Washington from Mexico to lay a strong foundation for my
• Education to teachers or education after-school learning opportunities for parents.
• in improving their program, their practice, or their parenting.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Our parents also raised us.
• Both my parents set the example early on of the importance of serving others, through my dad's 44-year
• Our parents also raised us to have great respect for the natural world.
• During this time, my parents' house was flooded waist-high, and my sister's house was flooded to the
• My parents here and my son have spent a lot of time there.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need to continue what our parents have started and keep growing.
• We are blessed that we get to see our parents every single day and live so close to them, and our kids
• </c> parents have started and keep growing. parents have started and keep growing.
• </c><00:10:07.760><c> every</c><00:10:08.160><c> single</c> we get to see our parents every single we
• Or at least, um, at least you get to hang out with your parents and have fun during the day.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> situation, whether it's with a parent situation, whether it's with a parent need,<00:18:13.600><
• And the parents were awesome.
• And the parents were it. And we did.
• </c> and parents? and parents?
• ,</c><01:08:53.920><c> teachers,</c> um talking to parents, teachers, um talking to parents, teachers

Summary: The committee met to hear from the New Hampshire Association of School Principals as part of its review of a proposal involving statewide administrative consolidation and changes to school governance. Members first discussed how school board witnesses would be selected, with the chair saying the committee would seek a mix of district sizes and structures and would also accept emailed input. The principals’ association said it represents more than 550 principals and assistant principals and urged caution about any mandatory consolidation, arguing that successful consolidations are gradual and voluntary. Association leaders and principals testified that principals already handle a wide range of responsibilities, including instructional leadership, student discipline, safety, staff supervision and evaluation, family and community engagement, and day-to-day crisis response. They argued that shifting more legal, budgetary, and administrative duties onto principals would reduce time for coaching teachers and supporting students, increase burnout and turnover, and create legal and training risks, especially in areas such as special education, privacy, and labor issues. They also said the roles of superintendents, principals, and school board members are distinct and require different training and expertise. Members asked detailed questions about how responsibilities are divided between principals and SAUs, whether principals recruit and evaluate staff, and how much time principals work. One principal said she works about 60 to 70 hours a week and that additional duties would be difficult to absorb. Another principal described his school’s structure, the importance of community building, and the need to preserve district-wide alignment if consolidation moves forward. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are the minority of parents.
• Over the past 15 years, and being involved with Parent HeartWatch, we have gotten to know many parents
• ><c> thank</c> card CC arrest parent heartwatch thank card CC arrest parent heartwatch thank you<01:10
• </c> shared that that news with their parents shared that that news with their parents and<01:48:00.560
• </c><01:48:02.800><c> soon</c> and also with their peers parents soon and also with their peers parents

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:40.199><c> parental</c> separated from their parents parental separated from their parents
• What's their recourse against their own parents? I am aware of that.
• </c> that the wording here where the parents that the wording here where the parents sort<03:21:13.319
• and their child as the other parent.
• and their child as the other parent and their child as the other parent<04:46:55.840><c> I</c><04:46

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses. The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• lead the troop, but I also had to learn how to communicate, manage, and coordinate with adults and parents
• Appreciation Day in Massachusetts, and we are so proud that you all came, whether you're scouts, parents
• I am a parent of two scouts as well.
• But I want to thank all of you, I think the leaders and the parents and all the young people here for
• But I want to thank all of you, I think the leaders and the parents and all the young people here for

Summary: The Senate met in an informal session that mixed brief legislative business with a special program recognizing Scouting America. Early in the session, senators recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout Oath/Law with visiting scouts, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr helped lead the chamber through the scouting presentation. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn to meet again on Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. On legislative matters, the Senate gave final passage to House No. 4225, authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, and House No. 4584, further regulating the appointment of a special police officer in Malden. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the IBS patient support group on recognition of April 19, 2026, as World IBS Day. In addition, the Senate considered and adopted amendments and then engrossed House No. 4234, providing for the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in Fairhaven, and engrossed House No. 4057, increasing the Haverhill Board of Health from three to five members. The main feature of the session was the annual scouting report to the Commonwealth. Eagle Scout Molly Murphy delivered remarks describing her experience in scouting, including leadership roles, an Eagle project, and the challenges and benefits of being one of the early female scouts in the program. She and other scouts presented statewide statistics for 2025, including 19,761 youth in 872 units, more than 23,500 merit badges earned, 482 Eagle Scouts, and over 203,000 hours of community service valued at about $3.06 million. The Senate voted to enter the scouting report into the Journal and received a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 23, 2026, as Scout Appreciation Day in Massachusetts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you help me understand why we’re choosing, if parents choose not to engage in this for their children
• It gives the districts and school sites and parent volunteers and school employees more flexibility.
• I think giving the schools, and really parent volunteers who handle these for school dances and school
• I think giving the schools, and really parent volunteers who handle these for school dances and school
• I think giving the schools and really parent volunteers or handle these for school dances, school activities

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met and first recognized visiting students and staff from Putnam City North and Edmond Public Schools. The committee then took up several House bills, beginning with HB 3312, which would require annual age-appropriate firearm safety instruction in public schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year, with CLEET and the Department of Education developing the curriculum. The bill was advanced on a 9-2 vote after the author described it as a safety measure and cited a personal tragedy involving children and a firearm. The committee also passed HB 3700, requiring colleges and universities to adopt policies ensuring grades are based only on academic performance, and HB 2981, requiring school districts to post school board meeting minutes within two weeks of approval. HB 2961, creating the Tech Sergeant Marshall Dakota Roberts Gold Star Surviving Act to provide tuition, fees, and room and board for spouses and children of Gold Star recipients at state public universities or career tech schools, passed unanimously after discussion of a possible fiscal impact. HB 3016, establishing a two-year pilot vision screening program for about 12 schools to identify convergence insufficiency disorders linked to literacy, also passed. Later, HB 4478 passed to raise the daily deposit threshold for school districts and sites from $100 to $500 while still requiring weekly deposits. HB 4326, a cleanup bill related to Oklahoma’s Promise deadlines, certified teacher definitions, and a contingent T-SET-related provision, passed after debate about its unfinished status and funding concerns. HB 3025 passed with a change excluding donations from general fund collections for carryover balance purposes for one year, and HB 3710 passed to make a new higher education program cohort-based, requiring students to begin eligibility as freshmen. The chair closed by noting the committee had moved quickly, and announced upcoming executive nominee meetings and another committee meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't talk to administrators as much as I talked to teachers, as much as I talk to parents.
• And of course, the parents in troves, supportive.
• Even parents that were like, I didn't vote for you, but I absolutely love what you're doing.
• And so there were some parents that were interviewed and said that while they liked this idea... ...they
• And I wanted the parents to have dialogue and the teachers and the administrators talk about and say,

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 1421, which had been heard the previous week. After no discussion, the committee voted the bill do pass by an 8-3 roll call vote, with Chairman Christ and several members voting yes and Ranking Member Fuchs and others voting no. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 905, sponsored by Senator Gregory, creating the Missouri Rangers program for schools. Gregory described it as an optional, highly trained school protection program under POST certification, with physical fitness, firearms, close-quarters, and bias training, background checks, and limited arrest powers. Supportive members raised concerns about school safety and response times, while opponents questioned whether the money would be better spent on mental health resources, and also raised issues about racial bias, liability, and whether existing school resource officer statutes should be modified instead. During testimony, Susan Myers of Women for Gun Rights and Armed Women of America supported the bill and argued that armed, trained responders are needed to reduce casualties in an active shooter event. She also urged a separate change to the school protection officer statute to allow more school personnel to serve in that role. No vote was taken on Senate Bill 905, and the hearing concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't talk to administrators as much as I talked to teachers, as much as I talk to parents.
• And of course, the parents in droves, supportive.
• Even parents that were like, I didn't vote for you, but I absolutely love what you're doing.
• And so there were some parents that were interviewed and said that while they liked this idea, they also
• And I wanted the parents to have dialogue and the teachers and the administrators talk about and say,

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here not just as a clinician, but also as a parent of four neurodiverse kids.
• I'm here not just as a clinician, but also as a parent of four neurodiverse kids.
• I'm here not just as a clinician, but also as a parent of four neurodiverse kids, two who have autism
• having a client with comorbidities that lead to hospital stays and surgeries, or even a child and a parent
• Those with fewer resources, single parents, caregivers working multiple jobs, or those with inflexible

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures. The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended. During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Public Health Law in relation to providing information on concussions to parents
• This is a standard that already exists for football programs across the state, but this is so parents
• the state, and the leagues or what have you are required to provide it to the students or to the parents
• It has more than the information on it, and I feel with the parents side. So Department of Health.
• Well, basically, information on it, and I think with parents, so I do it.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee considered a series of health-related bills, many of which were described as repeat measures previously passed by the Senate. Topics included expanding telehealth coverage, increasing Department of Health oversight of correctional health services, improving transparency for managed long-term care plans, requiring written consent for psychotropic medications in nursing homes and adult care facilities, extending Medicaid inpatient coverage for childbirth, expanding abortion travel funding eligibility for active-duty military families, simplifying Medicaid enrollment and recertification, adding certified recovery peer advocates to standard coverage, strengthening protections against sexual misconduct by medical providers, covering medically tailored meals and nutrition therapy, regulating retail clinics, requiring nurse representation on hospital governing boards, creating a blood clot and pulmonary embolism work group, testing potable water in parks, setting PFAS drinking water standards, improving lead service line identification, creating a quality incentive program for Medicaid managed care, expanding concussion information requirements to additional youth sports, setting a residency requirement for funeral director licensure, and changing Medicaid Inspector General audit practices. Most bills were briefly explained by sponsors or the chair, with limited debate. Several members asked clarifying questions on specific provisions, including the frequency of park water testing, how concussion information would be distributed, and details of the nurse representation requirement. The chair also noted pulling one correctional health bill from the agenda in favor of a more comprehensive measure, and one bill on correctional health was formally removed from consideration. The committee voted on each remaining bill, generally with unanimous or near-unanimous support. Most measures were reported to either first reading or finance, while the bill on psychotropic medications was sent to aging. The correctional health bill that remained on the agenda was approved despite one opposition, and the bill on funeral director licensure was also advanced with one abstention. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 2991 is the social media online content and minors having to have parental consent
• platforms as defined in the bill from allowing minors under a certain age to create accounts without parental
• kids are, you know, 15, 16 years old and what the different rules are about how that works with parental
• rights are protected for a minor to engage in access to protected speech and whether there has to be parental
• pits the interests, of perhaps protected First Amendment speech in certain aspects against perhaps parental

Summary: The committee considered a series of bills and resolutions for constitutional and proper-form review, with Tim Fleming from the Rules Attorney’s Office flagging potential issues and suggesting floor amendments in several cases. House Bill 2313, dealing with teachers’ strikes and work stoppages, was found to raise a pension-rights problem under the state constitution because it could diminish retirement benefits; the suggested fix was to remove the words “or former employment.” The committee also reviewed House Bill 2697 on opioid overdose emergencies and related immunity provisions, House Bill 2912 concerning Corporation Commission review of integrated resource plans for electric utilities, House Bill 2991 on parental consent for minors’ social media accounts, House Bill 4010 regulating genetic counselors and conscience protections, and House Bill 4115 and HCR 2051 regarding petition circulator identification requirements. In each of those measures, the rules attorney identified constitutional concerns tied to anti-abrogation, separation of powers/rate-making authority, First Amendment issues, or lawsuit-threat language, but indicated proposed amendments could resolve them. Members asked questions and debated the constitutional analysis, especially on HB 2912 and HB 2991. On HB 2912, one member argued the bill concerned policy and modeling rather than rate-setting, while others noted the complexity of the commission’s authority. On HB 2991, the sponsor said the measure had been under negotiation for months and was intended to avoid constitutional conflict, though the rules attorney said the First Amendment case law was not yet well developed. For HB 4010, the committee focused on a provision that could prohibit threatening a lawsuit against a genetic counselor, which the attorney said should be removed. For HB 4115 and HCR 2051, the attorney cited Buckley v. American Constitutional Law Foundation as a reason to delete the petition-circulator name-disclosure requirement. The committee voted to recommend each of the individually discussed measures as constitutional and in proper form, generally by 4-2 votes with two absent, including HB 2313, HB 2697, HB 2912, HB 2991, HB 4010, and HB 4115/HCR 2051. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved a large mass motion covering many additional bills and resolutions, and that package was recommended by a 6-0 vote with two absent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• TJ, Marty, those wishing to vote or change vote, sharers, parent, close, clear the vote.
• Chairs, parent, close, clear the vote. Nay, having lay zero nays will report. We got a lost.
• All those wishing to vote or change vote, cherry parent, close.
• Marty, all those wishing to vote or change the vote, cherish parent clothes, declare the vote.
• All those wishing to change, cherish parent clothes, declare the boat.

Bills: HB3043 , HB3044 , HB3078 , HB3940 , HB4117 , HB3428 , HB4275 , HB3257 , HB3901 , HB4298

Committee: House Health and Human Services Oversight

Keywords: HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits, paid leave, paid holidays, retirement benefits, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, temporary workers, veterans affairs, Title 72, Oklahoma Personnel Act, budget reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• A parent or individual with a felony conviction may not be granted guardianship. Rep.
• We had about 150 families and parents joined us as well, Senator Carlos Smith.
• survivor death benefits to replace monthly stipends for minor children in foster care who have lost a parent
• This is something that will be included for a child who has a parent who died in that manner.
• For those who have lost a parent serving our country, they should be able to utilize the full allotment