Transcript Highlights:

• And this will allow the board to begin issuing temporary licenses for licensed certified professional
• And I will say that specific to First Steps Together because of the funding structure, It is specific

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 807 by Representative Brass enacts a new provision of Title 17 relative to workforce and structure
• We see this as a temporary ramp-up. Let's get them trained.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 807 by Representative Brass enacts a new provision of Title 17 relative to workforce and structure
• We see this as a temporary ramp-up. Let's get them trained.

Bills: HCR26, HB28, HB195, HB283, HB316, HB319, HB363, HB380, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB636, HB738, HB807, HB905, HB992, HB1146

Keywords: human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board

Summary: The committee met with a large docket and adopted the April 29 minutes. Several bills were heard and advanced, mostly on education, workforce, literacy, early childhood, charter schools, and student mental health. Testimony was generally supportive, with many witnesses waiving in favor; a few bills drew questions about implementation, student awareness, and whether proposals were sufficiently broad or specific. House Bill 406, requiring the Department of Education to study the direction and regulation of interscholastic high school athletics and report back by March 1, 2027, was reported favorably after testimony from a retired principal who urged an open-minded study and discussion from the bill author about compliance and the bill’s purpose. House Bill 380, creating a pilot program between community and technical colleges and local school systems to expand awareness of CDL, entry-level driver training, and related programs, was also reported favorably. House Bill 807, creating a workforce and structure capacity investment program and fund to help industry partner with colleges to train instructors, was reported favorably after support from higher education and industry witnesses; senators raised interest in adding a stronger health care component and in reaching students earlier, but the author said he would work on amendments. The committee also advanced House Bill 316 on adolescent literacy and high-dose tutoring, with amendments clarifying teacher training timing, existing statutory bans on outdated literacy practices, and charter school participation; House Bill 1146, consolidating early childhood governance into a commission; House Bill 28, creating an appeal path for denied teacher certification applicants through BESE; and House Bill 992, assigning early childhood education identification numbers to support data collection on outcomes. House Concurrent Resolution 26, urging BESE to add the science of human growth and development to science and health standards and provide approved instructional resources, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 386, allowing local districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own LEA under district rules, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 392, expanding suicide prevention information requirements on school websites, ID cards, handbooks, and signage, was reported favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through partnerships with schools, county educators, and volunteers, 4-H creates a structured environment
• I'll remind you that this is just temporary. You know, this is not your life.

Bills: HR1052, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine floor business. The chamber recognized a number of guests and groups, including family members of members, Horizon Bankers from the Oklahoma Community Bankers Association, the Edmond Democratic Women’s Group, the Red Oak basketball team, the Union wrestling teams, the Doctor of the Day, and a Peruvian consul general and guest commemorating U.S.-Peru diplomatic relations. The House also announced Earth Day-related activities and 4-H Day at the Capitol. A major focus of the day was 4-H. House Resolution 1052 was presented and adopted without objection, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. Two 4-H members, Cian Tarafet and Kate Sherrill, addressed the chamber about the program’s impact on leadership, citizenship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Members and program leaders also recognized the contributions of extension agents, land-grant universities, and 4-H participants across the state. The House also held several special presentations honoring student achievements and public service. Kane Lee of Sand Springs was cited for calling 911 and helping calm students during a school bus medical emergency. The Red Oak basketball team and the Ponca City High Steppers were recognized for state and national championships, and the Union girls wrestling program was honored for multiple state titles. Representative Ken LaTrell delivered a farewell address reflecting on his legislative service, veterans’ issues, tribal policy, energy work, and family, with members offering remarks in response. No substantive legislation beyond the 4-H resolution was debated in the transcript, and the only formal action recorded was unanimous adoption of H.R. 1052. The House then adjourned until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Senate Bill 181 relates to real property tax, partial exemption for repurposing underutilized structures
• By temporary motion. Mr. Speaker, can this bill go by temporarily? Without objection.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gas tanks were previously included in the temporary disaster preparedness sales tax holiday and are now
• But structurally, those metrics have tended to benefit some of the counties that are a little bit bigger

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no. The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• These courses add structure to mathematics requirements that do not exist today by setting clear pathways
• We're going to take a temporary postponement for SB 430, Oath of School Personnel.

Bills: S7022, S0178, S0430, S0464, S0538, S0920, S1036, S1136, S1216

Keywords: public records, open government, sunshine law, education assessments, testing materials, exam security, assessment instruments, test items, answer keys, scoring rubrics, item banks, developmental materials, workpapers, student testing, academic dishonesty, cheating, Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, Board of Governors, Florida College System

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who are caring for a child through that Chapter 34 temporary authorization agreement, um, which allows
• Under our current structure, fathers, fathers of a child do not have a legal obligation to provide financial

Transcript Highlights:

• to educator requests and misconduct by requiring district school boards to adopt a policy for the temporary
• THE SAFE STRUCTURE GIVES ME THE COMFORT TO KNOW THIS IS A BETTER SAFE PLACE BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.

Bills: SCR37, SB60, SB226, SB231, SB264, SB387, SB570, SB596, SB651, SB769, SB855, SB863, SB991, SB1079, SB1085, SB1151, SB1191, SB1214, SB1243, SB1247, SB1314, SB1364, SB1372, SB1401, SB1409, SB1504, SB1522, SB1625, SB1662, SB1663, SB1728, SB1759, SB1762, SB1804, SB1818, SB1838, SB1839, SB1851, SB1855, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1877, SB1879, SB1901, SB1919, SB1921, SB1923, SB1936, SB1937, SB1968, SB1977, SB2034, SB2053, SB2066, SB2077, SB2124, SB2143, SB2166, SB2180, SB2204, SB2231, SB2237, SB2243, SB2321, SB2569, SJR39, SJR68, SCR29, SCR42, SB22, SB30, SB33, SB37, SB75, SB217, SB240, SB331, SB393, SB505, SB530, SB546, SB552, SB584, SB586, SB618, SB626, SB636, SB732, SB762, SB769, SB825, SB844, SB870, SB884, SB926, SB964, SB1080, SB1099, SB1150, SB1177, SB1184, SB1261, SB1262, SB1314, SB1325, SB1364, SB1398, SB1455, SB1506, SB1524, SB1577, SB1596, SB1620, SB1624, SB1642, SB1643, SB1646, SB1667, SB1727, SB1760, SB1789, SB1791, SB1804, SB1806, SB1851, SB1868, SB1870, SB1901, SB1923, SB1927, SB1951, SB1960, SB1962, SB2010, SB2023, SB2024, SB2037, SB2051, SB2052, SB2056, SB2066, SB2122, SB2129, SB2180, SB2183, SB2185, SB2207, SB2226, SB2252, SB2323, SB2361, SB2368, SB2405, SB2420, SB2425, SB2569, SB2717, SB2949, SB1, SJR36, SJR50, SJR39, SJR63, SJR68, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR37, SCR42, SCR29, SB1596, SB33, SB505, SB37, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB1505, SB583, SB957, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB264, SB1364, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB1877, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB964, SB287, SB2143, SB261, SB1247, SB1882, SB618, SB393, SB2243, SB2226, SB1919, SB1791, SB22, SB651, SB1080, SB826, SB1079, SB1243, SB1504, SB1851, SB1879, SB2237, SB1257, SB2034, SB1522, SB1151, SB596, SB1191, SB226, SB570, SB870, SB991, SB60, SB1401, SB1728, SB586, SB529, SB217, SB209, SB1923, SB1839, SB387, SB1874, SB1872, SB1873, SB1921, SB1883, SB1620, SB1838, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB2166, SB510, SB2420, SB1860, SB1314, SB1398, SB855, SB2425, SB2037, SB1759, SB1924, SB1818, SB1762, SB1968, SB1977, SB2077, SB2321, SB1662, SB1663, SB2124, SB2204, SB1855, SB863, SB2252, SB1962, SB2253, SB825, SB1577, SB1184, SB2018, SB2206, SB1901, SB2368, SB1963, SB1960, SB1643, SB1625, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB231, SB1085, SB2431, SB2231, SB1490, SB530, SB1261, SB552, SB1099, SB1646, SB2180, SB1804, SB1937, SB1936, SB2569, SB1372, SB1506, SB1806, SB1868, SB2361, SB2314, SB769, SB1409, SB2122, SB434, SB1214, SB1951, SB2183, SB2046, SB1667, SB1870, SB1727, SB2405, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2066, SB2129, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB2185, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB2023, SB1784, SB1524, SB626, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1789, SB1455, SB2056, SB75, SB1940, SB2052, SB1927, SB2010, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB844, SB1920, SB1177, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB926, SB884, SB463, SB331, SB227, SB240, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2053, SB546, SB2141, SB2949, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1642, SB1150, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2051, SB2626, SB2458, SB1864, SB30, SB2201, SB1862, SB1583, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB1413, HJR4, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2774, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB22, SB39, SB75, SB626, SB926, SB1080, SB1099, SB1177, SB1506, SB1577, SB1646, SB1806, SB2122, SB2226, SB2361, SB2420, SB2421, SB30, SB552, SB964, SB1927, SB1962, SB2023, SR393, SR412, SR414, SJR85, SCR48, SB23, SB3047, HB39, HB 102, HB300, HB500, HB1400, HB2143, HCR64, HCR101, SB30, SB33, SB37, SB505, SB552, SB964, SB1596, SB1927, SB1962, SCR37, SB60, SB226, SB231, SB264, SB387, SB570, SB596, SB651, SB769, SB855, SB863, SB991, SB1079, SB1151, SB1191, SB1214, SB1243, SB1247, SB1314, SB1364, SB1372, SB1401, SB1409, SB1504, SB1522, SB1625, SB1662, SB1663, SB1728, SB1759, SB1762, SB1804, SB1818, SB1838, SB1839, SB1851, SB1855, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1877, SB1879, SB1901, SB1919, SB1921, SB1936, SB1937, SB1968, SB1977, SB2034, SB2053, SB2066, SB2077, SB2124, SB2143, SB2166, SB2180, SB2204, SB2231, SB2237, SB2243, SB2321, SB2569, SB1085, SB1923, SJR85, SCR48, SB23, SB3047, HB39, HB 102, HB300, HB500, HB1400, HB2143, HCR64, HCR101

Keywords: SCR 37, Senate Concurrent Resolution, Panama Canal, Texas ports, port infrastructure, maritime trade, shipping lanes, supply chain resilience, global commerce, exports, LNG, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum, agriculture, manufacturing, economic development, trade policy, foreign policy, diplomatic engagement

Transcript Highlights:

• TO EDUCATOR REQUEST AND MISCONDUCT BY REQUIRING DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS TO ADOPT A POLICY FOR THE TEMPORARY
• WILL NEVER OCCUR, BUT THE FACT THAT SYSTEM HAS AN ALARM GOES OFF AND IS SOUNDED INSIDE THE SAFE STRUCTURE

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes impact resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and other structural features that are required
• have to appoint a board of managers, the bill guarantees that state oversight would be strictly temporary

Bills: SB2920, SB2929, SB2398, SB865, SB401, SB2619, SB2927, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1635, SB1581, SB2008

Keywords: steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators

Transcript Highlights:

• GRANTS, THERE ARE PROGRAMS, THERE ARE MULTIPLE LAYERS OF EQUIPMENT WHETHER IT'S TRAVEL TRAILERS FOR TEMPORARY
• THEN IT'S THE BEYOND, IT'S THE MITIGATION, IT IS THE ELEVATE, IT'S GETTING OUR HARDENED RESILIENT STRUCTURES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From the beginning, we've been innovators, structuring efficient career pathways for the deep learning
• <00:50:39.560> efficient<00:50:40.080> career innovators, structuring efficient career
• innovators, structuring efficient career pathways<00:50:41.480> for<00:50:41.600> the<
• At capacity now, with temporary space to accommodate the incoming fall class and a plan for facilities
• All focused on the health sciences, and we've been very creative in how we structure the core curriculum

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This structure prioritizes local communities. 75% of the revenue flows directly back to counties and
• This<00:02:50.680> structure<00:02:51.160> prioritizes<00:02:52.080> local This
• structure prioritizes local This structure prioritizes local communities.<00:02:53.440> 75<00:
• There's a special fund set up, and then there's a sort of temporary extra charge on per gallon of gas
• There's a special fund set up, and then there's a sort of temporary extra charge on per gallon of gas

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are documented and structural barriers, and for many drivers, affordability and availability remain
• me to a car, then to the airport, where they showed paperwork saying my parents had signed over temporary
• setting up guidelines for response times for those local incident technicians and creating a fine structure

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• protections on the books of the Commonwealth for full-time employees, for part-time employees, but not for temporary
• The original structure was created 30 years ago, reflecting economic and demographic conditions that
• Instead, historical allocations continue to shape outcomes in ways that leave many communities at a structural

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met on the FY27 budget and began with several ceremonial introductions and brief amendment withdrawals. Senator Collins withdrew amendments related to restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay. The chamber then ruled a package of tax-related amendments offered by Senator Tarr out of order on constitutional grounds, finding they would create money-bill provisions that must originate in the House; the Senate upheld that ruling by a vote of 35-4. Senator Tarr later offered amendments on a gas tax suspension and related tax relief themes, but those were not adopted. The Senate considered and rejected several other amendments, including proposals on commemorating Commonwealth history, naming a bridge, repeat offenders, and no-cost calls. One amendment by Senator Fattman to extend domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber also adopted an amendment creating a special commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after extended debate about inequities in municipal aid and local budget pressures. Members from across the chamber supported the commission, while some emphasized that adequacy of funding, not just redistribution, remains a concern. The Senate then took up Chapter 90, passing the municipal roads and bridges bill to be engrossed. It also adopted a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, then adopted the Ways and Means budget amendment as amended and ordered the underlying FY27 appropriations bill to a third reading. After lengthy closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and the Senate President praising the budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted 40-0 to pass the FY27 budget bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• When temporary funding expires, counties would be left with the responsibility of removing and storing
• And that's because of the way that the election system is structured, and so that's part of what this
• bill is protecting against: to make sure that election systems are not structured to consistently silence

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion. The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• When temporary funding expires, counties would be left with the responsibility of removing and storing
• your vote consistently all the time, and that's because of the way that the election system is structured
• that's part of what this bill is protecting against: to make sure that election systems are not structured

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The subcommittee received reports, reviewed requests, and approved the following: various temporary appropriations
• And for however you feel and from what you've seen, the structure of this is not correct.
• another option for education, but the thing is, as we've seen some of the items in the way that it's structured

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Council meeting began with approval of the December 2025 minutes and a presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research on the December revenue report. Dr. Carlos Silva said gross collections were about $4.02 billion, up slightly from the prior year, and net available for distribution was also above last year but down modestly from the previous month because of higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, tariffs, and inflation, and Silva said it was too early to call the corporate decline a trend and that tariff effects would likely show up mainly in sales tax collections. The council then adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee Subcommittee, Administrative Rules, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, PEER, Review, State Insurance Program Oversight, and Personnel. The PEER report drew the most debate because of a Department of Agriculture grant tied to Perry County and Central Arkansas Water; members discussed whether removing the Perry County portion would affect the grant’s competitiveness, and the report was ultimately adopted with the item included. The Review Subcommittee also heard questions about a BDO contract for the rural health transformation program, with DFA explaining that the contractor would manage the program while state agencies would make funding decisions consistent with the state’s application. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Education Freedom Account appropriation tied to LEARNS. Senators and representatives debated whether the program helps families or diverts money from public schools, with supporters arguing it funds students and choice and opponents arguing it is costly, vulnerable to fraud, and harms public school funding. Department of Education officials said roughly 28,000 private school students and 17,500 homeschool students were participating, that EFA students must submit standardized tests annually, and that the requested $32 million was to cover existing participants. After multiple substitute motions and extended debate, the body rejected a motion to strip out the $32 million and then adopted the report and related motions. The meeting ended after routine approvals of additional agency items and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• age also aligns entry into kindergarten elementary school age where most families are looking for structured
• long established nationally recognized curriculum that you didn't know that the white pioneered structures
• provides preventative in routine restaurateur restored to care, such as filling cavities, placing temporary