Transcript Highlights:

• Texas followed last year, and Alabama signed similar legislation just this month.
• But after we adopt, if we're able to adopt the amendment, it will be just a reporting mechanism on testing
• But after we adopt, if we're able to adopt the amendment, it will be just a reporting mechanism on testing
• So as amended, the bill would require reporting on all state- and locally adopted benchmark interim assessments
• Any objections to the adoption of the amendments? Seeing no objections, the amendments are adopted.

Summary: The House Education Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several higher education and K-12 bills. SB 234 by Sen. Presley, which would provide grading for medical school students, was briefly discussed and reported favorably without objection. SB 142 by Sen. Reese, dealing with continued management and oversight of Board of Regents support fund matched endowments if a related constitutional amendment passes, drew questions about endowment matching, oversight, and the roughly $75 million in unmatched requests; it was also reported favorably without objection. SB 482 by Sen. Reese, expanding the role of career coaches in middle and high school graduation planning and reporting on career development fund spending, received support from BESE and others, with committee members discussing counselor workload and district flexibility; it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up SB 64 by Sen. Hodges, which would require two people to review initial video/audio recordings from cameras in self-contained classrooms when complaints arise, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 1063 by Rep. Owen, a broad higher education governance bill that would increase board oversight of curriculum, hiring, faculty senates, and discipline, generated extensive discussion and testimony from Rep. Owen and a representative of Parents Defending Education Action, but the author said he did not want to vote on it yet and moved to voluntarily defer it; the committee agreed without objection. HB 818 by Rep. Riser, as amended, was converted into a reporting bill requiring public inventories and state reporting on assessments, with Cynthia Posey of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers explaining the amendments; the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with one opposition card noted. Finally, SB 28 by Sen. McMath, carried by Rep. Carver, would lower the age for associate teachers from 25 to 21 to help address the teacher shortage; Department of Education staff said the change could expand the pipeline, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also announced it would meet the following week on Wednesday, May 6, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without any objection, we will show the amendment adopted. We are now back on the bill.
• Without objection, the amendment is adopted. We will now move to the third amendment, 458851.
• Seeing no objections, the amendment is adopted. Thank you, Representative.
• Seeing no objections, the amendment is adopted. We're now back on the bill as amended.
• Seeing no objections, we will show the amendment adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• the minor.
• Recommendation is adopted.
• Recommendation is adopted.
• . adopted. adopted.
• measures been adopted. measures been adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened its first hearing of the 2026 session and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing one-minute testimony, written submissions, and live streaming. For SB 768, relating to an alternative water source income tax credit, the Department of Taxation said a drafting issue needed clarification on the $500 cap and estimated a revenue loss of $6.8 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Libertarian Party opposed the bill as an unnecessary subsidy and tax-code complication, while one supporter was noted. A member questioned the size of the projected loss and suggested future analysis of net fiscal impacts and methodology. The committee then heard SB 389, which expands a general excise tax exemption to additional health-related providers and purchases. The Department of Taxation said the change would be a minimal code adjustment but would require public education; the Tax Foundation said the bill should be framed in light of the original physician-shortage rationale for the exemption. The Hawaii National Guard and Aloha Care supported the measure, along with several other organizations and individuals, while the Libertarian Party opposed it as favoritism and tax-code complexity. A member asked about administrative burden and potential tax impact, and the department said it did not yet have a calculation but was working on one. The committee also heard SB 877, which would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are maximized, and SB 1139, which would direct DHS to expand Medicaid eligibility for children from birth to age five regardless of household income. DHS stood on written testimony for both bills, and Aloha Care, the Hawaii Medical Association, disability advocates, children’s advocates, and CARES testified in support, arguing the measures would improve access and family stability. The Libertarian Party opposed both bills, warning of higher long-term costs, entitlement growth, and reduced private-sector options. Members questioned the fiscal and programmatic differences between crisis and warm-line services during discussion of SB 787, a bill to fund a Department of Health warm line; the department said the warm line would serve noncrisis callers more cheaply than crisis staffing, and that about 34.7% of 2024 Hawaii CARES contacts were mild issues that could have been routed to a warm line. Supporters cited mental health needs after the Lahaina wildfire and the affordability crisis, while opponents argued the service duplicated existing resources and expanded government involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on section two when talking about adopting residential building codes, you've asked the director of
• So on section two when talking about adopting residential building codes, you've asked the director of
• So on section two when talking about adopting residential building codes, you've asked the director of
• So on section two when talking about adopting residential building codes, you've asked the director of
• So on section two when talking about adopting residential building codes, you've asked the director of

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first suspended the rules briefly to make announcements, including welcoming former representative Doug Gage to the gallery. It then returned to House Bill 211 on data brokers and personal information, where the Appropriations Committee explained a $50,000 appropriation to the Secretary of State for a consultant-led study on an accessible deletion mechanism for consumers to delete personal data held by data brokers, with interim and final reports due in 2027 and 2028. The committee reported a 9-0-2 vote in favor, and the House agreed to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee’s amendment and ordered third reading. Floor debate on H. 211 focused heavily on the bill’s deletion and exemption framework. Supporters argued the bill is needed to give Vermonters meaningful control over their data and to prevent data brokers from commingling information for unrelated uses. Opponents warned the bill could conflict with existing federal frameworks such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, and could make credit, banking, insurance, fraud prevention, and identity verification harder. In response, the sponsor said the bill uses use-case-based exemptions rather than broad entity-level exemptions, noted testimony from banks, insurers, a data broker, a former data broker employee, and the Attorney General, and said no constitutional concerns were raised. The House ultimately adopted the amendment and advanced the bill. After H. 211, the House moved to House Bill 577, establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Committee reports from Health Care, Ways and Means, and Appropriations were read into the record, and the Colchester member described the bill as a way to lower prescription drug costs by joining the multi-state Array Rx program. The bill would let any Vermont resident obtain a free discount card for FDA-approved prescription drugs, with claimed savings up to 80% on generics and 20% on brand-name drugs. The House then proceeded to second reading on H. 577.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alabama, same language, did a statewide RFP through the state law enforcement agency.
• as again with the same language as again with the same language as Kentucky.<01:34:15.600> Alabama
• Alabama um same language did a Kentucky.
• Alabama um same language did a statewide<01:34:18.400> RFP<01:34:18.960> through<01:34:
• think you have access to these priorities, but you can hit that link on the PowerPoint or that QR code

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:04 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:57 United Way of Southern Kentucky –0:04:30 Preschool Education – 0:36:46 School Safety Updates – 1:01:41 Kentucky Association of School Superintendents – 1:41:47 Educational Cooperatives – 1:55:18 Adjournment – 2:07:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth meeting of the 2025 Interim Joint Committee on Education, confirmed a quorum, recorded attendance votes, and approved the minutes. Chair Lewis reminded presenters to keep remarks brief because of the full agenda and limited time. The first presentation was from United Way of Southern Kentucky, with Anne Puckett, Craig Browning, and Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton introducing a regional early childhood initiative. The presenters argued that kindergarten readiness and early childhood support are critical to later academic and life outcomes. They cited research and statistics about brain development in the first five years, the effects of unprepared kindergarten entry, and links between low literacy, school discipline, dropout rates, and incarceration. They said their region’s readiness scores fell during COVID and after a tornado, and that the most effective response was in-home parent education to help families support children from birth to age five. They described the model as voluntary, community-based, and not requiring new buildings, and said similar programs have been successful in Missouri. The group said it had already raised more than $1 million in private donations and committed three years of funding for four additional staff, expanding service in Allen, Logan, and Warren counties. They requested $600,000 per year for the next two-year budget cycle to add 12 more educators, serve about 360 families and 660 additional children, and build evidence for a possible statewide model. Members generally expressed support for the concept, with Representative Tipton and Representative Jackson discussing a prior home-based preschool pilot and the importance of starting early. Representative Calloway questioned whether increased family chaos and government involvement justified the approach; presenters responded that the program uses community educators, not a government-run organization, and is aimed at helping overwhelmed families. Representative Stalker asked about eligibility and early intervention, and presenters said the program serves children from birth to age five and can help identify needs early enough to connect families with services such as First Steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Farnsworth, adoption?
• Senator Farnsworth, adoption. Mr. Chairman, I move the Farnsworth floor amendment be adopted.
• Senator Epstein, adoption of your amendment.
• I move the committee amendment be adopted. Very good.
• All right, Senator Bolick, adoption of your floor amendment.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 1, HB 2192 (employment/video content matters of public concern) was amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 2592 (government information technology) was amended to remove legislative approval of certain emergency or temporary AI-related rules and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2752 (Commerce Authority trade office) received a do pass recommendation after a Mesnard amendment and an Epstein amendment was debated; the Epstein amendment failed on division, and the bill was retained on the calendar. HB 2916 (traffic schools and instructors fingerprint clearance) was amended to allow work to begin while fingerprint clearance is pending and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2946 (development fees) was amended to address municipal distinctions based on dwelling size/bedrooms and received a do pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 2, HB 2918, HB 2999, HB 1418, and HCR 2059 were considered. HB 2999 (special taxing districts/infrastructure finance districts) drew the most discussion; a Mesnard floor amendment made several changes to tax-rate, bond, and infrastructure provisions, and the bill was ultimately amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 1418 (sheriff auxiliary authority) and HCR 2059 (county services) also received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 3, HB 2035 (DCS kinship care placement requirements) was amended to change a reporting deadline and received a do pass recommendation. HB 241 (child neglect financial resources exception), HB 2594 (child confidentiality), and HB 2932 (groundwater transportation fee/withdrawal-related provisions) were also considered; HB 2594 and HB 2932 were amended and received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 4, HB 2109 (portable wireless communication devices/distracted driving penalties for motorcycles), HB 2118 (mobile food vendors’ licenses), HB 2244 (eviction satisfaction of judgment), and HB 4011 (HOA duties) were all advanced, with committee or floor amendments adopted where offered, and the report was adopted. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2440 (transition program), adopted a technical floor amendment, and advanced the bill. Later, the chamber adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial and welcomed guests from the university. The Senate received a House request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. On third reading, HB 2592 passed 16-9-1, HB 2916 passed 26-1-3, HB 2946 passed 27-0-3, and HB 2999 passed 21-6-3, with Senator Epstein explaining her no vote on HB 2999 due to concerns about homeowner cost uncertainty. The Senate then adjourned until April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• resolutions: Senate Concurrent Resolution 181 and Senate Resolution 176, urging the County of Maui to adopt
• Chair, the recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• Chair,<00:32:13.160> the<00:32:13.240> recommendations<00:32:13.760> adopted.
• Chair, the recommendations adopted. Chair, the recommendations adopted.
• Seeing none, the recommendation is adopted. Thank you. We are adjourned.

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to a motion previously adopted, the House stands recessed until 1:30 p.m. today.

Bills: SB 8, HB7, HB15, HB 265, HCR 13, SB 8, HB 7, HB 15, HB 265, HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• I move adoption. The chair recognizes Ms.
• So with that, I move adoption. Ms. Orr moves to table.
• Is there objection to the adoption of the motion? The Chair says no. The motion is adopted. Mr.
• Civil service cities, those that have adopted Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code, currently maintain
• With that, I move adoption. Little, for what purpose?

Bills: SB 8, HB7, HB15, HB 265, HCR 13, SB 8, HB 7, HB 15, HB 265, HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• I did not adopt it. Members, if we can, I'm going to back up and make sure we adopt the substitute.
• Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
• Chair hearing none, the motion is adopted.

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001, HB136

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, this legislation allows the fund to adopt an actuarially determined employer contribution
• The committee substitute corrects a minor drafting error and eliminates language that exempts ATMs affiliated
• expansion of the FCIC's authority over skimming devices as mandated by the Texas Business and Commerce Code
• Currently, the code mandates that a merchant... ...or technician must report the finding of a gas pump

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• Government Code 811006 is a provision in statute that requires that before... ...for the pension plan
• Our board adopted their latest funding policy at our most recent board meeting in March, and a key point
• provided by Texas lenders, regulated in accordance with Chapter 342, Subchapter of the Texas Finance Code
• And really, what we've seen as kind of a national trend is the adoption of this 36% rate number.
• Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted.

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:08:29.360> of code of ethics and code of code of ethics and code of conduct<02:08:31.199
• Adopted.
• The committee amendment is adopted. The committee amendment is adopted.
• The committee report is adopted. adopted we are now the motion before us adopted we are now the motion
• <06:03:08.160> minor records by having their minor minor records by having their minor minor

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, leaves of absence, guest introductions, and memorial remarks honoring former Representative Carolyn Gargas of Hollis, who was remembered for her long House service, work on child and family issues, and community involvement. The House then adopted a consent calendar and approved a motion to withdraw House Bill 431, which would have created a commission to review draft rules on minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards; the motion failed after a roll call vote, so the bill remained in play. The House next took up House Bill 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. The majority supported the bill as a way to add penalties for knowingly false reports about law enforcement officers, arguing officers deserve protection from false accusations and that the knowingly standard is a high bar. The minority opposed it as duplicative of existing law and warned it could chill legitimate complaints against police. After debate and a division vote, the majority committee report of ought to pass was adopted, 198-173. The House also considered House Bill 218-FN, which would provide victims of crime a free police report. The committee amendment changed the bill so victims would receive a written confirmation that a crime occurred rather than the initial police report, to avoid conflicts with right-to-know law and active-investigation confidentiality. Supporters said the change was a small but important clarification agreed to by law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, while opponents argued the original language was already workable and that the floor amendment was unnecessary. A division vote was requested on the amendment, and the transcript ends during that debate before the final outcome on HB 218 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'VE ARCHITECTED SOFTWARE BEFORE BUT I HAVE NOT CODED IT.
• AND THE PERSON WHO WE ARE WORRIED IS ABUSING THE MINOR OR WANTS TO ABUSE THE MINOR IN SOME FORM OR FASHION
• A DEVICE, WE COULD HAVE THIS INTERACTION BETWEEN A MINOR AND SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO HARM THAT MINOR IN
• THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED.
• SENATOR MARTIN WAIVES CLOSE, THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Move adoption. Yield for questions.
• Representative Vosborne now moves adoption of the JCR to House Bill 4075.
• Move for adoption. Yield for questions.
• I yield for questions and move for adoption. The member does yield.
• I yield for questions and move for adoption. The member does yield.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House convened in quorum call and first took up several Joint Committee reports on appropriations and tax measures. HB 4028 extended the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments and passed 54-27. HB 4075 appropriated $26 million in interest funds to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water and wastewater projects and passed 84-4, with the emergency clause also approved. HB 477 appropriated up to $10.58 million to the Department of Emergency Management for the Emergency Response and Relief Grant Program and passed 84-5, with the emergency clause approved. HB 476 appropriated up to $21.64 million to the Department of Commerce for rural economic impact grants tied to water and wastewater needs at rural industrial parks and ports; it passed 79-11 and its emergency clause also passed. HB 474 closed out ARPA funds for health care workforce training and passed 79-12, with emergency approval. The House then considered several Senate bills. SB 1221 would add tracking numbers for mailed Real ID cards and offer expedited delivery; members raised concerns about voting access and possible poll-tax issues, but the bill passed 82-9 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1921, an OSBI request bill, raised fees for criminal history/background checks and passed 84-8. SB 2118 expanded the use of sheriff commissary funds for sheriff duties and jail operations and passed 87-4. SB 1932 allowed motor carriers to represent themselves in Corporation Commission administrative hearings without an attorney and passed 92-1. SB 2134 required wreckers responding to livestock transport accidents to contact local emergency management for humane handling of livestock and passed 71-20. A lengthy floor debate centered on HCR 1025, which supports eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Supporters argued education is a state responsibility and that federal bureaucracy and mandates add red tape; opponents warned that federal oversight is essential for special education, Title IX, IDEA, and civil rights enforcement. After extended debate, the resolution passed 72-17. The House also passed SB 1432, which removes pilot and sunset language from a successful alternative teacher certification program in Tulsa, making it a permanent pathway; supporters said it has helped career changers enter teaching and could be replicated statewide. It passed 85-3, and the emergency clause passed. The session ended with announcements, including recognition of a special-needs advocate, a rural caucus notice, and adjournment until April 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Representative Brinsky now requests your consent that the resolution be adopted.
• Speaker, members, please recognize Minority Leader Munson for her farewell speech.
• While he was minority leader for a short time, he did make an impact on me.
• Chairman Caldwell-Trey now moves adoption of the Joint Committee report.
• And your colleague, the minority floor leader, brought it up in committee as well.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• said minority and majority. said minority and majority.
• code.
• compliance with code. compliance with code.
• <01:45:00.960> zoning code with building code with zoning code with building code with zoning
• adopted four adopted four DFL DFL DFL policy<01:46:11.800> amendments.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the adoption of the next building code.
• Without objection, show the amendment adopted.
• Municipalities have their own enhancements to the Florida Fire Code.
• Having waived close, without objection, show the amendment adopted.
• and adopted standards.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and took up a series of bills, beginning with PCS for HB 743 on social media use by minors. The sponsor said the bill would extend last session’s restrictions by requiring parental access to messages for minors ages 15 and 16 and allowing law enforcement access with a warrant or parental request. Members raised concerns about abuse situations and private communications, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at protecting children from grooming and trafficking. The PCS was supported in public testimony and passed 15-0. Members then approved HB 1161, which would let victims of altered sexual depictions or deepfakes demand removal of the content and pursue civil remedies if it is not taken down; an amendment clarified a definition tied to federal law, and the bill passed 14-0. The committee also passed local bills for Duval County (HB 4053) and Oviedo/Seminole County (HB 4031) creating special alcohol licensing exception areas, and HB 717, which increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places, with supporters from historic preservation and local government groups. The committee next approved HB 1035 on building permits for single-family dwellings, as amended, to extend permit validity around building code updates, speed approvals after emergencies, and create faster review timelines for smaller projects; members questioned possible loopholes and storm-related applications, while the home builders association supported the measure. It also passed PCS for HB 1219 on employment agreements, creating a framework for covered non-compete and garden leave agreements for higher-wage employees or those with access to confidential information; several members objected to its impact on workers and the marketplace, and the vote was 11-5. Additional favorable votes were taken on HB 799 regarding condominium alcohol licenses, HB 869 expanding underground utility contractors’ scope to include certain fire line work after a contested amendment and testimony from both utility and fire sprinkler groups, HB 1071 on alternative plan reviews and inspections, PCS for HB 981 on athlete representation and NIL compensation, and PCS for HB 801 on HVAC/mechanical contractors repairing and replacing certain pool heaters, both of which drew mixed testimony and debate over scope and safety. The final item introduced was HB 311 on repair of motorized wheelchairs, which the sponsor said would improve access to parts, tools, and independent repair options for users.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm bringing the code sections forward.
• this is actually creating new code this is actually creating new code section<00:05:08.479> for
• before<00:08:00.160> questions, qu I need to adopt it before questions, qu I need to adopt
• I need a motion to adopt the questions.
• >> Adopt the committee sub. >> Adopt the committee sub.

Keywords: Technology - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Technology Committee met a few minutes late and took up four bills. Senate Bill 2437, which establishes a baseline definition of artificial intelligence and aligns it with federal language, was explained as a recommendation from the AI regulatory task force; it passed without questions and was reported out. Senate Bill 2650, the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority Act, was presented as a follow-up to last year’s 911 legislation to make minor, non-funding adjustments to definitions around EOCs, EOCCs, and NG 911 standards; members noted the board has not yet fully met or been confirmed, and the bill passed and was reported out. Senate Bill 2653, the Mississippi IT Optimization Act, was described as creating a new code section to improve state IT efficiency and enterprise solutions as agencies move to the cloud and data sharing expands. The chair cited consolidation efforts such as reducing multiple Microsoft mail accounts and potential cost savings, and the bill passed with no opposition. Senate Bill 2654 would establish a state security operations center to centralize cybersecurity response and related assets; after a committee substitute corrected a typographical error, the substitute was adopted and then passed as a title sufficient do pass, to be reported out. The chair also said the committee would likely see further revisions later in session, especially on the 911 and cybersecurity measures, and announced a February 5 field trip for technology committees to visit MDE from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more details to follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are young minors.
• We need to say loud and clear that if you're under 18, a child, a minor, ...copy it from Penal Code Section
• You just raped a minor or had sex with a minor, a felony, and you're going to spend three days in jail
• . ...taking advantage of a minor.
• Ayes 55, noes 21; the amendments are adopted. Thank you. The amendments are adopted.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum after a roll call and prayer, then moved through routine business and a lengthy floor debate centered on AB 379, a bill dealing with protections for minors and human trafficking victims. Assembly Member DeMaio first sought to bring the bill up without Public Safety Committee amendments, arguing the committee had gutted the bill and removed felony language for purchasing 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. The body instead adopted a substitute motion to take up Assembly Member Schultz’s floor amendments to AB 379, and the bill became the focus of intense debate over whether the amended language would still adequately protect minors or instead weaken penalties and create a lower standard for 16- and 17-year-olds. Supporters of the amendments, including Schultz, Petri-Norris, Mark Gonzalez, Krell, Wynn, and others, said the changes were intended to strengthen and clarify the law, protect trafficking survivors, and preserve prosecutorial effectiveness while avoiding misinformation about existing law. Opponents, including DeMaio, Gallagher, Dixon, Macedo, Castillo, and others, argued the amendments watered down the bill, failed to restore the original felony treatment for buyers of 16- and 17-year-olds, and amounted to political maneuvering rather than real protection. The chamber also briefly considered a motion to table the amendments, which failed, and an appeal of a ruling on decorum, which was rejected. After debate, the Assembly adopted Schultz’s amendments to AB 379 by a 55-21 vote and then rereferred the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The chamber also handled several procedural items, including re-referrals of other bills, consent calendar actions, and a series of unanimous consent votes on numerous bills and resolutions. The session ended with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session, followed by adjournment until Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m.