Transcript Highlights:

• FOR THAT WORK BECAUSE IT WILL BE A REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ON THE FRONT END AND IN THAT SAME BILL DOT
• HAS A 50% REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM AND WE'RE WORKING WITH THEM ON WHAT PROCEDURES WILL BE FOR THAT FOR FACILITIES
• APPRECIATE THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN DOING FOR THIS AREA OF POLICY, WE CONTINUE TO MOVE THE
• NOW IT'S TIME FOR US TO CONTINUE TO KEEP WORKING LIKE THIS SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND THANK YOU FOR
• Eskamani: THANK YOU GENTLEMEN FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND INSIGHTS.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you take out all of the contingency and look at what the costs are today for this body of work.
• And for a dozen years, I worked as a committee administrator for the Oregon Legislature on the Trade
• work for consulting firms.
• That's for additional staff and consulting work to oversee the project over the next 20 years.
• That's for additional staff and consulting work to oversee the project over the next 20 years.

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank y'all for being here today.
• So they've helped us and worked through with us exactly what our needs are for this new laboratory, the
• of DNA profiles for...
• I mean, I'd love to have a demonstration of it when it gets online for the subcommittee.
• Thanks. have questions for them.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for what members said was likely the first appearance by the lab before this committee. Lab officials gave an overview of the new crime lab facility now under construction, saying it is on schedule, under budget, and expected to be completed by the end of July next year, with phased move-in beginning around August 1. They explained that the current building is over 40 years old and overcrowded, with caseloads having doubled over the past 20 years, and said the new facility will improve workflow, add morgue capacity, and allow new technologies and equipment to be brought online. Members asked about staffing and recruitment, and the lab said recent pay changes and legislative support have made Arkansas more competitive for forensic specialists and medical examiners. Officials said vacancies have been reduced, a new deputy chief medical examiner has been hired, two more medical examiners are starting in August, and a new fellowship program has already attracted applicants. They also said the lab is prepared for the staffing needs of the new facility and that training periods remain long for many analyst positions. The discussion also covered rapid DNA, CODIS, sexual assault kit processing, genetic genealogy, and overdose-related data sharing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with pilot agencies in Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas among the first states to do so. Officials described CODIS as a key investigative tool, said DNA profiles are entered automatically when they qualify, and reported that the sexual assault kit backlog has been cleared with the lab now maintaining a 60-day turnaround. They also confirmed Arkansas uses a kit-tracking system, works with private labs such as Othram and Bode for genetic genealogy, and is developing an overdose dashboard to share toxicology and overdose data with public health and law enforcement partners. Members praised the lab’s progress and the committee adjourned after announcing an August site visit to Lake Conway and the dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they've helped us and worked through with us exactly what our needs are for this new laboratory, the
• of DNA profiles for...
• I'd love to have a demonstration of it when it gets online for the subcommittee.
• Thank you, Ben, for being here if you have questions for them.
• Thank you, Ben, for being here if you have questions for them.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Education Committee will come back to order for the purpose of executive session.
• I've worked on this policy for many years and visited, unfortunately, many schools that still had isolation
• It is traumatic for our educators when they have to work toward restraining and de-escalating and are
• This bill comes out of our student children behavioral work group subcommittee, and it has been worked
• and worked and worked.

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session on several bills, beginning with House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools. Staff described the proposed substitute as prohibiting mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, limiting planned use of restraint to cases with written medical necessity and parental consent, and revising the definition of serious harm. Members debated amendments clarifying that serious harm can include harm to another person, barring construction of rooms designed primarily for student isolation, and adding a null-and-void clause. The committee adopted the first two amendments but rejected the null-and-void amendment, then advanced the bill as amended. The final roll call on HB 1795 was 10 ayes, 7 nays, and 2 excused, and it was reported do pass as amended. The committee then considered Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would create a statewide technical assistance and training framework for student behavioral health, coordinated by OSPI and ESDs with behavioral health agencies and community partners. A second proposed substitute removed some implementation requirements, narrowed the bill to coordination and access to services, added family-focused consultation and planning language, and removed certain reporting and needs-assessment provisions. A null-and-void amendment was offered but failed. Supporters said the bill would provide schools with flexible technical assistance rather than mandates, while opponents raised concerns about fiscal impact and unfunded obligations. The committee approved the bill on a 12-5 vote with 2 excused and reported it do pass. The committee also received staff briefings on House Bill 1662, which would require several education-related agencies and entities to transition to separate administrative services and operational independence on a delayed timeline, and House Bill 1683, which would adjust school board director-district election requirements and thresholds. No amendments were noted on HB 1683, and the committee did not reach final action on either of those bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary and Public Safety is back in session.
• Some of the accomplishments for this past year and years that we've been working on different things.
• We're also asking for $25,895,000 for academy funding.
• But for the most part, we would not. We don't have the cages for the back seats.
• So, we're asking for that upgrade to our building and equipment for our agents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank y'all for being here today.
• So they've helped us and worked through with us exactly what our needs are for this new laboratory, the
• We've also planned for decades into the future so that We've also planned for decades into the future
• Thank y'all for being here today.
• I mean, I'd love to have a demonstration of it when it gets online for the subcommittee.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an update on operations, staffing, technology, and major projects. Crime lab officials said the new facility is on schedule and under budget, with completion expected at the end of July next year and phased move-in beginning around August 1. They described the current building as overcrowded and outdated, and said the new lab will expand workspace, improve workflow, double morgue autopsy tables, and allow new technologies such as 3D firearms microscopy, improved drug testing for emerging synthetic drugs, and enhanced fingerprint visualization. Officials also said the lab has been able to hire positions tied to the 2023 overdose-autopsy law and that recruitment for medical examiners and fellows has improved, including two new medical examiners starting in August and a successful new fellowship program. Members asked about rapid DNA, CODIS, forensic genealogy, sexual assault kit backlogs, and staffing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas one of the first states to do so. Officials explained that CODIS is used routinely, with DNA profiles from qualifying cases uploaded automatically and audited regularly, and cited it as a key investigative tool. On forensic genealogy, they said Arkansas currently relies on private labs such as Othram, Bode, and DNA Labs International, and is exploring whether to bring that capability in-house in the future. They reported that the sexual assault kit backlog from around 2016 has been cleared and that the lab is now meeting the statutory 60-day turnaround time, with kits tracked through a barcode-based system for transparency. The committee also discussed overdose data and confidentiality. The lab said a new overdose dashboard is being developed with the Office of State Technology and should go live by the end of the year, using newly available reporting data to help public health and law enforcement target prevention efforts. Members praised a recent law allowing toxicology information to be shared with the state drug director and another law protecting coroner records and toxicology reports from public release during criminal investigations; lab officials said both changes have been very helpful. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions on the crime lab items, and the chair announced an August site visit to the Lake Conway dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appointed for terms decarbonization.
• </c> services for Medicaid members. services for Medicaid members.
• </c> for a term expiring December 31st, 2028. for a term expiring December 31st, 2028.
• Just asking. him for a while. And you know, I I I'm him for a while.
• </c> uh just for the record. uh just for the record. &gt;&gt; Very<00:58:18.960><c> good.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, thank you for your hard work and dedication to protect our youth.
• Well, I want to thank you for working with my staff on the amendments.
• I currently work as a family advocate for a nonprofit that works in partnership with other local agencies
• Thank you so much for your work in this great legacy bill.
• And thank you to the committee staff for all the work that they've done.

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning with item A on your agenda, you have an additional item submitted for review by the subcommittee
• This is a contract for the used tire program for District 4 of Arkansas.
• So again, Madam Chair, this is submitted for the review of this subcommittee today. Thank you.
• She comes to the subcommittee today stating that they're asking for ratification of their contract with
• This is a new contract for architectural services for ASU.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for the question.
• Thank you for that. When we're looking at the the working group. And I'm back on page seven now.
• Leader Lawson has been working on this for years. He had an interim study.
• But I think that the concept is a good one that I want to continue working with the session and beyond
• the session.

Bills: HB1782 , HB2293 , HB3176 , HB3544 , HB3546 , HB3619 , HB4358

Committee: Senate Technology and Telecommunications

Keywords: artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I want to remain healthy and alive and working for a long time in this community.
• Thank you for being here. Thank you for the work that you do and for sharing this very sad story.
• She worked for Sunrise, and she was... ...the legislature.
• And thanks for your work in this space. We do appreciate that. Thank you very much. Okay.
• However, that is—we’ve been doing that for decades, and it’s just not working.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The special committee on government convened to discuss child welfare reform, with members framing the meeting as a response to Arizona Auditor General findings and broader concerns about the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The chair emphasized that the committee’s goal was to improve accountability, oversight, and child-centered practices rather than assign blame, and said bills advanced from the committee would move to the floor. Roll was taken, and the committee then heard testimony on several bills focused on foster care and DCS operations. HB 2611 was heard first. The bill would require termination of a group foster home employee who tests positive on a drug screen, establish screening and safety requirements for group homes, expand foster youth rights, and include designated advocates on family/service teams. An amendment was adopted that changed the drug-testing language to require removal from child contact pending confirmatory review rather than automatic termination, and to require testing after certain incidents. Supporters, including foster youth and former foster youth, described unsafe conditions in group homes, bullying, drug use by staff, inadequate training, and the need for posted rights, mental health services, and stronger accountability. Some members raised questions about the amendment, drug-testing procedures, backup staffing, and contracting authority, but the amendment passed and HB 2611 was given a do pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. The committee next considered HB 2035, which would add extended family members to the search, notification, and placement process when a child enters custody and create a presumption that placement with relatives or significant adults is in the child’s best interest. Testimony strongly favored kinship placement, with speakers arguing that children do better with familiar caregivers and that current practice often fails to locate or prioritize relatives. Several witnesses described tragic cases, including the death of Zariah Finley Dodd, to argue that repeated placements and congregate care increase risk. Some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law and asked for clarification on differences from prior legislation; the sponsor said the bill strengthens existing policy and adds written documentation requirements. HB 2035 was ultimately given a do pass recommendation by a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 4049, which would authorize DCS to employ legal counsel and incur legal expenses, along with an amendment that would require independent representation or review in certain cases involving credible allegations against DCS or its agents. The sponsor and several witnesses argued that the Attorney General’s office has a structural conflict when representing DCS, and that independent counsel would better ensure honesty and accountability in court proceedings. Others cautioned that keeping representation within the Attorney General’s office preserves consistency, oversight, and existing checks and balances. Discussion continued on the structure of legal representation for DCS, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 4049 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I want to remain healthy and alive and working for a long time in this community.
• Again, I want to remain healthy and alive and working for a long time in this community.
• Thank you for being here, thank you for the work that you do, and for sharing this very sad story.
• And so this is the point: he's supposed to be working for the children, not for a company, not for DCS
• We did the work. Here are the receipts that you asked for.

Committees: House Government , House House Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• and members for each plan.
• So you start increasing the insurance for them, and then it doesn't, it's not a benefit for them to work
• It doesn't, it's not a benefit for them to work there anymore.
• I'm reminded of, gosh, it's a long time ago, 20 years maybe, and I was working for an organization that
• Well, thank you for working on it. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Any other questions?

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The committee first approved the June 5 minutes, then received and adopted the Executive Committee report, which noted adoption of prior minutes, staff updates on audits and special reports scheduled for the standing committees and full Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, and no other business. The Counties and Municipalities report focused on delinquent private water and sewer audits and municipal accounting compliance: turnback funds were reinstated for 40 of 43 entities after required reports were filed, three entities remained ineligible, several audits remained delinquent, and the committee approved escrow of 50% of Fargo’s turnback and gave officials from another town 60 days to reach compliance. The committee also reviewed numerous current and deferred reports, with many referred to prosecuting attorneys, the Attorney General, or the Governmental Bonding Board. The Education report covered 79 school audit reports, including 56 with no findings and 23 with findings. Officials from several school districts, two charter schools, and the Department of Education attended to answer questions about repeat findings. Eleven reports were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were also certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, Blytheville School District’s report was deferred, and 78 reports were filed. The committee also adopted the state agencies comprehensive financial report, which identified issues including an unauthorized payroll disbursement and insufficient collateral at the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism and missing accounting entries at the Treasurer’s office; seven reports were filed and two deferred to September. Members then considered the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit report, which had been deferred previously but were adopted without further questions. A special report on the Employee Benefits Division’s health plans drew extensive discussion. The report found no findings but showed the state employee plan’s fund balance increased while the public school employee plan’s fund balance declined, with rising claims and pharmacy costs offset partly by higher rebates. Members questioned whether the audit addressed legal compliance, the sharp increase in claims, administrative costs, GLP-1 drug spending, and possible deductible changes. Agency officials said the audit was primarily financial, not a provider-level compliance review, and explained that inflation, utilization, rebates, and contract negotiations were driving costs; they also said outside consultants were used on the Blue Cross Blue Shield RFP at a cost of about $240,000. On motion, the committee voted to hold the report over one month for further review. Finally, the committee reviewed a Legislative Audit report on case transfers in the 19th West Judicial District Circuit Court. The review examined random assignment and transfers among divisions, found that 1,673 of 9,351 open cases had at least one transfer, and identified some transfers lacking documentation or not matching the data, though several discrepancies had been corrected. Audit recommended strengthening documentation and electronic controls and considering incorporation of the prosecutor-confirmation policy into Administrative Order No. 2015-1. After no further questions, the committee adopted the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for September 10-11.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for this session we urge the legislature to defer this policy until there can be certainty as relates
• This bill eliminates the permitting requirement for work performed under $7,500 as well as eliminates
• Thank you for this bill.
• for safety.
• And thank your staff Jonathan and everyone for the great work they've done to help me with this. 561573

Transcript Highlights:

• that there's a steady supply of gas, and that the pump is working for our customers, the state public
• Thank you, Superintendent Fields, and for the procedure for questions for the members.
• a decade, but you're only asking for a budget increase for the flex benefit.
• We want to have data for the legislature for the. Here's how we're being judged.
• For example, we recently expanded Oklahoma's promise for teachers and students.

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• in your image as infinitely precious and infinitely valuable and not as someone to work for a vote.
• He hired someone who moved here from Texas, and even though she'd been working in the field for 25 years
• And so I will be supporting this bill today, and I thank you for your hard work. Further debate.
• We're going to make it easier for people to come to Oklahoma as a military spouse and work and live in
• A yield for questions, move for questions, or yield for questions, move for passage at the appropriate

Bills: SB540 , HB1085 , HB1484

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and several introductions, including the nurse of the day and student guests. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 540, a Department of Defense-request compact bill creating a dental/dental hygienist licensure compact. The author and supporters said it would improve reciprocity and help military spouses and workforce needs without lowering Oklahoma standards, while several senators raised concerns about sovereignty, rulemaking authority, potential enforcement actions, and possible costs. After debate, the bill passed 35-12. The Senate next considered House Bill 1085, which would standardize and adjust the fee structure for the service contract industry. An amendment changing dates was adopted, and the bill passed 44-3. The chamber then heard House Bill 1484, a fentanyl education bill requiring instruction for students in grades 6-12 on the dangers and consequences of fentanyl exposure. The author described it as a response to rising fentanyl deaths and a tribute to a young victim; the bill was said to apply to school districts and, by understanding, private schools as well. It passed 47-9 and then passed as an emergency measure. Before adjournment, senators also introduced visiting students and family members affected by fentanyl, and members made announcements about an appropriations subcommittee meeting and a Farm Bureau of Women lunch. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, February 12th at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you help clarify this for<01:14:30.080><c> me?</c> for me? for me?
• </c> pay for field trips for their kids. pay for field trips for their kids.
• </c> our classified staff who often work our classified staff who often work just<01:23:20.560><c> for
• And I want to thank the Woodford and others working on this bill for allowing mandatory supervision as
• And again, I want to thank those for working on it, for being willing to work with us across the aisle

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee reports on several bills. Reported measures included House Bills 1 and 2 from Appropriations and Revenue, along with bills on animal control officers, emergency services revenue, postsecondary education, proactive postsecondary admission, vehicle lights, motor vehicle operation, motor vehicle dealers, and machine gun conversion devices. The chamber also took up Senate Bills 52 and 124 for concurrence, and House Bill 1 was moved from rules to the orders of the day for immediate action. The House then considered House Bill 568, which would regulate public adjusters by prohibiting new licenses, allowing renewals for current licensees, imposing conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, capping fees at 5%, and barring adjusters from negotiating claims. Supporters described it as a consumer-protection measure responding to complaints and investigations, especially after recent storm-related exploitation. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 95-1. The House next debated House Bill 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program and authorize the Secretary of State to administer the state’s participation without using state general funds. Supporters argued it would bring federal scholarship dollars into Kentucky for K-12 students, including public school students, and could generate significant private donations for scholarship-granting organizations. Opponents raised concerns about shifting resources away from public education, the speed of the process, and a proposed waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity. A motion to table the bill failed by a wide margin, and members continued debating the bill and its implications for public schools and state sovereignty.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee for Friday, February 27th. We are going to begin with an executive session.
• I represent Whatcom County Public Works, and I'm here to testify for this bill.
• I represent Watcombe County Public Works, and I'm here to testify for this bill.
• Thank you for your work to keep Washington moving and for your support of ferries. I'm Amy Dreher.
• Thank you for your work to keep Washington moving and for your support of ferries. I'm Amy Dreher.

Summary: The committee first held an executive session on several transportation measures heard earlier in the session, including bills on rounding cash transactions to eliminate pennies, vehicle title transfers to insurers, a memorial bridge naming, BAT lane access for private employer transportation services, oil tanker escort requirements, Traffic Safety Commission authority, fifth-wheel trailer length, electric vehicle sales and funding, and vehicle loads on public highways. Most of the measures were advanced with due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and the committee adopted amendments on the penny-rounding bill, the EV funding bill, and the vehicle-loads bill. Members noted some opposition or reservations on a few items, including the penny-rounding proposal and the vehicle-loads amendment, but the motions carried. The committee then returned to public hearing on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2323 would create a blue envelope program for neurodiverse drivers to help communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops; the Department of Licensing and State Patrol fiscal notes were described, and the bill drew strong support in signed-in testimony. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2588 would expand county ferry district authority to include vehicle ferries and require voter approval for new taxes after the effective date; testimony was mixed, with Whatcom County officials and ferry users supporting the bill as a funding tool, while one opponent criticized the tax and timing provisions. The committee also heard public testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2172, which would change the route jurisdiction transfer and abandonment process for state highways by requiring agreements or legislative review for longer abandonments or bridge transfers; cities, counties, the Transportation Commission, and the TIB supported the bill as a more transparent process. Additional public hearings covered Substitute House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency operations for drivers who bypass emergency road closures; a defense-lawyer witness opposed the mandatory license suspension, while the sponsor described the bill as a response to flood and fire rescues. Substitute House Bill 2410 would create a Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council and raise the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32 per vehicle; the trucking industry and business groups supported it as a safety and training investment. The committee also heard a staff briefing and sponsor testimony on Second Substitute House Bill 1923, the Mosquito Fleet Act, which would expand passenger-only ferry district options and was presented as a local tool to improve ferry access and relieve Washington State Ferries congestion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, ICE agents are working Americans just like our police officers. $1,500 for a working-class person
• </c><01:24:40.000><c> his</c><01:24:40.239><c> work</c> Freedom for his work Freedom for his work in<
• That's not how it works. Detainers have been put on for very specific reasons.
• Two of the three homicides are at the hands of law enforcement agents that worked for ICE.
• I move the Senate of Maryland stand adjourned until Friday, January 30th, for a pro forma session at

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.