Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Education does collect expenditure data by different program areas, so we will be providing
• The Department of Education does collect expenditure data by different program areas, so we will be providing
• The Department of Education does collect expenditure data by different program areas, so we will be providing
• The Department of Education does collect expenditure data by different program areas, so we will be providing
• educational programs that are really educational programs that are really meant<01:09:04.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So while you may stand out in your educational pursuits, that's your question.
• That's why I'm here from Oklahoma City County this morning.
• And I don't think they find continuing education a burden whatsoever.
• and the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program.
• Getting away from continuing education is a huge problem for me.

Summary: The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance. Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And sometimes it's a hand up instead of a handout program.
• we already have a relocation program in effect?
• Had barely moved to Oklahoma in time to file for my House seat.
• to vote in another state if they legally registered in Oklahoma.
• Yeah, no, this is just registering in Oklahoma.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of Senate bills dealing with county government, elections, licensing, property liens, and financial protections. SB 1877 would streamline and make more transparent the reporting of governmental agency reports to the legislature. SB 483 would allow counties to create voluntary relocation assistance programs, with supporters describing it as a way to help people in crisis connect with family or services rather than simply moving them along; it passed after questions about nonprofit involvement, tracking, and safeguards. SB 1198 would address county-held tax-delinquent properties by requiring Oklahoma Health Care Authority liens to be resolved in the county sale process, and SB 1286 would require political subdivisions to provide polling-place rooms at no cost when needed as a last resort, especially where private sites like churches are no longer available. The committee also advanced SB 1287, which clarifies that abstractor licenses do not have to be issued to people not lawfully present in the United States; members asked about TPS, visas, and remote work, and the bill passed. SB 1451 would add notification and reporting provisions to help counties and states maintain voter registration rolls and communicate when voters move, with discussion focused on duplicate registrations, name mismatches, and the end of Oklahoma’s participation in ERIC. SB 1581 would extend the time to gather signatures for a county grand jury petition from 45 to 90 days and add a 10-day protest period, and SB 1623 would update the state charter framework. SB 2067 would create a framework for financial institutions to detect and report suspected exploitation of protected adults and seniors, and SB 2135 would authorize county purchase agents to use county P-cards under rules similar to state purchasing procedures. Most bills were reported due pass by wide margins, including unanimous votes on SB 1286, SB 1623, SB 2067, and SB 2135. SB 1877 passed 14–1–1, SB 483 passed 15–2, SB 1198 passed 16–1, SB 1287 passed 15–2, SB 1451 passed 14–3, and SB 1581 passed 15–2. SB 2139 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember, I'm from Oklahoma.
• We're a little bit stricter on DUIs in Oklahoma than we are in Texas here.
• Don't mirror what happens in Oklahoma.
• Actually has programs that TDCJ does not actually offer.
• We're about to have vendors for educate public education.

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• an adult, Joanne worked to educate an adult, Joanne worked to educate others<00:07:17.520> on
• These are programs that are about These are programs that are about learning<00:08:57.920> to<
• > on senior member of the educ committee on senior member of the educ committee on education<00
• Oklahoma State University.
• Oklahoma State University.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Curriculum that she developed at OU is actually now being taken nationwide to be able to educate
• achievement represents the first undefeated season in the history of the Adair Warriors' football program
• by remaining undefeated in the district competition for three consecutive years, and whereas the program
• Therefore, pursuant to the motion of Senator Michael Berkstrom and Representative Rusty Cornwell, the Oklahoma
• The Oklahoma Forward Caucus will be meeting at the previously announced time, but due to the number of

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're reducing the number of program administrators and increasing program coordination.
• More than 25 states have used securitization over the last decade to pay for energy infrastructure programs
• Save program.
• of the program.
• When the original programs ended, when the SREC 1 and 2 programs ended, that's when the SMART program

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• reporting program or the GHGRP. reporting program or the GHGRP.
• 01:19:50.640> beyond happens when infrastructure ages beyond happens when infrastructure ages
• <01:33:18.080> award, Rosenthal outstanding educator award, Rosenthal outstanding educator
• , oriented policing services program, oriented policing services program, better<02:21:54.560>
• ,<02:21:56.160> an better known as the COPS program, an better known as the COPS program,

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you to license rehabbers so other babies are not lost like this and find a program to educate
• had a game breeder program.
• You cannot release your breeding program to your...
• The hunter needs to be educated.
• So I think it's educating the conservationists on how, I think it's educating the conservationists on

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is modeled on other programs that have been used successfully in states on the continent.
• <00:31:53.440> or programmed or programmed or planned<00:31:56.080> to<00:31:56.240>
• pilot programs also become permanent. pilot programs also become permanent.
• Appreciate it. worked out and programs um adjusted. worked out and programs um adjusted.
• <01:14:58.480> infrastructure, such as protective infrastructure, such as protective infrastructure

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt. Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, is that really what we're talking about, or is it a bigger program?
• It's not a rideshare program or call up and just ask for a ride to go somewhere.
• Interestingly, OTC already has a program in place to take care of their tax liens.
• The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority...
• to vote in another state if they legally registered in Oklahoma.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is. where all the infrastructure is.
• , the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
• You've begun the outreach to the local schools and higher education institutions.
• They actually fly real planes in their aeronautics program.
• It's a great program.

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• , which we found was a necessary step in putting forth an IMG-dedicated residency program.
• shortages while maintaining high educational standards.
• To continued education options, administrative support for billing as well as for claims.
• And they have basically built most of this infrastructure just as a small program of Surgery, Reproductive

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we've recently launched a program program that we call the Guardian Program, where we leverage
• Education remains a cornerstone of our mission.
• And this is reflected in our mission to provide a communication network and an education program that
• We need to educate our excavators. We need to educate them on proper clearances.
• We need to educate them on potholing, we need to educate all those things, but in order for that to happen

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Until we can expand the clinical delivery system, we're not able to grow the educational programs, and
• Those 300 to 350 more physicians will allow us to grow our educational programs.
• How those education programs would grow over a 10-year horizon.
• I want to highlight that we are committed to helping grow educational programs in any way that makes
• So we want to make sure that our educational programs remain accredited.

Transcript Highlights:

• , recreation, educational and religious programming, supplies, library support, and newspaper expenses
• Recreation educational and religious<00:37:39.880> programming<00:37:40.920> supplies<00
• Economic opportunity and educational attainment, these programs play a crucial role in combating gun
• Economic opportunity and educational attainment—these programs play a crucial role in combating gun violence
• Economic opportunity and educational attainment—these programs play a crucial role in combating gun violence

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 will now come to order.
• No, and, you know, I'm an educator.
• And so we have to bring adults up to speed through education.
• I grew up in rural Oklahoma, and I was bored.
• Thank you for educating us.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, the benefits of AI for personalized learning and teacher support, and the risks involving data privacy, overreliance, hallucinations, and misuse. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which published statewide guidance in March and is now providing professional development, case studies, surveys, and resources for teachers and families. She also noted that teacher preparation programs and microcredentials are being developed, but there is not yet a statewide baseline standard for teacher AI training. Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district policies and implementation efforts. Hillsborough adopted an AI governance policy, created an implementation guide, and set rules barring generative AI use for students in pre-K through 7th grade while allowing limited, teacher-approved use for older students with district-vetted tools. Pinellas emphasized digital responsibility, parent transparency, data-use agreements, and a governance process for approving tools. Both districts said AI is being used for lesson planning, tutoring, reading-level adjustments, scheduling, and other administrative tasks, but they do not yet have reliable evidence that AI is improving academic performance. They also discussed teacher training, stipends, and certification efforts, including partnerships with universities and vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Magic School, and Gemini. Drew Allen of FSU Inspire offered an industry-focused perspective, arguing that AI is not new but that education must adapt more quickly to industry needs. He described Inspire’s workforce and research mission, its AI and robotics training for teachers, and the need to build teacher comfort and confidence through incentives and applied training. Committee members raised concerns about student dependence on AI, academic integrity, mental health, moral decision-making, data privacy, and whether schools should return to more paper-based testing. The panel generally agreed that AI should be used with strong guardrails, human oversight, and a balance between technology use and traditional learning. No legislation was considered, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's fine that we have differences of opinions on policies and programs.
• the Military Intelligence Program, or the NIP and the MIP as we call them here.
• That exposed the United States government's illegal programs.
• We've had concerns over many years that when China owns infrastructure, it can manipulate that infrastructure
• Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the next few slides, I'll be going over the Healthcare Authority's infrastructure for ensuring program
• And why that cost is so high to manage that program? 111 million to manage a program? Mr.
• And administering the program in general.
• one, but the program lacks standardized program-level goals and metrics, which limits HCA's ability
• And then on page 9 of 10 on the Education Reform Fund, I thought—so I've not—I had served on education

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have an organized care model called the PASS program.
• We also have an organized care model called the PASS program.
• So the UPL program, or the upper payment limit program, was established by federal statute to be used
• The upper payment limit program, or access payment program, is limited to the private hospitals currently
• Our PAS program is a 1915(c) waiver. We have 1115 waivers for the expansion program.

Summary: The subcommittee met to review Department of Human Services hospital payments in Arkansas Medicaid, with DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks presenting first, followed by Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jody Ann Tritt and a brief comment from Arkansas Children’s. DHS outlined the main hospital payment streams: fee-for-service per diem payments, upper payment limit (UPL) supplemental payments, cost settlements, and smaller payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked for plain-language explanations of cost settlements, why per diem rates vary by hospital type, and why UPL applies to private hospitals. DHS said cost settlements and UPL are mechanisms to help offset Medicaid underpayment, with SFY 2025 hospital payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and no general revenue used for supplemental payments beyond the state share funded through hospital assessments and related financing structures. Committee members focused heavily on whether Arkansas hospitals are adequately reimbursed and why rural hospitals struggle. Tritt explained that critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals operate under different federal and state rules, and said lower per diem rates for some facilities help with cash flow and later cost settlement adjustments. She said Arkansas hospitals are under financial strain, citing a negative patient services margin statewide and noting that Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers all contribute to the problem. She also said the association had just authorized a statewide survey of hospital finances and costs, which she expected would take about a year to complete. A major theme was commercial insurance reimbursement. Tritt argued Arkansas hospitals are paid far less than hospitals in neighboring states even though premiums are similar, and said administrative burdens, prior authorizations, and denials add to the problem. She said hospitals receive about 52 to 53 cents on the dollar for Medicaid costs without UPL and about 78 cents with UPL, still below cost. Members also discussed Medicare wage index issues, Medicare Advantage, and whether hospitals could use technology or alternative arrangements to improve finances. No votes were taken on the hospital presentation. At the end of the meeting, DHS provided a brief update on Living Choices and assisted living reimbursement. Officials said one assisted living facility, Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, with nine waiver clients being transitioned to other settings. DHS said the current cost reporting period was underway and that a new rate study could be ready for review before the end of the fiscal year if reports were submitted on time. Members also asked about the broader waiver plan, and DHS said the next waiver iteration would likely be brought back to the committee in the summer.