Transcript Highlights:

• of the legislature are quite expensive when we're talking about school safety and things of that nature
• It feels like, and so I think it's just sort of a natural rise.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• around the country around this great state, they get tremendous outcomes that through a normal human nature
• We've done something of that nature, but we have not done any runs.
• and it was a packed house of all kinds of districts, but specifically those that were smaller in nature
• However, without the weights reflecting the complicated... nature of implementing dual language programs
• The crisis of the uncertified teachers and the unique nature of replenishing the pipeline is why I come

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• So do not anticipate to meet, but again, pending reassignments or things of that nature, that could change
• So do not anticipate to meet, but again, pending reassignments or things of that nature, that could change

Bills: SB1191, SB1976, SB1613, SB1439, SB1930, SB1314, SB1246

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, oil and gas, surety bond, financial responsibility, environmental compliance, plugging wells, SB1613

Summary: The committee took up several energy and environmental bills, most of them mirror measures or agency-related changes. SB 1976, a mirror of HB 3469, would provide a three-year phase-in for new surety bond requirements adopted in HB 1369 and was reported out do pass on a 10-0 vote. SB 1314 would increase the well drillers fund limits for plugging bad wells that could contaminate aquifers, raising the per-well amount to $25,000 and the fund cap from $50,000 to $100,000; it also passed 10-0. SB 1191 repeals the law creating the Oklahoma Energy Low Carbon Initiative Board, which had never been appointed or met, and it passed 10-0. SB 1613, a mirror of HB 3142, was also reported do pass 10-0 after members noted prior questions had been resolved. SB 1246, from the Department of Environmental Quality, was described as streamlining services while keeping information online and preserving public comment time; it passed 11-0. The committee then spent the most time on SB 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, which would bar certain causes of action related to greenhouse gas emissions and alleged climate-change effects. Supporters argued it would protect Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry from costly, speculative lawsuits and preserve the state’s economy, while opponents questioned whether it would shield an industry from accountability and compared it to past tobacco litigation. The bill’s author said it would not affect other pollution claims or federal enforcement, only climate-related civil actions. After extended discussion, SB 1439 was reported out do pass on a 9-3 vote. Finally, SB 1930, the mirror bill to the Brine Development Act, was presented as a measure to speed up development of iodine and other mineral recovery from oilfield wastewater while avoiding conflicts with existing oil and gas operations and Corporation Commission rules. Members discussed Oklahoma’s role in iodine production, possible market growth, and concerns about creating unintended causes of action for surface owners or class-action claims. The author said amendments were still being negotiated, but the bill was nevertheless reported out do pass on an 11-0 vote. The chair closed by noting this was expected to be the committee’s only scheduled meeting, absent any reassignments.

Transcript Highlights:

• By allowing a permit exemption, the dam and surrounding natural infrastructure could be maintained more

Bills: SB243, SB1586, SB1891, SB1959, SB2159, SB2568

Keywords: migrant labor housing, migrant housing, farmworker housing, migrant agricultural worker, agricultural labor, farm labor contractor, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, TDHCA, civil penalty, housing code enforcement, sanitation, occupancy standards, retaliation, worker complaint, language access, Spanish-language outreach, H-2A visa, temporary agricultural workers, unlicensed housing, rural housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Land and Natural Resources in support. Present.
• Department of Natural Resources in support.
• These are from climate change-related disasters.
• We also have disaster recovery to worry about as well. So thank you.
• The proposed amendments would be clarifying in nature.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this gets at is prohibiting banning natural gas in a residential home.
• So, what this gets at is a prohibiting<00:13:24.560><c> banning</c><00:13:25.040><c> natural</c><00:13
• </c><00:13:26.560><c> Um,</c> prohibiting banning natural gas. Um, prohibiting banning natural gas.
• I know the PUC is starting to have some discussions about banning natural gas, propane development in
• </c> ownership, we see this as a natural ownership, we see this as a natural opportunity<00:51:01.599

Bills: HF4234, HF484, HF483, HF2614

Keywords: HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption

Transcript Highlights:

• What is allowed in the structure of the ministries and entities and things of that nature.
• to be in HCSM, what they're exempt from, what they're required to do, auditing, and things of that nature
• The use of agents and brokers causes consumer confusion, which naturally leads to consumer complaints
• We're just Christian in nature.
• Also, those areas within 50 miles of the storm track must have been listed in FEMA's disaster declaration

Bills: S0052, S0502, S0624, S0758, S0834, S0840

Keywords: places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services, faith-based institutions, public safety, military jurisdiction, delinquency, concurrent jurisdiction

Summary: The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2. Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many natural resources will come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Senator Birdwell.
• Given the consequential nature of a contested case's outcome, it is important that disputes that arise
• With that, is there any other business to come before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources?

Bills: SB2082, SB2203, SB2351, SB2550, SCR48

Keywords: concrete crushing, hospital proximity, environmental regulation, public health, zoning laws, SB 2203, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, contested case, administrative law judge, ALJ, discovery, scope of discovery, certification, administrative procedure, permit dispute, agency rules, Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Committee on Natural Resources will now come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
• Thank you To your point, I don't I mean there's I think it's just an inarguable point that the nature
• Yes, sir Members of the Senate Natural Resource Committee, my name is Rich Sachey, I'm the Vice Chair
• Passed through the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources
• Is there any other business to come before Senate Committee on Natural Resources?

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, is there any other business to come before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources?

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Bills: SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB413, SB427, SB499, SB583, SB621, SB673, SB840, SB850, SB854, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB 15

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, SB 3053 relating to natural resources. Relating to natural resources.
• It's our natural beauty. It's identity. It's our natural beauty.
• </c> mean, and that the unprecedented nature mean, and that the unprecedented nature of<02:31:31.720>
• Okay, next up we have SB 3053 SD2, relating to natural resources.
• </c> SB 3053 SD2 relating to natural SB 3053 SD2 relating to natural resources.

Bills: SB2613, SB2543, SB2398, SB2046, SB2800, SB2818, SB2973, SB2367, SB2907, SB3067, SB3053, SB2944, SB2074, SB2596

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise. Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system. The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you may know, Texas, we have more multi-billion dollar disasters than any other state. other state
• Whenever there's a disaster and the president declares a disaster isn't there federal funds that are
• available to help with the disaster? Well, that's a tricky question.
• Last year, we had two disasters, one come in April, one come in...
• When TETM comes, they can actually see the disaster that you're doing.

Bills: HB2034, HB2436, HB3010, HB3033, HB3138, HB3177, HB3426, HB3686, HB3858, HB4176, HB4257, HB4264, HB4804, HCR98

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Bills: HB 101, HB1819, HB1875, HB1965, HB2193, HB2914, HB3248, HB3354, HB3531, HB101

Keywords: Texas State Guard, task force, professionalization, state missions, critical infrastructure, veterans, veterans' affairs, mental health, community mental health, behavioral health, grant program, matching grant, non-state match, community services, family support, county population, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, public safety, homeland security

Bills: HB20, HB 120, HB20, HB120

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Bills: SB1333, SB1191, SB1439, SB1314, SB1509, SB1319, SB1346, SB1613

Keywords: water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels

Summary: The Oklahoma Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The session opened with prayer, followed by a gallery introduction recognizing the Convention of States Organization and related guests in the North Gallery for Capital Freedom Day and the 250th anniversary of the nation. The Senate also granted unanimous consent for an entourage to come to the floor. Senator Bullard presented a citation of valor honoring multiple law enforcement officers from Atoka County, Stringtown, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Tulsa Police Department for their response to a dangerous May 2025 incident involving a high-speed pursuit and armed confrontation. The citation praised their courage, coordination, and actions that helped protect civilians and resolve the situation safely. The Senate extended its gratitude to the officers, and members of law enforcement present were recognized on the floor. Several floor introductions and announcements followed, including recognition of a UCO student intern, Senator Alvord’s mother-in-law, and caucus and committee notices. Announcements included Republican caucus meeting plans, committee meetings for Business and Insurance and Energy, a Diabetes Caucus meeting, a Women’s Caucus social event, and a note that the Senate won the prior day’s blood drive competition. No legislation was debated or voted on, and the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• important expression and strategic move early on of our state's constitutional authority to protect our natural
• Chairman, we've heard a lot, and during the interim, we had at least one hearing on natural resources

Bills: SB209, SB529, SB1265, SB1592, SB1728, SCR37, SCR38

Keywords: SB 529, Texas Tax Code, municipality, hotel and convention center, hotel convention center project, tourism development, economic development, tax revenue pledge, revenue commitment, qualified project, municipal finance, local government, special district, hotel occupancy tax, nearby establishments, convention center financing, city population 130000, Section 351.155, Section 351.157, child care

Bills: SCR142, SCR39, SCR40, SCR83, SCR168, SCR96, SCR166, SCR172

Keywords: dust monitoring, public health, environmental quality, Waimanalo Gulch, air quality, particulate matter, community engagement, health risks, pollution mitigation, mattress stewardship, environmental protection, recycling, producer responsibility, solid waste management, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals. Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language. In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the Natural Resources Committee is called to order.

Bills: HB2029, HB2096, HB2116

Keywords: water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, cesspool remediation, cesspool replacement, forgivable principal, forgivable loan, wifa, water infrastructure finance authority, clean water revolving fund, drinking water revolving fund, wastewater infrastructure, on-site wastewater system, septic system, groundwater protection, public health, nonpoint source pollution, county water projects

Transcript Highlights:

• danger of groundwater contamination from seepage into local irrigation canals and things of that nature

Bills: SB290, SB2949

Keywords: LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, motor fuel, fuel transport, fuel export, transloading, export fuel transloading facility, fuel terminal, terminal operator, comptroller, Texas Tax Code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Department of Public Safety, DPS, border security, ports of entry