Transcript Highlights:

• ODOT does a great job with an eight-year plan, but we don't cooperate within various agencies and state
• O'Don does a great job with an eight-year plan, but we don't cooperate within various agencies and state
• Growth that we think will happen, including a vision not only for the state, but also for the Office
• And we've heard from cities across the state about those challenges.
• You know, I don't mind making investments that give us a return to our state.

Bills: SB1332, SB1378, SB1525, SB1771, SB1919, SB1998, SB2018, SB260, SB264

Keywords: housing, infrastructure, water projects, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, economic development, zero-interest loans, clawback provision, local contractors, Olympics, funding, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, local businesses, revolving fund, event hosting, SB1525, tourism, recreation, conference, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission

Summary: The Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several bills related to infrastructure planning, tourism, housing, workforce data, and event incentives. The chair also announced committee procedures, including a request that amendments be submitted 24 hours in advance and a decision to lay over Senate Bill 264. Senator Mann presented SB 260, creating the Oklahoma Infrastructure Long Range Planning Commission within the Department of Commerce to coordinate long-term infrastructure planning across state, local, tribal, and utility stakeholders; it passed 8-1. Senator Frix presented SB 1525, allowing the Department of Tourism and Recreation to contract with private entities for an annual statewide tourism and recreation conference up to $75,000; it passed 9-0. Senator Kirt presented SB 1332, aimed at helping cities address housing growth and infrastructure needs through a one-time pot of low- or no-interest loans for water, sewer, and storm sewer projects; it passed 8-1. Senator Coleman presented SB 1998, which would expand the Quality Events Act so smaller communities can define qualifying events and use program funds for items such as equipment; members discussed whether the bill would support existing or new events, and it passed 9-0. Chairwoman Thompson presented SB 1771, authorizing the Oklahoma Workforce Commission to collect workforce development funding and expenditure metrics from agencies and to hire outside counsel when needed because of data-collection workload; it passed 9-0. She also presented SB 1378, creating the Olympics and Oklahoma revolving fund, with discussion that funding requests would later go through the budget process; it passed 9-0. Thompson then presented SB 1919, increasing the cumulative inducement limit in the Oklahoma Tourism Development Act from $30 million to $60 million. She said the current cap is being reached and that the program supports projects that generate sales tax revenue and visible community development, while members asked for more detail on prior uses and program outcomes; it passed 9-0. Finally, SB 2018 was laid over because amendments were not ready in time. The committee adjourned after noting the meeting moved quickly.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as Psalms 28:7 states Thank you for your unwavering support.
• The Convention of States Organization and its members are here celebrating Capital Freedom Day and the
• Tom Coburn resolution for an Article 5 Convention of States.
• They're also, with them today is the Convention of States Oklahoma team.
• We have founder Mark Meckler, volunteer state director Becky Wolf, Patriot Academy Oklahoma coach and

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.

Bills: HB 1106, HB 3284, HB 541, HB 713, HB 1403, HB 1586, HB 1942, HB 2070, HB 2844, HB 2851, HB 3151, HB 3749, HB 3940, HB 3963, HB 4454, HB 4466, HB 4795, HB 5154, HB 5394, SB 1357, HB 1052, HB 4099, HB 4638, HB 5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Bills: HB 1106, HB 3284, HB 541, HB 713, HB 1403, HB 1586, HB 1942, HB 2070, HB 2844, HB 2851, HB 3151, HB 3749, HB 3940, HB 3963, HB 4454, HB 4466, HB 4795, HB 5154, HB 5394, SB 1357, HB 1052, HB 4099, HB 4638, HB 5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• “Which states?” “Colorado, California.
• The states are New York, Minnesota, California, are the states that have, and Colorado, that have adopted
• other states are nipping at our heels here.
• So we're going to invest in the state.
• Putting this at this place, this structure isn't committing us as a state to state money, but it gives

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering SB 715 and then voting out several measures. The committee substitute for SB 1978 was reported favorably, and HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 were all reported favorably, many with objections sent to the local and uncontested calendar. HB 1522 and HB 4238 were adopted as committee substitutes before passage. The committee then moved into public testimony on HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. Supporters argued it would reduce waste, lower costs, and help independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information on fair terms, while opponents said the bill was too broad and the automotive MOU exemption was problematic. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 2467, which would align State Fire Marshal Office investigators’ pay with other commissioned peace officers at TDI; testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the office’s arson-investigation role, and the bill was left pending. HB 252, a bill allowing certain state agencies flexibility to pay Schedule A employees twice monthly, was laid out and left pending after limited testimony. HB 2468, dealing with public improvement district notice in real estate transactions, would let buyers terminate within seven days if required PID notice was not provided before contract execution; it drew no public testimony and was left pending. HB 4386, an annuity exchange and surrender process bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure with deadlines and penalties for insurer delays; it received support from industry witnesses and was left pending. The committee then heard HB 4751, creating the Texas Quantum Initiative within the Governor’s Office to coordinate quantum research, workforce, industry partnerships, and possible future grant funding. Witnesses from universities and industry supported the bill, while several senators questioned whether a new state structure was necessary; the bill was left pending. HJR 175 proposed a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ right to use mutually agreed forms of exchange, including cash, bullion, digital currency, or private script, and was discussed at length in the context of central bank digital currency and barter; it was left pending after testimony. HB 2221, updating insurance anti-rebating laws to allow wellness and value-added services, drew supportive testimony from the insurance industry and discussion about incentives versus monitoring; it was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard a series of utility wildfire and infrastructure bills: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain electrical infrastructure near well sites; HB 144, requiring electric utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing self-insurance under certain conditions. Utility, insurance, and cooperative witnesses generally supported the wildfire-related bills while asking for clarifications and less burdensome reporting, and the bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Which states?” “Colorado, California.
• It has to do with how state workers are paid.
• And this is hopefully one step forward for the state.
• So we're going to invest in the state.
• Putting this at this place, this structure, isn't committing us as a state to state money, but it gives

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do want to also state that the stakeholders worked very hard on this committee substitute.
• And the closing sentence says other states, like Florida... Make sure your mic is on. Oh, yeah.
• So the letter says other states like.
• And we're compelling them, or they can't then participate in a trial that crosses state lines.
• And so that is why these other states really understand this.

Bills: SB315, SB584, SB1228, SB1484, SB1860, SB1802

Keywords: DNA privacy, genetic privacy, genetic testing, genetic material, DNA ownership, property right in DNA, genetic consent, biological sample, genomics, genetic data, HIPAA, health information privacy, health care provider, research ethics, human subjects research, law enforcement DNA, forensic DNA, paternity testing, medical examiner, genetic discrimination

Transcript Highlights:

• States are losing slots all over, and our state is no different.
• I stated at the beginning.
• but are temporarily out of state.
• But I would think most states would, because of course this is a problem that would come up in states
• You have a child who's a resident of one state, and then they are out of state temporarily.

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• the same in other states.
• They will, if they have a multi-state license from another state when they're stationed in Texas, not
• In many states, we find that compact legislation and universal licensure offer different pathways, both
• They move from state to state.
• I could work in that state.

Bills: HB589, HB705, HB1842, HB1874, HB2349, HB2614, HB2827, HB3012, HB3214, HB3308, HB3385, HB3529

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent

Transcript Highlights:

• The other half would be a state cost.
• and how many states.
• and how many states.
• and how many states.
• /c><01:48:21.000><c> represent</c> states and how many states represent states and how many states represent

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• Have in the state.
• </c><00:26:53.080><c> budget</c> budget if our entire state budget budget if our entire state budget
• across the state.
• </c> poverty line for the state poverty line for the state um<00:42:29.160><c> and</c><00:42:29.319><
• Entire state.

Bills: HF2148, HF2693, HF2542, HF1141, HF1770, HF1489, HF1709, HF244, HF1266, HF807, HF2619, HF1340

Keywords: affordable housing, local control, revolving loan fund, community partnerships, Minnesota housing policy, housing, locally controlled housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, housing infrastructure bonds, state bonds, bonding bill, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness, veterans housing, senior housing, manufactured home parks, community land trust, single-family housing, multifamily housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Local entities across the state and some $1.9 billion at the state level.
• This includes taxing entities across the state and some $3.5 billion at the state level.
• other states are doing.
• A total of 22 states are involved.
• state and federal 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

Transcript Highlights:

• Township this state investment of $14 Township this state investment of $14 million<00:13:13.760><c>
• </c><00:17:32.600><c> your</c> representative Hudson please state your representative Hudson please state
• </c><00:36:30.280><c> of</c> standards handed down by the state of standards handed down by the state
• </c> Minnesota River to meet the state Minnesota River to meet the state chloride<00:37:36.200><c> and
• States the case that the state needs to States the case that the state needs to be<01:36:22.480><c> a

Bills: HF343, HF446, HF448, HF674, HF811, HF832, HF1661, HF1528, HF1536, HF1541, HF1670, HF1438, HF1714, HF1748, HF1835, HF1904, HF1929, HF1942

Keywords: HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sense adjustment we can make in State sense adjustment we can make in State Statute<00:02:07.880
• </c><00:04:20.040><c> and</c> veteran eligibility for state and veteran eligibility for state and federal
• Several other states have implemented a state-level CCAP anti-kickback law, and so we modeled this on
• what other states have done.
• It allows, and even encourages, a state agency to disregard state law regarding processing licensing

Bills: HF1662, HF2115, HF2159, HF1095, HF2160

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm thinking my top two colleges are Wheaton University and Taylor or Wheaton College and Taylor University
• I'm paging under Boss, Senator Roland Peterson, and next year I plan on going to Oklahoma State University
• I'm paging for Senator Howard and my future plans are to attend Oklahoma State University.
• Uh, Senate Bill 2159 will make wheat the official crop of the state of Oklahoma.
• were developed in Oklahoma State University.

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284, SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778, SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155, SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618, SB2106, SB1471, SB2139, SB2154, SB1619, SCR15, HB2786, HB2787, SB1525, SB2011, SB2159

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Transcript Highlights:

• “My top two colleges are Wheaton University and Taylor, or Wheaton College and Taylor University.
• I’m paging under boss man Senator Roland Peterson, and next year I plan on going to Oklahoma State University
• I’m paging for Senator Howard, and my future plans are to attend Oklahoma State University.
• Kayla Davis, who’s the Assistant Director of Recruitment at Oklahoma State University.
• were developed in Oklahoma State University.

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284, SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778, SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155, SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618, SB2106, SB1471, SB2139, SB2154, SB1619, SCR15, HB2786, HB2787, SB1525, SB2011, SB2159

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the nurse of the day, Michelle Bradshaw, along with several gallery guests and pages. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 15, recognizing February 24 as World Spay Day to highlight pet overpopulation and the importance of spay and neuter programs; the resolution was adopted without debate. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 2786, a supplemental appropriation of $19,660,770 for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to close out FY25 and cover statutory and contractual obligations, including Medicaid/Title 19-related payments. Senator Kurt raised repeated concerns that the supplemental did not restore funding for substance use providers, uncompensated care, or crisis services that had been cut or left unpaid, while Senator Rosino argued the bill only covered amounts the state was legally required to pay and reflected the department’s verified needs. The Joint Committee report was adopted, and HB 2786 passed 38-10 and was then passed as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Bill 2787, a supplemental for the State Department of Health tied to legacy contracts associated with “Choosing Childbirth,” despite criticism from Senator Kurt that the money could have gone to direct mental health services. The chamber then advanced and passed Senate Bill 1525, raising the threshold for the Tourism and Recreation Department to contract with private entities for a tourism conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and Senate Bill 2011, adding contracted employees of county detention facilities to a protected class list. Senate Bill 2159, designating wheat as the official state crop, also passed. The Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So everything's cost-neutral for insurance premiums on the state and the private side?
• So hopefully... ...behavioral crisis, it is a savings to the state.
• I would state that the first fiscal note had 20 and 50 percent, I believe, on that.
• I'm pretty positive the health plans aren't suffering at all under the state.
• It's like the state general fund and the OGB fund balance.

Bills: HB12, HB145, HB222, HB291, HB430, HB821, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB979, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Oklahoma or the United States that later become adversaries to us.
• So, if those if the United States government would designate a country on that list, that.
• Of deviates a little bit in talking about state purchases of software.
• Was designed specifically for use in the state of.
• But from that perspective, as you also know, currently, every single county in the state of Oklahoma

Bills: HCR1030, HB1370, SB893, SB2, SB1589

Keywords: legislative procedure, session calendar, deadline schedule, bill deadlines, joint resolution, Oklahoma Legislature, 61st Legislature, regular session, adjourn sine die, floor deadline, third reading, committee deadlines, bill drafting, appropriations, budget bills, ethics commission, agency rules, administrative procedures act, local and special laws, pension legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• And on top of that, having three state championship teams, he's also had three state runner-up teams
• Members, please join me in congratulating the 2026 Class 3A Girls' State Championship and Academic State
• Ladies, from a fellow Class 3A State Champion Golfer and Academic State Champion Golfer, congratulations
• I stand here today as a state representative and a veteran.
• Are you referring to the state fuel tax or the federal? The state, if you excuse me.

Bills: HCR1030, HB1370, SB893, SB2, SB1589

Keywords: legislative procedure, session calendar, deadline schedule, bill deadlines, joint resolution, Oklahoma Legislature, 61st Legislature, regular session, adjourn sine die, floor deadline, third reading, committee deadlines, bill drafting, appropriations, budget bills, ethics commission, agency rules, administrative procedures act, local and special laws, pension legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• In the state of Washington, Juliana Leon died of a heat stroke.
• We've heard several states.
• No one in this state has made such a claim, and I doubt anyone in this state...
• No one in this state has made such a claim, and I doubt anyone in this state, city, parish, whatever,
• We would also like to see the bill amended to state that any litigation... ...amended to state that any

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.