Transcript Highlights:

• God. ...obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma
• This is a big step forward for my community, our community in South Oklahoma City, and so I don't want
• Oklahoma City, and so I don't want to take it lightly. This is not a small thing for me.
• In a community like South Oklahoma City that is so disengaged in the political realm... ...City that
• The people in the community of South Oklahoma City are so worth all the work it takes to make sure that

Summary: The transcript captures the ceremonial swearing-in of Sam Wargin Grimaldo as State Representative for Oklahoma House District 92. Representative Melissa Provenzano introduced the event, welcomed family, community supporters, and legislators, and noted the significance of the day for the House Democratic Caucus and the South Oklahoma City community. Justice Gorge administered the oath, after which Grimaldo thanked attendees and spoke about the importance of the moment, emphasizing community support, civic participation, and his commitment to accessible, accountable representation for South Oklahoma City. After the oath, the speakers discussed taking photos, signing the Certificate of Election, and inviting attendees to light refreshments sponsored by the Latino Caucus and House Democrats. No legislation was debated and no formal votes were taken; the only official action was the swearing-in and certification of the new representative.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as you stated, I'm an educator.
• We know that access to post-secondary education, whether it's higher education or something else, does
• They're earning this education.
• The only thing that we can continue to do for them is allow them to keep getting an education, an education
• Education should never be a barrier.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of the special order report for the day. The chamber then moved into a special-order agenda focused almost entirely on immigration-related measures, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The memorial was adopted 85-27 after brief debate, with supporters arguing Florida should help maximize federal immigration enforcement and opponents saying Congress, not the state, should fix immigration policy. The House next took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses for illegal entry and reentry by adult unauthorized aliens and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members debated constitutional concerns, due process, racial profiling, fiscal impacts, and whether the bill intruded on federal immigration authority. Several amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to extend protections to Venezuelans with TPS, to remove the mandatory death penalty, to protect certain long-term immigrant workers and teachers, to expand exemptions for Haitians and humanitarian parole recipients, and to create a task force on best practices for immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive locations. A final amendment to strip the bill as unconstitutional was also rejected. The bill then passed 85-29. The final measure discussed was Senate Bill 2C, which creates a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establishes grants and incentive bonuses for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, repeals the fee waiver for undocumented students beginning July 1, 2025, and appropriates more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as a broad enforcement package, while questions from members focused on the impact on current students who receive in-state tuition and whether the bill would remove incentives for those already enrolled. The transcript ends during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• or the SNAP program.
• Dental hygienists, though, must be licensed and are required to graduate from an educational program
• programming, also therapeutic programs like cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Vocational programs, treatment, and education programs have been shown to reduce risk. recidivism.
• Every day we're finding people who do not know of our program. program.

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs, this Israeli program, Okay, and which one do you want me to start with, sir?
• program to help detect screw worm injuries in cattle.
• However, I think the better the education.
• We have about a hundred full-time staff in that program.
• And so that's why the educational part is so critical.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Conservative leaders across the country are prioritizing education scholarship account programs like
• Programs such as the Alligator Scholarship have helped to bridge that educational gap just in the past
• the SSP program were submitted and approved annually by the Department of Education and are now not
• Gator program for previous S.S.P. the Department of Education and are now not permitted under the LA
• I'd like to share how this program allows parents to be in the driver's seat of their child's education

Summary: The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests. The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students. A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two programs already exist.
• My question is: do you think something like the CEA program, the earthquake program, if we had something
• Utility infrastructure?
• South Carolina, North Carolina, Oklahoma is just starting their program with more money.
• We just have the seed money to start the program. But these programs... Have money yet.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on me and lost all faith, and I was sent to a Job Corps program in Massachusetts.
• I also run our first diversion program in Maine for sex buyers.
• 02:27:04.920> Thunder with his father at an Oklahoma Thunder with his father at an Oklahoma Thunder
• Oklahoma I see her daily on a zoom group Oklahoma I see her daily on a zoom group that<02:27:48.520><
• <02:40:38.399> and for one another you can only educate and for one another you can only educate

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Literally, if we were to pass this bill, we could possibly beat Texas in Oklahoma or in Louisiana.
• in Oklahoma or in Louisiana. in Oklahoma or in Louisiana.
• and our water quality programs, and at a minimum we would have a 30-day public comment period.
• So I'll stand for any questions on where our project is. uses existing infrastructure, uses existing
• infrastructure, and<00:42:11.119> it<00:42:11.599> really,<00:42:12.160> really<

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The same was true in Oklahoma. So what is this bill actually targeting?
• years zero the same was true in Oklahoma years zero the same was true in Oklahoma so<00:07:50.240
• The program serves male students from Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax, and Wilson counties.
• and fostered a nurturing educational and fostered a nurturing educational environment<08:00:14.200
• <08:02:22.240> their through the mentors Care Program their through the mentors Care Program

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for working so diligently with us to address
• that the speed limit is 65 miles or more, that center line is 150 yards from a school zone, the Oklahoma
• having that data sheet to protect Oklahoma motorists on the road?
• And it's a very simple bill that's just to protect our citizens of the state of Oklahoma.
• Because it's an important entity in Oklahoma. Is our salary in line with what it needs to be?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with that, Senator Green, you are recognized to present the nomination of Ted Perry to serve on the Oklahoma
• Senator Standridge, you are recognized to present the nomination of Thomas George to serve on the Oklahoma
• Members, Senior Chief Thomas George has been appointed to the Oklahoma Veteran's Commission.
• For me, it's the American dream to serve and to serve veterans in the great state of Oklahoma.
• We have a wonderful commission at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans, and we have made that deliberately

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• culturally responsive education.
• a program here.
• Education at UNM by spending a number of semesters at an HBCU. It's a wonderful program.
• Of course, we've got one of our HBCUs, our program That we use for Black education that is in progress
• So I hope that the program that you're working on—your literacy program, your work with the Black Education

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, that's what they're making money off of from programs that are clinically unproven.
• To tell a really wonderful story, one of the physicians on the Oklahoma Medical Board, because all of
• As I mentioned, Oklahoma just changed it; I believe Florida is soon to as well.
• Oklahoma or Louisiana, or yes, correct.
• These sorts of incentive programs, like waiving or reducing...

Bills: SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422

Keywords: healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care

Transcript Highlights:

• In certain auctions, if they are, you know, complicated, if there are infrastructure needs, they are
• State trust lands, primarily the 8 million acres dedicated to K-12 public education, must be managed
• They are essential infrastructure that keeps our lights on and our energy costs down.
• It's a fiduciary duty to maximize profit to education and the other beneficiaries of the trust.
• So it's valuable for the for the state land trust and education.

Bills: HB2150, HB2262, HB2267, HB2268, HB2351, HB2425, HB2426, HB2427, HB2755, HB2781, HB2913, HB2943, HB2956, HB2975, HB2985, HB4009

Keywords: state land department, mineral lease, renewals, indexed royalties, land use planning, auditor general, five-year plans, geospatial data, Arizona Geological Survey, resource analysis, geographic information systems, wildlife protection, public nuisance, renewable energy, wind farm, solar farm, residential property, public health, local regulations, state land

Transcript Highlights:

• A local public education program targeted to gay and bisexual men, who account for approximately two-thirds
• , hiring in education.
• You would not have a diverse educational system.
• , hiring an education.
• So my concern last year was really, you know, the SBA has loan programs, SBA 7(a) programs where they

Bills: S0484, S0698, S0706, S0968, S1118, S1122, S1134, S1320, S1342, S1548, S1614

Keywords: data centers, large load customer, large-scale data center, electric utility, public utility tariff, Florida Public Service Commission, FPSC, water permit, consumptive use permit, reclaimed water, groundwater, surface water, water management district, DEP, OPPAGA, economic development, land use, comprehensive plan, zoning, ratepayer protection

Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, utility, and transparency bills. SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations, by Sen. Rouson, was presented as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act for transit corridors. After adopting an amendment that removed the bill’s compelling-governmental-interest language in enforcement provisions, the committee heard testimony from local-government and housing interests both supporting and opposing the bill’s zoning preemption approach. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 1614, by Sen. Leek, which was amended to remove stormwater and code-enforcement spending provisions and to tighten restrictions on local governments seeking state appropriations after audits or without required affirmations. SB 1548, the next Live Local Act iteration by Sen. Claddie Ude, was also reported favorably; it expands where Live Local projects may be located and adds fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems, by Sen. McLean, was reported favorably after testimony from builders and energy-related stakeholders, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments to refine permit provisions. The committee then approved CS/SB 698, by Sen. Martin, which allows building permits for single-family homes to be issued before septic permits are finalized if application has been made, while still requiring septic approval before occupancy. Builders testified that septic permit delays were causing lengthy project delays and contract cancellations. The committee also reported favorably SB 1320, by Sen. Martin, requiring county tax-increase referenda to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available; the sponsor said the goal was to give voters more standardized fiscal information, while opponents argued existing law already provides similar transparency. SB 484, by Sen. Avila, on data centers, was reported favorably after an amendment adding a knowledge requirement to the foreign-country-of-concern service prohibition; the bill addresses local planning authority, nondisclosure agreements, utility tariff requirements, and water-use limits for large data centers. The committee also reported favorably SB 1118, by Sen. Avila, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center location and proprietary information, with testimony split between economic-development supporters and transparency concerns. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, by Sen. Mayfield, preempting naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designating Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark conditions; it was reported favorably after questions about local input and airport naming. The committee then heard extensive public testimony on SB 1134, by Sen. Yarbrough, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI and would create penalties and a private right of action for residents. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded DEI programs and cited examples from Jacksonville and other jurisdictions; opponents said the bill was vague, overbroad, and would chill local programs, public education, and civil-rights-related activities. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on SB 1134, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And fourth, the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program.
• Some of the suggestions we have mentioned include converting the program into a loan program and putting
• Programs at the company.
• So, a session ago, we were looking to pass a low to no interest loan program just to encourage new programs
• Across 38 different programs, there are 203 license types.

Bills: HB 11, HB 14, HB 132, HB 1584, HB 1606, HB 5061, HB 1041, HB 2286

Keywords: licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, why is a state program important?
• Some of the things that we have suggested, as I mentioned, are converting the program into a loan program
• So a session ago, we were looking to pass a low-to-no-interest loan program just to encourage new programs
• If it were a loan program or something like that, it'd be different. Thank you.
• I believe the current number is 203, over 38 different programs. 38 different programs, 203 license types

Bills: HB132, HB 11, HB14, HB132, HB1584, HB1606, HB5061, HB 1041, HB2286

Keywords: nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified. The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• this is a bill we heard previously relating to the Texas Farm Bureau and Ranch Lands Conservation Program
• associate judges. served on numerous Supreme Court and legislative task forces, and continues to educate
• It plays a central role in highlighting the legacy of Juneteenth through powerful exhibitions, education
• June 19th is honored, not just in the... one day, but every day through our public art, through our education
• Members, the Texas Almanac has become part of our state's educational and civic foundation.

Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're doing is a program called Safer Together, where a veteran... called Safer Together, where
• We do not have a gun safe storage program in the state of Alabama.
• This program is designed to be confidential, voluntary, and temporary, and also to protect our Second
• They feel like their sons would still be alive had this program been in place at that point.
• Infrastructure projects, again, everything goes right, that's fine.

Bills: SB36, SB39, SB40, SB12, SB29, SB121, SB131, SB12

Keywords: competitive bidding, procurement, disclosure statements, state contracts, contract protest, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the, uh, types of rangers that are that this would be appropriate for is all educational groups,
• So other states have this in place, at least for Oklahoma has a license plate, but the, the governor
• So the one for, for Oklahoma is pending, I guess I would say.
• Experiences that they get, the education opportunities that they have.
• So it's, yeah, good program. Thank you. Thank you, Dean Lopez. Members, any other questions?