Transcript Highlights:

• And there's a class size minimum that was in last year's bill X73, but it...
• The House bill had some language statutorily defining how some of that worked, class size minimums.
• And we added, within the temporary provisions, you recall last year for the average class size...
• There were, like, the high school class size average, I believe it's 18 students.
• But exempted from that were things like terminal classes and advanced placement courses and others that

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you illustrate specifically what is happening by certain class? What is it—protected class?
• Protected class, what population are you talking about? Am I included there?
• So yes, you, sir, would be part of a protected class.
• Any voter can be part of a protected class as part of this bill. It's a race-neutral bill.
• vote in a way that is disparate and discriminatory and has a material disparate impact on protected class

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion. The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you illustrate specifically what is happening by certain class? What is it—protected class?
• Protected class, what population are you talking about? Am I included there?
• So yes, you, sir, would be part of a protected class.
• Any voter can be part of a protected class as part of this bill. It's a race-neutral bill.
• vote in a way that is disparate and discriminatory and has a material disparate impact on protected class

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a report, If the provider fails to provide a report that results in death, it can elevate it to a Class
• Class A misdemeanor. Yeah. It's a term of art. It is what a reasonable, right. Right.
• And if it results in the death of an individual, then it could be a Class E felony.
• It could be a Class E felony.
• Failure to report could result in a Class A misdemeanor. Correct.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted do pass on three bills: House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638. HB 2370 passed 13-9, HB 3278 passed 15-0, and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved to public testimony. Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Sen. Maggie Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are unable to voluntarily engage in treatment and are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters said it would help people remain stable in the community, reduce hospitalization and incarceration, and save state costs. The bill also includes a provision modifying notarization requirements for detention applications. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, and no opposition was offered. The committee also heard a presentation from SSM Health on the STARS program, which provides electronic emergency care plans for children with complex medical needs. Witnesses explained that the program is an EMS-based, physician-reviewed system used to improve information sharing and emergency response, with access free to EMS agencies and emergency providers, while hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. Members used the presentation to clarify that the program is distinct from the bill discussed previously in committee. House Bill 2903, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew, would change rules for county and district hospitals by limiting certain Sunshine Law disclosures, adjusting board qualifications, and aligning financial reporting deadlines with other political subdivisions. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would help publicly owned hospitals compete more fairly with private systems and reduce administrative burden; no opposition testified. House Bill 3379, sponsored by Rep. David Dolan, would expand the employee disqualification list and mandated reporting requirements for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including adding bank personnel and other first responders as reporters and creating penalties for failure to report. Supporters from DHSS and the Missouri Bankers Association said the bill addresses financial exploitation concerns, but bankers raised concerns about mandatory reporting for situations they may not know about and asked to continue working on the language. The committee took no final action on the public hearing bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• record that even though we are considering a malpractice repeal, I believe in Florida we have world-class
• After the Wrongful Death Act was enacted in 1990, an expansion was made to the class of survivors entitled
• And in this particular case, the question is whether the survivors are a class of people that should
• Well, I loved my 1L tort class very much, but I don't know that we have time for an entire history on
• And for the sake of the record, I did not like my tort class at all.

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults. Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability. After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, I think I was in a class to help that. Yeah, thank you. Oh yes, it is in the not a C.
• Part of our model also included uh using in-class DIBELS for informing instruction in our classrooms.
• And so, like last year, the kinder and first graders were together in a bilingual class.
• So right now, our, our class sizes are 14 in kindergarten.
• Uh, they were the youngest in their class. They just barely made the cut.

Transcript Highlights:

• am grateful for the provisions that prevent a student who has been removed from being returned to class
• without the teacher's consent or a return-to-class plan.
• A kid talking back, a kid talking back, a teacher having to manage that in a class of. like 20 to 30
• When a student initially acts up, because here's the thing, a kindergartner comes into class.
• What did we do, and what was the impact on those kids that were put out of class for disruption?

Bills: HB1022, HB2856, HB3114, HJR5, HB6, HB120, HB210, HB1458, HB1188, HB3126

Keywords: HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations

Transcript Highlights:

• Please welcome to the House of Representatives Petty Officer Second Class Pio Guth, whose hometown is
• Also, Machinery Technician Second Class Nathan Anthony, hailing from Bossier City, Texas.
• Then also from Texas, Friendswood, Texas, Electrician's Mate Second Class Nicholas Smith volunteered
• Machinery Technician Second Class George Chihara, also hailing from Lahaina, like Mr.
• machinery technician and second class machinery technician and second class George<00:31:10.919>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to describe to you are that kid that had a 3.2 GPA, had all their credits, even took AP classes
• Back in the day when I was in high school, we knew we had four absences, a class.”
• Back in the day when I was in high school, we knew we had four absences a class, and we would budget
• Our main concern was keeping the kid, student, in class and learning. And so I'll be honest.
• But the risk part in the AP classes, IB, career programs, all of that is questionable.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking. The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2. After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what specifically is disproportionately, I think, is what you said, affects the billionaire class?
• Chair, okay, so the billionaire class, the 10 to 15, you're saying that that affects them more?
• So were you referencing just Arizona billionaires, those 15 billionaires, or is it a larger class of
• And I know that because I come from a working-class district, and that's a common reality for so many
• Governor Hobbs, when she says she wanted middle class, that's 67% of this bill.

Bills: HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Cuts of services are driven by the effort to do tax conformity, not the middle-class tax cuts where we
• So what specifically is disproportionately, I think, is what you said, affects the billionaire class?
• So what specifically is disproportionately, I think, is what you said, affects the billionaire class?
• Chair, okay, so the billionaire class, the 10 to 15, you're saying that that affects them more?
• Governor Hobbs, when she says she wanted middle class, that's 67% of this bill.

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or dropping out, or sleeping on their friends with, ...rent or paying tuition, staying in class or
• Then there's a sexual violence and harassment training class, Assembly Bill 2683, that's mandatory.
• Someone who took a class here and there. We do this.
• Well, there are Cal Grants available for California students and also middle-class scholarships.
• So this is their pathway to the middle class, to living wage jobs.

Summary: The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee. The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 72nd class of the academy in 1974. 72nd class of the academy in 1974.
• Trooper First Class Retired Jacqueline Ringold Johnson, former Trooper Maria Barnett. trooper first class
• members of class number 73. members of class number 73.
• > Jacqueline Trooper first class retired Jacqueline Trooper first class retired Jacqueline Ringold
• <00:38:34.320> 8 repealed language authorizing class 8 repealed language authorizing class

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 38 members present and a quorum, then began with an invocation and several ceremonial introductions. The chamber recognized pioneering women of the Maryland State Police for Women’s History Month, including the original six female graduates and other firsts in the department, and also introduced the day’s doctor and a student intern. The Senate agreed to journalize the remarks honoring the Maryland State Police guests. The body then took up several Finance Committee bills, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection on Senate Bills 385, 387, 389, 753, 469, and 608, each of which was ordered printed for third reading. SB 385 concerns immunization, screening, and preventive-service recommendations and pharmacist administration; SB 387 restricts predatory pricing and use of personal data by food retailers and delivery services; SB 389 makes transit-oriented development changes; SB 753 addresses financial exploitation protections for seniors and vulnerable adults; SB 469 authorizes a Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund affordability program; and SB 608 requires coverage for pharmacogenomic testing. Senate Bill 626, dealing with birth certificate sex designation changes and related identification documents, was briefly set aside at the request of a senator seeking possible amendments, with the presiding officer agreeing to hold it until the next session. Senate Bill 739, a climate change, homeowners insurance, and emergency management study bill, was also introduced with one amendment and sparked debate over its scope and funding, including discussion of a $150,000 Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocation and whether the study would examine the General Assembly’s own climate policies. The transcript ends during that discussion, before any final action on SB 739.

Transcript Highlights:

• She can give you another example of 30 kids that were to go to their 20-year class reunion that couldn't
• She can give you another example of 30 kids that were to go to their 20-year class reunion that couldn't
• She can give you another example of 30 kids that were to go to their 20-year class reunion that couldn't
• These kids attended classes, they spent hours on their homework, they passed their exams, they had pep
• , not only for our membership but for others that want to take the class.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Saline, and those counties are our fourth-class counties that are going to be switched to third-class
• And those counties are fourth-class counties that are going to be switched to third-class counties.
• counties that were going to slide back to third-class counties.
• It's a Class E felony.
• So this again, Class E felony. I ask everybody's support of this bill.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 65th and 66th days, with the first journal approval passing by roll call 124-0. Members then offered several introductions recognizing interns and special guests, including a lengthy tribute to law enforcement officers who were wounded in the line of duty and the presentation of Capitol-flown flags to some of them. The chamber received committee reports from Fiscal Review recommending passage of several measures, including Senate Joint Resolution 87, Senate Bills 878 and 994, conference reports on House Bill 2818 and Senate Bill 973, and Senate Bill 1825. The House then took up House Bill 2818, a conference report dealing with annexation-related language for the St. Joseph Airport and added provisions affecting St. Charles and Jefferson counties. After debate about local control and development, the House approved the conference report 140-7 and then passed the bill 136-7. Members next considered Senate Bill 1825, which updates county salary commission schedules, removes sheriffs and prosecutors from salary commissions, and gives certain fourth-class counties additional time to transition to third-class status. After discussion about county pay, coroners, and local fiscal impacts, the House adopted the Senate substitute 109-35 and finally passed the bill 106-39. The House also approved House Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 87, the so-called constitutional sheriff resolution, after adopting a St. Louis City amendment clarifying the City of St. Louis sheriff provisions; the resolution passed 100-47. Finally, the House passed Senate Bill 878, which expands pharmacist authority for certain common ailments, emergency waivers, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with a House amendment adding blood pressure cuff and opioid-alternative language; it passed 132-13. Senate Bill 903, addressing theft and vandalism involving telecommunications and critical infrastructure, also passed 137-5. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings, noted additional bills to be considered upon return, and adjourned until May 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• interventions and de-escalation processes and procedures during that two-week phase class.
• And then in that phase class period, these individuals also receive a lot of what we call on-the-job
• Have y'all taken the training classes?
• Have you taken the restraint and the training classes that these HDCs take?
• DHS had said that they're going through all these trainings and everything and then CNA classes.

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended hearing on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. DHS officials Lori McDonald, Jennifer Brise, and Melissa Weatherton described the HDC system, staffing and resident needs, and said Moore died after being held in a prone restraint for about 13 minutes, followed by a delayed chemical restraint and delayed CPR. They said the family settled a wrongful death claim for $725,000, 13 staff were terminated, the facility leadership was changed, and at least five staff had been criminally charged, with the death certificate later described as homicide and the cause of death as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. Members pressed DHS on why the family was not kept informed, whether there was a written restraint protocol, how staff are trained, and why the agency did not have more complete information ready for the hearing. DHS said staff receive CPI restraint training, annual restraint training is mandatory, and a consultant is reviewing policies, retraining staff, and conducting a root cause analysis under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care. Legislators also raised broader concerns about low pay, staffing shortages, use of float and contract staff, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based care. DHS said it is working on a retention and recruitment plan and a rate report for certain PASS services, but that the PASS rate study does not cover CNA pay. Several members said the incident reflected both a failure of restraint practice and a broader staffing and oversight problem. DHS acknowledged that prone restraint should not have been used, that the chemical restraint was given at the wrong time, and that multiple breakdowns occurred in supervision, communication, and equipment use. The committee also discussed whether there should be more regular independent audits of HDC policies, and DHS said it does not currently have a separate annual policy audit beyond existing oversight. At the end of the meeting, the committee asked DHS to keep it updated on recruitment, consultant reports, and to contact Moore’s mother about the communication she had been promised. The meeting adjourned without any additional formal action beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means money that would go to the class.
• They're covering classes. They're selling preps.
• You know, I had three classes and a planning period all the time.
• If they're going to get shuffled classes, who's going to show up there?
• My teacher does fun activities for my class. Class, thank you for your time. Thank you, Ira.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, members, again, what an honor it is to have the Class A girls champions from Canute.
• But quickly, as our class came in and elected, there was a billion and a half deficit.
• Our class has served more... ...these last 10 years.
• Our class has served more special sessions than we have regular sessions to make sure that the state
• They are the Class C football runners-up and the academic state champions.

Bills: SB1365, SB2139, SB1595, SB1303, SB2180, SB2072, SB1772, SB1209, SB137, SB1944, SB372, SB1636, SB1256, SB1827, SB2104, SB1226, SB1876, SB1966, SB80, SB1148, SB1147, SB1149, SB1161, SB1162, SB1164, SB1159, SB1165, SB1174, SB1156, SB1158, SB1163, SB1175, SB1176, SB1166, SB1167, SB1157, SB1146, SB1481, SB1144, SB1145, SCR20

Keywords: SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including the Oklahoma Elks Lodge Association, Guthrie Day visitors, students from Sanger Ridge Elementary and Stillwater, and multiple honored guests and athletic teams. The chamber also heard a farewell speech from Representative Dale Kerbs reflecting on his 10 years in the House, his committee work, staff, family, and major policy changes during his tenure. A concurrent resolution recognizing the YMCA on its 175th anniversary was also adopted. The bulk of the meeting focused on a series of Senate bills carrying joint committee reports, many of them appropriations or retirement-related measures. The House passed bills providing COLAs or related benefit changes for judicial retirees (SB 1148), firefighters (SB 1147), police retirees (SB 1146), public employees (SB 1145), and teachers (SB 1144), along with a one-time stipend for a small group of retired police and firefighters who missed prior increases (SB 1149). Members asked questions about pension solvency, tiered COLA structures, and whether any bills reduced state contributions; the sponsors generally said the systems were stable or that future legislatures would retain oversight. The House also passed limits bills for the Health Care Authority (SB 1161), State Department of Health (SB 1162), Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (SB 1164), Department of Human Services (SB 1163), Public Safety (SB 1165), Agriculture (SB 1166), and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (SB 1175 and SB 1176). Several other measures were approved with little or no debate, including appropriations for remediation assistance (SB 1159), a Pardon and Parole Board pay increase (SB 1156), funding for the Office of Juvenile Affairs to ensure juveniles receive prescribed medication (SB 1158), a new OSBI cybercrimes and fraud unit (SB 1157), and OMES provisions for Pay for Success and a public contract-spending database (SB 1167). The House also passed a school bill adding 20 minutes of recess for K-5 students, with members joking about recess for legislators as well. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan margins, and several emergency clauses were adopted by the required two-thirds vote. The House then recalled HB 1933 from engrossing and enrolling and adjourned until Monday, April 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• advocate for this... ...across the state, really being an advocate for this, as I am of the working class
• Most of the secondary math preparation courses, the actual math classes, are the calculus and analytical
• not fair for the teachers that are currently in teacher preparation programs to add an additional class
• For the class of 2024, the problem compounded.
• Students in my class averaged two years of growth in math while I was in my class.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, in the process of trying to improve communication with the class council, the consultants, to
• issues and created all sorts of internal problems for those that worked in that building on 2000 classes
• I'll take responsibility for this: we're probably not communicating very well with our class consultants
• , with our class counsel, the AG.
• I think this next year I think is their first graduating class, maybe. And then, I had a question.

Keywords: 914, all