Transcript Highlights:

• These are literacy coaches that are actually training the reading. Specialists within the district.
• The literacy coaches are in 132 school districts.
• You can ask any of the teachers who have benefited from the hands-on coaching of our literacy coaches
• The way that literacy instruction is delivered to our students.
• Target those gaps and making sure that all kids receive the gift of literacy in the state of Oklahoma

Bills: SB1521, SB372, SB1232, SB1307, SB1338, SB1390, SB1451, SB1463, SB1558, SB1567, SB1595, SB1621, SB1734, SB1749, SB1827, SB1833, SB1991, SB1992, SB63, SB2063, SB2180, SB1198, SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Transcript Highlights:

• One is involving the financial literacy course. The course itself is excellent.
• Hispanic business owners, women business owners, and I came back home, and I looked it up on the computer

Summary: The conference committee met to discuss the Senate’s second budget offer and its first offer on SB 7030. The chair said the budget proviso and back-of-bill offers were continuing to close out remaining issues, and explained the Senate’s approach to the new academic accelerated option supplement in the FEFP as restoring about 80% of prior weighted FTE funding for acceleration options other than dual enrollment, citing existing statutory requirements and the different cost structure of dual enrollment. Senator Gates then presented the Senate’s modified SB 7030 offer, saying the bill was intended to address problems tracking roughly 23,000 students moving among public schools, private schools, and homeschooling, and to better ensure funding follows students correctly. He said the offer would preserve key parts of SB 7030 while making changes such as extending the fall application window, delaying some spring-term documentation, modifying background screening requirements, and allowing the commissioner to extend deadlines in extenuating circumstances. The offer also kept the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program as a separate FEFP categorical, expanded the Education Stabilization Fund, created fall and spring application windows, required enrollment cross-checks and student IDs, changed scholarship payments to monthly with front-loaded options, and required scholarship funding organizations to return funds tied to Auditor General FTE audit findings. A public commenter, a longtime teacher from Daytona Beach, urged that the financial literacy course be taught at a later grade level, such as 11th or 12th grade, and suggested a system of diverse guest speakers in classrooms to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to consider business ownership. No questions were raised from the committee after the Senate offer, and no vote was taken. The vice chair said the House would take the offer back for review, and the chair announced there would likely be one more meeting with a one-hour notice before the meeting adjourned by motion without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if I am teaching a computer science class and I've got to test my kids on what I think they need to
• There's this phrase called assessment literacy, which is pretty wonky, but it is like, does a teacher
• say that when states typically change their assessment systems, if they don't get that assessment literacy
• His level of literacy was insufficient. His numeracy was similar.

Bills: SB8, SB 8

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and teaches critical research and and teaches critical research and information<00:09:02.240> literacy
• information literacy skills. information literacy skills.
• <00:26:27.919> and<00:26:28.159> audiovisisual electronic computer and audiovisisual
• electronic computer and audiovisisual equipment<00:26:30.080> and<00:26:30.720> um<00:
• They foster a love for literature, guide students in research, and provide essential digital literacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for instance, in areas of IT and many of our computer science backgrounds, you will see that the
• and perhaps more important, we had to significantly scale back our supplemental early childhood literacy
• That early childhood literacy program is designed to better understand how adding this type of supplemental
• But if the plan had been to use multiple early Literacy programs, and I think we went out and did a state
• Significantly scaled back the online early childhood literacy program, already significantly scaled back

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Restricted access harms literacy. It weakens markets and reduces consumer welfare.
• Restricted access harms<00:10:30.480> literacy.
• It weakens markets and harms literacy.
• I'm just waiting for my computer to wake up. So, um, it has my notes and such.
• I'm just waiting for my computer sorry.

Bills: HF3698, HF4243, HF4239, HF4241, HF4242, HF4240

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, campaign finance, elections, political contributions, disclosure, reporting thresholds, economic interest statements, financial disclosure, ethics, public officials, local officials, metropolitan governmental unit, metropolitan area, candidate filings, principal campaign committee, political committee

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to the technical training programs, we offer literacy programs, high school diploma programs
• They come to us generally with a 5th grade equivalency level in literacy, so it is quite important that
• which is a re-entry initiative where we are teaching technology skills to the clients, how to use a computer
• been incarcerated prior to coming to us for 20 or 30 years, and they've never used a tablet or a computer

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the literacy center that is currently in design, that has a budget of $30 million and that's
• I was wondering if you could provide an update on the literacy center and the STEM Institute.
• Chair and Representative Dixon, the Literacy Center right now is currently in design.
• Chair, Representative Dixon, the Literacy Center focused on literacy and the STEAM Institute focuses
• STEM Institute, it's going to be maybe next door to the literacy Institute.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within this task force, we have subgroups who are, uh, really looking at AI literacy and how AI fits
• When you say AI literacy, who is this for?
• and how AI fits within at AI literacy and how AI fits within the<01:39:06.880> curriculum.
• resources um to increase AI literacy resources um to increase AI literacy um<01:41:11.920> and
• For just the literacy, who is this for?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a result of that, we had the Computer Science Commission.
• So what we did was structure our computer science standards.
• That's a really long time when it comes to computer science.
• work, and our digital literacy work.
• And so in our computer science standards, we'll have these AI competencies.

Summary: The committee met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first heard a presentation from Superintendent Cade Brumley on Louisiana’s recent education scorecard, which showed the state ranked first nationally in reading growth, second in math growth, and first overall in academic growth from 2022 to 2026. Members praised teachers and the department for the results. The committee then deferred SB 507 at the author’s request. The committee reported several bills favorably. SB 484 by Sen. Abraham, as amended, transfers selected duties from the Board of Regents to university management boards and Louisiana Works, adjusts authority over certain higher-education initiatives, creates a study of LUMCON’s placement, and adds financial reporting and early-warning requirements for universities. SB 157 by Sen. Jenkins, as amended, creates six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 employees for birth, adoption, or fostering, with a reimbursement fund subject to appropriation; testimony emphasized family support, recruitment and retention, and health benefits. SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requires human trafficking prevention and victim-identification training in schools and updates coordination and service language; the amendment made implementation subject to appropriation and clarified the governor’s office role. The committee also reported SB 450 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requiring mandatory reporting of school threats and physical security assessments, with student witnesses and members stressing school safety and the need for funding and practical security measures. SB 132 by Sen. Klein-Peter, as amended, requires exterior master key boxes and updated school mapping data for emergency response, with an amendment exempting districts already using such boxes. Finally, Rep. Carver presented HR 251 on recess for K-3 students, citing Oklahoma’s expanded recess law and research on physical activity and learning, but said he would keep the resolution parked for further discussion rather than seek a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• literacy instruction to all students. literacy instruction to all students.
• structured literacy. structured literacy.
• regional literacy network staff. regional literacy network staff.
• <01:03:43.120> literacy evidence-based structured literacy evidence-based structured literacy
• bill and and should improve literacy. bill and and should improve literacy.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Literacy and math. We've done a lot to invest in literacy.
• They will help us really target our efforts in math and literacy.
• , we made substantial goals in literacy.
• We have literacy, math, all that. But I think that part is still missing.
• And that's at the root of literacy Books are getting distributed.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1579 expands a pilot program to connect law enforcement records management systems and computer-aided
• Nobody does anything but the computer.
• It's all done through our software system and our computer systems. Mr. Chairman. Yes, ma'am. Mr.

Bills: SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The committee first approved its February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the state general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funds for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, and city/town police departments. Testimony from the sponsor, Flagstaff’s mayor, Eloy’s police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff emphasized faster records access, better coordination, and officer safety; an amendment added $125,900 for the Scottsdale Police Department after it had been omitted. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting. The committee next considered SB 1581, which appropriates about $1.4 million from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepperball equipment and about $1.316 million for public safety training simulators, with an amendment increasing the Nogales Police Department’s pepperball allocation and expanding simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Supporters from Navajo County, Phoenix, Glendale, Flagstaff, and Cochise County described pepperball as a de-escalation tool and simulators as important for crisis-response and use-of-force training. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote. SB 1673 was heard next and would appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, exempting the appropriation from lapsing. The sponsor and law enforcement witnesses said the automated notification system has improved victim communication, reduced workload, and sent millions of updates; committee members asked about funding sources and why a bill is needed for a constitutionally mandated program. The committee approved SB 1673 without amendment on a 7-0 vote. The committee also heard SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request, while requiring redaction or withholding of sensitive information such as victim data, minors’ information, medical or counseling records, active investigations, and confidential informants, and creating a process for written denials and court appeals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to increase transparency and data access, while witnesses raised concerns about risk-assessment language and confidential information; the sponsor said amendments would be brought later to clarify those provisions. The committee passed SB 1544 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, SB 1376, creating a civic leadership development special plate and fund for a youth mentoring nonprofit, passed unanimously, and SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to prevent runaway youth exploitation and improve investigations, also passed after testimony from Queen Creek officials and police; one senator voted no, citing concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation. The committee then began hearing SB 1504, a pension bill modifying retirement dates and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel, with supporters arguing it would improve recruitment and retention and opponents warning it would create significant unfunded liabilities, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Bills: SB456, SB826, SB872, SB957, SB993, SB1660, SB2017, SB2611, SB2785, SB2794, SB442

Keywords: human organs, criminal penalties, physician license, medical ethics, illegal trade, SB 826, Texas, DWI, driving while intoxicated, intoxicated driving, school crossing zone, school zone, reduced speed limit, traffic safety, child safety, pedestrian safety, felony DWI, state jail felony, Penal Code Section 49.04, Transportation Code Section 541.302

Transcript Highlights:

• quantum computer.
• It takes 6 seconds to compute and what a computer would do in 47 years.
• quantum computer.
• It takes 6 seconds to compute and what a computer would do in 47 years.
• quantum computer.

Bills: HF1392, HF2233, HF695, HF2228, HF1289

Keywords: consumer protection, restitution, attorney general, consumer enforcement, unclaimed funds, victim compensation, settlement funds, special revenue fund, general fund, restitution account, consumer fraud, state treasury, eligible consumers, distribution of funds, tax subtraction, income tax, refund, unpaid compensation, Minnesota Department of Revenue, consumer redress

Transcript Highlights:

• Those numbers don't compute, if you know what I'm talking about.
• I'm trying to communicate my literacy right here.
• We have campuses that are leading the way as it relates to structured literacy.
• They need to have the opportunity to become computer programmers and work in AI.
• The belief in structured literacy is correct. We're back on track from where we were.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's still the same office, and certainly you can ask any lawyer, conflicts are sometimes computed to
• Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy. >> Okay.
• Literacy. Literacy.
• literacy.
• children to increase literacy.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also expands the grade levels that can be served by the Mountain State Digital Literacy Project
• requires that, beginning not later than the 2028-29 school year, each K-5 classroom teacher providing literacy
• the science of reading, and that classroom teachers who have successfully... ...teacher providing literacy
• I'm away from my computers.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several measures, beginning with House Bill 4245, a Department of Revenue rules bundle covering 27 rules from six agencies. The Senate adopted an amendment changing two lottery rules and one tax rule related to pre-need cemetery companies, then passed the bill 30-1, adopted a title amendment, and made it effective from passage. The chamber also adopted a group of interim study resolutions, including studies on school finance transparency, divorce grounds, the Southern West Virginia water crisis, athletic trainer access in public secondary schools, the Eastern gray fox population, upland game bird stamps, and the PSC. Members then passed House Bill 5381, which reworked the Office of Energy’s role to develop a comprehensive energy development policy and grid stabilization plan, moved coalfield community development under that office, and expanded energy development planning authority. House Bill 5412, the Future Ready Education Act, was amended to require annual vocational and agricultural offerings unless not viable, and to require K-5 literacy teachers to complete science-of-reading training by the 2028-29 school year; it passed 33-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 845 on supplemental appropriations and the civil contingency fund, concurring in a House amendment that reappropriated funds and increased the fund from $15 million to $25 million, and made it effective from passage. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 4198, the E-Verify Safe Harbor Act. Senators discussed whether to require employers to use E-Verify, with one amendment narrowing the mandate to public employers and creating a permissive option for private employers, while preserving penalties for unauthorized hiring and recordkeeping violations. After debate over small-business impacts and federal-state law conflicts, the Senate adopted the amendment as amended, passed the bill 31-3, and amended the title. The chamber also passed House Bill 5453 to modify the school aid funding formula by adding weighted enrollment for certain special education students and adjusting staffing-related provisions, and House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program, which was passed and made effective from passage. Later, the Senate resolved several House amendment disputes by concurring in or receding from amendments on bills including House Bill 4009 on portable benefits, Senate Bill 587, Senate Bill 164 on long-term substitute teachers, House Bill 4606 on pretrial release for certain felonies, House Bill 4010, House Bill 5438, and House Bill 4765. Most of these measures passed with broad support, and several were made effective July 1, 2026 or from passage. The session concluded with the Senate adjourning sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• So QCAMP stands for the Quantum Computing, Math, and Physics.
• Could be susceptible to quantum hacks if we get these big enough computers.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, for all of our literacy efforts.
• They are advanced computing, advanced energy, aerospace, and engineering.
• Computing. We're going to talk a lot more about that in my presentation as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, to me it seems like it could be anything from just keeping track on a computer, or do they see
• <00:26:17.360> or from just keeping track on a computer or from just keeping track on a computer
• Don't we always love the first things that show up on our computer screens?
• that show up on our computer that show up on our computer screens<00:57:55.760> apolog<00
• was<01:45:40.320> not computering computer program it was not computering computer program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard a presentation from Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tiki Brown on the department’s 2025 budget and transition plans. Brown said the governor’s budget pairs targeted reductions with modest investments, resulting in net general fund savings, while preserving core safety-net programs. Major proposals included funding for program integrity, modernization of the child welfare SSIS system, compliance changes for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), operating adjustments, and a transition account reallocation as the new department continues moving programs from other agencies through July 1, 2025. A large portion of the discussion focused on CCAP fraud prevention and oversight. Brown and Assistant Commissioner Diane Hy explained that the proposed statewide electronic attendance recordkeeping system would replace retroactive paper-based attendance reporting with more timely data, making it harder to falsify attendance and claim payments improperly. Brown also said the department is working with the Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General and other partners on compliance and fraud controls. Senators pressed for more detail on current enforcement, whether payments can be withheld for violations, and whether recent media reports showed gaps in oversight; Brown said payments can be stopped for false attendance records, suspended or revoked licenses, or fraud allegations, but not for health and safety violations alone. The committee also reviewed other budget-neutral policy changes, including expanding permanency support services for relative foster care and tribal equivalents, strengthening tribal child welfare grants, updating TEACH scholarship rules for early childhood educators, and adjusting the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program to create a special revenue fund and extend a 10% payment increase to tribally licensed programs and programs on tribal reservation land. Brown also described a $1.5 million annual reduction to restorative practices grants, leaving a smaller ongoing base. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.