Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2808 do pass by a vote of 9 yes, 4 no, and 1 present. The hearing then moved to public testimony, with a scheduling note that House Bill 3533 would not be heard that day. The first public hearing was on House Bills 1808 and 3435, companion measures known as Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for adults who knowingly provide alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person and whose conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bills would close a gap in Missouri law and align the state with other states that allow some social host liability, while committee members raised questions about personal responsibility, scope, and whether the language could reach ordinary social gatherings or other substances. Testimony in support came from the mother of Grace, whose death in a drunk-driving crash prompted the bill, from a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, all emphasizing accountability, prevention, and the need for a civil remedy for families harmed by impaired driving. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would amend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to include volunteer firefighters in the tuition assistance program. Sponsors said the bills are intended to help rural fire departments recruit and retain volunteers, especially in communities that rely heavily on volunteers for fire and emergency response. Members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Supporters, including fire chiefs, a fire service association representative, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, said volunteer firefighters perform dangerous and essential work, often with limited compensation and long response times in rural areas, and that the benefit would help recruitment and retention. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills, and the hearing concluded after testimony.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2998 and adopted a House committee substitute that narrowed the bill to a study of the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the Rural Development Office, with a new date of December 1, 2029. Members asked about the fiscal note and whether the proposal was simply a study rather than a broader project. The committee then voted the substitute do pass on a 21-0 roll call. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913, which would extend several agricultural tax credits for five years and add/adjust provisions for short-line railroads, biodiesel, rolling stock, meat processing, specialty crops, and related programs. Senator Gregory and supporters said the bill would provide certainty for agricultural investment, rural development, ethanol and biodiesel production, meat processors, and short-line rail infrastructure, with several witnesses emphasizing return on investment, competitiveness, and the importance of keeping Missouri agriculture strong. Some members also discussed the rolling stock credit and local tax backfill, with supporters saying it simply makes local political subdivisions whole and does not create a double payment. Opponents, led by the State Public Advocate, argued Missouri’s tax credit system is too large, costly, and insufficiently audited, and said the state could not afford the projected fiscal impact. They criticized the credits as giveaways and questioned whether the programs would happen without incentives. Despite those objections, the hearing featured broad support from farm, rail, banking, agribusiness, chamber, and commodity groups, and no vote was taken on SB 913 before the committee adjourned.

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 1995, sponsored by Representative Irwin, which would reduce the number of required license plates from two to one per vehicle. The sponsor said it was the same as another bill previously heard, and supporters argued it would save the state money, simplify installation for vehicles without front-plate hardware, and align with the practical use of many vehicles that already lack front plate brackets. One supporter also said the fiscal note should reflect savings rather than additional staffing costs at the Department of Revenue. Committee members raised concerns about law enforcement impacts, including difficulty identifying vehicles from the front, use of license plates in radar and camera enforcement, and possible effects on stalking or other public-safety situations. Representative Smith suggested a carve-out or identifying placard for rideshare vehicles. The sponsor said he had spoken with the Highway Patrol and the FOP, noting the FOP did not object and that the Highway Patrol had concerns about enforcement. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing. The committee then entered executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining HB 1995 with House Bill 2589, then voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 present. The committee also voted another related measure, referenced in the transcript as SSSCSB 977 and 1011, do pass by 11 yes and 6 no.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session with a quorum present and considered Senate Bill 1019, sponsored by Senator Crawford. Members first adopted a House amendment ending in .02H, then incorporated that amendment into a new House committee substitute ending in .03C. After adopting the substitute, the committee moved Senate Bill 1019 as amended to a do pass recommendation. The roll call vote was 12 ayes and 1 no, and the bill was reported do pass. No other business was taken up before the committee adjourned.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the California Community Colleges budget proposal, including Proposition 98 funding, a 2.41% COLA for apportionments, enrollment growth funding, repayment of an apportionment deferral, and one-time investments for a student support block grant and deferred maintenance. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s package as providing significant new resources, while the LAO recommended prioritizing COLA and enrollment growth within available funds but raised concerns about some smaller proposals, including making the Healthy School Food Pathways Program ongoing and adding more funding for credit for prior learning before outcomes are known. The Chancellor’s Office supported the COLA, enrollment growth, and one-time investments, and said current projections suggest enrollment growth closer to 3%, with about $85 million to $90 million in ongoing costs if fully funded. Members focused heavily on enrollment growth, the 10% district cap, and whether the state should continue funding growth in the current year and budget year. The Chancellor’s Office said some districts, especially in the Inland Empire and Central Valley, are growing rapidly and that about seven districts are above the cap, with roughly 1,563 FTES and about $30 million in ongoing costs tied to that issue. Members also discussed hold-harmless districts and whether declining campuses should be required to produce turnaround or right-sizing plans. The Chancellor’s Office said districts are already having local conversations and that state funding provides time to adjust, but no formal plan requirement was proposed. The committee then took up common course numbering, where the Chancellor’s Office said all 115 community colleges have implemented the first phase and more than 550,000 students enrolled in the first six commonly numbered courses. The office argued that CCN improves clarity but does not yet guarantee that credits will transfer with full value across UC and CSU, because articulation is still handled campus by campus and can require more than 3,500 separate reviews. Members expressed concern that students can still be forced to retake courses such as calculus or ethnic studies even when they have the same common number, and urged the systems to develop a stronger statewide articulation mechanism tied to outcomes and transparency. The item was left open. Finally, the committee heard the Governor’s proposal to make Calbright College’s funding ongoing at $53.1 million. The LAO recommended instead transitioning Calbright to the student-centered funding formula, with one-time bridge funding in the meantime, arguing the Governor’s proposal lacks a clear enrollment-based rationale and performance expectations. Calbright’s leadership defended the college’s competency-based, flexible model for adult learners, citing more than 6,800 students served, over 2,200 certificates awarded, and wage gains for graduates; they said enrollment is expected to grow from about 7,000 students now to roughly 8,000 to 9,000 next year and around 10,000 over the next couple of years. Members pressed for clearer enrollment and funding data before deciding how Calbright should be funded going forward.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting the lack of quorum while testimony continued. AB 1693 by Assemblymember Zbur would streamline local permitting for retail tenant improvements by allowing qualified professional certifiers to review plans and requiring local action within set deadlines; the California Retailers Association supported the bill, citing lengthy permit delays, and there was no opposition. AB 2010 by Assemblymember Soria would expand access to high-volume spay and neuter services, including mobile clinics, to address pet overpopulation; supporters said it would improve access in rural and underserved areas, while opponents and the Veterinary Medical Board raised concerns about safety standards and asked for amendments. AB 2195 by Assemblymember Rodriguez would stop automatic occupational license suspensions for low-income parents behind on child support; supporters argued the policy is counterproductive and hurts earning capacity, while the California Child Support Association and others said license suspension is an effective enforcement tool that brings parents to the table. The committee also heard AB 2311 by Assemblymember Chiu, which would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians; supporters said it would improve recruitment and access to care, while medical groups warned about physician autonomy and institutional influence. AB 1796 by Assemblymember Jackson would create a licensure pathway for professional interior designers and add an interior designer to the California Architects Board; supporters framed it as a public safety and professional recognition measure, while opponents said it would create confusion, unnecessary regulation, and no demonstrated public harm. AB 1739 by Assemblymember Ward would make it a crime for clergy providing therapeutic services to engage in sexual contact with a counselee, closing a gap in existing law; it drew strong support from survivor advocates and no opposition. Finally, AB 2497 by Assemblymember Johnson began testimony on modernizing the physical therapy practice act, with the author noting committee amendments that removed imaging and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 21, 2026, and took up a series of tax, revenue, and property-tax related measures. SB 318 was amended and reported as amended; it revises the Department of Revenue’s annual tax exemption budget process by removing parish-level reporting from that report, creating a separate business tax benefit report by NAICS code, and requiring parish sales tax collectors to produce a similar local exemption report. SB 128, allowing the Department of Revenue to use an existing vendor for address-change services, was reported favorably. SB 149, concerning the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds and requiring good-faith deposits only from the winning bidder, was amended and reported as amended. SB 180, which lets a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran transfer an expanded homestead exemption one time under certain circumstances, was reported favorably. SB 196, extending the tax appeal period from 60 to 90 days and making conforming changes elsewhere in law, was amended and reported as amended. SCR 11, creating the Anchor Home Task Force to study tax credits to encourage Louisiana college graduates to stay and work in the state, was reported favorably. SB 340, making the permanent homestead exemption form requirement statewide for assessors, was reported favorably. Later in the meeting, the committee heard several bills from Senator Gregory Miller on the state’s ongoing tax sale and ad valorem tax reform package. SB 73 was reported favorably to resolve a conflict between prior legislation and the 2024 constitutional amendment on tax sale timing. SB 238 was reported favorably to clarify which collection procedures apply to older tax sales and to preserve prior notice procedures where already completed. SB 191 was amended to restore the requirement for two advertisements for tax lien auctions instead of one, and then reported favorably as amended. SB 89, a backup measure to require the St. Charles Parish assessor to provide a permanent homestead exemption form, was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting it was intended to avoid duplication if the statewide bill already enacted the same policy. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with Department of Revenue, Department of Veterans Affairs, local tax, sheriffs, press, and land title representatives appearing in support or for information. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mainly about the scope of homestead exemption portability, whether local governments would face new costs, and the effect of the tax appeal deadline change. No roll-call votes were taken; the committee adopted amendments where offered and reported the bills and resolution favorably or as amended by unanimous consent. The meeting then adjourned.

Summary: The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call vote (117-5), and a long series of guest introductions, including school groups, YouthBuild students, sorority members, interns, and former legislators. The chamber then moved to third reading business and took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306. The sponsor explained the bill needed to be sent back for legislative review because of possible conflict with current case law involving arbitration and municipal authority. The House agreed to reconsider and then committed the substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review by recorded votes of 99-43 and 98-43, respectively. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, which revises Missouri’s sex offender registry system. The sponsor said the bill responds to concerns raised after the 2018 registry overhaul and litigation, and would move Missouri from a hybrid system to a clearer tier-based structure, standardize registration requirements, address out-of-state offenders, and include related provisions on civil commitment housing, name changes, and carnival employees. Members asked whether the bill would allow offenders to petition off the registry; the sponsor said it would streamline removal for those who meet tier requirements and align the state system more closely with federal SORNA standards. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 141-4. The chamber then debated House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would send to voters a constitutional change aimed at eliminating the state income tax over time and shifting Missouri toward a broader consumption-tax model. Supporters argued the proposal would improve economic competitiveness, attract businesses and residents, give taxpayers more control, and reduce reliance on income taxes that they described as burdensome to working families. Opponents argued it would shift costs onto lower- and middle-income Missourians, seniors, and people on fixed incomes, and warned it could raise sales taxes and reduce funding for schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on the resolution was taken in the portion provided.

Bills: HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB416, HB482, HB610, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB979, HB992, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, phased retirement, Teachers Retirement System, faculty retention, administrative fees, public postsecondary education, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 21, 2026, and advanced a series of bills, many with amendments to address fiscal concerns. Early actions included HB 350, which would extend the French immersion school Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade; members emphasized the importance of preserving French language and culture in Terrebonne Parish, adopted an amendment making the bill subject to appropriation, and reported it favorably as amended. HB 749, dealing with the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority’s administration of ABLE, START, and START K-12 savings programs after the LOSFA cyber incident, was amended to make provisions effective upon contract execution and then reported favorably. HB 979, which raises the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000, drew support from the governor’s office and law enforcement groups; members discussed fiscal impacts and inflation, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 42 creating a phased retirement option for public postsecondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System, and HB 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, both reported favorably after supportive testimony from law enforcement representatives. The committee then took up HB 324 on judicial salaries. Chairwoman Villio proposed making the 2024 and 2025 supplement stipend permanent and adding COLAs, but Vice Chairman Zeringue offered an amendment to remove future COLAs after members clarified which year’s increase was already funded in the judiciary budget. After discussion about long-term state obligations and judicial compensation levels, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 205, which revises compensation for election commissioners, generated extensive testimony from clerks of court and the Secretary of State about staffing shortages, 19 years without a raise, and the need to recruit and retain poll workers; the bill was amended to allow local governing authorities to supplement pay by up to $100 per election and was reported favorably. Members also approved HB 325, which revises TOPS Tech eligibility and, through amendment, allows part-time students to qualify beginning in 2026-2027 using excess TOPS funds; HB 807, creating a Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program to help recruit technical instructors; and HB 222, requiring Medicaid coverage for dental procedures needed before certain medical treatments, with supporters arguing it could prevent more expensive emergency care. Later, the committee reported favorably HB 992, requiring student identification numbers for children in certain early childhood programs, after the Department of Education said it could implement the change without additional staff or cost. HB 821, moving the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Administration, was amended with technical changes and reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program to certify certain gold storage and custody standards, was amended to move the program into Title 51 and to tie standards to recognized industry benchmarks such as COMEX and the London Bullion Market Association; the bill drew at least one opponent after an initial supportive presentation and was still under consideration when the transcript ended.

Bills: HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR184, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, HR165, HR166, HR168, HR169, HR170, HR171, HR172, HR173, HR174, HR175, HR176, HR177, HR178, HCR65, HCR66, HCR67, HCR68, HCR69, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR73, HCR74, SCR34, SB34, SB43, SB52, SB56, SB165, SB173, SB189, SB190, SB260, SB322, SB345, SB374, SB387, SB401, SB448, SB449, SB455, SB487, SB496, SB502, SB505, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB55, HB385, HB394, HB396, HB406, HB608, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB897, HB1030, HB1035, HB1038, HB1045, HB1049, HB1056, HB1058, HB1059, HB1092, HB1100, HB1117, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1177, HB1180, HB1189, HB1216, HB1239, HB1240, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB977, HB181, HB31, HB664, HB9, HB192, HB225, HB306, HB310, HB366, HB635, HB911, HB1230, HB1236, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB996, HB1003, HB1082, HB1113, HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Summary: The House opened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and several personal privileges recognizing visiting groups and guests, including Junior League members, a Louisiana Renewable Energy Day proclamation, Wholesalers Day, the Louisiana Home Builders Association, and other visitors. Members also adopted or laid over a number of resolutions honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, including condolences resolutions and commemorations such as ALS Awareness Month and Junior League Day. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 385 by Rep. Bamberg, which would require certain TOPS scholarship recipients to repay one semester of aid if they lose eligibility, subject to several exemptions and a possible move into career and technical education. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would turn a merit scholarship into a loan, its effect on student decision-making and brain drain, constitutional notice issues, administrative costs, collection methods, and whether the Board of Regents had been consulted. After debate, a motion to recommit the bill to Appropriations failed by a 34-16 vote, and the bill was later returned to the calendar. The House then passed House Bill 55, prohibiting disclosure of juror information with exceptions for juror interviews, by a 94-2 vote; House Bill 394, extending the conditional parole period from nine to 24 months; House Bill 396, making autopsy photographs admissible in criminal proceedings; and House Bill 406, directing the Department of Education to study whether it should oversee interscholastic high school athletics, by a 97-1 vote. The chamber also passed House Bill 622 aligning criminal history record handling with federal requirements and House Bill 676 creating the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or body brokering. Several other bills were introduced, referred, or returned to the calendar, including measures on criminal history confidentiality, parole, autopsy evidence, athletics oversight, and non-emergency medical transportation for mental health care.

Bills: HB267, HB478, HB617, HB659, HB800, HB922, HB924, HB947, HB1166, HB1223

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267 by Vice Chair Polly Thomas, which would revise the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors. The bill would update who may nominate board members, add qualifications and term limits, and allow the governor more flexibility in appointing or reappointing members from less populated districts. After adopting technical amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then considered House Bill 478 by Representative Knox, dealing with utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill requires reimbursements to be clearly labeled on customer bills and sets a deadline for repayment; after discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee amended the bill to extend the repayment period from 45 to 90 calendar days and clarified that some settlement or regulatory credits would be treated differently. The bill was then reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 924 by Representative Glorioso, a consumer-protection measure aimed at contractor solicitation after disasters. The bill would restrict certain direct solicitations of residential property owners during a declared disaster period, address misleading insurance-related practices, and add disclosure and rescission requirements. After substantial debate over impacts on legitimate contractors, emergency repairs, and enforcement, the committee adopted a conceptual amendment shortening the disaster-response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split, with the sponsor, the insurance commissioner, and some contractors supporting the bill as a fraud-prevention measure, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses and was better addressed through enforcement. The transcript ends before final committee action on HB 924.

Bills: HB1823, HB3031, HB3369, HB3378, HB3429, HB3624, HB3657, HB3880, HB4215, HB4476

Keywords: housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3031, North Pointe Workforce Development Initiative, workforce development, job training, skills training, job placement, local hiring, economic development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, revolving fund, state treasury, appropriation, budget, workforce investment, employment outcomes

Summary: The Senate Economic Development, Workforce, and Tourism Committee met for a work session focused largely on executive nominations and several House bills. The committee advanced nominations for Jared Lundry and Norville Ritter to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, Amy Blackburn as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, and Jason Kays to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, with each nominee describing their background and priorities and receiving favorable roll-call votes. Members also considered and advanced a series of bills affecting housing, tourism, workforce, and related programs. HB 1823 would require the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to provide advance notice of HOME program changes, limit retroactive rule changes, and give preference to nonprofit grant recipients; it passed 8-1. HB 4476 created a revolving fund related to a music industry rebate program and passed 7-2 after an amendment raising a threshold from 25,000 to 28,000. HB 3880 updated tourism advertising law to include digital media and allowed the Oklahoma Today magazine to move online, with an amendment making publication permissive rather than mandatory; it passed 8-1. HB 3031 created a revolving fund for workforce development tied to skilled trades and the North Point Workforce Development Initiative, and HB 3378 staggered terms on the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board; both passed. The committee also passed HB 3369, which aligned LP gas and fire-suppression rules for mobile food vendors and required annual fire safety training, HB 3429, which authorized up to $50 million in bonds for CareerTech-related economic development projects, HB 3657, which clarified agricultural labor reporting and allowed OESC to share workforce data with the Workforce Commission, and HB 4215, which lowered the minimum spend threshold for Oklahoma film post-production incentives from $50,000 to $20,000. Finally, HB 3624, a controversial bill changing how county lines are determined along shifting waterways, drew extensive debate over taxation, property records, and rural impacts before passing 6-5. The chair noted the committee likely had one more meeting remaining and invited further suggested language on the county-line issue.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the journal. The body then extended the session under Rule 27 and agreed to request House consent to adjourn until April 27, 2026. It moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2170 (procurement code-related), HB 2415 (kratom regulation), HB 2700 (housing technology study committee), and HB 2950 (special districts/tourism improvement areas). Amendments were adopted on HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2950, and the committee reported HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2700 do pass; HB 2950 was later defeated on third read. The Senate also heard a brief welcome for visiting students and a personal privilege statement on Earth Day and environmental issues. The Senate then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2035 (child welfare and placement), HB 2249 (parental bill of rights), and HB 2573 (DUI/local referendum-related language). HB 2035 received a Warner amendment expanding the definition of extended family to include adoptive family members; HB 2249 received a Mesnard amendment adding liability and technical changes; and HB 2573 received a Rogers technical amendment. All three were reported out do pass as amended. On third read, HB 2573 passed 20-9, with several senators explaining opposition based on referendum and emergency-clause concerns tied to a Marana data center dispute; HB 2170 passed 17-12; HB 2415 passed 22-7; HB 2035 passed 26-3; and HB 2249 passed 17-12. HB 2950 failed 10-19. The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 2043, substituting it for the Senate version and sending it to third read. The resolution, which calls for a convention to propose a federal constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms, passed 16-13 after several senators warned about the risks of a constitutional convention and the lack of limits on its scope. The House’s message on adjournment was read, committee meetings for April 27 were announced, and members made personal privilege remarks, including birthday wishes and an announcement about the annual legislative charity softball game. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Bills: HB1170

Keywords: fiduciary responsibility, proxy voting, public finance, Oklahoma statutes, pension plans, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, financial risk, Attorney General

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Affairs met to consider two executive nominations and House Bill 1170. Mark Wood was introduced as nominee to lead OMES; he described his background in public accounting and tax administration, said his focus would be on stabilizing the agency, improving efficiency, and balancing accountability with service. Senators asked about OMES’s core mission and whether some duties should be returned to agencies; Wood said he would keep an open mind and work with legislators on possible changes. The committee advanced his nomination on a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard Dwayne Helmberger’s nomination to the State Fire Marshal Commission. Helmberger, currently Stillwater fire chief and formerly assistant chief in Midwest City, emphasized code administration, education, and coordination with other agencies. Senators questioned him about backlogs in fire marshal inspections for marijuana grow operations and certificates of occupancy; he said the backlog was driven by the volume of applications and could be addressed through better planning, coordination, and logistics. His nomination also advanced unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1170, which would direct pension fiduciaries to focus on pecuniary interests and avoid non-financial ESG considerations. Senator Daniels explained that the bill was intended to clarify state policy and align definitions with related measures, and she requested a title strike while continuing to work on the language. Members raised concerns about due process, immunity provisions, and whether the bill would conflict with recent court rulings or still allow consideration of ESG factors when financially relevant. After debate, the committee passed the bill 6-2.

Bills: HB1937, HB2153, HB3674, HB2978, HB3885, HB3671, HB3261, HB3021, HB3029, HB4274, HB3701, HB3076

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first considered a series of executive nominations, including Brian Bobeck to the State Board of Education, Jonathan Daniels to the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools, Cody Swanee to OETA, Randy Squires to the Western Oklahoma State College Board of Regents, Dwight Spencer to the Carl Albert State College Board of Regents, V. Lee to the Oklahoma Arts Council, Adisha Chapman to the Murray State College Board of Regents, Trevor Pemberton to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Jennifer Carlson and Melissa Yvonne to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, Kevin Gross to the Tulsa Community College Board of Regents, and Barbara Myers to the Oklahoma Arts Council. Most nominees briefly described their backgrounds and reasons for serving, and the committee approved each nomination, with votes ranging from 8-1 to 10-0, sending them on to the full Senate or floor as applicable. The committee then took up several education bills. House Bill 1937, dealing with the Communications with Students Act, was amended to require corroborated evidence before immediate suspension and to narrow the definition of student; it passed 9-0. House Bill 2153, which would subject OSSAA meetings and hearings to the Open Meetings Act and repeal the statutory one-year sit-out rule for transfers, drew questions about recruitment and FERPA but passed 7-3. House Bill 3674, requiring school resource officer training on sexual assault and violence, annual continuing education, mandatory reporting, and closure of contractor loopholes, passed 9-0. House Bill 3885, setting a graduated discipline framework for third through fifth graders, prompted debate over classroom safety and student rights and passed 9-1. House Bill 3671, allowing a receiving district to accept a transferring teacher’s career status, passed 10-0. House Bill 3261, assigning employee numbers to school support staff such as coaches and bus drivers for tracking across districts, passed 10-0. Several other bills generated more extensive discussion. House Bill 2978, which would impose annual library audits, public online catalogs, a formal challenge process, and funding penalties for noncompliance, faced repeated questions about how it differed from existing policy and who could challenge materials; it failed 4-5. House Bill 3021, revising graduation requirements and preserving flexibility for applied math/science and local course approval while removing some language requirements, passed 8-2. House Bill 3029, requiring the Department of Education to develop a four-year plan, passed 9-1. House Bill 4274, expanding school choice options for military-dependent students living on base, passed 10-0. The committee also began consideration of House Bill 3076, which would clarify alternative teacher certification provider definitions and OEQA oversight, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Keywords: 1204, all

Keywords: 1204, all