Transcript Highlights:

• does</c><00:58:05.119><c> not</c><00:58:05.280><c> go</c><00:58:05.440><c> to</c><00:58:05.599><c> waste
• </c><00:58:05.839><c> or</c><00:58:06.079><c> doesn't</c> there does not go to waste or doesn't there
• does not go to waste or doesn't revert<00:58:06.720><c> back</c><00:58:06.799><c> to</c><00:58:06.960
• It would be a waste of money, a waste of taxpayers' dollars, to support this all over again.
• It would be a waste of money, a waste of taxpayers' dollars, to support this all over again.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this perhaps a preview of wasteful spending we would find if the legislature were to be audited, as
• Is this perhaps a preview of wasteful spending we would find if the legislature were to be audited, as

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The chamber adopted a further amendment offered by Rep. Michael Witts of Boston, then concurred with the Senate as amended after a roll call vote of 128-23. The House then moved to the orders of the day and considered the proposed permanent joint rules for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2026 / Senate No. 18), with Rep. Moran of Brighton presenting the package as a set of transparency and process reforms, including joint committee procedures, a 60-day reporting deadline, public posting of summaries and testimony, and revised formal session timing. A series of minority amendments offered largely by Rep. Jones of North Reading and others were debated and repeatedly rejected, including proposals to require roll call votes for post-July 31 formal business, require two weeks’ notice for such sessions, publish State Auditor audits on the legislative website, require SJC advisory opinions on constitutional disputes, extend poll windows to two hours, require advance notice of electronic polls, and lengthen amendment filing deadlines. Supporters argued these changes would improve transparency, accountability, and member access; opponents said they would slow the legislative process and reduce flexibility. Most of these amendments failed on roll call votes by margins of 128-23 or similar, while a technical amendment from Rep. Galvin was adopted. The House then adopted the joint rules package by roll call, 128-23. The chamber also adopted the House rules package for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2024) after debate led by Rep. Galvin of Canton, who emphasized modernization, online transparency, in-person participation, and an outside audit and EEO officer. Additional minority amendments on committee reporting, timing of formal business, and poll procedures were debated and defeated, while one technical amendment was adopted. The House later returned to the issue of legislative audits, rejecting an amendment to require House audits by the State Auditor after a lengthy debate over Question 1, separation of powers, and the scope of the auditor’s authority. The session ended with a memorial tribute to former Rep. Carol Doherty and an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here seeking review of the Pollution Control and Ecology Commission rules regarding solid waste
• The Pollution Control and Ecology Commission rules regarding solid waste management, specifically found

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called accurate genomic predictions for chronic wasting disease in US whitetail deer.
• worked at about 24 farms nationwide that were depopulated by USDA APHIS because they had chronic wasting

Bills: HB3270 , HB3145 , HB3056

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, to delay something for two weeks, three weeks even, I’ve just wasted many, many hours of my
• “I’ve just wasted many, many hours of my life having to wait.

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The House Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and went into executive session on House Joint Resolutions 153 and 119, House Bill 2266, and House Bill 2207, then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1062. On HJR 153/119, the committee adopted a substitute that would remove trial-level judges from the gubernatorial appointment framework and create a joint House-Senate committee to confirm Supreme Court and Appellate Court nominees. Several members objected that the changes were substantial and should have had public hearing, while supporters argued the change would streamline confirmations and add legislative accountability. The committee adopted the substitute and voted the resolutions do pass by 8-6. On HB 2266, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that the bill’s exception for the Attorney General’s office applies to Assistant Attorneys General rather than broader staff, then rolled it into a committee substitute and voted the substitute do pass by 11-3. On HB 2207, the committee adopted an amendment combining HB 2207 and HB 2233 into one bill string, but after a motion to reconsider was withdrawn, the combined substitute failed on a 6-8 vote. The public hearing on SB 1062 focused on expanding communication access services for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind Missourians. Senator Carter described the bill as a way to connect Department of Social Services caseworkers with churches, nonprofits, and other community resources to help families avoid foster care placements and better meet local needs, saying the model already exists in some counties and other states. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, family members, and advocates, who described repeated barriers in hospitals, courts, schools, businesses, and emergency settings, including delays in interpreter access, reliance on family members, and problems with video remote interpreting. Witnesses said the bill would improve access, reduce delays, and provide needed coordination and funding support. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing was closed without a vote on SB 1062.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't debate the best county and waste our time on that.
• I hate to waste time, but I thought it would be good to clarify.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It covers cleanup costs like waste removal, sanitation, and repairs from damages.
• small mom-and-pop property owners are now routinely forced to cover the costs of cleanup, including waste

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and announced that all bills on the agenda had revenue impacts placing them on the suspense file, so none were eligible for immediate vote. The chair also reviewed procedural rules, including the deadline for position letters and the suspense-file threshold, and later established a quorum before proceeding through the agenda. Most measures were presented, heard, and then referred to suspense without committee votes. Several bills focused on tax credits or exclusions tied to housing and property. AB 1606 proposed a five-year tax credit for small businesses facing cleanup costs from illegal dumping and encampments; AB 1971 would clarify that home-hardening retrofits are not assessable for property tax purposes; AB 2394 would create a capital gains exclusion to encourage long-term homeowners to sell and downsize; AB 1714 would offer a credit for sellers who complete required repairs for CalHFA-assisted first-time buyers; and AB 2389 would extend the property tax exclusion for newly installed solar systems. Supporters generally framed these bills as targeted relief or affordability measures, while opponents raised concerns about revenue loss, policy effectiveness, or implementation. The committee also heard a series of agriculture-related bills. AB 2427 proposed a tax credit for qualified agricultural producers to offset labor, equipment, infrastructure, and production costs, and AB 2192 would extend the state’s farm equipment sales tax exemption to local sales taxes with a General Fund backfill for local governments. Supporters argued both measures would help preserve California agriculture, jobs, and food security amid rising costs and regulatory burdens; opponents questioned the need for the subsidies and the size of the fiscal impact. Both bills were referred to suspense. Other measures included AB 1611, which would end a tax break on capital gains from single-family home sales for large corporate investors to discourage investor competition with homebuyers; AB 2522, which would exempt over-the-counter medications from sales tax; AB 2444, which would add a state deduction for ScholarShare 529 contributions and align California law with federal Roth IRA rollover rules; and AB 1550, which would allow deductions for tips and overtime. Each drew support from sponsors and allied groups, while tax reform and local government representatives opposed several bills over revenue and policy concerns. All of these measures were also sent to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we can help to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
• And we can help to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Summary: The House met in session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held an extended OU Day presentation recognizing the University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team for its 2025 national championship and honoring athletic director Joseph Castiglione. OU President Joseph Harris and Castiglione both spoke about the university’s growth, affordability efforts, health care expansion, and research progress, and the championship team was introduced and thanked the Legislature for its support. The chamber also received several gallery introductions, including visitors from Stigler, North Rock Creek, and Charles Page High School, along with the Doctor and Nurse of the Day. The floor then took up a package of public finance and procurement bills sponsored by Representative Strom. House Bills 3413 through 3420 focused on transparency, contract reporting, subcontractor disclosure, post-contract assessments, central purchasing rules, restrictions on bid information sharing, and limits on pilot programs and CIO contract justifications. Each bill was advanced and passed, with vote totals ranging from 87-95 in favor and only a few nays on some measures. Strom described the package as a response to audit findings and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in state and local spending. The House also passed several other measures. House Bill 3706, as amended, requires more elementary school math instruction time and drew questions about balance with reading and other subjects; it passed 74-19, and its emergency was approved. House Bill 3711 requires school districts to post instructional spending percentages and include them in bond materials, passing 79-16 with the emergency clause approved. House Bill 4139 created the Oklahoma Home Service Transparency Act and passed 89-5. House Bill 1268 created a deferred option retirement plan for certain emergency responders and law enforcement personnel and passed 92-1 after a title strike request. House Bill 3660, concerning natural organic reduction/cremation, passed 59-37 after debate over licensing and public health concerns. House Joint Resolution 1023 updating the workers’ compensation fee schedule passed unanimously, and House Bill 3298 standardizing judicial interviews of children in family proceedings passed 95-0. House Bill 3056, allowing sales of unpasteurized milk at farms, feed stores, and farmers markets, prompted extensive debate over safety, labeling, liability, and market access, but ultimately passed 43-11. The House then recessed until 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Somebody wastes eight months to get an appropriation that we all agreed upon.
• Somebody wastes eight months to get an appropriation that we all agreed upon.

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget and current program activities for the 2027-29 biennium. Legislative Council staff first walked through a new “blue sheet” summary explaining what is included in Commerce’s base budget, with emphasis on salaries, operating costs, and especially grant authority funded largely by federal dollars. Members asked about how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff noted that some programs, such as LIHEAP and UAS-related work, involve interagency collaboration and federal budget authority that may not match exact cash received. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilke then presented on grant administration, the department’s transparency page, and several grant programs, including Destination Development and Automate ND. Members questioned how many entities apply for grants, what criteria are used, whether return on investment is tracked, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce must follow state procurement law or instead administer grants using its own “best practices” process; the commissioner said the department’s approach was based on legal guidance and competitive grantmaking, while some legislators argued the process should more closely reflect legislative intent. The department also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, child care loans, and workforce initiatives. Commerce described Development Fund investments, including examples of successful projects and a child care loan program that has supported 43 active businesses serving 3,754 children. Staff also outlined a new non-primary-sector lending framework and said a workforce and housing sub-cabinet are working on more coordinated statewide strategies. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell presented a broad workforce-system assessment, a new shared vision, and task forces focused on simplifying entry, improving warm handoffs, and building a public dashboard of shared metrics; members discussed higher education alignment, career pathways, and the need for better handoffs from schools to employers. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue these budget discussions in June, including the Attorney General budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows local governments to establish ordinances to reduce organic waste through composting and other
• It allows local governments to establish ordinances to reduce organic waste through composting and other

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's one piece of a much larger reform effort expected to reduce more than $1 trillion in waste, fraud
• It's one piece of a much larger reform effort expected to reduce more than $1 trillion in waste, fraud

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With a history of waste by this legislature and the executive branch in the abortion space over the last
• The track record is that we're building on is that waste, overreaction, and moral coercion.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why would we be wasting all this time? Waste is your word. Is there a time you want us to leave by?

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken. The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth. Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why would we be wasting all this time? 'Waste' is your word.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why would we be wasting all this time? Waste is your word. Is there a time you want us to leave by?

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 714 by the Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee, relating to hazardous waste.
• House Bill 714 by Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, relating to hazardous waste.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 journal, and received notice of a substitute appointment for Legislative District 32. Much of the day was devoted to Idaho Day ceremonies, including prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance of the national anthem, and remarks honoring Idaho history and former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered as the founder of Idaho Day and a longtime advocate for cursive, history, and civic education. Guest speakers included historian Justin Vipperman, who spoke about liberty, self-government, and Idaho’s frontier development, and former Attorney General David Leroy, who praised Bateman’s public service and legacy. Members also shared personal tributes before the chamber considered a memorial resolution in Bateman’s honor. The House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote and adopted House Concurrent Resolution 31, recognizing and commending the lifetime achievements of Lyndon Bateman. The resolution passed 68-0 with two absent and excused, and was sent to the Senate. The chamber also received and referred several Senate messages and committee reports, including bills and resolutions on transportation, agriculture, commerce, state affairs, resources, and other topics. New measures were introduced on issues such as minors and library protections, tax exemptions, stable coins, parental rights and child custody, county fair boards, vehicle license plates, honey industry regulation, and Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance. Several bills and resolutions were placed on the second reading calendar, including measures on elections, environmental quality, hazardous waste, transportation, vehicle titles, industrial hemp, Medicaid managed care, Medicare, and appropriations. House Bill 750 was moved to general orders, and the remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day. The House also announced committee schedule changes, upcoming events tied to Idaho Day and other advocacy groups, and a reminder about project submissions. The chamber adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I hate to see systems get set up where we could potentially perpetuate wasting tax... ...get set
• up where we could potentially perpetuate wasting taxpayer dollars because we all support these.

Bills: SB514 , SB346 , SB1593 , SB1782 , SB1366 , SB1497 , SB366 , SB1895 , SB2048 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB710 , SB1480

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: SB514, school choice, charter school, virtual charter school, OSSAA, extracurricular activities, interscholastic activities, athletics, homeschool, other means of education, alternative education, student eligibility, student transfer, district policy, public school district, adjacent district, blended learning, virtual learning, school sports, academic eligibility

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met for deadline week and first recognized guests and updates, including a report from Senator Devers on the Elgin school bus crash and recognition of 2025 Teacher of the Year Melissa Yvonne and visiting students from UCO and Darnaby Elementary. The committee then took up a series of education bills, with several authors explaining that some measures were work in progress and striking title on those bills to continue negotiations. Among the measures advanced were SB 514, clarifying alternative education programming through charter and virtual charter schools; SB 346, expanding school-to-school notification requirements about allegations or investigations involving teachers; SB 1593, updating outdated statutory references for the OSU-Tulsa board; SB 1366, using the Teacher Empowerment Fund to reward top teachers; SB 1497, correcting graduation standards to comply with IDEA and clarify alternate diplomas; SB 366, creating a process for charter schools to be notified about district facilities and lease or purchase opportunities; SB 1895, requiring districts to report whether they participate in the Community Eligibility Provision and why not; SB 2048, allowing the statewide charter school board to pay travel-related expenses for conferences and training; SB 710, allowing multiple grants under the Teach Forward teacher-prep program; and SB 1480, creating a pilot youth apprenticeship program. Most of these bills passed on bipartisan votes, often after questions about implementation, fiscal impact, or scope. Two of the more debated measures were SB 1782, which would end new tenure plans for higher education employees and move new hires to five-year contracts, and SB 2005, which would restructure the OSSAA board. SB 1782 passed 6-4 after extended debate over constitutional authority, academic freedom, recruitment, and litigation risk, with supporters arguing it would increase flexibility and accountability and opponents warning about legal and retention concerns. SB 2005 failed 4-6 after members split over whether the legislature should intervene in OSSAA governance; supporters said the association was not responsive enough to member schools and families, while opponents argued the issue should be left to the organization and that the bill risked government overreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• think we should be looking at is getting rid of the professional development that's junk and just a waste
• of teachers' time and actually adding high-quality, enriching..." "...waste of teachers' time and actually

Summary: The Senate Education Committee considered a long agenda of education-related bills, with most measures receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early actions included passage of SB 843, which allows certain rural schools with low average daily membership to hire teachers related to board members in the second degree, and SB 1733, which requires schools to report child sexual abuse allegations to law enforcement within 24 hours before conducting their own investigation. The committee also advanced SB 1476, a Commissioners of the Land Office cleanup bill that makes land exchange approvals permissive, updates terminology, and expands permanent school fund investment options to include private equity and private credit; members questioned CLO staff about appraisals, notices, ethics, and audits before voting it out 11-0. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 1237, the Teacher Bill of Rights, which would codify various teacher protections involving religious expression, discipline, planning time, workplace safety, and due process. Senators raised extensive questions about religious symbols, prayer, Bible use, classroom discipline, and whether some provisions were already in law; the author said the bill was intended to protect teachers and improve recruitment and retention. Despite concerns that some language was vague or duplicative, the bill passed 7-4. The committee also passed SB 1410 to codify the Ag in the Classroom program after deleting a section that would have increased a license plate fee, and SB 1894, which would remove the five-year cap on professional development hours for certain teacher training, though the title was struck for further work. Later, the committee approved SB 1272 to raise the income cap for the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant, SB 1204 to provide three days of bereavement leave for education employees after the loss of a spouse or child, including miscarriage, and SB 1721 to extend the sunset of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education. It also passed SB 1725 on higher-education expressive activity and free speech training, SB 1735 giving CareerTech sole authority over its accreditation, SB 1337 establishing paid paternity leave for education employees, SB 1339 codifying funding for the 2023 teacher pay raise for off-formula districts, SB 1461 extending the OETA sunset to 2031, and SB 1975 centralizing notice of AP testing locations. Several bills drew brief discussion about fiscal impact, local control, and retention benefits, and the committee adjourned after noting one agenda item had been laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there are probably many places around the state that have big needs for revamping their waste
• The project itself is going to be more than that, but I'll let the experts respond, and then waste management

Bills: SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• structures, and head gates that will allow them to more efficiently deliver water and not have as much waste
• of the bottom of their connection. ...them to more efficiently deliver water and not have as much waste

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all