Transcript Highlights:

• want the principal to have the responsibility and the ability to remove that provider and then they replace
• We want that particular person removed if it can’t be rectified, and then they replace them with another
• We want that particular person removed if it can’t be rectified and then they replace them with another

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That we passed off the House floor overwhelmingly earlier this year, we have replaced the language in
• the language, it's on page se the repeal of constitutional sections and the enactment of statute to replace
• Yes, members, what we are doing here is we are taking out the language in Senate Bill 833 and replacing

Bills: SB1090, SJR49, SB633, HR1059, SB650, SB2063, SB122, SB1614, SB1884, SJR52, SJR53, HJR1101, SJR50, HB3021, HR1058, SB514, SB382, HB3320, SB740, SB833, SB2143, SB1209, SB244

Keywords: SB1090, Oklahoma Homeowner Repair Contract Protection Act, home repair, home solicitation contract, cooling-off period, right to cancel, consumer protection, contract rescission, certified mail cancellation, home solicitation sales, contractor regulation, home improvement scams, public finance, State Treasurer, Invest In Oklahoma, OCAST, venture capital, private equity, growth funds, direct investment

Transcript Highlights:

• respect to municipalities and municipal water systems, to provide relative to lead service line replacement
• Members, all this does is provide clarity that local municipalities can use federal money to replace
• Article 7 relative to water utility service lines to provide for the use of public funds to remove or replace

Bills: SR110, SR109, SCR58, SCR59, SCR12, HB198, HB225, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB989, HB1066, HB1171, HB1204, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1250, HB221, HCR41, HCR63, HCR76, HCR77, HCR86, HCR92, HCR93, HCR58, SB83, SB135, SB143, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB261, SB276, SB295, SB388, SB450, SB465, HB17, HB21, HB42, HB45, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB324, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB821, HB823, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, SB162, SB382, SR93, SCR40, SCR30, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB228, SB246, SB249, SB268, SB269, SB282, SB283, SB296, SB323, SB338, SB363, SB369, SB408, SB431, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR6, HCR31, HB297, HB305, HB336, HB337, HB351, HB436, HB594, HB789, HB956, HB957, HB995, HB1040, HB50, HB117, HB120, HB122, HB139, HB148, HB149, HB185, HB247, HB271, HB286, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB842, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB280, HB677, HB726, HB850, HB966, SB68, SB149

Keywords: youth fitness, school achievement, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Governor's Games, elementary education, Louisiana Arts Day, arts and culture, cultural heritage, artists, musicians, writers, performers, culture bearers, tourism, creative economy, economic impact, cultural sector, Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, festivals, visual arts

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Dr. Michael Sprague, and recited the pledge. The body then suspended the rules to welcome House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who highlighted federal-state cooperation and credited Louisiana lawmakers with helping advance policies such as no tax on overtime, expanded energy development, and major business investment in the state. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and observances, including Leadership Lafayette, the new Orleans Parish sheriff, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, Recreation and Parks Day/Month, Main Street Day, LMA Day, and Links Day, with multiple resolutions adopted or concurred in for those recognitions. On legislation, the Senate handled a mix of committee reports, House messages, and floor action. It concurred in House Concurrent Resolution 92 and 93, adopted SCR 60, SR 11, SR 93, and SCR 40, and advanced or adopted numerous bills and resolutions. Notable measures included workers’ compensation bills SB 162, SB 382, and SB 408; SB 500 on medical review panels and certificates of merit; SB 268 and SB 228 on lead service line replacement and use of public funds; SB 338 on school bullying prevention; SB 431 on towing and storage access; HB 297 on lease termination for stalking and cyberstalking victims; HB 305 on child sexual abuse material evidence handling; HB 336 on post-conviction relief timelines; HB 436 allowing veterans to serve as park police/wardens; HB 594 designating SCN2A Day; HB 957 on prisoner transfer notifications; HB 995 on videotaped statements; HB 1040 on juvenile detention board membership; HB 117 reauthorizing the Department of State; HB 120, HB 122, HB 139, HB 247, and HB 286 creating or adjusting local districts; and HB 185 clarifying independent contractor coverage in workers’ compensation. Several bills were amended on the floor before passage, including SB 382, SB 500, SB 431, SB 338, and HB 185, while some measures were returned to the calendar or referred to committees. The Senate also received and referred a large number of House bills and concurrent resolutions on topics including health care reimbursement, criminal procedure, education, insurance, natural resources, transportation, and local governance. Votes recorded in the transcript were generally favorable, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins, though a few drew opposition, such as HB 185 and HB 957.

Transcript Highlights:

• respect to municipalities and municipal water systems, and to provide relative to lead service line replacement
• Members, all this does is provide clarity that local municipalities can use federal money to replace
• Article 7 relative to water utility service lines to provide for the use of public funds to remove or replace

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• situation like this arise again, would allow them to remove a trustee individually and reappoint a replacement
• current law, of course, the Board of Supervisors is limited in their role and how they can appoint and replace
• gives Tulare County a narrower and streamlined option to remove an individual trustee and appoint a replacement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association. The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment 8 replaces lines 5 and 6 on page 7 with vehicles associated with law enforcement pursuant to
• Amendment 9 replaces lines 12 through 15 on page 7 with vehicles making one round-trip passage in a 90
• Next, it replaces the Department of Public Safety with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and heard a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. Early bills included HB 745, extending special permits for tandem/container loads serving port facilities; HB 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; HB 1050, which revises commercial driver’s license rules and allows certain 18-year-olds to drive intrastate with a Class A license; and HB 1172, designating a portion of US 165 in Oberlin as the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 1000 adopted with amendments. The committee then took up HB 896 on toll facilities, prompted by concerns about Belle Chasse toll charges and customer service access. The bill would require local toll customer service centers, toll dispute procedures, and limits on certain fees; amendments were adopted to refine those provisions, including in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, and limits on additional charges. The bill was reported with amendments. HB 493, which would have prohibited expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony and debate over reservoir planning and local flood-control authority, but was ultimately voluntarily deferred. Later, HB 1173 was approved to give people in the OMV reinstatement relief program up to three months without a late fee on installment agreements, while keeping the payment due and moving it to the end of the plan. HB 1024 created a Louisiana Democratic Party special prestige license plate and was reported favorably. The committee also approved HCR 32 urging the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and HB 1159, concerning automated speed enforcement in Jefferson Parish municipalities, was ultimately voluntarily deferred after discussion of local control, public input, and prior legislation on speed cameras. The final major item was HB 679, as substituted, creating a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and directing law enforcement training on interactions with those individuals. The sponsor and several witnesses described personal experiences with traumatic brain injury and argued the designation would improve safety and communication during traffic stops. The substitute bill was adopted and the measure was reported favorably. The committee concluded by reporting HB 1207 favorably; that bill would limit unduly restrictive contractor qualification requirements in public bidding and require such requirements to be reasonably related to the project and justified in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• A homeowner was told by the insurer to replace her entire roof or face a non-renewal.
• areas, they also deal with the significant delays in identifying which policies they can receive as replacement
• for canceled coverage and unpredictability on the status of their... ...as a replacement for canceled

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy insurance-focused agenda, including special-order bills on wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan accountability, aerial imagery, genetic testing, and wildfire moratoriums. AB 1888 would require California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be performed by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; it drew support from the author, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and labor representatives, with no opposition heard. AB 1680, the “Make-It-Fair Act,” would impose accountability and consumer-protection reforms on the California FAIR Plan in response to Department of Insurance examination findings; it passed out on a do-pass motion to Appropriations, though the FAIR Plan Association remained opposed unless amended. AB 1559 would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial images of homes and allow in-person inspection requests; it passed on a do-pass motion to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with broad support and one “concern” witness. The committee also took up AB 1798, which would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing, for underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. Supporters, including the author, the Insurance Commissioner, the ALS Association, and several consumer and biotech groups, argued the bill would reduce fear of genetic discrimination and encourage testing and research. Opponents from life insurance and financial advisor groups argued the bill could impair risk-based underwriting and raise premiums, especially in the middle market. After extensive back-and-forth on the distinction between predictive genetic data and doctor-assessed medical risk, the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a do-pass vote, with several members voting no. AB 2038 would extend wildfire-related nonrenewal moratoriums from two to three years for total-loss homes and from one to two years for homes in and around fire zones. Supporters said the change better matches the real rebuilding timeline after major fires and protects displaced homeowners from losing coverage while rebuilding. Insurers and trade groups opposed the measure, warning that longer moratoriums could force carriers to reduce exposure elsewhere and worsen the broader availability crisis. The bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote. The committee also approved AB 1800, which adds eyewear to portable electronics insurance coverage, and moved a consent calendar of additional bills, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471. Later, AB 2198 was introduced to clarify title-rate filing responsibilities between title insurers and underwritten title companies and to require rate schedules to be posted publicly.

Transcript Highlights:

• It shows that tech should support learning, not replace it. So, Mr. Speaker, I renew my motion.
• responsibilities if it's being used or whatever for them to look through that and fix, you know, replace
• Just like Band-Aids or any other You know, replace supplies that are needed, just like Band-Aids or any

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 135-1. Members then observed a moment of silence for a constituent killed in a roadway tragedy, and several members introduced guests, including family members, veterans, students, and a child celebrating his birthday on the dais. The chamber then considered a series of bills. HB 2944, dealing with automatic continuation of a senior property tax freeze without annual reapplication, passed 145-0. HB 2230/2978, addressing school instructional methods by limiting excessive screen-based instruction and promoting cursive writing, passed 143-10 after extended debate over technology use in elementary schools. HB 1825, removing sheriffs and prosecutors from county salary commissions with a Boone County carve-out, passed 152-0. HB 1840, creating a Purple Alert system for missing individuals with developmental disabilities, passed 153-0, and its emergency clause was adopted 143-8. HB 1623, allowing emergency suspension or restriction of licenses for massage therapists and chiropractors, passed 103-48. HB 3279, moving the Community Service Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 151-0. HB 2508, clarifying certificates of good standing for series LLCs and making them searchable, passed 152-0. HB 1963, allowing social workers to supervise after three years of practice, passed 151-0. HB 2408, removing the appropriation cap for grants serving the deaf-blind community, was perfected and printed. HB 3113, requiring Narcan in public buildings, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and expanding school-law enforcement prevention efforts, was perfected and printed after discussion about funding and Narcan shelf life. HB 3000, fixing signature requirements for local audits based on population at the start of petitioning and adding a fire district surplus-sale amendment, was perfected and printed as amended. HB 2898, reviving and refining land bank authority and Chapter 141 judicial foreclosure tools, was perfected and printed after debate about neighborhood cleanup and title clearing. HB 1740, renamed Melanie’s Law, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving and strengthening ignition interlock requirements, was perfected and printed following emotional testimony from members and the sponsor’s explanation of the bill’s origins. At the end of the session, the House moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a fish fry notice. A member also issued a correction and apology regarding an earlier false report about Willie McGee. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• we have thoughts, and there is a great need to recognize the farm worker movement without fully replacing
• the entire holiday that... ...the farm worker movement without fully replacing the entire holiday that
• The program was started in 1942 as a way to replace workers in the U.S. who were off fighting wars in

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a committee strike-and-insert amendment that, pursuant to a request of the Governor, replaces
• the provisions of House... ...that, pursuant to a request of the Governor, replaces the provisions of
• brings a wealth of knowledge to the body that keeps us grounded, and that's very, very difficult to replace

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled several House amendments to Senate bills and passed them, including SB 194 updating the definition of disabled veteran taxpayer, SB 499 requiring toxicology tests in auto accidents, SB 672 on Real Estate Commission licensing discipline, SB 724 on home confinement officers and the EMS retirement system, SB 897 on alcohol and drug counselor licensure, and SB 982 creating the Neighborhood Access Road Program. In each case, the chamber agreed to the House changes and then passed the bill, with some measures also given effective dates, including SB 724 effective July 1, 2026 and SB 648 effective from passage. The Senate also concurred in amendments to SB 197, doubling penalties for sex crimes against minors, and SB 648, which removed restrictions on foreign entities in the Strategic and Critical Resources Act. The chamber then took up a series of additional bills and conference actions. It appointed a conference committee on HB 4588 after refusing to recede from its amendment. The Senate passed HB 4009, the Portable Benefit Account Act, after adopting a Banking and Insurance committee strike-and-insert amendment that moved the program to the Division of Labor, expanded portable benefit definitions, and made technical changes. Later, the Senate also passed SB 182 on annexation by minor boundary adjustment after amending the House changes to allow one annexation per year instead of one every two years, and it passed HB 5101 increasing strangulation penalties, HB 4364 on juvenile offender bail and counsel language, HB 4412 on age verification for certain websites, HB 5564 on deputy sheriff vacation carryover, HB 4138 on sex offender registration fees, HB 4951 after receding from its earlier amendment on continuing education, SB 4 after receding from its amendment, SB 389 after refusing to concur in a House amendment that would have stripped the bill, SB 927 on beekeeping and municipal regulation, and HB 5214 on drug testing for parents before reunification. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 67 honoring Senator Michael Andrew Woelfel and Senate Resolution 68 honoring Senator Charles Houston Clements. Numerous senators gave extended remarks praising Woelfel’s legal skill, candor, mentorship, and service, and Clements’s long service, institutional knowledge, steadiness, and friendship. Both resolutions were adopted by roll call votes, with SR 67 passing 34-0 and SR 68 passing 33-1. After the resolutions, the Senate recessed briefly to present the outgoing senators with resolutions and flags flown over the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a committee strike-and-insert amendment that, pursuant to a request of the Governor, replaces
• That, pursuant to a request of the Governor, replaces the provisions of House Bill 4009 and those from
• brings a wealth of knowledge to the body that keeps us grounded, and that’s very, very difficult to replace

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the work of AGER faculty is replacing a 1980s-era diagnostic paradigm with modern variant
• For example, the work of the great faculty is replacing a 1980's area era, diagnostic paradigm with a
• Are there openings that you're still trying to fill, difficulty finding replacements?

Bills: HF3692

Keywords: Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, mediation, agriculture finance, debt relief, civil law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Just going back to Representative Wolfin's comments, if someone were to opt out and then doesn't replace
• So that would be a reason why we need to make sure that they are replacing it with a different insurance
• So that would be a reason why we need to make sure that they are replacing it with a different insurance

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mission critical if the legislature doesn't have a brand new shiny mechanism in which to be able to replace
• mission critical if the legislature doesn't have a brand new shiny mechanism in which to be able to replace
• mission critical if the legislature doesn't have a brand new shiny mechanism in which to be able to replace

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a tax replacement, not a tax cut.
• requirements on modular or qualified manufactured homes than site-built homes; not unreasonably limit replacing
• Many jurisdictions have vacant lots and housing stock that are too run down to replace at today's site-built

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which would put a tax-reform proposal before voters. Members debated a failed amendment to change the ballot language, with supporters saying it would more honestly describe the measure as a tax replacement that could expand sales taxes, and opponents saying it would be misleading and overly restrictive. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the proposal, including a phased reduction in the individual income tax tied to revenue growth, and voted the substitute do pass by a 7-3 roll call. The committee next took up House Bills 321 and 2531 under a new committee substitute. The substitute made a series of technical and policy changes involving redevelopment, tax increment financing, public safety funding, Missouri Opportunity Zones, baseline revenue calculations, and local property tax diversion, including reducing one diversion requirement from 50% to 25%. Members and the sponsor described the changes as clarifying agency roles and addressing constitutional and administrative concerns. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the combined bill do pass by a 9-0-1 vote. In public hearing, House Bill 3230 by Rep. Hardwick would bar cities and counties from outright banning modular or qualified manufactured homes in areas where single-family homes are allowed, while still allowing reasonable safety, zoning, and compatibility standards. The sponsor and supporters from the Missouri Manufactured Housing Association argued the bill would expand affordable housing and prevent discriminatory local restrictions; the Missouri Municipal League said it supported the goal but wanted more work on language to preserve local flexibility. The committee also heard House Bill 2888 by Rep. Deal, which would limit standalone medical-monitoring claims without present physical injury. The sponsor and a civil justice coalition supporter said the bill would align Missouri law with court precedent and require an actual injury, while opponents and affected residents argued it would block needed monitoring for exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and could leave exposed communities without a remedy.

Transcript Highlights:

• So specific requests that are tied to projects that are one-time in nature, or replacement items, replacement
• of equipment at the agency, or replacement of, like, as you will see in this year's request, features

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from the Department of Fish and Game. Legislative Services outlined the agency’s funding structure, noting it receives no general fund and is supported mainly by dedicated and federal funds, with most spending going to personnel and many requests being one-time items. Director Jim Fredericks described the department’s mission, staffing, hatcheries, wildlife management areas, habitat work, enforcement, and funding sources, including license and tag revenue, federal excise taxes, and mitigation funds. Members asked about rescissions, temporary employee restoration, fisheries inflation items, depredation claims, nonresident tag sales, communications with the public, predator management, chronic wasting disease, habitat projects, and the relationship with the Office of Species Conservation. Fredericks said the department is working to right-size depredation funding, that the new nonresident draw system appears to be maintaining strong revenue, and that many habitat and disease-related costs are rising because of changing conditions and expanded work. He also acknowledged the technology-rule advisory process could have been handled better, especially regarding wolves, and said he would have structured that committee differently in hindsight. The committee then took up the Office of Species Conservation. Janet Jessup explained that the office is small, mostly federally funded, and often passes grant money through to Fish and Game for on-the-ground work. Administrator Mike Edmondson said the office serves as the state’s technical, policy, and legal advisor on endangered and candidate species and works closely with Fish and Game on habitat and consultation issues. He described measurable work on sage grouse, salmon and steelhead, and grizzly bears, and said the office has concrete metrics such as acres treated, river miles restored, and conflict-reduction actions. Members asked about the overlap with Fish and Game, the number of species covered, and a proposed merger with the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Edmondson said there is strong synergy with OMER because many energy and mining projects come through species consultation first, and he said the office would support a merger if the Legislature pursues it, though he cautioned against cutting too deeply. Questions also touched on grizzly bear delisting, wolf-trapping litigation, and tribal consultation on salmon, steelhead, and other species. Finally, Attorney General Raul Labrador presented his office’s budget and performance. He argued that the office has returned more money to the state than it costs, citing $242 million recovered or settled over three years, and said the proposed reductions would force furloughs or elimination of positions because the office is mostly personnel costs and largely general-fund supported. Labrador highlighted major gains in the Internet Crimes Against Children unit, saying the backlog of cyber tips was eliminated, review times are now within 24 hours, and arrests have risen sharply; he also noted the Legislature expanded the child sexual abuse material law to cover AI-generated content. He described expanded civil defense and appellate work, creation of a solicitor general function through reorganization, more in-house handling of risk cases, and a reworked consumer protection division that now responds to complaints within 24 hours and has increased enforcement and direct consumer recoveries. Members asked about the source of the recovered funds, whether cyber crimes are increasing or just being caught better, and whether the office could help develop a framework for transferring incarcerated noncitizens to federal custody for deportation. The budget analyst later clarified that some of the office’s apparent underspending reflects vacancy savings and the ability to move funds between expenditure classes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 28, this is the CBCFD, the Commission for the Blind, to replace federal dollars to make sure they're
• Line 41 is to address waste, fraud, and abuse when it comes to the SNAP cards, replacing everyone's SNAP
• workforce development for youth and adults and dislocated workers, the loss in federal dollars is replaced

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• very expensive diagnostic machines that are nearing the end of life, and we anticipate having to replace
• Case management system: we are in the process of getting that replaced.
• Case management system, we are in the process of getting that replaced.

Summary: The Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary heard presentations from several agencies. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported full National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation, major improvements in turnaround times, staffing growth to 18 forensic pathologists, and expanded rural coverage, but warned that a flat budget would leave it short of funds by August. The agency requested $4.5 million in recurring funding for professional staff and operations, citing rising supply, transport, IT, and facility costs, and said failure to fund the request would cause a catastrophic collapse. Members asked about cremation fees, other revenue sources, and the consequences of not funding the request; the chair said the recommendation would be forwarded but not necessarily adopted. The Council on Judicial Complaints said complaints against judges have roughly doubled since 2018, with most complaints involving dissatisfaction with judicial rulings rather than misconduct. The council emphasized its goal of responding within 90 days, its new judges college to prevent ethics problems, and the cost of removal proceedings. It requested an additional $125,000 on top of its current $300,000 appropriation to cover rising operating costs, a lease increase, judicial college expenses, and salary adjustments. Senators asked about case prioritization, turnover, staffing, and whether a specific courtroom incident could be investigated; the director said it would be an appropriate complaint to review. The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System described heavy caseloads in rural counties, a mix of satellite offices and county contracts, and a need to reduce attorney workloads, especially in Norman and Lawton. It requested funding for six resource navigators, a project manager, direct-care support, eight additional attorneys, internal training, and continued county contract funding, while also discussing possible diversion programs and grant opportunities. The Department of Corrections requested increases for county jail backup per diem and ICON maintenance, highlighted contraband interdiction, centralized visitation, mobile check-ins, and tablet-based efficiencies, and discussed an ICE detention contract at Watonga that brings in monthly revenue and jobs but is not counted in the budget request. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs presented a revised legacy-fund request tied to purchasing and remodeling a building shared with OSBI, saying the new plan would cost about $25 million total and save money compared with new construction; it also noted declining wire-transfer revenue tied to fewer grow operations and other enforcement changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the work that we did during the second special session allowed for us to replace enhanced premium
• most robust assistance is for under 400%, and then with the enhanced premium tax credits that were replaced
• , so the enhanced premium tax credits that were... ...the enhanced premium tax credits that were replaced

Bills: SB241, SB145, HB2

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• You can value property based on income approach, and you can value property based on cost replacement
• And so this is basically picking cost, but not the cost replacement, the initial cost plus depreciation
• So... ...not the cost replacement, the initial cost plus depreciation.

Summary: The committee first handled House Memorial 20, which was revised by committee substitute to broaden a proposed study group from renewable energy infrastructure to energy infrastructure more generally. The substitute added the Department of Indian Affairs and allowed the secretary of EMNRD to invite relevant federal agencies. Members generally supported the change, and the memorial received a do pass on a roll call vote. The main policy debate centered on House Bill 311, the Virtual Power Plant Act. The bill would require utilities and public utilities to develop virtual power plant programs that aggregate distributed energy resources such as batteries, smart thermostats, EV charging, and other devices to provide grid services. Supporters argued it would improve reliability, lower peak demand, and reduce long-term costs, while opponents, especially PNM, warned about feasibility, cybersecurity, third-party aggregator risks, cost recovery limits, and possible rate impacts. Committee members pressed the sponsor and expert on customer participation, third-party regulation, opt-in/opt-out protections, equity for low-income customers, and whether solar-only customers could participate. After extensive discussion, the bill passed 6-5. The committee then heard House Bill 329, which would create the Energy, Affordability, and Grid Reliability Council, a Blue Ribbon-style commission administratively attached to the PRC and funded with a $2 million appropriation. Supporters said it would bring together experts to study affordability, grid reliability, and modernization and produce recommendations for future action. Critics questioned the cost, overlap with the earlier memorial, the governor-appointed structure, and whether another task force was needed. The bill passed 7-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 309, which clarifies that energy storage property is valued under the special property tax method used for other electric generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Supporters from the storage and clean power industries said the change would reduce uncertainty and encourage investment. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on HB 309.