Video & Transcript Research : 'Statuary Hall'

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AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

TASK FORCE ON AUTISM Jan 13th, 2026

TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So anybody that is a Red Wolf, they might live in Case Hall, or they live in an apartment, or wherever
  • They're not required to live in that area, like the education students living in Hughes Hall.
  • It's housed in the residence and service and education in Hughes Hall.
  • So throughout the university, we have some sensory-friendly spaces, but within Hughes Hall, we have a
  • We advertise the events through the flyers in Hughes Hall and Old Main Hall, which is where our transition
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from November 17 by motion and voice vote. It then heard a presentation from Arkansas State University on its inclusive postsecondary education programs, HOWL and ATLAS, led by Dr. Kristen Johnson and Shane Broadway. The programs serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, by providing on-campus living, academic support, life-skills training, financial literacy, internships, employment support, and community integration. Johnson explained that HOWL is a comprehensive transition program that does not lead to a degree but is eligible for financial aid, while ATLAS is degree-seeking and provides additional supports. She reported strong outcomes, including high goal attainment and a majority of graduates working full time, and emphasized that the programs are designed to help students build autonomous adult lives. Members asked about recruitment, eligibility, costs, school outreach, business partnerships, and transition planning. Johnson said the programs have done extensive outreach through IEP meetings, transition symposia, email blasts, and school visits, but that awareness remains a challenge. She identified major roadblocks as business concerns about liability, fragmented collaboration, and difficulty navigating funding streams such as vocational rehabilitation and Medicaid. She also said more coordinated statewide communication and coalition-building are needed, and noted that ASU is helping launch a state alliance for similar programs, with new programs opening at ASU Mountain Home and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. The committee then heard from the University of Central Arkansas about Project Ascend, a new low-sensory living-learning community for neurodiverse students in Hughes Hall. Dr. Debbie Daly and Jeremy Gillum described it as a voluntary, self-identified program focused on community building, belonging, and retention rather than remediation or degree planning. The program has hosted a few low-sensory social events and plans to expand outreach through campus tours, orientation, and targeted communications. Members asked about recruitment, participation, success measures, and how to avoid duplicating ASU’s efforts; UCA said it is still in its infancy and will measure success mainly through participation, retention, and student engagement. The meeting ended with general support from members, discussion of collaboration across institutions and agencies, and adjournment of the task force.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator Hall. Members, questions? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senator Hall, thank you.
  • Thank you, Senator Hall.
  • Thank you to Senator Hall. 491 the abortion industry in Texas, and protect children and families.
  • I would encourage you to pass 1396 and I want to thank Senator Bob Hall for bringing it forward.
  • Thank you, Senator Bob Hall, for this bill. Thank you senators for hearing me today.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • **Senator Hall**: Thank you. My apologies for being late.
  • **Senator Hall**: Okay, good.
  • **Senator Hall**: Okay, do you have any control?
  • **Senator Hall**: Okay, do you have any control?
  • **Senator Hall**: Right.
Bills: SB1, SB 1
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee Meeting Jun 18th, 2026

Elections & Government Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hall. You could just state your name for the record and the floor will be yours. Welcome.
  • Bonnie Hall. I'm a member and the historian for the My name is Dr. Bonnie Hall.
  • Hall. You could just state your name for the record and the floor will be yours. Welcome.
  • Bonnie Hall. I'm a member and the historian for the My name is Dr. Bonnie Hall.
  • Hall. And next up we have, I'm apologizing if I get the name incorrectly, Rajini Rain.
Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 10 draft minutes, and then heard a long agenda of bills. HB 89 (home improvement fraud dispute resolution) was presented as a consumer protection measure developed with DOJ to address contractor fraud, especially against vulnerable homeowners; members voiced support and asked to be added as sponsors. HB 283 updated realty transfer tax exemptions to use gender-neutral “spouses” language and add a direct grandparent-to-grandchild transfer exemption; it drew supportive public comment. HS1 for HB 390 would let DelDOT choose electronic-only bidding for projects, remove newspaper bid-opening notices, and clarify bidding records, with no opposition raised. HB 328/H.A. 2 modernizes the Register of Regulations statute, keeps newspaper distribution requirements, and delays some effective dates to 2027; it was described as a technical update. HB 365 would create the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, prompting supportive testimony from Indigenous community members and some discussion about representation and internal tribal اختلافs, but no formal opposition. HB 423 would automatically enroll new state employees in the 457B deferred compensation plan unless they opt out, with exclusions for collective bargaining units and implementation tied to payroll readiness; it was presented as a retirement-savings measure. SS1 for SB 342 would modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to support a broader film/media incentive package, with support from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a request to help attract productions to Delaware. The committee also heard SB 331, a cleanup bill on garagekeeper liens for manufactured housing and related assets. The sponsor and an attorney explained it as clarifying who can recover funds and attorney’s fees in lien sales, but the Chief Magistrate and the manufactured housing association said the issue should be addressed more carefully and possibly in another section of code; they were open to further work. HB 436 would update the Smyrna charter, including school impact fees, election challenge procedures, vacancy rules, domicile standards, Board of Elections terms, and meeting schedules. HS1 for HB 376 made technical and organizational changes to the Millville charter, including a tiebreaker for municipal elections and a property tax cap, with the town solicitor saying there was little substantive change. HB 460 would require New Castle County municipalities to submit permit data monthly rather than on a much slower schedule, limited to closed permits with certificates of occupancy, to improve property assessment data; it was presented as part of broader reassessment/data-quality efforts. Public comment was heard on several items, especially HB 365 and SS1 for SB 342. Indigenous speakers supported the commission as a way to preserve heritage, improve representation, and create a formal seat at the table. The Delaware Arts Alliance supported the film commission modernization bill as part of a broader creative-economy plan. No recorded votes were taken on the individual bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Feb 25th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She is with the Mobile Chapter of Links Incorporated fraternity and is the guest of Representative Hall
  • Chair recognizes the lady from Madison, Representative Hall. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • Chair recognizes the lady from Madison, Representative Hall. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • , England, Ensler, Estes, Faulkner, Fidler, Fincher, Forte, Garrett, Gidley, Givhan, Givens, Gray, Hall
  • ,<00:10:29.200> Hammet, Gavan, Given, Gray, Hall, Hammet, Gavan, Given, Gray, Hall, Hammet
Keywords: 1136, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) May 6th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Hall moves suspension of the regular order of business on committee substitute for Senate Bill
  • Senator Hall moves final passage of committee substitute. Senate Bill 2422.
  • Bill is passed. 523 524 525 526 527 Senator Hall, you're recognized for a motion to suspend.
  • Senator Hall you're recognized for a motion.
  • Hall moves final passage of committee substitute for senate bill 2753.
Bills: SB66, SB317, SB393, SB397, SB456, SB614, SB628, SB629, SB636, SB715, SB731, SB801, SB872, SB905, SB986, SB1012, SB1013, SB1015, SB1032, SB1113, SB1181, SB1212, SB1241, SB1250, SB1278, SB1285, SB1376, SB1444, SB1449, SB1524, SB1525, SB1528, SB1556, SB1588, SB1660, SB1704, SB1708, SB1802, SB1833, SB1844, SB1854, SB1863, SB1957, SB1959, SB1965, SB1999, SB2035, SB2056, SB2082, SB2119, SB2138, SB2165, SB2199, SB2201, SB2203, SB2245, SB2284, SB2419, SB2422, SB2452, SB2487, SB2523, SB2529, SB2533, SB2541, SB2586, SB2595, SB2605, SB2615, SB2675, SB2690, SB2717, SB2753, SB2778, SB2835, SB2841, SB2891, SB2929, SB2933, SB3016, SB3039, SB3044, HB912, HB2525, SJR3, SB5, SB29, SB326, SB494, SB530, SB769, SB783, SB963, SB1238, SB1271, SB1786, SB1967, SB2312, SB72, SB616, SB1143, SB1172, SB1267, SB1273, SB1506, SB1759, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1637, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1524, SB2422, SB2119, SB2753, SB1863, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB2681, SB2199, SB2458, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1013, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB2284, SB2929, SB2595, SB715, SB1640, SB1241, SB2538, SB1449, SB2529, SB986, SB1181, SB1359, SB2245, SB410, SB1234, SB456, SB1012, SB2926, SB2138, SB2615, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB1856, SB2035, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1959, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB1032, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SB872, SB1212, SB1278, SB1588, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB2373, SB1660, SB614, SB867, SB1608, SB1525, SB905, SB640, SB2487, SB1698, SB383, SB705, SB748, SB1113, SB1117, SB1802, SB2340, SB2586, SB2680, SB2690, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2782, SB2781, SB2637, SB2633, SB2337, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB946, SB945, SB2857, SB128, SB571, SB1263, SB3058, SB612, SB2221, SB2587, SB2044, SB2363, SB2713, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB2525, HB3093, HB517, HB912, HB1130, HB142, HB1689, HB2018, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, HJR98, HJR99, HB136, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Health Aug 22nd, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair recognizes Representative Hall, Chairlay Hull to explain the bill.
  • Thank you, Chair Hall. We will, uh, reserve your right to close. Thank you.
  • And that's why I come here today in support of HB 265 by Representative Hall.
  • I just think it's really important, and this is for Chairman Hall, Chairwoman Hall, and really as we
  • Members, any other questions for Chair Hall? OK. I close. Thank you.
Bills: HB 265, HB25
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 1st, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Representative Hall.
  • If not, Representative Hall, you want to close?
  • Hall.
  • Hall, you have one more, but can I do Mr. A she?
  • Hall, are you ready?
Bills: HB47
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Rules Apr 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • A second from Senator Hall. Will there be questions? A question.
  • Senator Hall, Senator Hamilton, Senator Hicks, Senator Howard, Senator Ye, Senator Murdock, Senator Rossino
  • Please, Senator Bergstrom, Senator Boren, Senator Bullard, Senator Coleman, Senator Green, Senator Hall
  • Senator Coleman, Senator Green, Senator Hall, Senator Hamilton, Senator Hicks, Senator Howard.
  • Senator Bergstrom, Senator Boren, Senator Bullard, Senator Coleman, Senator Green, Senator Hall, senator
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Hall. Here. Representative Johnson. Representative Mejia. Representative Johnson.
  • Next, we have Representative Hall.
  • I have no other questions, and I will now go to Representative Hall. Please restate your motion.
  • Make a motion. ...go to Representative Hall. Please restate your motion.
  • It's been moved by Representative Hall and—oh, I keep forgetting—Representative Hall the second, and
Keywords: 996, all
Summary: The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met to hear House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Garrett and Representative Cates, which would continue and support apprenticeship and workforce training funding. The sponsors and the Department of Workforce Solutions described strong growth in apprenticeship participation, especially in the building trades, and said the fund has helped expand programs while maintaining high retention and employment outcomes. They emphasized that the bill would provide predictable, sustained investment in skilled labor needed for construction, infrastructure, and other growing sectors. Supportive testimony came from contractors, chambers of commerce, trade unions, and a small business owner, all of whom said apprenticeship funding is essential to meeting workforce shortages and keeping workers in New Mexico. Committee members asked about program demographics, geographic distribution, rural participation, reentry and high school dropout data, and how apprenticeships connect to displaced workers from energy and industrial closures. The secretary explained that the department uses Rapid Response and economic transition programs for layoffs and closures, and also surveys current energy workers to gauge retraining interest. Several members praised the bill’s return on investment and retention of workers in the state, while Representative de Rassas suggested adding more public transparency and performance metrics. Representative Ortiz asked about future funding after 2031 and whether the program could scale with more money. After discussion, Representative Hall moved a do pass, Representative de Rassas seconded, and the committee approved House Bill 7 with no opposition. The chair also announced upcoming committee meetings and asked members to consent to sharing contact information for committee purposes.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb 26th, 2025

Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • that they are going to have continued service at the USS Alabama Marine Military Institute and the Hall
  • Starting on the left end down here, this case is dedicated to the story of George Washington Hall from
  • Hall served in the Army in Vietnam and came...
  • We're calling this exhibit the "Min Hat to George Hall."
  • These... exhibit the "Min Hat to George Hall."
Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026

Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Snyder Hall: Here. Representative Schupe. Representative Smith.
  • Representative Snyder Hall: Yes. Representative Wilson Anton. Representative York.
  • Representative Snyder Hall: Yes. Representative Wilson Anton. Chair Bush: Yes.
  • Representative Snyder Hall: Yes.
  • Representative Snyder Hall.
Summary: The committee met with roll call attendance and took up two bills. First was Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which would allow the Division of Small Business to add state funding to existing federal small business programs, including the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. There was brief public support from one in-person commenter, no virtual comment, and the committee voted to release the bill, though it did not yet have enough signatures for immediate release and was left open for absent members to sign. The second item was Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, a women’s health insurance mandate requiring coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause diagnostic and treatment services, including FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and related care. Representative Smith presented the bill as a response to gaps in menopause care and insurance coverage, and Department of Insurance witness Kennedy Cook explained the religious exemption as applying to certain religious employers and blanket health policies. Committee members asked about the scope of that exemption, and some expressed concern about religious carveouts, while others praised the bill as important women’s health legislation. During public comment, one speaker supported the bill but warned that expanding mandatory health benefits can raise insurance costs. The Department of Insurance then testified in support, saying the bill would align Delaware with other states, many insurers already comply, and the department did not expect a meaningful premium impact. The committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 from committee.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Bettencourt, Birdwell, Hall, Hinojosa, Middleton, Parker, Perry, Schwertner, Zaffirini.
  • Senate Bill 3070, and recognizes its author, Senator Hall. All to explain the measure.
  • Thank you, Senator Hall. Members, any questions for Senator Hall on Senate Bill 3070?
  • Thank you, Senator Hall.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Mar 31st, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,<00:12:53.160> Hammitt, Givan, Givens, Gray, Hall, Hammitt, Givan, Givens, Gray, Hall, Hammitt
  • <01:48:19.520> upstairs, forward across the the hall upstairs, forward across the the hall
  • <01:51:39.160> Hall.
  • Hall. I I respected as you are, Ms. Hall.
  • 19.960> of I recognize Representative Hall of I recognize Representative Hall of Madison.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Hall, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for coming.
  • Hall: Not all of it. We heard some of it. You had some of it.
  • Bettencourt, Birdwell, Hall, Hinojosa, Middleton, Parker: aye.
  • And Ash Hall. Thank you. And Ash Hall. There’s Ash. All right.
  • My name is Ash Hall.
Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance (05/28/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • For Representative Leechman, we have Representative Hall.
  • Representative<00:11:57.120> Hall.<00:11:57.920> Yes.
  • Representative Hall, yes. yes. Representative Hall, yes.
  • Representative<00:52:09.920> Hall.<00:52:10.640> No.
  • Representative Hall. No. No. Representative Hall. No. Representative<01:00:16.160> Murray.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Finance Committee first took up Senate Bill 63, which Representative Maguire described as a straightforward bill setting funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism. He said it was not controversial. The committee voted to retain the bill by roll call, with one no vote and one member absent, and the motion passed 23-1-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 74, dealing with annual reporting requirements for state departments that issue permits. Representative Maguire explained Amendment 2282 would shorten the reporting burden by requiring summary data on delayed permits rather than listing every permit, and would delay the first report until 2027 so agencies would not have to reconstruct old data. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill was then approved as amended by a 24-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 241 on construction of a public pier at Hampton Beach. Representative Sweeney moved inexpedient to legislate, saying the project was ambitious and lacked public support. The motion passed unanimously 25-0, sending the bill to consent. Division Two then took up Senate Bill 145, a replace-all amendment to the education freedom account bill. Supporters said the amendment clarified the bill, kept the policy intact, removed a reimbursement program and an open-ended appropriation, and established a cap of 10,000 students with priority for current students and certain other groups. Opponents argued the measure was still a major expansion, would increase spending after crossover, and that the cap was not meaningful. After discussion, Amendment 2301H was adopted and the bill was approved as amended by a 25-0 vote, with members noting it could go on consent because no money remained in it.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Fetgatter, Forward here, Fugate, Fugate, Gann, Gann here, George here, Guys, Guys, Greggo, Greggo, Hall
  • , Hall, Hardin.
  • our president said in the State of the Union this week, where there was a stark message shown in the halls
  • Roll call is now in progress in the halls. Representative Travis votes a lowly.
  • Grabbing machine, so it's not roll call on the halls. Roll call is now in progress.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Health Committee Feb 4th, 2026

Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Representative Hall. >> Here. >> Representative Sorrells. >> Representative Mooney. >> Representative
  • If there are any questions, I'd answer them at this time. >> Representative Hall. >> So, help me understand
  • >> Representative<00:10:06.480> Hall. >> Representative Hall.
  • >> Representative Hall. >> So, >> So, help me understand what is the process today?
Bills: HB146, HB276
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • , Hall, Hardin here, Harris here, Hassenbeck here.
  • So, we'll call the halls. Roll calls now in progress.
  • So, I just know we'll call in halls. Roll calls now in progress.
  • Halls more calls down progress. Nor would those wishing to vote change the vote.
  • We're calling in halls. More calls now in progress.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education 2ND REVISED Apr 28th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'd like to thank Governor Stitt for carrying my nomination and for Senator Hall for sponsoring me.
  • Senator Hall waives. Clerk, call the roll. Senator Hall, he waives. Clerk, call the roll.
  • Senator Hall, don't go anywhere.
  • thank you to the committee and thank you to the governor for the nomination, and thank you to Senator Hall
  • Senator Hall waives. Clerk, call the roll. Senator Hall, care to close? He waives.
Summary: The Extended Education Committee met to consider a long slate of gubernatorial nominations and reappointments to education-related boards and commissions. The committee heard brief introductions from sponsoring senators and remarks from nominees for the Oklahoma Lottery Commission, State Board of Career and Technology Education, Regional University System of Oklahoma, State Board of Education, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, the Secretary of Education, several university and college boards, the Oklahoma Student Loan Authority, the State Textbook Committee, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Langston University board, among others. Many nominees emphasized their backgrounds in public education, higher education, business, agriculture, health care, or community service, and several acknowledged family members or institutional leaders present in the room. A few nominations drew questions or discussion. John Wesley Nofire was asked about working with the State Board of Education and about the social studies standards process, and he explained the board followed statutory public-comment procedures and made changes before final adoption. Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin received supportive comments from multiple senators, who praised his data-driven approach and urged that he be retained by future administrations. Michael McElroy, Brian Beller, Christopher Franklin, Dr. Michael Peck, and others also answered questions about the role of their boards and their experience with the institutions they would oversee. The committee voted on each nomination, with most receiving unanimous approval and a few passing with one or two dissenting votes. Notable vote totals included David McKenzie and Michael McElroy passing 9-2 and 10-1 respectively, while the rest of the nominees generally passed 8-0, 9-0, 10-0, or 11-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for their work on the large number of executive nominations and announced that the committee was adjourned for the year.