Transcript Highlights:

• So we cleaned that up as well.
• Well, they do daily investments for overnight.
• Okay, well, I mean, okay, all right.
• Well, if they're all no, there's nothing to adopt. Well, there's a couple of yeses.
• Okay, well, we'll do it.

Bills: SB241 , SB145

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• There are charts as well?
• Well, let me put it this way.
• Well, good afternoon.
• Well, thank you. Go ahead.
• Okay, well, guess what? No one's coming in to bail us out. Okay, well, guess what?

Bills: H5006 , H5007

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that's very good. So I'm hoping you'll work with that to consider. Well, that's very good.
• Well, that's very good. Yes.
• Well, I just want to say one more thing.
• Well, that's a whole other issue.
• Well, that bill, and I'd like to be added as a co-author as well. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This information has been well-published, well-documented, and well-covered, not just... this session
• Well, okay.
• Well, there's 32 states that have...
• Well, thank you.
• Well it's also an example of how well written this bill is and you know we will become the 32nd state

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Transcript Highlights:

• And the staff there, as well as whomever the next governor will be, as well as going into the future
• We’re probably less well prepared to attract a trucking company.
• Well, I'm going to get him at every meeting.
• Mental health as well.
• Well, I'll just make an OSU plug, though.

Committee: House Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)

Summary: The LEAD Committee met with the Department of Commerce to review a high-level strategic plan for Oklahoma economic development. Commerce Director Bud presented a plan centered on the state’s competitive advantages: central location and logistics, low cost of doing business, energy availability, labor force, tax environment, and partnerships with tribes, local communities, universities, and workforce organizations. He said the agency must focus on industries where Oklahoma has a “right to win,” identifying aerospace and defense, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, and cybersecurity as priority sectors, with other sectors such as transportation logistics, automotive, finance/shared services, federal offices, bioscience, and broader IT treated as secondary or longer-term opportunities. Members asked about workforce, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, incentives, research and development, housing, and how Commerce should stay focused on its core mission. Commerce said CareerTech remains a major asset, but the state needs better coordination among agencies, universities, and workforce partners. Officials also said entrepreneurship should be encouraged within target industries, infrastructure readiness should be mapped and aligned to industry needs, and incentives should be evaluated against total cost of operations rather than compared only on percentage terms. They noted that the Incentive Evaluation Commission is comparing Oklahoma’s incentives with other states and that closing deals begins early, with the right people and partners involved from the start. The discussion also emphasized the need for stronger statewide marketing, better use of regional development staff, more robust research/data capabilities, and a stronger international strategy. Legislators raised concerns about Commerce being tasked with programs outside its core mission, and Commerce said it must administer those programs unless the Legislature changes the law, though it would like to streamline and reallocate resources where possible. The meeting ended with broad support for the strategic direction, appreciation for Commerce’s work on recent projects, and adjournment without any formal vote or action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that would initiate the feed ban as well.
• I'm well aware this commission has discussed that.
• I'm well aware this commission has discussed that.
• Well, next week, a CWD-positive deer comes in.
• He's represented y'all's industry well. Mr.

Summary: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission/task force met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present. Members adopted the agenda and prior minutes, then received an update on the chronic wasting disease (CWD) index case in Washington Parish. Staff explained that a hunter-submitted deer tested positive in January 2026, the case was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and an emergency declaration was issued March 11 to extend the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes. The update also reviewed baiting restrictions in enhanced mitigation and buffer zones, the 180-day duration of the emergency declaration, and the department’s website tools for locating affected areas. The commission then agreed to table its own CWD task force recommendations while Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 was being considered during the legislative session. Senator Womack summarized SCR 24 as a “reset” of CWD policy. He said it would set a 1.5% apparent prevalence trigger, require at least 300 samples, shorten the management zone from 25 miles to 15 miles, and allow baiting/supplemental feeding from the opening of deer season through March 31 unless the trigger is met. He said the resolution would also help address feral hog issues and restore more normal hunting and economic conditions. Commission and staff members clarified that the resolution would not affect deer pens or livestock under the Department of Agriculture, and that if sampling goals are not met, feed bans would apply the following year. Several stakeholders testified on the economic and management impacts. Louisiana Farm Bureau representatives supported the effort to find a workable solution but asked for clarity on how the resolution would be implemented, especially whether emergency declarations would immediately impose new restrictions. They emphasized the need to avoid discouraging deer sampling and to consider impacts on feed suppliers, landowners, and hunting leases. A written statement from Vic Blanchard of the Louisiana Landowners Association opposed SCR 24 and HCR 4, arguing that easing restrictions would worsen CWD spread and undermine wildlife management. Other speakers said the resolution should preserve economic planning for feed businesses and allow the commission to continue monitoring disease prevalence. After public comment, the commission voted to table its recommendations and then adjourned without taking a vote on SCR 24 itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to have that change in our mind, and jobs do that as well.
• Well, we're gonna have lots of time for discussion under number 4.
• But to really try to pull in that outside as well.
• Okay, well, if we could transition into conversation.
• Well, again, want to hit the gavel.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you very much.
• Well, thank you very much.
• It's like, well, what do we do? Just teach reading, writing, arithmetic?
• Well, when you speak, we'll... I'm right here. Okay, raise your right hand, please.
• And I know it well. It's a beautiful area in spite of the traffic, and I know it well. It's lovely.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities. Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines. The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you would like my take, I can give you that as well.
• Very well, thank you. Thank you, Chris Hall.
• We had from her a state-by-state chart that identifies New Mexico, what we're doing well and not well
• Well, okay, well, thank you so much, Mr. Jackshaw.
• Well, we're glad to have. Thank you, Senator.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I think it's well thought out.
• Well, yes, sir, certainly. Members, are there any questions for the bill author? Well, thank you.
• The chairman laid out the bill very well.
• I kind of dabble in that space, so I appreciate that as well.
• Well, I appreciate that.

Bills: HB573 , HB1499 , HB1768 , HB3071 , HB3249 , HB3866 , HB4112

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good morning. We're glad to have you.
• Our problem is, well, if we take it to the floor.
• Now, of course, the dealer will have to track their inventory as well. well and be responsible for the
• I'll make sure to visit with him as well.
• Well, there's Aggie time, so that's okay. That's fine.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal of the project is to enhance workforce well-being through specialize.
• We are currently exploring hiring on a well-being manager to start mapping out what our well-being services
• And you have any specific programs that address that as well as addiction.
• And the department established the Workforce Wellness unit dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being
• Deputy Assistant Secretary Office of Child and Family well-being. Welcome.

Transcript Highlights:

• It seemed to work pretty well.
• Well, guess what?
• Well, trick-or-treat.
• Well, I believe that.
• Well, thank you. Well, this works well, because now I can go fix it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, well, Madam President.
• Well, well, Madam President, we have twice now said that we don't want to assure that our teachers are
• Well, well, Madam President, you were so eager to get to this amendment that you called it as Amendment
• A well-worn path to the utilization of the APA.
• And then he said, well, they gave us a...

Summary: The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated. The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously. Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it shouldn't.
• Well, I'm not sure the specs...
• Okay, well, yeah, I would just respond.
• Doing well. And thank you for taking the inquiry.
• Well, I was talking about in regards to my life as well. I also grew up for a large...

Summary: The House convened after a quorum call and welcomed several guests and advocacy groups, including disability rights advocates, American Heart Association volunteers, and special guests connected to public safety, transportation, and Miss Missouri. After quorum was established, the chamber moved into House bills on perfection and formal passage. Members first debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2587, which would update Missouri law on unmanned aircraft and give trained law enforcement clearer authority to detect, track, and respond to dangerous drone activity around critical infrastructure and major events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. Supporters said it was needed for public safety and to align with federal law; some members raised concerns about FAA jurisdiction, commercial drone use, privacy, and possible future expansion. The substitute was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then took up House Bill 1977, which removes notarization requirements for detention and evaluation applications and related documents when completed by certain qualified professionals; members said it would help rural hospitals and streamline 96-hour commitment paperwork. That bill was also adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The chamber next considered House Bill 2593, a Missouri National Guard and military affairs bill modernizing Guard authority to respond to cyber threats, updating awards and emergency relief provisions, and adding veterans’ recognition language. Three amendments were adopted: one creating a living organ donor leave/status provision for Guard members, one providing a monthly allowance to cover TRICARE or similar premiums for certain service members on state active duty, and one extending legal protections to Guard personnel activated for state emergency duty, similar to federal servicemember protections. The amended bill was then ordered perfected and printed. Finally, the House debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1948, the fatherhood bill creating a state fatherhood program to support community organizations and nonprofits that help fathers overcome barriers to involvement with their children. Supporters cited child welfare, poverty, incarceration, and reintegration benefits; opponents questioned whether it was an appropriate government role. An amendment was adopted to preserve certain driving, hunting/fishing, and occupational license relief for participating fathers who comply with child support or custody obligations. The amended bill was then ordered perfected and printed. The House also adopted House Bill 2473, which clarifies rules for real estate brokers’ trust accounts by allowing limited personal funds for service charges and permitting interest to be withdrawn within 30 days, and then adjourned after announcements and notice of bills to be considered on the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, well, yeah, I think you had three concerns.
• “Well, let’s talk offline, sir.
• We're also amenable to 40 as well.
• Well, I think you got it.
• One of the biggest things our members are looking for is a well-trained job force and a well-trained

Committee: House Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the same thing happens in reverse.
• Well, it makes sense there wouldn't be CEC applied to that.
• Well, I can never take that away from you.
• Well, good morning again, Mr. Chair.
• We want them to be able to communicate well with the public.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee reviewed the Idaho State Police budget, including the Division of Idaho State Police, POST Academy, and the Brand Inspection Division. Legislative analyst Noah Peterson outlined funding sources, staffing levels, recent budget enhancements, and the fiscal year 2027 requests. For the state police division, the main new request was a $12.6 million commissioned officer pay plan tied to a proposed increase in the vehicle registration “project choice” fee from $3 to $12, along with a $500,000 federal grant increase for commercial vehicle safety, a $551,500 mobile live-scan pilot, and $3.2 million in replacement items. Peterson and Colonel Gardner explained that the pay plan is intended to make ISP compensation more competitive and to fund base pay in a way that allows future CEC increases to apply to the full salary rather than only part of it. Colonel Gardner gave extensive testimony on staffing shortages, vacancy patterns in districts such as Lewiston and Idaho Falls, and the difficulty of retaining trained troopers after three to five years when other agencies offer higher pay. He said the agency is using overtime, reduced travel, and strategic deployment to cover gaps, but warned that vacancies are affecting public safety and that the proposed pay plan is needed to stabilize staffing. Committee members questioned the size of the fee increase, the sustainability of the plan, and the effect on trooper pay. Gardner said the request was based on what is needed to sustain the plan for about 10 years and emphasized that commissioned officers and troopers are the same group in this context. The committee also heard that a trooper injured in a fentanyl seizure the day before was receiving medical evaluation, and members expressed support for ISP personnel. The committee then reviewed POST, where Peterson said the academy has 31 FTP and no ongoing fiscal year 2027 enhancement requests beyond $324,100 for replacement items. Administrator Brad Johnson explained that POST’s basic academy costs about $10,700 per student for a 14-week course, while ISP’s internal trooper training and first-year costs are much higher because they include equipment, wages, room and board, and other expenses. He said students sign a two-year repayment agreement if they leave the profession after training. Members asked about agency-run academies, college programs, and whether the training model could be extended, and Johnson said POST remains the only accredited academy in Idaho and has received top national accreditation scores. Finally, the Brand Inspection Division budget was reviewed. Peterson said the division is funded by the State Brand Board Fund and has no new ongoing requests for fiscal year 2027, only $288,100 in replacement items, including six trucks and computer equipment. Brand Inspector Cody Burlisle said most inspectors are POST-certified and perform both regulatory inspections and law-enforcement duties. Committee members praised the division for keeping vehicles in service for high mileage and for helping livestock producers during gathers and inspections. The meeting ended with instructions for members to attend work groups and a reminder that votes on transfers, rescissions, and reductions would occur later in the week, followed by adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, you beat the timer. That's great. Committee, are there any questions?
• Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
• Well, state your name and who you represent for the record. Mr.
• This again shows the Silver Valley and the other very well... we passed this.
• And there's great exploration potential at this mine as well, as well as a very high-grade silver mine

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, right, but I mean I had to go by your house to see that.
• Well, thanks for coming in.
• Well, I can understand it has the intensity to do so.
• Very well. Thank you. ...substitute from 137 to match that language. Very well.
• Well, we still have the knowingly, willfully, and forcibly, and then forcibly is defined as well using

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, well, let me give it a shot.
• Well, it's not really, they report to TCEQ for quality.
• Well, there's tiers of that. There's tiers. ...of that.
• Well, there are recourses through the litigation process.
• Well, thank you for that, sir.

Bills: HB29 , HB685 , HB1633 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB1918 , HB2010 , HB2500 , HB2608 , HB2626 , HB29

Committee: House Natural Resources