Transcript Highlights:

• Clients end up sick, severely depressed, and isolated, costing the state more money.
• Last year, 176 youth across Washington contacted Hear Me WA to receive support for issues like depression
• Last year, 176 youth across Washington contacted Hear Me Wa to receive support for issues like depression
• We contacted HearmeW to receive support for issues like depression, bullying, harassment, and suicidal

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• developmental dysfunction, decrease in self-confidence, poor academic performance, separation from family, depression
• separation poor academic performance separation from<00:52:52.920><c> family</c><00:52:53.920><c> depression
• c><00:52:54.359><c> and</c><00:52:54.599><c> anxiety</c><00:52:55.280><c> these</c> from family depression
• and anxiety these from family depression and anxiety these are<00:52:55.599><c> the</c><00:52:55.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on April 1 at 2:04 p.m. and first heard HCR 129/HR 125/HD1, which asks state and county transportation and education agencies to work together on pedestrian safety and traffic congestion around Haiku Elementary School. The Department of Education said it stood on its written testimony, and no other testimony was offered on that measure. The committee then took up HCR 173/HR 169/HD1, urging the Department of Health to begin education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education and Department of Health both supported the resolution and stood on their written testimony. Support also came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Nurses Association, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Health Committee, and Free Citizens of Malua. A number of testifiers opposed the measure, arguing that vaccination efforts do not belong in schools, that the proposal would pressure families and undermine parental rights and religious freedom, and that it could create liability and misuse public funds. Several opponents also raised concerns about informed consent, government overreach, and vaccine safety. One supporter, Kye Swan, said vaccines are the way to fight infectious disease and asked the committee to pass the resolution so children could be vaccinated before the school year starts. No vote or final committee action on the resolutions was announced in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They address the urgent need: there are 10,000 teens in Hawaiʻi struggling with depression, and yet 69%
• They address the urgent need: there are 10,000 teens in Hawaiʻi struggling with depression, and yet 69%
• They address the urgent need: there are 10,000 teens in Hawaiʻi struggling with depression, and yet 69%
• They address the urgent need: there are 10,000 teens in Hawaiʻi struggling with depression, and yet 69%

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My dad grew up in rural Alabama, dirt poor during the Depression. School was a struggle for him.
• :40.599><c> the</c> in rural Alabama dirt poor during the in rural Alabama dirt poor during the Depression
• 37:44.200><c> uh</c><00:37:44.359><c> school</c><00:37:44.680><c> was</c><00:37:44.839><c> a</c> Depression
• um and uh school was a Depression um and uh school was a struggle<00:37:45.280><c> for</c><00:37:45.440

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: Aaron Thompson, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and Travis Pal briefed the committee on Kentucky higher education performance, affordability, workforce alignment, and budget needs. Thompson said the state has made progress toward its 60x30 attainment goal, reporting 56.2% of adults with a credential of value and a 6.4% one-year increase in credentials. He highlighted gains in completion, enrollment recovery after COVID, lower student borrowing and debt, and faster degree completion, saying Kentucky is now back to an average of 4.1 years for four-year degrees. He also emphasized that postsecondary education has a strong return on investment for both students and the state. A major theme was student success and access. Thompson described efforts to reduce barriers through test-optional admissions, the elimination of zero-credit developmental education, expanded wraparound supports, and Bridge programming for students not fully prepared for college. He also promoted Futurity, a student-facing information website, and said CPE wants modest ongoing funding to maintain it. He argued that higher education must work in a P-20 system with K-12, and that the state should better communicate the value of certificates, trade programs, and other credentials, especially for adult learners and men, who he said are underrepresented in college-going. The presentation also focused on performance funding, capital needs, and workforce initiatives. Thompson and Pal said performance funding has pushed institutions toward more need-based aid and lower costs for low-income students, but they want more base funding, more performance funding dollars, and relief from about $38 million in mandated tuition waivers. They also said asset preservation and deferred maintenance remain major needs, estimating roughly $7 billion in campus need overall. On workforce, they cited healthcare pipeline work supported by state funding and private partners, and said HB 200 continues that effort into aviation, aerospace, and defense. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the presentation, which ended with members indicating interest in further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• the COVID-19 pandemic, where we also started treating more children with pediatric anxiety and depression
• He has multiple chronic medical conditions, including opioid use disorder, anxiety, depression, lung
• They may not be able to get out of bed because they're so depressed, or a loved one is not able to go
• They are either depressed, overly anxious, not coming to school consistently, having a hard time making
• In 1975, I had my second child, and I had severe postpartum depression and was hospitalized in the upper

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket focused on primary care, workforce development, and medical debt. Chairs Cindy Friedman and John Lawn outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be taken on 17 matters. The committee first heard testimony on bills to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program and to strengthen mental health centers. Senator Keenan, Rep. Keefe, and health center leaders described the Worcester nurse practitioner residency as a successful pipeline and retention strategy, citing workforce shortages, training needs in community health centers, and the cost of the program. Rep. O’Day also supported the mental health centers bill, saying it would raise payment rates, improve reimbursement for behavioral health services, and help clinics retain staff and expand access. The committee then took testimony on bills to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform. The Attorney General’s Office, Health Care for All, Health Law Advocates, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and individual patients supported the measure, arguing that hospital financial assistance policies are inconsistent, hard to find, and difficult to navigate. Witnesses said the bill would standardize eligibility criteria, create a uniform application, improve notice requirements, and expand access to discounted care up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Several personal stories described medical bills being sent to collections, confusion over insurance billing, and the burden of debt on low-income and chronically ill patients. Committee members asked about hospital concerns, the role of the health safety net, and whether the bill addressed root causes of medical debt; testimony emphasized that the proposal was meant to improve transparency and access rather than replace broader insurance reforms. The hearing also focused heavily on “Primary Care for You” legislation, H. 1370 and S. 867, which would increase primary care investment and create a new payment model. Rep. Haggerty, physicians, a patient, community health center leaders, and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers described a primary care crisis marked by low reimbursement, staffing shortages, long waits, burnout, and difficulty recruiting clinicians. Supporters said the bills would shift spending toward preventive, team-based care, improve access and equity, and reduce long-term costs. The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans said it was directionally supportive of increased primary care investment but warned that any new spending must stay within the cost growth benchmark and preserve existing contracting structures. The hearing ended with additional testimony on a community health center workforce and loan repayment grant bill from Rep. Stanley, and with further discussion from Dr. Alan Garo about the need for payment reform in primary care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, I can assure you, the land bank fee has certainly not depressed real estate costs in any way,
• by a corporate investor who bought her building took a toll on her health and caused her to be so depressed
• For this, I'm a person who's full of depression.
• Today, I don't see a dream and depression, to be in a situation where you can't live in dignified conditions
• And that's why I'm living full of stress, full of depression, because sometimes I want to spend time

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a long public hearing focused mainly on two sets of issues: proposals to amend or repeal the MBTA Communities Act, and bills to allow local rent stabilization. Committee chairs opened by explaining the hearing would be tightly managed because of the very large number of speakers, with testimony limited to two minutes per person and written testimony still accepted by email. Members and witnesses were called in a mix of in-person and virtual order throughout the hearing. On the MBTA Communities Act, several legislators and local officials argued the law is too rigid and should be revised to account for local conditions. Speakers from small, rural, or infrastructure-limited communities such as Hanson, Halifax, Marshfield, Winthrop, Dracut, Carver, Rehoboth, and others said the law’s one-size-fits-all approach does not fit towns with limited water, sewer, transit access, or buildable land. Some filed bills would repeal the law, exempt certain communities, or create appeals processes based on infrastructure, environmental, or historical constraints. Supporters of the law’s changes emphasized local control and the need to avoid forcing development where communities believe it is impractical or inconsistent with town character. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to rent stabilization legislation, especially S. 1447 and related House bills. Supporters included legislators, city councilors, tenant advocates, labor leaders, housing nonprofits, public health organizations, and residents who described sharp rent increases, displacement, homelessness risk, and the strain on working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. They argued local-option rent stabilization would let municipalities cap excessive increases and prevent no-fault evictions while preserving flexibility for local conditions. Opponents, including small landlords and property owners, said rent control would discourage investment, worsen housing quality, burden responsible owners, and drive small landlords out of the market. Some witnesses also supported a Cape Cod/Island transfer fee bill and a suburban infrastructure fund, arguing those would provide local revenue for housing or roads. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• People who are already struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns often
• People who are already struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns often
• People who are already<00:03:04.400><c> struggling</c><00:03:04.720><c> with</c><00:03:04.959><c> depression
• ,</c> already struggling with depression, already struggling with depression, anxiety,<00:03:06.319><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• puberty blockers for youth ages 13 to 20 was associated with a 60% lower odds of moderate to severe depression
• They also align with extensive studies finding reductions in suicidality, depression, and anxiety, and
• puberty blockers for youth ages 13 to 20 was associated with a 60% lower odds of moderate to severe depression
• They also align with extensive studies finding reductions in suicidality, depression, and anxiety, and
• They also align with extensive studies finding reductions in suicidality, depression, and anxiety, and

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors and other visitors. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills on topics including public schools and curricula, transportation, health care, child welfare, municipal and county governance, homeowners’ associations, speech, and election-related matters. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others were advanced with committee or floor amendments. Among the more notable debates, senators discussed SB 1094, which would impose civil liability related to gender reassignment surgery on minors; supporters said it would compensate minors harmed by such procedures, while opponents argued it would discriminate against transgender youth, raise malpractice costs, and chill access to care. SB 1813, concerning the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, drew concern about litigation and the need to expand capacity for people with serious mental illness, while supporters said the bill would remove a legal cap and allow more beds to be used. SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures was amended to clarify representative payee requirements and received generally favorable comments, though some members raised concerns about child safety and DCS discretion. The Senate also advanced SCR 1004, a photo radar ballot referral, after an amendment requiring voter approval in jurisdictions that use photo radar; Senator Leach thanked the sponsor for the change. Other bills moved forward included measures on school firearm safety instruction, civics instruction, chiropractic claims, behavioral health prior authorization, psychiatric evaluations, DCS procedures, AHCCCS procurement contracting, county recorder and HOA-related issues, and legislative qualifications. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• participants who had alpha-gal syndrome in our survey screened with positive indicators for anxiety and depression
• shared they had alpha-gal syndrome participating in our study were screened to have indicators of depression
• they had alpha-gal syndrome and participated in our study were screened as having indicators of depression
• I'd like to highlight, too, that it would be folks who weren't previously dealing with anxiety or depression
• But there is a level of anxiety and depression that you go through with this, and that is something I

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• participants who had alpha-gal syndrome in our survey screened with positive indicators for anxiety and depression
• they had alpha-gal syndrome participating in our study... ...were screened to have indicators of depression
• I'd like to highlight, too, that it would be folks who weren't previously dealing with anxiety or depression
• But there is a level of anxiety and depression that you go through with this, and that is something I
• But there is a level of anxiety and depression that you go through with this, and that is something I

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2309, Representative Jones’ Oregon Harvesting bill, do pass by a vote of 13 ayes and no nays. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 1881, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. Representative Bill Allen said the bill is intended to address xylazine’s role in fentanyl-related overdoses, improve tracking and enforcement, and preserve legitimate veterinary use through carve-outs. A veterinarian from the University of Missouri testified in support, emphasizing xylazine’s long-standing and safe veterinary use and the need to protect agricultural practice while targeting illicit diversion. No opposition was presented, and testimony on the bill concluded. The committee then heard House Bill 1855, which would add alpha-gal syndrome to Missouri’s reportable conditions and create a reporting/surveillance framework. Sponsor Representative Matthew Overcast said the bill was revised to shift reporting from providers to private labs, create a standalone non-communicable disease reporting section, and support data collection for prevalence, education, and federal funding opportunities. Supporters included a lobbyist for the AlphaGal Alliance, a University of Missouri dermatologist/researcher, Extension staff, cattle industry representatives, and multiple patients and family members who described severe dietary restrictions, anxiety, school and work impacts, and the need for better public awareness and treatment research. Opponents argued the bill’s language would expand DHSS authority too broadly, especially the provision allowing the department to designate and enforce rules for noncommunicable diseases, and suggested narrowing the bill and adding opt-in protections. No vote was taken. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2355, Representative Holly Jones’ “food as medicine” bill. Jones argued that nutrition should be treated as a public health intervention and described medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition counseling as tools that can improve outcomes and reduce costs. In questions, members raised concerns about how the proposal would interact with existing food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other federal nutrition benefits, and whether the bill would create a new entitlement or duplicate existing aid. The hearing on HB 2355 was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They explained that these shooters are in crisis, with over 80% of them showing signs like depression
• 02:30.400><c> showing</c><00:02:30.800><c> signs</c><00:02:31.120><c> like</c><00:02:31.360><c> depression
• ,</c><00:02:31.920><c> mood</c> them showing signs like depression, mood them showing signs like depression
• Research shows that rising rates of depression and anxiety in students is linked to a rise in school
• Research shows that rising rates of depression and anxiety in students is linked to a rise in school

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important. Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments. Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve patients 13 and older with conditions such as depression, attention deficit disorder, obsessive
• :23:27.320><c> as</c> um and older with conditions such as um and older with conditions such as depression
• ,<01:23:28.720><c> attention</c><01:23:29.160><c> deficit</c><01:23:29.520><c> disorder,</c> depression
• I also provide transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, which requires 30
• I also provide transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, which requires 30

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I stand before you as a mom who dealt with severe postpartum depression and suicidal ideation.
• No one chooses when or how medical needs happen, like when I developed perinatal depression and anxiety
• baby doesn’t get enough nutrition or affection during crucial brain development periods, or become depressed
• 34.760><c> become</c> brain de development periods or become brain de development periods or become depressed
• it could mean fights with depressed it could mean fights with Partners<00:49:37.480><c> breakups</c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in how the products were designed and that these design choices were a major factor in causing depression
• in how the products were designed and that these design choices were a major factor in causing depression
• Studies consistently associate problematic social media use with anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and
• Studies consistently associate problematic social media use with anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and
• They depress us, make us feel imperfect, and they amplify cyberbullying and harassment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that depressing note, I'll end my comments.
• So with that depressing note, I'll end my comments.
• So with that depressing note, I'll end my comments.
• So with that depressing note, I'll end my comments. Thank you, Senator Pappas.
• Chancellor Chair Housley, Senator Kien, if you want to really be depressed about the gap between some

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 322 is a postpartum depression bill. It 322 is a postpartum depression bill.
• It 322 is a postpartum depression bill.
• Public Health to develop educational Public Health to develop educational materials on postpartum depression
• . materials on postpartum depression. materials on postpartum depression.
• The sub will explain some depression. The sub will explain some depression.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For a patient living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, or another serious mental
• For a patient living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, or another serious mental

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading. The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor. After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miramon grew up in Gentilly during the Great Depression. ...Pat Miramon Memorial Highway in Slidell.
• Miramon grew up in Gentilly during the Great Depression, which had a lasting impact on him and helped

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the stock market crashed, the Great Depression hit, along with the Dust Bowl...
• Then the stock market crashed, the Great Depression hit, along with the Dust Bowl, and he could not afford

Bills: HB4248, HB4429, HB2588, HB3472, HB4317, HB3462, HB2035, HB3501, HB3127, HB3143, HB3144, HB3260, HB4321, HB3011, HB3522, HB3530, HB3940, HB3078, HB3043, HB3005, HB3007, HB3403, HB1907, HB3175, HB3986, HB3466, HB3411, HB4246, SJR49, HB3281, HB4319, HJR1086, HJR1024, HJR1087

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and several introductions recognizing the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, visiting school groups, and other guests in the galleries. Members also heard a personal privilege statement from Senator Peterson marking the 100th anniversary of his father’s immigration to the United States, followed by a reception announcement in the lounge. The chamber then took up H.J.R. 1024, a proposed constitutional amendment revising the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing political affiliation restrictions, changing term rules, and allowing consecutive service. An amendment was adopted to move the special election date to August 25, 2026, but the special-election provision later failed on a 27-17 vote. After extended debate over judicial independence, transparency, and political influence, the resolution itself passed 35-8. The Senate next considered H.J.R. 1087, which would place before voters a constitutional amendment on the five-year ad valorem tax exemption for qualified manufacturing facilities and allow the Legislature to set reimbursement levels for local entities. Supporters said it would give the state more control over costly reimbursements; the measure passed 38-7, and the special-election provision also passed 38-7. The Senate then laid over two agenda items, made committee and event announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• social interactions, less connectivity, damages healthy relationship building, emotional anxiety, depression
• It was probably going to be a bad prescription, and be like me saying, well, I think you need a depressant

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard extended testimony on House Bill 2230, focused on limiting screen time and reducing reliance on educational technology in K-12 schools. The main witness, a physician and Springfield school board member, argued that one-to-one devices, digital curricula, and online testing harm children’s learning, attention, social development, and physical health, and that they widen achievement gaps, especially for lower-performing and disadvantaged students. She cited international and state assessment trends, research favoring handwriting and paper-based learning, and her district’s experience scaling back Chromebooks, reintroducing books and cursive, and seeing improved MAP scores. She also criticized state testing and standards as driving schools toward more screen use, and said current Missouri requirements and the computer science task force push technology too early and too broadly. Other speakers, including a district executive director and a teachers’ association representative, supported the general direction of the bill, emphasizing teacher training, accessibility concerns, and the need to prepare students for the future without overreliance on devices. Budget concerns were raised, with one witness estimating Chromebooks and related infrastructure cost more per student than textbooks and paper materials. Committee members discussed the bill as a nonprescriptive measure intended to put schools on notice, encourage local policy changes, and create a state task force to make broader recommendations later. The chair and other members said the bill was meant to start the conversation rather than impose immediate mandates. The hearing ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned after public comment.