Video & Transcript Research : 'rate deviations'
Page 262 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Only lowering recidivism rates is actually discussed in the bill.
- I look at it to pay your hourly rate."
- It puts downward pressure on insurance rates.
- <02:04:05.520>
Um insurance rates. Um insurance rates. - realize they set their own tax rate. realize they set their own tax rate.
MI
Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety 26-06-18
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- tasked with establishing the system to facilitate appointment, including establishing a standardized rate
- general fund dollars, would probably be needed to supplement those resources in order to bring the rates
- general fund dollars, would probably be needed to supplement those resources in order to bring the rates
- I mentioned this 44% re-injury rate earlier.
- And to date, after reaching over 1,500 people, we've seen our D-Live re-injury rate be less than 6%.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety met with a quorum and adopted the June 4, 2026 minutes. The committee first took up Senate Bill 712, adopting the S-2 substitute, which expands residency requirements to include adjoining districts and removes a provision allowing a district to appoint someone employed by the district. The committee then reported SB 712 to the floor. It also considered House Bills 4025 and 4026, described as safe storage tax exemption bills; the committee heard one supportive written card and reported both bills to the floor, each on a 5-1 vote.
The committee next heard testimony on Senate Bill 885, which would create a statewide Parent and Child Legal Representation Commission and Office within LARA to address child protective legal representation. Senator Singh and Alicia Moon of the Michigan Supreme Court described the current county-by-county system as uneven, with attorney shortages, inconsistent pay, and limited specialized training. They said the bill would set standards for training, caseloads, client contact, and compensation, while requiring public comment and future appropriations before implementation. Testimony and written cards from a broad range of organizations and judges supported the measure, and the committee reported SB 885 to the floor on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on Senate Bills 1015 and 1016, which would create an Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention within MDHHS and establish a grant program to support community violence intervention efforts statewide. Sponsors and witnesses from Force Detroit, D-Live, Seize the Smoke, Advance Peace, public health, law enforcement, and advocacy groups described CVI as a public health and public safety strategy that reduces shootings, supports survivors, and saves public costs. Several witnesses cited local data showing reductions in shootings and homicides in Detroit and Lansing, while one witness from the Michigan Sheriff's Association opposed the bills as written. The committee voted to report both SB 1015 and SB 1016 to the floor, each on a 5-0 vote with one pass, and then adjourned after additional testimony and reading of support cards.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the things that my questions on here are, so I understand the rate, but we also talked about kind
- parity to make it equitable so that the people who are missing are treated and looked for at the same rate
- This takes it to $5.50 with an annual CPI growth rate adjustment contained in the bill.
- I can only find two that are across the state statutes that have a CPI growth rate.
- It would take the tax rate from 21% to 34%.
Summary:
The committee on Crime and Public Safety met for public hearings on three bills. Senate Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosley, would create a permanent office in the Missouri Department of Public Safety focused on missing and murdered African-American women and girls, including a Phoenix Alert system, data collection, cold-case review, and support for community organizations. The sponsor and several supporters, including family members and advocates, said Black women and girls are disproportionately missing, often misclassified as runaways, and do not receive equal attention from law enforcement. Some members questioned whether the office should be broader and include all missing persons, and the Department of Public Safety’s estimated six FTEs and funding through grants/private sources were discussed. No vote was taken on the bill at the hearing.
Senate Bill 1572, by Sen. Mike Henderson, would change the St. Louis Police Retirement System board by staggering the mayor’s two appointments and limiting three elected board seats to active commissioned officers elected by active members, with travel time provided for board duties. The sponsor and witnesses said the change is intended to prevent the board from losing quorum when appointments are delayed or members are unavailable, which had created problems for major fiduciary decisions. The bill was described as technical and received no opposition in the hearing.
House Bill 3533, by Rep. Knight, would raise casino admission fees and gaming taxes and adjust related revenue provisions, with funds directed to state purposes including natural resources, historic preservation, education, and the Gaming Commission. The sponsor framed it as a revenue measure, while the Missouri Gaming Association opposed it, arguing the higher fees and taxes would significantly burden casinos, reduce reinvestment, and could drive patrons to neighboring states or illegal gaming machines. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry also opposed the bill in principle, saying the committee should be cautious about targeting one industry for higher taxes and fees. No committee action or vote was taken during the hearing.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the things that my questions on here are, so I understand the rate, but we also talked about kind
- parity to make it equitable so that the people who are missing are treated and looked for at the same rate
- This takes it to $5.50 with an annual CPI growth rate adjustment contained in the bill.
- I can only find two that are across the state statutes that have a CPI growth rate.
- It would take the tax rate from 21% to 34%.
Summary:
The committee on Crime and Public Safety heard testimony on Senate Bill 1652, which would create a permanent office in the Missouri Department of Public Safety focused on missing and murdered African-American women and girls. Senator Angela Mosley said the office would review cold cases, improve data collection, support community organizations, and include a proposed Phoenix Alert for missing persons. Supporters, including family members and advocates, described long-standing disparities in how missing Black women and girls are treated, said cases are often mislabeled as runaways, and argued the state needs dedicated staff and resources. Some members raised questions about whether the office should serve all missing persons and about the bill’s estimated cost and staffing, but the bill was generally supported in testimony and no vote was taken in the hearing.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1572, sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson, which would change the membership structure of the St. Louis Police Retirement System board. The bill would stagger the mayor’s two appointments and require the three elected board members to be active commissioned officers elected by active members of the system, with travel time provided for board duties. Henderson said the change was prompted by a prior quorum problem caused by vacancies and illness. The St. Louis Police Retirement System and related city stakeholders supported the bill, describing it as a technical fix to avoid future quorum failures. The measure had already passed the Senate 31-0 and was reported to have passed the House pension committee unanimously.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3533, which would raise casino admission fees and gaming taxes and direct additional revenue to state funds, including natural resources, historic preservation, education, and the Gaming Commission. The sponsor framed it as a revenue measure, while the Missouri Gaming Association opposed it, arguing the bill would significantly increase costs on casinos, could reduce reinvestment, and might require voter approval for some sports betting-related changes. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also opposed the bill in principle, saying it did not want to pick winners and losers through targeted tax increases. No action or vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after the HB 3533 testimony.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- powers and duties for a learning community coordinating council, career-guerning high school graduation rates
- By statute, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the rate and disbursement of the documentary stamp tax
- promulgate rules and regulations to carry out this section, including provisions for temporary reduced-rate
- the child and adult food programs to reimburse all participating family daycare homes at tier one rates
- buying your groceries at the same grocery store, and yet they are paid differential reimbursement rates
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The recidivism rate is 7.5. In other words, 92.5 percent of them do not recidivate.
- The recidivism rate is 7.5.
- detainees and low-level offenders that did not get sent to the Arizona Department of Corrections at a rate
- Today, 2026, to answer your question, Representative Reim, the recidivism rate in the Yavapai County
- And we are always wanting to... ...the recidivism rate out there.
Keywords:
reentry programs, criminal justice, funding, grants, recidivism, attorney general, jury duty, election worker, Arizona Revised Statutes, temporary appointment, civic duty, family court, professional personnel, parenting time, legal decision-making, evidentiary hearings, child custody, ethical standards, capital punishment, death penalty
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Business and Financial Institutions - Room 216, 2 March, 2026; 4:30 PM
Business and Financial Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- be not only a savings to our office, but the bigger issue is we agree this would increase response rates
- 00:10:55.760>
response agree this would increase response agree this would increase response rates - 57.839>
I <00:10:58.079>know <00:10:58.240>sometimes <00:10:58.560>there's rates - Um, I know sometimes there's rates.
- the roughly 80% of companies in Mississippi that have opted into this already is that the response rate
Summary:
The committee took up several House bills related to fraud prevention and business filing procedures. On HB 1719, members discussed creating a study committee to examine prevention strategies for financial fraud and related scams, with the sponsor citing a sharp increase in securities division investigations and the need to coordinate among multiple state agencies. Questions focused on whether the study would include deed fraud and veterans’ fraud; the sponsor said the committee was initially aimed at securities fraud but could be expanded, and noted the Veterans Affairs director was included. An amendment adding the president of the Mississippi Bankers Association or designee was adopted, and the bill was given a do pass strike all recommendation.
HB 1532 would allow the Secretary of State to remove fraudulent business filings and protect personal information used without consent. The sponsor explained that current law does not let the office remove a filing even when someone’s name, address, or phone number is used fraudulently, and said the bill would create a process to investigate complaints and take down fraudulent filings. Members clarified that the bill would not address scam solicitation letters sent to businesses, only fraudulent filings themselves. The committee then voted title sufficient, do pass.
HB 1642 would move dissolution notices for corporations and LLCs to electronic notice. The sponsor said Mississippi already requires email addresses on filings and has been sending both email and mailed notices, but the bill would allow email-only notice and save about $65,000 in mailing costs while improving response rates. After concerns were raised about whether electronic notice alone was enough before a business is dissolved, the committee adopted a reverse repealer amendment to keep working on the issue, then reported the bill out with a title sufficient, do pass strike all recommendation and rose and reported.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Like, let's say you buy a truck in Florida and get insurance rates for Florida and then you park it in
- Uh, the error rates that we see on this has resulted in catastrophic results for innocent parties, including
- Uh,<00:08:44.120>
the <00:08:44.240>error <00:08:44.520>rates <00:08:44.800>that - c> we<00:08:45.040>
see <00:08:45.400>on <00:08:45.560>this Uh, the error rates - that we see on this Uh, the error rates that we see on this has<00:08:46.480>
resulted <00:08:
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up three bills. First, it heard House Bill 264, which would add real estate scams to theft by deception law by covering fraudulent sale, lease, or rental of commercial or residential property. Representative Proctor said the measure responds to growing real estate fraud and was intended to help law enforcement address schemes where bad actors list property they do not own. The committee approved the bill 18-0 and reported it favorably.
The committee then considered House Bill 58, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with automated license plate readers. Representative Hodgson said the bill would limit retention of ALPR data to 90 days, with exceptions for active investigations, subpoenas, and certain insurance or financial contract uses, and would restrict sale or sharing of the data to protect privacy while preserving public safety uses. Members asked about differences in the substitute and whether the bill would affect work-zone safety cameras; Hodgson said it would not. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 19-0, with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 529, also with a committee substitute, concerning the Parole Board. The bill would set four-year terms for board members, allow a limited gubernatorial extension when needed to avoid too many expirations in one year, and permit panels of two or more members to decide parole cases. The Parole Board chair testified that smaller panels are needed to handle the board’s heavy caseload more efficiently and avoid administrative delays. Members discussed a minor wording change in the substitute and the emergency status of the bill due to vacancies. The committee passed HB 529 20-0 with one pass vote, then adopted a title amendment and adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:01 am
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- in commerce, but it allows them to freeze those taxes for up to 20 years, so they'll pay the same rate—sorry
- Of course, the unit would be set right at the HUD table price rate, but how do you confirm that the person
- Of course, the unit will be set right at the HUD table price rate, but how do you confirm that the person
- right, is an apartment complex would negotiate with the county or the city to set it at a certain rate
- The apartment complex would negotiate with the county or the city to set it at a certain rate, and then
Keywords:
museum, cultural affairs, lowrider, Espanola, appropriation, feasibility study, broadband access, low-income, rural areas, Indian nations, affordable internet, employment opportunities, detention centers, immigration, economic development, repurposing facilities, job transition, rural development, housing, affordable housing
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 19th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- most influential programs from the authority are the Young Farmers Grant Program and the Interest Rate
- The Interest Rate Reduction Program helps Texas farmers and agricultural businesses get lowered interest
- House Bill 43. decreases the maximum loan amount and decreases the maximum state-set deposit rate from
- Agriculture Grant Program maximum award from $500,000 down to $100,000 and reduces the Farmer's Interest Rate
- the proposed changes to reduce the matching requirements, the increased funding, and the interest rate
Keywords:
agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of the court to include failure to meet deadlines, performance measures, or standards of clearance rates
- , deadlines, performance measures, or standards of clearance rate requirements set by statute and administrative
- their courtrooms, showing up for work, and doing the hard job of keeping up. with their clearance rates
- They can see the disposition rate of courts across the state.
- heard members of the Texas legislature express concern that when judges are trying to meet clearance rates
Bills:
HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40
Keywords:
partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/15/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:38.639>
So, <00:14:39.120>you're usability rate, not a 30%. - So, you're usability rate, not a 30%.
- <00:50:31.839>
increases proposed long-term care rate increases proposed long-term care rate - It does not mandate coverage or set rates.
- Instead, it coverage or set rates.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 12 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , House No. 4289, local approval received; the House bill further regulating the year-round market rate
- An act further regulating the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown
- An act further regulating the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring Oxford Fire Chief Laurent R. McDonald for 45 years of public service. Members also adopted an order creating a special joint committee on initiative petitions to review petitions transmitted by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. In addition, House Bill 862, providing for the recall of elected officers in the town of Sharon, was passed to be enacted.
The House then acted on several procedural and scheduling matters. It suspended Joint Rule 12 to send three petitions to committee, and the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a group of local and special bills for consideration, including measures on home insurers and tree removal, housing for families with pets, public safety in Stoneham, community housing funds in Chatham, the Provincetown rental housing trust fund, a disability pension for Christopher Taylor, and a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix. These bills were ordered to a third reading. The House also welcomed visiting students from Four Rivers Charter Public School and the Medfield Girls Soccer State Champions.
On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed four police-age waiver bills for Antonio Perez, Sherell Malas, Jonathan Telford, and Jose Ortiz, all directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement. The chamber also observed a moment of silent tribute for the late Honorable Francis J. Larkin of Hopedale, recognizing his long career in public service, law, and education. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/27/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- in their in their reimbursement rates. in their in their reimbursement rates.
- in the rates at this time without taking some other form of action to, um, provide that.
- Um, that is to ensure that our rates are actuarially sound.
- <00:45:46.800>
are that is to ensure that our rates are that is to ensure that our rates are - Uh, cuz I know about the rate the that.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:58:49.640>
that <00:58:49.760>are to Bear real estate tax rates that are to Bear - real estate tax rates that are in<00:58:50.760>
in <00:58:50.960>many <00:58:51.240> - So places like Newport... accelerating rate of property accelerating rate of property taxes<03:01:13.120
- that that that would the swept rate that that that would the equalized<04:14:27.359>
rate <04: - for all um uh for all equalized rate for all um uh for all properties<04:14:30.760>
uh <04:14:
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities.
A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds.
Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/13/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- offer rate that's published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- offer rate that's published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- <00:45:23.800>
that's average Prime offer rate that's average Prime offer rate that's published - Large companies are looking at a 2% advantage in credit card rates.
- Large companies are looking at a 2% advantage in credit card rates.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/18/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- significant negative rating. significant negative rating. >> Follow. >> Follow.
- Vacancy rates remain elevated in many areas.
- rates for Medicaid Reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers<01:03:56.880>
in <01:03:57.119>< - rates remain elevated in many areas. rates remain elevated in many areas.
- <05:06:19.440>
among achieve perfect vaccination rates among achieve perfect vaccination rates
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Now the benefit to me is, as I'm getting older, I could rent that out at an affordable rate of, let's
- And with a safe withdrawal rate of 4%, that's a six-figure income.
- But we also provide fair, fixed-rate 30-year mortgages for manufactured housing.
- less than the average property tax rate for most towns.
- <04:34:25.320>
representative rate representative rate representative Gibbs<04:34:27.600>thank
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns.
Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency.
A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the California policyholders receive a non-renewal notice from their insurers at the fourth highest rate
- Remember, California, even with the latest rate increases, has had inadequate rates for over 20 years
- In a state where rates have to be approved, it can take years to get approved.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met to consider several insurance-related bills, with SB 1301 by Senator Allen and SB 876 by Senator Padilla receiving the most discussion. SB 1301 would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving policyholders a chance to fix identified issues, and limiting non-renewals based on unreasonable grounds. The bill was supported by consumer advocates, fire survivors, local officials, and several organizations, while insurers said they had worked extensively with the author and were moving to neutral, though they still raised implementation and proprietary-information concerns. The committee voted to pass SB 1301 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll left open briefly before the bill was declared out.
SB 876 would overhaul wildfire and disaster claims handling by requiring updated replacement-cost estimates, stronger extended replacement-cost and building-code coverage options, faster status updates when adjusters change, and other consumer protections. Supporters included the Department of Insurance, United Policyholders, consumer groups, and local representatives, who argued the bill addresses underinsurance, delays, and inconsistent claims handling exposed by recent wildfires. Several industry groups said recent amendments resolved major concerns and moved them to neutral, while the California Fair Plan remained respectfully opposed pending further review. The committee approved SB 876 as amended to Judiciary, again leaving the roll open briefly before finalizing the vote.
The committee also took up a consent item, SB 536 by Senator Archuleta, which was approved unanimously to Appropriations. Other bills listed at the start of the hearing, SB 555 and SB 795, were pulled at the request of the authors and were not heard.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You're already worried about your insurance rates potentially going up because of this loss.
- If it's going to affect people's rates, it's going to affect people's credit, it's going to affect all
- It's going to affect people's rates. It's going to affect people's credit.
- or a small city, but the significance in terms of dollar amount and how that would affect insurance rates
Bills:
HB3045
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee first considered several gubernatorial nominations. Brent Black of Bixby was renominated to the Forensic Review Board, with Senator Guthrie noting the board’s seven-member makeup and the need for mental health professionals; the nomination was advanced 8-0. Lou Ann Moody of Henrietta was then presented for the Forensic Review Board. Moody described her long legal career, her work as city attorney and in juvenile/dependency matters, and her decision to avoid criminal defense work to avoid ethical conflicts. Members asked about the board’s caseload and meeting schedule, and the nomination was advanced 8-0. The committee also heard the nomination of a retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer, Mr. McCoy, to the OSBI Commission. He emphasized his decades of law enforcement and emergency-management experience, and the nomination was advanced 8-0.
The committee then took up House Bill 3045, with an amendment offered by Senator Reinhart. The amendment would allow certain fire departments, rural fire districts, and fire protection districts in municipalities under 200,000 population to recover accident response fees, while preventing those fees from going into general revenue or funding non-fire services. Reinhart explained the bill was intended to address fire departments’ ability to recover costs while limiting the impact on the state’s two largest cities. Senator Brooks questioned why the exemption would apply only to the largest municipalities, and Reinhart responded that Tulsa and Oklahoma City would see the greatest fiscal impact and that rural departments lacked comparable revenue sources.
Senator Murdoch raised a point that the bill had an unescorted fiscal impact on municipalities and asked for a ruling under the Municipal Fiscal Impact Act. The chair took the matter under advisement and, at the sponsor’s request, laid the bill over rather than proceeding further. The meeting concluded with members offering extended personal remarks thanking the chair and vice chair for their leadership and service, and the chair adjourned the committee.