Transcript Highlights:

• Mike test check 1-2. Mic test check one, two, mic test check one, too. Thank you. Thank you.
• enforcement on their investigations, building a reference lab to ensure regulated products are properly tested

Bills: HB2933 , HB3041 , HB3048 , HB3081 , HB3297 , HB3338 , HB3673 , HB3790 , HB3983 , HB4105 , HB4139 , HB4203 , HJR1023

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, insurance, nonadmitted insurers, surplus lines, Oklahoma, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, towing services

Summary: The Business and Insurance Committee considered a long agenda of bills and executive nominations. Among the bills, it advanced measures to update fire extinguisher industry age restrictions and application rules (HB 381), create a five-day cancellation right for homeowners after severe storm-related contracts (HB 3790), require a biennial workers’ compensation medical fee schedule update (HJR 1023), create the Oklahoma Home Services Act to standardize home service contract disclosures (HB 4139, amended to correct a wording error), cap surcharge fees and add a career tech exemption (HB 3041), create the Oklahoma Tolling and Recovery Board (HB 3297), allow expired electrical contractor licenses to be reinstated without re-examination (HB 3673), clarify who is not a security guard for licensing purposes (HB 4105), create a licensing framework for in-ground pool contractors effective November 1, 2027 (HB 3338), and streamline surplus lines insurance procedures and premium tax enforcement (HB 3048). One bill on smokeless tobacco taxation (HB 3983) drew extended debate over whether a weight-based tax would be fairer and revenue-neutral; after questions about health impacts, reporting, fraud concerns, and inflation, the bill failed to receive a second and was left in committee. HB 3041 also drew significant debate over whether it would effectively allow higher credit card surcharges, but it ultimately passed 5-4. The committee also heard numerous executive nominations, all of which were approved and sent to the full Senate. Those included Michael Stop and Michael Bauer to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, Michael Cantrell and Burrell Sears to the Oklahoma Abstractors Board, Richard Willoughby to the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, E. Keith Mitchell and Andrew Revelis to the ABLE Commission, Jackie Ward to the alarm, locksmith, and fire sprinkler industry board, Terence Shreve to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufacturer Board, and Adra Berry as Cabinet Secretary of Licensing and Regulation. Nominees generally described their professional backgrounds and commitment to public safety, regulation, or industry expertise, and several senators spoke in support of their service. Most nominations passed unanimously or near-unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Army and Air Force ROTC cadets access to a modern training facility that meets updated military and testing
• military facility that meets updated military training<00:35:08.200><c> and</c><00:35:08.320><c> testing
• </c><00:35:09.440><c> Expanded</c> training and testing standards.
• Expanded training and testing standards.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 30 senators. The chamber approved excusing absent senators, dispensed with reading the prior journal, and agreed to allow bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Several guests were recognized in the gallery, including local officials, construction representatives for the new statehouse, and advocacy groups. A series of House messages were received and referred to committees, including local bills and constitutional amendments for Macon, Winston, Perry, Montgomery, Mobile, Jefferson, Marengo, Covington, Tuscaloosa, and Madison counties, along with measures on campaign finance, title fraud, public health, workforce, income tax, legal tender, consumer protection, seafood products, carbon dioxide injection wells, and boards of registrars. Committee reports included favorable reports on Senate Bill 374 and House Bill 432 from the Committee on Local Legislation. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 97 commending the University of Alabama on its planned ROTC facility and Student Veteran Center, and Senate Joint Resolution 98 naming a portion of Highway 9 in Elmore County the Lamar S. "Bubba" Woodham Jr. Highway. During personal privilege, Senator Smitherman urged attention to the lack of septic systems in parts of the state and suggested the Senate may need to study the issue, possibly through a resolution or task force. Senator Orr submitted a notice in writing regarding proposed Senate rules changes. The Senate then took up local legislation, adopting budget isolation resolutions and passing multiple local bills and constitutional amendments, including House Bill 569 (Autauga County), House Bill 337 and Senate Bill 371 (Madison County), House Bill 576 (Mobile County), House Bill 529 (Class 2 municipalities), Senate Bill 369 (Lauderdale County), House Bill 612 (Covington County), and House Bill 514 (Tuscaloosa County), with votes largely unanimous or near-unanimous. The Senate recessed until 1:00 p.m. after completing the local calendar items.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other problem with that is when they lowered, as a test drawdown in '92, they lowered the... ...state
• The other problem with that is when they lowered, as a test drawdown in '92, they lowered the... ...and
• what that is is when they lowered it as a test drawdown in '92, they lowered it down by, I think it
• At the end of the test period in September, they refilled the reservoir. They brought it back up.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Test, test.” “Test, test. We’re all right. We’re all right. Okay.

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow a governing body to approve a tourism improvement area to promote tourism and lodging. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said the bill would give communities a voluntary, locally controlled tool to market destinations, attract events, and strengthen rural and urban tourism economies without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism’s economic importance in places like Yuma and other rural communities, and the bill was moved forward with a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The committee then held a presentation on rural economic development in Pinal County, focusing on the Lucid Motors project and its workforce partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described the Drive48 training program, the creation of a skilled workforce pipeline, and broader economic impacts such as higher wages, job creation, and related growth in housing and infrastructure. The committee also read proclamations recognizing Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to economic development in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee heard HB 2946, which revises development fee requirements and prohibits development fees on accessory dwelling units. The sponsor argued the bill was intended to address housing affordability and reduce burdens on families and builders, while cities, towns, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and municipal attorneys opposed it, saying it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and weaken the principle that growth should pay for growth. An amendment in the chair’s name was adopted to remove county-related provisions and make clarifying changes. The amended bill was then passed with a 4-1 vote and two members voting present.

Transcript Highlights:

• because they've gone through the multiple hours that they're required and they take whatever written tests
• , whatever active tests, whatever you do, and they still meet them, but there's still something that,
• To comply, you will be able to go see a psychologist, and they will test you on this, see what your background
• is, You will be able to go see a psychologist, and they will test you on this, see what your background

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 2774, the Jeff Knight bill concerning gas-powered leaf blowers. An amendment was adopted to exempt the city of Clayton, Missouri, allowing it to ban gas-powered leaf blowers if it chooses. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass by 12 yeas and 0 nays. The committee next took up House Bill 2176 by Representative Perkins and voted it do pass by 8 yeas and 4 nays. After that, the committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1730, sponsored by Representative Koslow, which would treat Missouri-made firearm suppressors that remain in-state as outside federal Commerce Clause oversight. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would protect hearing, reduce federal burdens, and not increase crime; members raised concerns about concealment and public safety, but no opposition testimony was offered and the hearing closed. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2504 by Representative Elliott, which would expand who may be designated as school protection officers to include additional school personnel, such as classified staff, if they volunteer, complete required training, and are approved through local school board and state processes. Supporters, including a school superintendent, security trainer, law enforcement officer, and public advocate, said the bill would improve response times in rural districts that cannot afford school resource officers and emphasized the extensive training and vetting already required. Opponents or skeptical members questioned whether adding more armed personnel in schools was the right response to school violence, but no formal opposition testimony was presented before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, eventually the cow's milk got tested, found that they had been poisoning their families with PAS.
• c><00:11:08.160><c> cow's</c><00:11:08.560><c> milk</c><00:11:08.800><c> got</c><00:11:08.959><c> tested
• </c> it got uh the cow's milk got tested it got uh the cow's milk got tested found<00:11:09.760><c> that

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we estimate the action on the presidential fitness test to be valued around $9 million for the five-year
• Well, and if I could just ask one more, well, like the physical fitness test.
• North Dakota are actually in urban areas, but they're all going to have to take the physical fitness test
• If the bill passes as it is, it would require the testing across schools in North Dakota. So the...

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Joint Policy Committee met to hear an overview of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program before taking up the related policy bills. Department of Health and Human Services staff explained that the state received a $198.9 million CMS award, with funding focused on four pillars: strengthening rural workforce, bringing care closer to home, connecting technology and data, and improving population health through prevention. They emphasized that the program is intended to benefit rural and frontier residents statewide, including areas near urban centers when the project serves rural patients, and that CMS approval, provider readiness, and sustainability will drive what can be funded. Committee members asked about how the program would treat border communities, frontier counties, urban providers serving rural patients, multilingual outreach, tribal consultation, and whether there would be information sessions for applicants. HHS said the website will include sign-up and translation features, more listening sessions and training will be offered, and a rural health tribal liaison will work alongside the existing Medicaid tribal liaison. Members also raised concerns about reimbursement timing, cash flow for providers, and whether projects in urban areas could qualify; HHS responded that urban projects may be eligible if they clearly benefit rural residents. The department then outlined the four policy bills tied to the grant scoring: nutrition continuing medical education for physicians, the presidential fitness test, the physician assistant compact, and pharmacist scope of practice. HHS said these policy actions were incentivized in the federal funding opportunity and that failure to pass them could reduce future funding. The committee did not take final action on the bills in this portion of the transcript and recessed for lunch before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have certified testing bodies referenced.
• He's a close friend, and we were going over some test results. And he said, well, where are you at?
• It prohibits AFFF for use in non-emergency training, testing, and instruction as of July 1, 2026.
• It prohibits AFF for use in non-emergency training, testing, and instruction.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• inside the schools, and the need for the counselors to be more student-centered outside of just being test
• inside the schools, and the need for the counselors to be more student-centered outside of just being test
• asking about a concern as far as having more counselors within the school, that's outside of being test
• Having gone through the public education system, it felt like all my tests were Scantron-based.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE DONE USER ACCEPTING TESTS BEING DONE NOW THIS MONTH WE HAVE DONE USER ACCEPTING TESTS BEING DONE
• UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERNS AND UNDERSTANDING WE'VE BEEN TESTED THIS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND UNDERSTANDING
• NEXT WE HAVE OUR CMS 416 REPORT OR ANNUAL PERIODIC SCREENING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Transcript Highlights:

• tough policy discussions, Senator Bettencourt has been leading on special education initiatives, testing
• House Bill 2712 relates to future test year authorization for PEC to use regarding IOC ratings, a future
• House Bill 2712, relating to test years used for ratemaking purposes for certain utilities.
• acceptable to this, is this amendment that requires a water. ...utility to refund ratepayers if future test

Bills: SB203 , SB317 , SB731 , SB801 , SB823 , SB867 , SB1232 , SB1380 , SB1798 , SB2082 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2919 , SB3074 , HB2 , HB6 , HB18 , HB43 , HB47 , HB120 , HB143 , HB149 , HB171 , HB180 , HB285 , HB305 , HB449 , HB647 , HB742 , HB748 , HB908 , HB1024 , HB1240 , HB1306 , HB1397 , HB1443 , HB1445 , HB1533 , HB1866 , HB1902 , HB2001 , HB2011 , HB2026 , HB2282 , HB2355 , HB2402 , HB2434 , HB2440 , HB2492 , HB2516 , HB2518 , HB2560 , HB2674 , HB2688 , HB2697 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB3153 , HB3161 , HB3421 , HB3424 , HB3464 , HB3486 , HB3510 , HB3627 , HB3966 , HB3986 , HB4042 , HB4044 , HB4076 , HB4263 , HB4384 , HB4396 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB4429 , HB4945 , HB4996 , HB5033 , HB5246 , HB5436 , HB5515 , HB5667 , SJR5 , SB3 , SB4 , SB9 , SB20 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB33 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB379 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB650 , SB681 , SB740 , SB840 , SB843 , SB924 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1188 , SB1198 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1566 , SB1574 , SB1621 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2778 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB3074 , SB1380 , HJR133 , HB2715 , HB2 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB1240 , HB2791 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB128 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5180 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB5652 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB18 , HB2516 , HB2713 , HB24 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1592 , HB120 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB5084 , HB3424 , HB4396 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB180 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB1306 , HB1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , HB5246 , HB3487 , HB3486 , HB4226 , HB216 , HB742 , HB2402 , HB143 , HB5033 , HB4413 , HB4042 , HB2440 , HB4426 , HB49 , HB4112 , HB3233 , HB2310 , HB5515 , HB3627 , HB2674 , HB322 , HB1481 , HB126 , HB3062 , HB3421 , HB3180 , HB2530 , HB2524 , HB1916 , HB3153 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB3120 , HB1629 , HB103 , HB3234 , HB3680 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB5693 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB3732 , HB2508 , HB2293 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB5331 , HB5247 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4668 , HB4464 , HB4395 , HB4063 , HB3833 , HB3623 , HB3214 , HB3512 , HB3250 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB3824 , HB2067 , HB1732 , HB1562 , HB700 , HB1545 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB1851 , HB3619 , HB3071 , HB3556 , HB851 , HB4230 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB5149 , HB4903 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB4377 , HB4535 , HB4129 , HB3812 , HB3801 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB35 , HB346 , HB2974 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5688 , HB1586 , HB5154 , HB2038 , HB163 , HB413 , HB3463 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1828 , HB1422 , HB75 , HB1871 , HB108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB101 , HB2193 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , HCR9 , HCR76 , HCR108 , SB823 , SB1380 , SB3074 , HB47 , HB143 , HB149 , HB171 , HB285 , HB305 , HB449 , HB742 , HB908 , HB1024 , HB1240 , HB1397 , HB1443 , HB1533 , HB1866 , HB1902 , HB2001 , HB2011 , HB2355 , HB2402 , HB2434 , HB2440 , HB2492 , HB2560 , HB2688 , HB2697 , HB2712 , HB3153 , HB3161 , HB3421 , HB3424 , HB3464 , HB3486 , HB3510 , HB3986 , HB4042 , HB4076 , HB4263 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB4429 , HB4945 , HB4996 , HB5246 , HB5515 , HB2 , HB2282 , HB3627 , HB5033 , SR560 , SR561 , HB1904 , HB2240 , HB3686 , HB3793 , HB4202 , HB1904 , HB2240 , HB3686 , HB3793 , HB4202

Keywords: student privacy, numerical class rank, education policy, academic programs, high school, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 731, Texas, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, TDHCA, low-income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, senior housing, 55 and older

Transcript Highlights:

• And, like the senator referred to, most of the core competencies that these tests are testing us on,
• Simpson continued: “The core competencies that these tests are testing us on, we're already doing on

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every Marine conducts a combat fitness test and a physical fitness test.
• These combat fitness tests, this is where you carry a Marine over your shoulder.
• We have we already have a special forces combat arms physical fitness test and we just wrapped up the

Committees: Senate Cybersecurity Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: NDAA, military recruitment, personnel readiness, testimony, military leaders

Summary: The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• He asked whether the ARRT test would suffice or whether there would be extra training on top of that,
• had to take have to go because I know we had to take the<00:14:23.720><c> arrt</c><00:14:24.680><c> test
• after</c><00:14:26.040><c> coming</c><00:14:26.320><c> out</c><00:14:26.880><c> would</c> the arrt test
• after coming out would the arrt test after coming out would that<00:14:27.839><c> suffice</c><00:14:

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:23 Discussion of 25RS HB 219 06:40 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 219 07:44 Discussion of 25RS HCR 20 09:36 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HCR 20 10:58 Discussion of 25RS HB 303 17:02 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 303 18:38 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 21:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 219, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer. The bill requires emergency services to provide mandatory training for emergency medical staff on sexual assault emergency response requirements, with the training developed in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Response Team advisory committee. Testimony from Jenna Cassidy of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and WN Stevens of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky explained that the training would help emergency department staff properly respond to sexual assault patients, preserve evidence, and connect patients to needed resources; the committee also clarified that the bill is training-focused and not a certification requirement. HB 219 received favorable expression and was reported to the House floor. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 20, also from Representative Raymer, which directs the Legislative Research Commission to study gaps in sexual assault nurse examiner coverage, why those gaps exist, and what hospitals do when no SANE nurse is available. Raymer said the study was intended to gather data for future legislation, and members noted the importance of documenting current practices and supporting efforts to expand SANE coverage. The resolution was adopted with 16 favorable votes and recommended for passage on the House floor. Next, the committee took up House Bill 303, sponsored by Representative Steve Bratcher, which creates a pathway for military medical personnel to translate their training into civilian Kentucky credentials through colleges and universities. The committee substitute broadened participation beyond KCTCS to any Kentucky institution with accredited programs, and Bratcher explained that schools would evaluate military experience, award applicable credit, identify gaps, and still require the relevant licensure exam. Members asked about university participation, credentialing standards, and how prior military radiology training would transfer; Bratcher said the program is voluntary for institutions and works with existing SkillBridge and veterans’ programs. HB 303, as amended by committee substitute, passed unanimously and was recommended for passage. At the end of the meeting, the committee briefly reviewed administrative regulations. Representative Fleming asked about a behavioral regulation that had previously been found sufficient, and staff indicated it had been deferred, later found deficient again in the Senate Health Services Committee, and may be addressed through Senate Bill 65. The chair then allowed members to record additional votes before adjourning and announced the next Health Services meeting would be February 20 at noon in Room 149.

Transcript Highlights:

• the aisle and vote differently than maybe they would at the national level based on political litmus tests
• It requires that a facility that does animal testing have a relationship with a nonprofit, with an animal
• joined many other states, including Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and California, in banning animal testing

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble. During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1. The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• the aisle and vote differently than maybe they would at the national level based on political litmus tests
• It requires that a facility that does animal testing have a relationship with a nonprofit, with an animal
• joined many other states, including Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and California, in banning animal testing

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mi test check 12 mic test check 12. So we're going to go ahead and start this meeting.
• So Idaho Public Health in July 2024 had reports of 18 people tested positive for a word that my good

Bills: SB2173 , SB2028 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: landowner, energy negotiation, agricultural preservation, orphaned wells, renewable energy, raw milk, unpasteurized milk, milk products, dairy, pasteurization, food safety, consumer warning label, health warning, farm sales, direct-to-consumer sales, ungraded milk, goat milk, raw milk cheese, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, agricultural regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Test, check 1-2. Mike Test, check 1-2. Check 1-2. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• Mike test, check one. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB1806 , SB1430 , SB206 , SB1547 , SB1849 , SB1428 , SB1653 , SB1984 , SB1644 , SB1561 , SB1813 , SB1570 , SB1796

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, mental health, substance abuse, commissioner appointment, governor's authority, legislative consent, SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced a series of health, licensing, and child welfare measures. Senate Bill 1806 would allow eligible individuals receiving Oklahoma Department of Human Services services to voluntarily remain in those services until age 21; the author said the title was struck while fiscal estimates were being revised, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1430 would shift authority over hiring, supervising, and removing the commissioner of mental health from the governor to the governing board; it passed 8-2 after questions about removal provisions. Senate Bill 206, as amended, added tribal entities to EMS-related essential services to help draw down federal funding, and passed 10-0, while Senate Bill 1849 made a cleanup change allowing the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners to approve medical marijuana education for continuing education credit and passed 11-0. The committee also approved Senate Bill 1428, creating an Office of Alzheimer’s and dementia-related services within the Department of Health; the author said outside funding would cover the first two years and the bill would have no state budget impact, and it passed 9-2. Senate Bill 1653 created the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and passed 9-2 after discussion of closed meetings and compact operations. Senate Bill 1984 updated and clarified the Osteopathic Medicine Act and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1644 required alpha-gal syndrome to be added to the reportable diseases list and passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1561, requested by regional EMS, added disciplinary steps for ambulance and EMT personnel to avoid automatic disqualification and passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1813 enacted the athletic trainer compact and passed 10-2. The committee then took up major child welfare restructuring. Senate Bill 1570 would create a Department of Child Safety and Well-Being by consolidating DHS Child Welfare Services and the Office of Juvenile Affairs, with a phased implementation timeline and a future board and interim commissioner; members discussed protecting ongoing cases and adding lived-experience representation on the board. The bill passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1796 shortened the period for informal foster care arrangements from seven days to 72 hours and added guardrails for temporary foster care placements; the author said it was intended to prevent harm when children are left with unvetted caregivers, and it also passed 12-0. The committee adjourned after distributing a handout related to the foster care/respite care changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's pending legislation dealing with the test for the land surveyors, the jurisprudence test.
• Does this fee schedule and this pending rule sort of anticipate that test?

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one counselor for every 250 students in public school, and the majority of their time was spent on test
• almost impossible for one BRACE advisor to work diligently with those children to help them with FSA testing
• To help them with FSA testing, admissions, and those types of things.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and first temporarily postponed SB 920 on mathematics education. The committee then took up SB 1216, which would revise public school personnel compensation rules to give districts more flexibility in using cost-of-living adjustments, recognizing advanced degrees, and adjusting performance pay limits for educators and other school personnel. Senator Rodriguez said the bill would add tools for recruitment and retention without replacing performance pay, and several members spoke in strong support, emphasizing teacher pay, retention, and the need to invest in education. The bill was reported favorably after roll call. The committee next considered SB 1036 on school counselors. Senator Claudio explained that the bill addresses counselor shortages by removing a barrier tied to classroom-teacher certification requirements, which she said limits the applicant pool and makes it harder to recruit and retain counselors. Public testimony strongly supported the bill, including students and school personnel who described high counselor-to-student ratios, limited access to counseling, and the importance of mental health and academic guidance. Members also discussed related support roles such as BRACE advisors and the need for more efficient use of district resources and state support. During debate, senators shared personal examples of how counselors can help students identify goals and access opportunities, while also noting that many counselors are overwhelmed by administrative duties and large caseloads. Senator Claudio closed by saying the bill removes barriers for direct-service professionals and could be paired with future efforts on ratios and streamlined services. CS for SB 1036 was reported favorably by roll call. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on SB 1216, and the committee adjourned.