Transcript Highlights:

• We have uh another company that's real close to coming out.
• Um, as of July 9th, uh, the southern border, uh, was closed once again after a short-lived, uh, phased
• Uh, so the border remains closed to the import of cattle, bison, and equine at this time.
• Remains our, our primary method of eradicating this pest, and it will work, and with the, the increase
• Just just saying that I I've heard that, you know, they're as close as 125 miles.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, this is primary objection to it. I mean, this is a<00:25:52.880><c> path.
• Representative Allen, any closing remarks? Yes.
• Representative Allen, any closing remarks? Yes.
• That would more than close a hole in the state grant.
• That would more than close a hole in the state grant.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that will be after the state primary.
• I didn't want to meet any other day that week because of uh the requirements for the state primary.
• And that will be after the state<01:11:59.600><c> primary.</c> state primary. state primary.
• requirements for week because of uh the requirements for the<01:12:06.560><c> state</c><01:12:06.800><c> primary
• </c> the state primary. the state primary.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review its mission and to discuss recent work on a letter sent to the governor and legislative leaders regarding COVID vaccine safety and related scientific references. Members said the letter, which included 31 cited sources, had been delivered to the governor’s office, the Speaker’s office, and the Senate President’s office, and a press release had been issued. Several members defended the letter’s sourcing and urged the public to read the materials and evaluate the evidence themselves, while also acknowledging questions about the trustworthiness of some cited articles. A major portion of the meeting focused on a research assistant’s effort to use AI tools to help reconstruct and verify the committee’s 2024 COVID report with citations. She reported mixed results from Copilot and Gemini, noting that the tools often produced broad or incomplete outputs and that she would need to break the report into smaller sections and ask for more specific source types. Members advised using more precise prompts and emphasized that any AI output would still need human verification. The committee said it hoped to produce a revised, fully footnoted 2024 report by early September. The chair then outlined the committee’s fall agenda, saying it would examine long COVID treatment, the patient bill of rights as it relates to COVID vaccinations and death reporting, standards of care and professional judgment by New Hampshire health care providers, and oversight of federal COVID-related funding such as CARES Act education relief dollars. He also referenced a recent fraud case involving misuse of COVID funds and suggested the committee may ask the DOJ for information. The committee will not meet in July or August and plans to resume in September and October, with a final report targeted for the end of October. The chair also introduced a recent DNI/Tulsi Gabbard press release about U.S.-funded biolabs overseas, which members discussed as a possible transparency issue relevant to future pandemic policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Close. Having waived close, all in favor of the amendment say aye. Aye. All opposed, same sign.
• Senator Simon, you are recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. President.
• And so with that, I close and I thank you for your favorable support.
• Senator Gates, you are recognized to close? We have closed, sir.
• Senator Gates, you are recognized to close? Having waived close?

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day, a visiting debate student, and later Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol. The chamber then took up committee reports and confirmed a slate of 52 executive appointments by a 39-0 vote. On special order, senators considered SB 250 on rural communities. The bill, described as a “Rural Renaissance” package, would create an Office of Rural Prosperity, establish a Renaissance Grant Program, increase housing and transportation support, and direct new funding to rural education and health care. Two amendments were adopted to update rural health funding and hospital estimates. Members from both parties spoke in support, while raising questions about eligibility and access to grants for certain rural areas. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then debated CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. The bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, tightening payment and audit procedures, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarships. Three amendments were adopted to remove a district declining-enrollment provision from the bill, adjust private-school documentation timing, and clarify withdrawal form and parent-attestation procedures. Senators from both parties supported the measure while noting concerns about oversight, school quality, and future conforming legislation. The bill passed 38-0, and both SB 250 and CS/SB 318 were certified to the House before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair is preparing to close. Chair's preparing to close. Close a roll.
• Chair's preparing to close. Close the roll.
• Close a roll. Close a roll.
• Chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
• Chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.

Bills: SR44 , HCR1027 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53 , HB1185 , HB1937 , HB2035 , HB2137 , HB2166 , HB3148 , HB3323 , HB3466 , HB3498 , HB3661 , HB3678 , HB3710 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB4104 , HB4108 , HB4142 , HB4191 , HB4274 , HB4275 , HB4322 , HB4336 , HB4484 , HB3880 , HB1687 , HB3673 , HB1170 , HB2959 , HB3718 , HB3021 , HB3443 , HB3501 , HB4143 , HB4326 , HB2992 , HB3660 , SB171 , SB1325 , SB1980 , SB2045 , HB4422 , HB4423

Keywords: SR44, Senate Resolution 44, Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers, educators, Oklahoma educators, public schools, K-12 education, pre-K, school recognition, education resolution, appreciation week, National PTA, Eleanor Roosevelt, teacher recognition, school staff, classroom, Oklahoma Legislature, concurrent resolution, sine die adjournment

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered prayer, and recognized a doctor, a nurse, and a student hero who rescued a driver from a burning vehicle. The chamber also welcomed a new group of pages and adopted a motion to reject House amendments to Senate Bill 1546 and request conference. Senators then adopted Senate Resolution 44 recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week, and heard remarks honoring educators in the gallery. Senator Goodwin also announced the death of former Representative Don Ross and offered condolences to his family. The Senate then took up House Concurrent Resolution 1027, setting a target sine die date of May 14 at 5 p.m. The resolution drew opposition from Minority Leader Kurt and Senator Jett, who argued the chamber still had unfinished business, but it passed 28-17. The Senate also passed SJR 50, SJR 52, and SJR 53, all related to agency rules, including expanded provider types, removal of a physician-visit cap, and medical marijuana packaging requirements. Additional measures passed included HB 1185 on preserving military and historic firearms for honor guards and museums, HB 1937 on student-employee communications and due process, HB 2035 on funeral transportation protection agreements, HB 2137 on involuntary medication procedures for competency restoration, and HB 2166 on legal newspaper distribution without a USPS permit. Later, the Senate approved a series of bills on business, licensing, public safety, and state operations. These included HB 3148 on VIN inspections by dealers, HB 3323 on removing notarization for certain electronic Service Oklahoma documents, HB 3466 eliminating petty cash at the Corporation Commission, HB 3498 updating corporation and LLC statutes, HB 3661 extending a forestry equipment sales tax exemption, HB 3678 expanding the definition of public official for electronic harassment protections, HB 3710 revising the Rising Scholars Award Program, HB 3977 updating state veterinarian qualifications, HB 3986 expanding a tax exemption, HB 4104 strengthening penalties for repeat voyeurism-related offenses, HB 4108 adding airport operational areas to critical infrastructure, HB 4142 covering conspiracies to use bombs or explosive devices, HB 4274 allowing military children to attend non-zoned schools, HB 4275 allowing case managers and peer support specialists to work for local public agencies, HB 4322 removing dual certification for funeral directors in charge, HB 4336 updating interventional pain management rules, HB 4484 allowing certain state vehicles to be used between home and work, HB 3880 on Tourism Department compensation and Oklahoma Today publication discretion, and HB 1687 creating the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act with an amended effective date. The chamber also passed HB 2959 requiring school administrators to report abuse allegations to law enforcement within 24 hours and before school questioning, with emergency passage approved. HB 3718 was then taken up with an amendment clarifying timelines for special education evaluations tied to the Lindsay Nicole Henry Scholarship; discussion centered on the new 15-school-day meeting timeline and the 45-day evaluation period. The transcript ends during questions on that amendment, before final action on HB 3718 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of December or early January, we close how we get those estimates and we utilize that pupil
• At the end of December or early January, we close how we get those estimates and we utilize that pupil
• Most kids see their primary care provider once a year.
• Most kids see their primary attendance.
• Most kids see their primary care<01:07:41.039><c> provider</c><01:07:41.440><c> once</c><01:07:41.760

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We apologize if the closed captioning does not accurately transcribe the names.
• We apologize if the closed captioning does not accurately transcribe the names.
• Hawaii Primary Care Association support. HMSA in support. Hawaii Dental Association support.
• Hawaii Primary Care Association in support. HMSA in support. Hawaii Dental Association in support.
• Hawaii Primary Care Association in support. HMSA in support. Hawaii Dental Association in support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:01.279><c> to</c> construction something close to construction something close to $300,000
• down Representative New... close that public hearing and um recess close that public hearing and um
• </c> seniors to downsize while staying close seniors to downsize while staying close to<00:57:41.799>
• Seeing none, I'm going to close that public hearing.
• </c><03:26:04.840><c> that</c> 382 seeing none I'm going to close that 382 seeing none I'm going to close

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where you've got Kentucky, West Virginia, and Mississippi very close to the bottom.
• And if you have a closed loop bring.
• We could look at the industry mix a little bit more closely.
• We could look at the industry mix a little bit more closely.
• We could look at the industry mix a little bit more closely.

Committee: Joint Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:00:28 Strengthening Kentucky's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: 00:02:45 Entrepreneur Led Economic Development: Kentucky’s Path Forward: 00:31:45, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the 260 posts that do have buildings, several are struggling and are at risk of closing.
• the communities of Still Water closing the communities of Still Water Marshall He asked how many more
• All right, any closing remarks, Representative Bennett?
• You know, it's one of those issues that we, like all the other agencies, are watching very closely.
• You know, it's one of those issues that we, like all the other agencies, are watching very closely.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:29.039><c> of</c> than one year um after the close of than one year um after the close of
• You have not closed your books. You are not ready for audits.
• </c> So, um we have six districts closing So, um we have six districts closing fiscal<00:32:38.240><c
• Seeing none, I'll close the hearing on House Bill 121.
• >> All right, close the hearing on that and go right to House Bill 656.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Grayson, would you like to close? Respectfully asked for it. Excellent.
• I guess in closing, our greatest concern is that many, many, many of our patients would fall into the
• those services that they came to us for have not been able to be provided through any other form of primary

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present and heard a large suspense-file agenda, noting that most authors waived presentation and the Department of Finance had no comments on the bills. The committee reminded witnesses to focus on fiscal issues. AB 1999 by Assembly Member Kalra, presented by Senator Grayson, drew support from the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Medical Board, and Social Compassion in Legislation; it was described as a measure to ease veterinary staffing shortages and improve access to care. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 1999 to the Senate floor and placed it on call for additional members to add on. The remaining measures were largely taken up without presentation, testimony, or committee questions and were moved to the suspense file without objection. Bills sent to suspense included SB 1096 and numerous Assembly Bills such as AB 308, AB 441, AB 2640, AB 805, AB 1871, AB 2176, AB 2206, AB 2436, AB 907, AB 2002, AB 1048, AB 1049, AB 2251, AB 1116, AB 1836, AB 1149, AB 1552, AB 1153, AB 1969, AB 1996, AB 1301, AB 1359, AB 1961, AB 2756, AB 2765, AB 2769, AB 1382, AB 1567, AB 1574, AB 1576, AB 1598, AB 1602, AB 1983, AB 1628, AB 1630, AB 1980, AB 1645, AB 1662, AB 1694, AB 1703, AB 1715, AB 2720, AB 1721, AB 2060, AB 2440, AB 1734, AB 2081, AB 1741, AB 2592, AB 1743, AB 1755, AB 1759, AB 1932, AB 1763, AB 1916, AB 1789, AB 2241, AB 1813, AB 1906, AB 1981, AB 1907, AB 1925, AB 2122, AB 2038, AB 2157, AB 2270, AB 2339, AB 2524, AB 2633, AB 2660, and AB 2664. A few measures drew brief public testimony on fiscal impacts or policy-related cost concerns. AB 1116 prompted opposition testimony from the Secretary of State’s office, which said the bill would create significant cybersecurity and operational challenges and could cost up to $10 million in one-time implementation costs, plus ongoing expenses. AB 1382 received support from Social Compassion in Legislation, which argued it would help address shelter costs and pet overpopulation. AB 2081 was supported by a sponsor representative who said the Medi-Cal waiver proposal was cost-effective and that budget funding had been included for administrative costs. AB 1703 drew opposition testimony from a group of internationally trained practitioners who said the bill would unfairly target their work and shift costs to counties. The committee took no further action beyond moving the suspense-file candidates to suspense and adjourning after the agenda was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But right now, the administrative consequences are the primary avenue for us to address this.
• like Representative Hovis said, if there are some gaps in this language, then we're happy to help close
• have significant law enforcement backgrounds and public safety backgrounds, and we have worked very closely

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2708, which would increase penalties for bringing or possessing unauthorized electronic communication devices in prisons and jails, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony and clarifying the statutory language. Representative Hovis said the bill is intended to deter contraband cell phones and similar devices that can be used to coordinate criminal activity, threaten victims, or continue gang operations from inside facilities. Department of Corrections staff supported the bill, saying cell phones are dangerous contraband and that current administrative sanctions are not always enough. Members asked about notice to visitors, current DOC discipline, whether the bill applies to inmates, staff, and visitors, and whether the language should be tightened to cover devices “capable of” communication; the sponsor agreed to have House Research review the wording and potentially offer a committee substitute. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee then heard House Bill 3038, which would place the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Special Investigations into statute and give it limited authority to assist investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of eligible adults. Representative Cook said the office already exists and the bill mainly codifies its role, allowing limited subpoena and search warrant authority to speed investigations, especially financial exploitation cases, while preserving local law enforcement and prosecutorial control. DHSS witnesses supported the bill, explaining that their investigators have long worked on vulnerable-adult cases and often need quicker access to records; they said the office has law enforcement experience and coordinates with Adult Protective Services and public safety agencies. Committee members asked about the fiscal note, vacancies, the definition of exploitation, whether the office can investigate public administrators or guardianship cases, and whether investigators have arrest authority; witnesses said the bill is not intended to create a new police force or expand arrest powers, but to formalize existing functions and improve access to records. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a lot of our prep projects coming to a close this year.
• The primary runway is currently shut down and has been since the end of July and the beginning of August
• We didn't want to do this while the main runway was closed because this portion of the parallel also

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We worked closely in crafting this.
• How would this division adjust in its primary focus?
• All right, hearing and seeing none, public testimony is closed. Leave the bill pending.

Bills: SB36 , SB2202 , SB 36

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• uh, an enjoyable and frankly, incredible process for me and my team has been working with DPS so closely
• piece, uh, would you anticipate this division would, uh, how, how would this division adjust in its primary
• Public testimony is closed. We'll leave the bill pending. Thank you, Senator.

Bills: SB 36 , SB 2202

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chair of our Real Estate and Land Use Department at Larkin Hoffman, where my primary practice
• They also allow projects to more closely align with Met Council goals, such as promoting walkability,
• , and the contract may also need to be reviewed and approved by the development's lender prior to closing

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not the primary goal of our schools in identifying outbreaks.
• Hope I got that close. Yes, Mr. Silberman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You have two minutes, sir. Mr.
• Senator Kelly, do you have any closing comments?

Bills: HB266 , SB85 , SB166 , HB266 , SB85 , SB166

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: education, diploma, adult education, dropout prevention, nontraditional high school program, driver's license eligibility, vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• HISTORICALLY THAT UNMET FUNDING NEED HAS BEEN USED TO HELP DRIVE WHERE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MAY NEED TO GO TO CLOSE
• IT IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO A ONE TO ONE MATCH OF AN FTA BEING AN ACTUAL STUDENT.
• THAT OF THE NON WORKFORCE FTE AND THEN THAT ACTUALLY BECAUSE OF ENROLLMENT WERE OPEN ACCESS THAT'S A PRIMARY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It only changes a couple of words—"private" and "returning" I think are the two primary words there—which
• Hey, we're close to approval, we need a little bit more time to work on this, etc.
• Could say, "Hey, Senator Coleman, we're close on this; we needed this one thing.

Bills: SB36 , SB39 , SB40 , SB12 , SB29 , SB121 , SB131 , SB12

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: competitive bidding, procurement, disclosure statements, state contracts, contract protest, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner