Transcript Highlights:

• Previously, it had been done by the Department of Health.
• And what this bill does is transfer the operations of the managed care plan from the Department of Health
• to the Agency for Health Care Administration.
• develop innovative, evidence-based solutions for behavioral health care.
• Rouson Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Research will conduct statewide behavioral health

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. Members then moved to the special order calendar after adopting a motion to reconsider the earlier failed vote on CS/SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. The chamber also temporarily postponed several bills during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, Brownfields, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills with little or no opposition, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included expedited DNA testing grants for law enforcement; additional aggravating factors in capital felony sentencing; fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients; commuter rail indemnification; disposition of migrant vessels; specialty license plates; an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign; relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University; charter school changes; registration rules for sexual predators and offenders; assault and battery penalties for utility workers; juvenile justice revisions; reporting of student mental health outcomes; foster home licensure transfers; water access facilities and boating-related funding; Florida Virtual School changes; school readiness program improvements; protections against lewd sexual images of children; age-related criminal offense provisions; tampering with electronic monitoring devices; certified recovery residences; and codification of the FSU Election Law Center. Most of these bills passed overwhelmingly, though the charter school bill and the aggravating factors bill drew more divided votes. One of the most debated measures was SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office employees while on duty and using government resources, citing alleged election-related emails and concerns about mixing government and religious influence. Supporters argued the amendment was needed as a guardrail; opponents said existing law already covered the conduct and that the amendment could be confusing or overly broad. The amendment failed 13-23, and the underlying bill passed 27-9 after extended debate about faith, politics, and the office’s role. Another notable debate involved SB 954 on certified recovery residences, where senators emphasized the need for stable housing in addiction recovery and the bill passed unanimously after supportive remarks from members who had personal experience with recovery. The Senate also passed SB 674 on bonuses for county tax collector and property appraiser employees after questions about safeguards and the purpose of the bonuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• number is, but we do know that CWD, the prion, they stack in the lymph nodes and it also stacks on the brain
• They stack in the lymph nodes, and it also stacks on the brain, and it basically creates tunnels in their
• brain, like a sponge.
• Like, it turns their brain into a sponge. So their brain isn't firing on all cylinders.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To speak, I'm having a brain fog to speak on this. Yes, thank you. Proceed. Thank you very much.
• realize that there are a lot of veterans out there, a lot of veteran groups out there, that are operating
• The way the law states it right now, they are operating outside. They're illegal.
• And the DSM-5 mental health defined it as a disorder.
• They're going to their mental health appointments. They're staying on their medication.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> governments to protect public health. governments to protect public health.
• </c><00:04:33.320><c> and</c> Wild rice is crucial for the health and Wild rice is crucial for the health
• ,</c><00:07:29.040><c> and</c> culture, health, and culture, health, and economic<00:07:31.080><c> economic
• This bill provides a these operations.
• It's not just the operations directly.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, it creates a central coordinating hub so state departments can operate...
• Last year, I experienced a serious health episode.
• challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder or brain injuries.
• agency on aging or independent living center can no longer serve in its operator role.
• Once a new partner is in place, full joint operation of the ADRC will be reestablished.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several bills focused on developmental disabilities, food security, veterans, aging services, child care, and elder abuse reporting. SB 969 by Senator Reyes would make remote services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a permanent option; supporters said virtual programming improves access, continuity, and choice, and there was no opposition. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate state food programs, improve CalFresh enrollment, and develop a 24-hour hotline; committee members raised questions about duplication, metrics, and oversight, but the bill advanced after discussion. SB 1052 by Senator Gonzalez would allow the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to appoint contingent authorized representatives so people with disabilities are not left without support if a family member becomes unavailable; supporters described immigration enforcement, illness, and family separation as reasons for the bill, and members discussed administrative burden and renewal procedures before the bill passed. SB 1077 by Senator Gonzalez would require CDSS to prepare for future federal shutdowns by creating a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions and a state-backed emergency food assistance mechanism; members discussed how it would work with existing CalFresh administration, and the bill passed. SB 1201 by Senator McNerney would seek federal waivers to protect vulnerable veterans from new SNAP work requirements and require referrals to county veterans service officers; supporters said the federal cuts would harm homeless, newly discharged, and disabled veterans, and the bill passed. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would let aging and disability resource centers continue operating through partner transitions so services would not be interrupted; supporters emphasized continuity of care and the bill passed. SB 1110 by Senator Becker would revise child care subsidy funding and stabilization rules for alternative payment programs and community providers; supporters said the current reimbursement structure is outdated, and the bill passed after the author said a budget-related provision would be removed. The committee also later voted SB 969, SB 1052, SB 1077, SB 1201, SB 1261, and SB 1110 out of committee, with the bills kept on call for absent members, and began hearing SB 991 on elder abuse reporting, where supporters argued that licensing records should distinguish abuse from lesser resident-rights violations so families and policymakers can better understand facility conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nudson is an advocate for rural health care sustainability.
• Nussen is an advocate for rural health care sustainability. He serves of the board.
• Nudson is an advocate for rural health care sustainability.
• I move that the amendment of the Health and Human Services Committee be adopted. Thank you.
• Madam Chairman, I move that the amendment of the Health and Human Services Committee be adopted.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This program was not intended solely for postsecondary institutions, and that's how it's been operating
• </c> traumatic brain injury research grant. traumatic brain injury research grant. um<00:03:17.840><c
• We just wanted to it's been operating.
• </c> there regarding the AY's operating there regarding the AY's operating adjustment.<00:16:28.000><
• </c><00:43:47.359><c> and</c> legislative intent to get operations and legislative intent to get operations

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No family should be denied access to an air-conditioning system that best meets their health, safety,
• So it's broader than just health and safety. I'm glad. I mean, I second the motion.
• and safety, then there's going to be arguments that everything's health and safety.
• and safety, then there's going to be arguments that everything's health and safety.
• We're saying this has been used to attack health care equity.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does this across 17 sections covering forest management, logs, scaling violations, mining operations
• They're not supposed to be this free-thinking head and brain acting for themselves.
• For one, my favorite, the Department of Health and Welfare, they have a general counsel.
• All the attorneys that advise the Industrial Commission and Department of Health and Welfare are all
• Last one today for us: rules for selecting, operating, discontinuing, and suspending vendors.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 9 and February 11, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1328 from Senator Harris, a cleanup bill related to the Department of Lands’ authority to use its own general counsel under the 2024 changes in Senate Bill 1292. Harris said the bill aligns statutes with current practice by replacing references to the Attorney General in multiple land-management and enforcement provisions, while preserving some AG involvement. The Attorney General’s office, through Phil Skinner, opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing it strips core duties from a constitutional officer and transfers sovereign litigation authority to agency attorneys. Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller and General Counsel John Richards testified in support, describing confusion and overlap in recent cases. After debate, a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee failed 2-7, and the original motion to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed 7-2. The committee then considered three Idaho Department of Fish and Game rule dockets. Docket 13-0103-2501, covering public use of Fish and Game lands, added definitions and restrictions related to camping, leashes, exploding targets, and air guns; it was approved unanimously. Docket 13-116-2401, on trapping and fur-bearing animals, clarified bait definitions, adjusted reporting and reimbursement provisions, and added allowances or restrictions tied to snow-covered routes, bridges, wildlife crossings, and wolf trapping; it was also approved unanimously. Docket 13-119-2501, governing licensed vendors, revised selection and termination criteria, lowered the active vendor ceiling, barred new out-of-state vendor applications, and allowed vendors to pass through credit card processing fees; it was approved unanimously. Finally, the committee heard Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton on docket 2601-2501. She proposed fee increases for motor vehicle entry, commercial vehicle entry, boat launching, moorage, and reservation-related charges, while asking the committee to reject two sections: one adding employee enforcement language and one increasing campsite fees, which she said should be revisited later to better protect affordability for Idaho residents. The committee agreed to reject those two sections and approved the remainder of the docket, with members noting the changes were intended to focus fee increases more on non-residents and align with prior legislative intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amount of debt service magnifies the severity of potential cuts to the rest of our operations.
• It was really giving us the trade-off between other operational needs and the debt service.
• This is a brain drain for the state of California. Thank you very much. Yeah, thank you.
• It is essential for the infrastructure of food security, public health, and educational equity.
• This isn't just about food; it's about dignity, health, and the ability to succeed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He found $125 million from health care fraudsters in 2025 alone.
• local economy in which we operate.
• We have a rural health care system currently on the ropes and federally qualified health care centers
• We have many behavioral health people that use behavioral health services, which will also lose those
• They're much more prone to addiction with their young brains.

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as they looked at their operations, they decided that since those things were accomplished that they
• 00:02:25.120><c> looked</c><00:02:25.360><c> at</c><00:02:25.440><c> their</c><00:02:25.680><c> operations
• ,</c> so as they looked at their operations, so as they looked at their operations, they<00:02:26.480
• to the legislature for your ongoing commitment to supporting nursing education and addressing the health
• </c> health care needs of our communities. health care needs of our communities.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 4 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So people, you know, paying their water rates or sewer rates, and then they're paying operations.
• Chairman, so it's very similar to just net operating income for a utility primarily.
• And then they do, or do they do their operating first, then you, then others?
• INBRE is a program that is based out of New Mexico State, funded by the National Institutes of Health
• UNM Health and Sciences in Rio Rancho, what are they working on right now?

Transcript Highlights:

• And is it sort of operational in nature? Does it have eligibility impacts?
• We've been operating under that system since 2017.
• Health and Human Services. Good evening Chair and members.
• Christine Smith, Health Access California, sorry, thanks.
• Omar Altamir with the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I said for six years, we've endured an assessor that's truly out of control.
• Presenting Senate Joint Resolution 95 to you, I want to reimagine how we fund government operations.
• Fund government operations.
• than investors, proposing a monumental shift in how we view government, how we view government operations
• , and how we view funding government operations.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2923, which would give homeowners a temporary property tax exemption of up to four years on qualifying home improvements between $7,500 and $75,000, so long as the property is the owner’s homestead and the required intent and completion forms are filed. The sponsor said the bill is meant to encourage reinvestment in homes, including after catastrophic events, and said the fiscal note showed no impact. Members asked about the bill’s effect on assessors, taxing districts, school districts, the definition of homestead, and whether the state would reimburse lost revenue. Testimony in support argued the bill would reduce ambiguity in new-construction assessments, encourage repairs and improvements, and help homeowners avoid being penalized for fixing damaged homes. Concerns were raised about routine maintenance, the four-dwelling language, possible burdens on assessors, and whether the bill could affect senior tax freezes. The hearing on HB 2923 ended without a vote. The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 3256, adopted a committee substitute, and voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of five yes and one no. Discussion focused on criminal penalties in the bill, with the ranking member objecting to those provisions and noting that other states do not include them. The sponsor explained changes in the substitute, including broader retail-establishment language, explicit coverage of sports venues and concert halls, and removal of banks and credit unions from the bill. Members suggested further floor amendments and additional review of other states’ statutes. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 95, which would create the Show Me Prosperity Fund as a constitutional endowment intended to eventually replace all state-imposed taxes with investment earnings. The senator said the fund would be seeded by a one-time appropriation, managed by the treasurer, audited by the auditor, and protected from borrowing or diversion, with distributions capped at 3 percent. Supporters said the proposal would use compound growth to create long-term tax relief and eventually make Missouri the first state to eliminate state taxes; one witness called it straightforward and honest. Members questioned the size of the needed appropriation, how the fund would work if state income tax changes separately, whether state law allows the needed investments, and how the fund would avoid becoming unstable if distributions begin before it is large enough. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded without action on SJR 95.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if someone is allowing an Airbnb to operate in this HOA, then now there's a process.
• So it's broader than just health and safety. I'm glad. I mean, I second the motion.
• and safety, then there's going to be arguments that everything's health and safety.
• We're saying this you've used to attack health care equity.
• We're saying this you've used to attack health care equity.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills, many focused on homeowners associations (HOAs), along with measures on self-defense, design-professional litigation, mobile home park claims, senior housing, and DEI. Several bills were presented only or discussed with amendments, and the committee repeatedly noted ongoing work with authors and stakeholders. The committee also established quorum partway through the hearing and took up a consent calendar of several unrelated bills, which passed. AB 2584, on civil immunity for lawful self-defense, was presented as a work-in-progress. The author and a UFC/public-safety witness argued that people hesitate to intervene because of fear of civil liability, while committee members said California already has strong self-defense and Good Samaritan laws and that the proposal could create confusion. The bill was not advanced at that time, with the chair emphasizing further conversations. AB 1684, which would prevent HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace compliant cooling systems, drew support from the author, a constituent statement, and supporters from the California Department Association and others; an HOA group opposed unless amended, citing association property rights and grid/power concerns. Members generally supported the concept, and the author said amendments addressed damage and code-compliance issues. AB 1892, a technical cleanup bill clarifying HOA duties on utility repairs, election notices, and electronic voting timelines, passed unanimously as amended. AB 2050, requiring a formula for HOA reserve funding and a phase-in period, also passed with broad support; witnesses said underfunded reserves lead to special assessments, insurance and mortgage problems, and deferred maintenance, while members framed it as a consumer-protection and affordability measure. AB 2106, extending certificate-of-merit protections for design professionals and requiring California-licensed experts in certain cases, passed with strong support from engineers, architects, landscape architects, and civil-justice groups. AB 2145, directing HCD to study seniors’ need and desire to downsize, passed after lenders and financial groups moved from opposition to neutral with amendments; supporters said it could help unlock larger homes for younger families. AB 2238, aimed at deterring meritless failure-to-maintain lawsuits against mobile home park owners by shifting fee exposure to attorneys, passed after amendments narrowed its focus. Supporters said some firms were using vague demand letters and frivolous claims to force settlements and raise insurance costs; opposition said the bill still needed refinement to protect meritorious resident claims. AB 2439, prompted by two authors’ own HOA payment problems, passed despite opposition concerns about community-wide certified-mail requirements and personal liability for board members; supporters said better notice is needed when payment processors change and that liens and collections can be unfairly imposed without notice. AB 2579, responding to the earlier $100 cap on HOA fines, passed as amended to create a Department of Real Estate process for serious health and safety violations; supporters said the cap had weakened enforcement, while members said the bill sought a better balance. Finally, SCR 89, reaffirming California’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, was presented as a response to federal attacks on DEI programs. The author and witnesses from the UC Student Association, National Action Network, and civil-rights and labor groups argued DEI is essential to fairness, access, and opportunity, especially for students and historically underserved communities. Members voiced strong support, describing DEI as central to California’s values, and the resolution moved forward with bipartisan support noted by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the development of staff capacity figure prominently in our operations.
• Today, we operate seven campuses and serve over a thousand students.
• For example, there was an issue with the health textbooks back in 2021.
• Our charter was approved in 2021, and we're in our third year of operations.
• Of excessive mobile phone usage on student mental health.

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Don’t know when, but yes, in my brain. Representative Hager. Thank you, Chairman.
• So in Health Center West, we have and we will continue to be on the second floor of Health Center West
• If they don't feel safe on campus, that impacts their mental health, physical health, and grades, which
• Mental and physical health resources, keeping our minds and mental and physical health resources, keeping
• helps our mental health.

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard a campus presentation from Dean Corey Gorder and President Steve Shirley. Gorder outlined DCB’s leadership changes, its affiliation with Minot State, and extensive shared services with Minot State, UND, and NDSU in areas such as business office functions, financial aid, payroll, HR, Title IX, printing, and institutional research. He said shared services help smaller campuses access expertise, and committee members asked about cost allocation and accreditation limits; Gorder said the arrangements are negotiated between institutions and that, to his understanding, academic accreditation is not affected by these service-sharing agreements. The committee also discussed DCB’s enrollment, dual credit reach, and program mix, including nursing, dental assisting and hygiene, paramedic training, drone certification, and farm management. Gorder said DCB wants to expand higher-demand, trade-oriented programs, strengthen Minot programming, and address facility needs, especially residence halls and space constraints in dental programs. Members asked detailed questions about dual credit, including how DCB develops relationships with high schools, whether it has exclusivity, who teaches the courses, and whether credits transfer. Gorder said relationships are built through outreach and existing school connections, that schools may choose other providers, and that DCB pays stipends to instructors under institution-specific formulas. NDUS staff Lisa Johnson said transfer problems are rare within North Dakota and usually arise only with highly selective out-of-state institutions. Gorder also noted that DCB’s dual credit and campus programming are heavily tied to rural schools and that the college is trying to streamline dual credit delivery as enrollment and staffing demands grow. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose representatives outlined student priorities from the last legislative session and the interim. Their main themes included campus safety, mental health resources, academic freedom, scholarships and affordability, teacher incentives, workforce readiness, housing, food accessibility, student research funding, internships, and campus collaboration. They said they supported or opposed various bills related to those issues during the 69th Legislative Assembly and emphasized that students want affordable, safe, and academically strong campuses. Committee members asked about housing affordability, food insecurity, research opportunities, and dual credit transfer and expansion. No votes were taken on policy matters during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other health care providers know that they do not want to receive any opioid medications while they're
• Next removed Attack Tab 6 Cs for SB 756, on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental
• of opportunity requires pipeline funds which are ward excellence, nursing programs to be used for health
• While these private religious institutions operate without licensure, they should operate under some
• storm water management systems owned or operated by September. 1st, that's that's the front.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That means lower health care costs, increased productivity, and stronger families.
• The cost of building and operating these markets is significant.
• . to health economic stability and overall quality of life.
• I wanted you to have a little understanding of our program and how we operate.
• We operate one of the largest horse rescue operations in the country, and in addition we have a foundation

Summary: The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions. Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation. Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.