Transcript Highlights:

• Senate budget and taxation committee.
• </c><00:06:41.680><c> Senate</c><00:06:42.000><c> budget</c><00:06:42.319><c> and</c> &gt;&gt; Senate
• Senate budget and &gt;&gt; Senate Bill 25. Chair.
• Senate budget and taxation<00:06:43.039><c> committee.
• Colleagues, the Health and Social Services Subcommittee on Appropriations will be meeting for budget

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our community members are experiencing increased costs with already strained monthly budgets in order
• But because of the budget deficit that we're in, that's not possible.
• But because of the budget deficit that we're in, that's not possible.
• We're signed in other, as this isn't in the governor's budget, but we're grateful for Rep.
• We're signed in other, as this isn't in the governor's budget, but we're grateful for Rep.

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for several House bills, then took up public hearings on HB 2426, HB 1742, HB 2215, HB 2575, HB 1903, and HB 2606. HB 2426 would allow the Pollution Control Hearings Board, with party consent and board approval, to hear permit appeals in alternative smaller compositions to improve efficiency; the sponsor and supporters from Greater Grays Harbor and FutureWise said it would speed up reviews without harming environmental protections, while the bill was described as cost-neutral. HB 1742 would create a Center for Environmentally Sustainable Urban Design at Ecology to promote sustainable building and design competitions; the sponsor emphasized regenerative, biophilic design and a proposed showcase project, and the bill was presented as budget-neutral through outside funding, though the fiscal note was still pending. HB 2215 would tighten Climate Commitment Act compliance for certain newer fuel suppliers by lowering the emissions threshold for post-2023 suppliers, exempt lubricants, and add procurement and transparency requirements. The sponsor said the bill targets “paper distributors” and loopholes used to avoid coverage; Ecology supported closing the loophole but raised concerns about reporting thresholds, implementation, staffing, and rulemaking. Testimony was mixed: the propane association and Washington Oil Marketers Association were concerned about the two-tier threshold and urged stronger upstream enforcement instead, while Climate Solutions and Washington Conservation Action supported the bill as a way to prevent gaming and strengthen climate policy. HB 2575 would reduce several environmental and energy reporting obligations, including less frequent utility reporting under the Energy Independence Act and state energy strategy updates; Commerce and the sponsor said the changes would reduce duplicative reporting and save money, while preserving core protections and oversight. HB 1903 would establish a statewide low-income energy assistance program in the Department of Commerce, phased in by 2027, to supplement existing utility programs and target households with the greatest energy burden. The sponsor and many advocates described the bill as an affordability measure to address a large unmet need, while community action agencies, utilities, and rural representatives supported the goal but asked for clearer language on voluntary utility participation, funding sources, allocation formulas, and how the program would interact with existing utility and weatherization efforts. Several speakers stressed that the program should not replace local assistance and should be designed to avoid shifting costs onto ratepayers. HB 2606 would update the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and reporting requirements, including adding review of agency AI projects and aligning the office’s work with JLARC recommendations; the chief privacy officer testified in support, explaining that the bill would formalize AI risk review, human oversight, and existing privacy/security review processes, with no fiscal impact. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so there's this idea of FemTech, and there's going to be some money in the budget as it relates to
• And have you thought about how you might be able to take advantage of some of those budget allocations
• And so there's this idea of FemTech, and there's going to be some money in the budget as it relates to
• And have you thought about how you might be able to take advantage of some of those budget allocations
• Unfortunately, because of our state budget scenario, it's something that fell short over the last two

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a couple of years ago, those dollars saved two teaching positions during a difficult budget cycle
• Further limiting access to timber at a time when the state and DNR are facing serious budget issues and
• Further limiting access to timber at a time when the state and DNR are facing serious budget issues and
• It makes it pretty hard to make a county budget work.
• We are elected officials that set budgets in our county.

Bills: HB2170, HB2544, HB2578

Keywords: natural climate solutions, ecosystem services, revenue generation, economic opportunities, environmental policy, water rights, adjudication, Columbia River, environmental impact, natural resources, tribal members, fish and wildlife, commission, indigenous rights, state regulation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Investment in CTS expansion was included in the governor's proposed budget.
• The governor's proposed budget also supported a JR staffing model.
• Because it doesn't happen in one biennium, one budget cycle.
• Because it doesn't happen in one biennium, one budget cycle.
• Unfortunately, with the budget, that hasn't been able to happen.

Bills: SB6062

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also was thankful that they understood the budget crisis and the budget crunch we're in and trying
• UW Intercollegiate Athletics budget, at, uh— UW Intercollegiate Athletics budget last year was about
• You are in a budget deficit. Programs are trying to do those things. School districts are strapped.
• Now the governor's supplemental budget proposes deeper cuts.
• Now the governor's supplemental budget proposes deeper cuts.

Bills: SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: financial aid, higher education, private institutions, student awards, affordability, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, educational access, data collection, parenting students, education, support services, academic performance, college athletics, private equity, sovereign wealth funds, student athletes, financial agreements, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• But it’s a small program, as I mentioned; the total budget is only $10 million for the grants.
• A lot of this comes under my budget subcommittee.
• didn't I apologize for not bringing in handouts but I'll that's fine a lot of this comes under my budget
• Specifically happened, and then, as many of you know, seeing the governor's budget last week—it feels
• like it's been longer than a week—but we know that last year the budget was zeroed out.

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on housing construction innovation, focusing on factory-built and modular housing as a way to lower costs, speed delivery, and expand housing supply. The chair framed the effort as a search for practical innovation paired with land use, financing, and regulatory changes that could make housing more affordable for working families. Government witnesses from HCD, the Strategic Growth Council, and the tax credit and bond allocation agencies explained how factory-built housing is regulated, how California standards and third-party approvals work, and how state programs are trying to build regional demand and financing pipelines for modular production. Testimony from investors and developers emphasized both the promise and the risks of modular construction. JP Morgan Chase and the Housing Accelerator Fund described projects that achieved meaningful time and cost savings, but said lenders still see elevated risk because of manufacturer solvency, upfront deposits, transportation and installation issues, and the need for standardized designs and experienced teams. They urged more standardization, more local factories, better alignment between financing timelines and construction schedules, and state support such as backstops, top-loss capital, and scoring preferences in tax credit and bond programs. Several speakers noted that recent federal changes to the 4% tax credit program increased production capacity, but warned that without continued state investment the pipeline could face a future funding cliff. The workforce panel, including union contractors, factory supervisors, and labor representatives, said modular construction can support good jobs if it is paired with union labor, training, and fair standards. They described benefits for workers such as steadier schedules, less commuting, improved safety, and better work-life balance, while also stressing the need for wages, health coverage, retirement benefits, and apprenticeship opportunities. Union representatives supported a model that keeps both factory and on-site work unionized and said the industry could create more jobs overall if California builds more factories and develops a stable, long-term demand pipeline. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a few requests that do, however, and we understand it’s a tricky budget. you, etc.
• We do have a few requests that do, however, and we understand it's a tricky budget.
• We do have a few requests, however, and we understand it's a tricky budget situation that we're entering
• The budget is going to be challenging, but I wanted to share a little bit in response to that question
• We, your WDBA, submitted a decision package in the fiscal year 26 supplemental budget in the amount of

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this is a small amount in a state that has a $3 billion budget, but it's significant to the food
• The income budget was $309,502. The total brought in was $315,048.
• That looks good, but let's look at the expense budget: $632,000, with actual expenses at $638,000.
• The budget is quite different from OVG's budget and their actual expenses and incomes.
• The 2023-2024 budget expense was presented at $105,942. No income was found.

Bills: HB 1039, HB2289, HB2370, HB2404, HB3066, HB3076, HB3117, HB3118, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3182, HB3196, HB3241, HB3377, HB3500, HB3567, HB3715, HB3954, HB4098, HB4109, HB4222, HB4226, HB4412, HB4659, HB4682, HB4683, HB4755, HB4926, HB5165, HB5562, HB5596

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax authority, border counties, tax legislation, municipalities, hotel tax revenue, convention centers, economic development, local government authority, HB 2370, HOT tax, venue projects, convention center, municipal finance, local government code, Section 334.0082, tourism tax, debt financing, bond repayment

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, House Bill 1016 is the budget for the Adjutant General, the National Guard.
• The budget for this, the amount of money for this budget is $345 million, of which 75% is federal funding
• The budget is about state and national security.
• The amount of money for this budget is $345 million, of which 75% is federal funding.
• The budget is about state and national security.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then $56 million for our annual budget.
• Um, then there was a signing statement issued by the governor about the budget rider.
• It cannot pass general law in the budget bill.
• So what did the writers say in the budget in 2023?
• I mean, we can't create law on the budget. I mean, that'd be a mess.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:40.880><c> is</c><00:22:41.200><c> what</c> 0.16% of a c of a city's budget is what 0.16%
• of a c of a city's budget is what they<00:22:41.880><c> spend</c><00:22:42.320><c> to</c><00:22:42.520
• The budget in the city of Goan has not been updated since 2021.
• in uh the ordinances posted the budget in uh the city<00:24:16.080><c> of</c><00:24:16.279><c> Goan<
• But you're correct, the budget, the financial statement, we cut back greatly over the years.

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore the end of the meeting Meeting Start 00:01 Roll Call 00:05 HB 131 discussion 01:55 HB 131 vote 05:08 HB 256 discussion 07:09 HB 256 vote 08:58 HB 290 discussion 10:59 HB 290 vote 13:25 HB 368 discussion 15:11 HB 368 vote 31:30 Adjournment 36:27, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 131, sponsored by Representative Meredith, was amended with a committee substitute and would allow former second class city fire departments more scheduling flexibility, including hybrid shift patterns, while preserving existing collective bargaining agreements. There was no opposition or questions, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill favorably by voice/roll call vote. House Bill 256, sponsored by Chairman Flannery, would impose a 40-year statutory limit on root-of-title interests to clear dormant title issues and improve marketable title, while excluding coal and mineral interests. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed favorably on a unanimous roll call. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would update county law library funding/use rules to allow more modern expenditures such as online legal services; Representative Willner supported it as a useful modernization, and the bill also passed favorably on a unanimous roll call. House Bill 368, sponsored by Representative Decker, would expand local governments’ ability to use online public notice alternatives instead of relying solely on newspaper publication in smaller counties. Supporters from local government groups argued the change would save money, improve efficiency, and still keep the public informed, while the Kentucky Press Association cautioned that website standards should be addressed and noted concerns about losing newspaper notice revenue. After discussion, the committee passed the bill favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional yes votes for HB 131, HB 256, and HB 290, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that I discovered is that the CBCs account for 29% of DCF's budget.
• Boards are responsible for critical tasks, including approving budgets, setting and overseeing operational
• Board-approved budgets in excess of the total allocation for the lead agency and noncompliance with cost
• When we look at our budget and expenses, the one thing that sticks out is the cost of care for the acuity
• And that is purely because of budget challenge. Thank you, Ms. Griffith.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is routinely suspended during the budget is routinely suspended during the budget process<00:18:
• </c> the travel and tourism budget the travel and tourism budget calculation.<00:19:25.120><c> Clear<
• </c> what is dictated out of trailer budget what is dictated out of trailer budget HB2?
• I will do that, or it should be from the budget because we killed this in the budget.
• </c> item since it heavily affects the budget item since it heavily affects the budget also.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 63, which concerns funding for the division of travel and tourism and its relationship to the meals-and-rooms tax calculation. Members asked for confirmation that the bill would not affect municipal distributions under RSA 78-A:26. Jennifer Ramsey of the Department of Revenue Administration explained that the amendment does not change meals-and-rooms distributions, but instead corrects the calculation for the travel and tourism appropriation by adding back the municipal fund transfer before applying the 3.15% floor. Chris Shay of the Office of the Attorney General agreed with that explanation. The committee also discussed the complexity of the meals-and-rooms statutes and the possibility of a future cleanup effort. The committee then voted 19-0 to recommend SB 63 ought to pass; it will not go on consent because it has a fiscal note. The committee next considered SB 60, relative to advanced deposit account wagering. Rep. Murphy moved ought to pass, explaining that the bill would regulate advanced deposit wagering on horse racing and impose a 1.25% revenue share on wagers from New Hampshire residents, generating roughly a quarter-million dollars in new lottery revenue in the first year. The motion passed 19-0, and the bill will not go on consent because of its fiscal note. The committee then voted 19-0 to recommend SB 147 ITL, with members noting that live racing facilities are in decline and the market is shrinking. SB 160, which updates raffle ticket pricing and prize limits for bingo-related gaming, also passed ought to pass 19-0 and will not go on consent. The committee then took up SB 73, which revises coverall bingo rules and increases prize limits. An amendment, 2025-1470H, was offered to raise the total prize amount to $5,000; members supported it as a reasonable compromise, and the amendment was adopted unanimously. The bill as amended then passed ought to pass 19-0, again with a fiscal note preventing consent placement. After those votes, the committee moved into a work session on SB 83, where members began discussing the bill’s video lottery terminal provisions, including the meaning of “maximum wager,” the absence of a cumulative betting cap, and concerns that the bill combines several distinct policy changes—tax treatment, VLT rules, renaming, and a self-exclusion database—into one measure. No vote was taken on SB 83 during the work session, and members indicated they would continue discussion later after reviewing side-by-side materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the same program, but it's being funded and has been funded through the budget.
• And I know the line in the budget, and it's lined out. I'm comfortable with that.
• Seeing none. funded through the budget, but that bill would have put it under the foundation formula
• And I know the line and the budget, and it's lined out. I'm comfortable with that.

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1196, sponsored by Sen. Mike Henderson, which combines two workforce-related measures: an expansion of Fast Track grant income eligibility and a new Workforce Pell Grants framework for short-term, non-credit training programs. Henderson said the Fast Track income caps would rise from $40,000 to $50,000 for individuals and from $80,000 to $100,000 for joint filers, and that the Workforce Pell provisions would help community and technical colleges offer stackable credentials in areas like welding, commercial driving, advanced manufacturing, and health care support. He also explained the emergency clause was needed so Missouri could begin drawing federal funds starting July 1. Witnesses from the Missouri Community College Association, Graduation Alliance, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and public higher education testified in support. One witness supported the Workforce Pell and stackable-credential portions but said he did not favor raising the income thresholds. Committee members discussed technical cleanup language and whether the Department of Higher Education had been consulted on the bill’s structure. In executive session, the committee adopted two House committee amendments: one incorporating additional workforce language, including Representative Wilson’s Fast Track Workforce Grant provisions and moving the Workforce Development Board under the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, and another repealing the sunset on the adult workforce diploma program. The amendments were rolled into a House committee substitute, which the committee then voted do pass by a roll call of 12 ayes and 1 no, with Rep. Titus voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, members, this has no impact on the Department of Military Affairs budget.
• Department of has no impact on the Department of Military<00:02:38.240><c> Affairs</c><00:02:38.640><c> budget
• This</c><00:02:39.760><c> is</c><00:02:39.920><c> an</c><00:02:40.040><c> open</c> Military Affairs budget
• This is an open Military Affairs budget.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought I found it somewhere, but then the governor already cut that out of the budget.
• It was one of the suggestions on the governor's thing of cutting the budget, so this would take away
• originally and then went to general fund money of the $21,000 general fund and helps balance the budget
• I bet the same question will come from related to the budget, but go ahead. Mr.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 18 and 19, then considered several RS introductions. RS 3341, a child care cleanup bill by Rep. Barbara Ehardt, would clarify daycare rules, including allowing monitors for sleeping children if the provider can hear them and is within reach, and it would exclude providers’ own children age five and older from certain counts; it was introduced after a brief question about how “own children” is defined. RS 33042 C1, by Rep. Lucas Kaler, would redefine medical neglect and false reporting in child and adult protective services to address removals based on alleged false medical neglect; Kaler said he removed a proposed cause of action after concerns from members, and some members said they still had concerns about unintended consequences and mandated reporting, but the bill was introduced. The committee also introduced RS 33488, which would allow the Legislature to hire a consultant, with leadership approval, to help review Medicaid managed care contracts and RFPs as the state moves toward managed care; Rep. Vander Wada said the committee lacks the technical expertise and estimated the consultant cost at $200,000, with funding to be worked out through JFAC and leadership. Finally, RS 33491, also by Rep. Vander Wada, would reduce the current resident rehab/community-based services reimbursement rate from $758 to $707 per 15-minute increment, helping balance the budget and funding an independent audit to improve transparency; members asked about the KW settlement and whether the change would affect home and community-based services, and the bill was introduced. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee today, pursuant to a Senate memorandum that was just sent out, we will not be presenting our budget
• We will not be presenting our budget today, and we will keep you posted as we move forward in the future
• And keep in mind, from a budget perspective, that's money, teachers, all that stuff was procured at the
• And keep in mind, from a budget perspective, that's money, teachers, all that stuff was procured at the

Bills: S7036

Keywords: education, epinephrine, charter schools, voluntary prekindergarten, school funding, teacher incentives, student progress monitoring

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K-12 Appropriations met with a quorum present and announced it would not be presenting its budget at this time, per a Senate memorandum. The sole bill on the agenda was SB 7036 by Senator Corey Simon, which was described as a broad education package strengthening school turnaround tools, early literacy supports, early learning policies, academic offerings, and educator pipeline provisions. Senator Simon explained that the bill addresses persistently low-performing schools, Title I use for STEM curricula, charter school renewal and dismissal rules, epinephrine device policies, VPK summer bridge eligibility, disability-aligned interventions, agriculture and Algebra 1 instruction, GATE access, and certification updates for teachers and computer science. An amendment was adopted that removed provisions on temporary door locks and DOE-developed instructional materials and added a GATE startup grant update. The committee heard numerous appearance forms, with many individuals and organizations waving against the bill, while one student, Ella Latimore, appeared and spoke briefly. Much of the exchange with her was lighthearted and unrelated to the bill, but Senator Simon used his closing to note that concerns from the prior stop had been addressed by removing the DOE materials and door-lock language, and he asked for favorable support. The committee then voted on the bill as amended, and CS for SB 7036 was reported favorably. After the vote, members made several informal statements, including remarks about a Valentine’s Day visit from students and appreciation for community member Misty Cash. Senator Osgood also raised a serious concern about declining immigrant student enrollment affecting district budgets, especially in Broward County, and urged the committee to address the issue proactively with school districts. The chair said staff were already working with districts on the matter and that more discussion would follow. The meeting then adjourned after additional light banter among members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have a ton of the history because, as I said, there wasn't a lot of transparency with our budget
• I don't have a ton of the history because, as I said, there wasn't a lot of transparency with our budget
• This budget you are requesting is apparently prior when you were under the original umbrella.
• I would certainly urge this committee to consider this budget request.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational budget presentation from Diana Fletcher, administrator of the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates amateur and professional combative sports and professional wrestling. Fletcher said the agency oversees licensing and event regulation for boxing, MMA, kickboxing, bare-knuckle fighting, slap fighting, and wrestling, with a focus on participant and public safety. She described recent changes including securing a standalone agency number, updating definitions and legal authority, moving away from cash/check processing to credit cards and online applications, and joining national regulatory organizations. She also said the commission is trying to attract major events such as UFC, WWE, and AEW, and noted the economic impact of 173 events last year, with more than $3 million in sales and significant hotel and job impact. Members asked about licensing requirements, whether events must be sanctioned, the legality of unsanctioned events, and how the commission handles enforcement. Fletcher explained that participants, judges, promoters, announcers, and others around the ring or cage must be licensed, and that unsanctioned events are illegal under state law; boxing is also federally regulated. She said the commission relies mainly on the Attorney General’s Office for legal enforcement and does not regulate high school sports, though it does regulate youth combat sports and youth kickboxing. Questions also focused on slap fighting, which Fletcher said is a real and dangerous sport that the commission has trained on in Las Vegas to prepare for regulation. On funding, Fletcher said the commission has historically received about $200,000, but is requesting a $300,000 supplemental appropriation this year and $500,000 recurring going forward. She said the agency needs funds for rent, IT, HR/payroll services through OMS, training, and one additional full-time employee, and that its revolving fund could be depleted without additional support. A committee member with boxing background endorsed the commission’s reputation and the need to restore it as a standalone agency. No vote was taken; the meeting ended after members thanked the presenters and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:54.240><c> Half</c><00:48:54.720><c> an</c> up taking half the state budget.
• Half an up taking half the state budget.
• </c><00:48:56.319><c> goes</c><00:48:56.559><c> to</c> entire half of the state budget goes to entire
• I think we're budgeted for 293.
• I think we're budgeted for 293.

Keywords: 1189, house, all