Transcript Highlights:

• Healthcare, forcing somebody else to provide health care is compelled labor.
• </c> labor. Compelled labor is slavery. labor. Compelled labor is slavery.
• Compelled<00:09:55.120><c> labor</c><00:09:55.600><c> is</c><00:09:55.920><c> slavery.
• It does impose compelled slave labor. It does impose compelled labor. labor. labor.
• </c> shall be from the Department of Labor shall be from the Department of Labor and<05:18:12.080><c>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• two branches, acting concurrently, to whom was referred the Senate order granting the Committee on Labor
• The Senate order relative to granting the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development until March 3,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters. It adopted a resolution commending the New England chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2026 as National Kidney Month and March 12, 2026 as World Kidney Day. The Senate also passed to be enacted House 4272, authorizing the town of Hudson to grant an additional off-premises wine and malt beverages license; the bill was ordered signed by the President and laid before the Governor. The chamber then considered multiple procedural reports from the Committee on Rules of the Two Branches. It suspended Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 to allow several Senate petitions and House papers to be referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate adopted orders extending the reporting deadlines for the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development until March 3, 2026, and for the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight until February 28, 2026. Later, the Senate took up House 4701, authorizing the town of Orange to increase the membership of its Board of Selectmen. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to meet again the next day at 11:00 a.m. in formal session and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Municipal Law in relation to the organization of industrial development agencies and the definition of labor
• Municipal Law in relation to the organization of industrial development agencies and the definition of labor

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Local Government met for its third meeting and considered 10 bills, with Senators Fahy, Rolison, Weik, and others present. The chair thanked committee and finance staff before moving through the agenda. Most of the measures were local tax exemption or municipal administration bills, including S.3190 expanding eligibility for a State of New York Mortgage Agency low-interest-rate program, S.435 allowing the Nassau County assessor to accept a real property tax exemption application from Powell House, and S.444A concerning industrial development agencies and the definition of labor organization. The committee also advanced S.74872 on notice of health insurance contracts for retired officers, employees, and their families, S.6817 and S.8263 involving Nassau County and a retroactive exemption for Congregation Cahal Mavakche Hesham, S.9325 creating a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of correction officers killed in the line of duty, S.9326 authorizing Babylon to accept an exemption application from Tiggerman Community Services, and S.9351 exempting the Village of Williamsville Fire Department from the non-resident membership cap. S.9409, authorizing the Commissioner of Transportation to extend a lease of lands in Farmingdale, was also considered. For each bill, members generally offered brief motions and seconds, with little debate or testimony recorded. All of the bills were reported out of committee, and S.74872 was specifically reported to finance. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is referred to Labor. Thank you very much, everyone. and act to amend the tax law.
• The bills referred to labor. Thank you very much, everyone.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Investigations and Government Operations met on March 24, 2026 and took up a ten-bill agenda. Most of the measures were advanced by motion and second with little debate, and several were referred onward to other committees, including Finance, Local Government, Ethics, and Labor. Bills discussed included S.334 on publishing records of public interest, S.348 and S.3836 on Alcoholic Beverage Control Law changes, S.407 on the Executive Law, S.1572, S.3145, and S.7880A on the Tax Law, and S.7990 on the Executive Law and County Law. S.646 was reported, while S.334, S.348, S.407, S.1572, S.3145, S.4693, S.7880A, and S.7990 were referred to other committees as noted. A notable discussion occurred on S.4693, the Taxpayer Access to Publicly Funded Research Act. Members asked how public access would work and whether posting research online could affect scholarly journals that rely on subscriptions. Staff explained that the bill would require publicly funded research to be posted on agency websites and that the intent was to make taxpayer-supported findings available to the public without additional advertising or special access mechanisms. The sponsor’s rationale was that taxpayers should be able to access research they helped fund, though concerns about the impact on journals were acknowledged. Votes were generally favorable, with a few recorded objections or abstentions. S.348, S.1572, and S.7880A each had at least one nay, and several bills had one without-recommendation vote. The committee ultimately reported S.646 and S.3836, while the other measures were referred to the appropriate committees for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then some of these have specialized skills that we contract for.
• PERS and some of the investments, the actuarial calculations, these larger firms have those specific skill
• And then we evaluate skill set. Do we have these skills in-house?
• And so their team is comprised of these individuals with these skill sets.
• lot easier to pay a bigger institution pay them some money and not have to hire someone with that skill

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then some of these have specialized skills that we contract for.
• PERS and some of the investments, the actuarial calculations, these larger firms have those specific skill
• And then we evaluate skill set. Do we have these skills in-house?
• And so their team is comprised of these individuals with these skill sets.
• lot easier to pay a bigger institution pay them some money and not have to hire someone with that skill

Summary: The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and a review of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget reported a clean opinion on the state’s financial statements and described continued growth in net position, strong general fund balance, and significant Legacy Fund investment income. Committee members asked about how the report reflects long-term finances and how North Dakota compares with other states, and OMB noted that the ACFR is based on audited actual results rather than budget forecasts. The committee then heard the North Dakota University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund construction money, insufficient monitoring of service organizations, improper bank reconciliations at several campuses, and investment/cash recording issues at Bismarck State College. University System officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations and greater use of shared services. Members also questioned practices such as campus use of certificates of deposit and whether repeated findings were being adequately addressed. Additional audits were presented for the State Fair Association, State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Securities Department, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Most received clean opinions with no findings; exceptions included a repeat component-unit issue at the State Fair Foundation, a securities personnel-evaluation finding, and a Housing Finance Agency finding involving a late return of escrow surplus. The committee also discussed broader oversight issues, including the need for independent auditing of the Ethics Commission, possible legislative changes to give the State Auditor more subpoena power and independent legal counsel, and future work on data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, and audit capacity. The meeting recessed for lunch after these discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a region filled by water, swimming is a critical life skill.
• ><c> Cook</c><00:47:55.200><c> County</c> In a region filled by water, swimming is a critical life skill
• This bill helps ensure these skill.
• So, swimming is not just an extracurricular, it's a life-saving skill.
• a year unintentionally drown, and a lot of times it's because they haven't learned adequate swim skills

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals without social work degrees may be skilled and dedicated public servants with backgrounds
• </c><00:26:05.680><c> and</c><00:26:05.840><c> dedicated</c> degrees may be skilled and dedicated degrees
• They're moving away from those things and people are growing those skill sets in-house.
• They're moving away from those things and people are growing those skill sets in-house.
• And I think, frankly, the county should be liable for misrepresenting the skills of a worker, not the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 51.519><c> all</c> firsttime skaters to competitors at all firsttime skaters to competitors at all skill
• </c> skill levels utilize the facility. skill levels utilize the facility.
• spaces, health care and social services, laundry and hygiene facilities, and classrooms for life skills
• 00:12:35.360><c> life</c> facilities, and classrooms for life facilities, and classrooms for life skills
• , job readiness and recovery skills, job readiness and recovery support.<00:12:38.320><c> Above</c><00

Bills: HF474, HF218, HF210, HF441, HF691, HF720, HF1068, HF1314, HF1465, HF1860, HF2046, HF1389, HF2404, HF2854, HF2985, HF3128, HF3103, HF778, HF3125

Keywords: HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent more than 14,000 skilled construction workers who build and maintain Minnesota's infrastructure
• We represent more than 14,000 skilled construction workers who build and maintain Minnesota's infrastructure
• We represent more than 14,000 skilled construction workers who build and maintain Minnesota's infrastructure
• We represent more than 14,000 skilled construction workers who build and maintain Minnesota's infrastructure
• We represent more than 14,000 skilled construction workers who build and maintain Minnesota's infrastructure

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Jodan Beavers, president and CEO of Life Skills in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
• Jodan Beavers, president and CEO of Life Skills in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
• Jodan Beavers, president and CEO of Life Skills in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
• we're</c><01:40:56.880><c> Community</c><01:40:57.159><c> Mental</c><01:40:57.360><c> Health</c> skills
• we're Community Mental Health skills we're Community Mental Health Center<01:40:58.040><c> uh</c><01

Keywords: Meeting start 00:06:05 Roll Call 00:06:33 HB 152 Discussion 00:07:55 HB 152 PHS 2 Vote 00:10:12 HB 545 Discussion HB 545 PHS 1 Vote 00:13:47 HB 606 Discussion 00:15:15 HB 606 Vote 00:16:32 HJR 30 Discussion HJR Vote 00:19:07 HJR 32 Discussion 00:20:25 HJR 32 PHS 1 Vote 00:23:11 HJR 34 Discussion 00:25:04 HJR 34 PHS 1 Vote 00:28:50 HJR 46 Discussion 00:30:09 HJR 46 Vote 00:34:15 HJR 53 Discussion 00:35:40 HJR 53 Vote 00:38:55 HJR 54 Discussion 00:40:15 HJR 54 Vote 00:40:50 HB 546 Discussion 00:42:15 HB 546 PHS 1 Vote 00:46:15 HB 605 Discussion 00:47:38 HB 605 PHS 1 Vote 00:52:10 HB 694 Discussion 00:53:46 HB 694 Vote 01:07:47 HB 695 Discussion Only 01:10:20, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on February 25 and considered a series of bills and joint resolutions, mostly involving appropriations, capital projects, and local infrastructure funding. The committee first adopted PHS 2 and passed House Bill 152, which creates a Medicaid supplemental payment program for public ground ambulance providers; the sponsor said the substitute ensures no state general fund dollars will be used and that local agencies must identify a funding source for any required match. HB 152 was reported favorably on a 20-0 vote. The committee also passed House Bill 545, the annual claims bill, after members confirmed all executive-branch claims were included; it was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 606, requiring reporting for general obligation bonds, also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up several joint resolutions tied to capital and infrastructure spending. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning water projects, was described as implementing ranked projects under the Waters program administered by KIA and was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Joint Resolution 32, concerning school facilities construction, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after discussion referencing the Auditor’s report and questions about a Johnson County Schools expenditure; it also passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 34, relating to contingent appropriations for KCTCS, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after testimony outlining three projects in Somerset, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Glasgow; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 46, for local road projects, was described as funding the highest-scoring local road requests from a larger pool of applications and passed 21-0. The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 53, authorizing release of funds for KSU’s Health Sciences Center project, after KSU officials said the building is needed for nursing and allied health programs and promised a business plan report by November 1, 2025; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 54, authorizing funds related to the State Fair Board, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee considered House Bill 546, which revises the local roads and streets program by adding a DOT-developed scoring system, monthly reporting, a match requirement, and a $500,000 project cap; members asked about the cap and were told larger projects should be handled through other mechanisms. HB 546 was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. Finally, House Bill 605, a technical corrections and update bill for the local economic relief grant program, was amended by PHS 1 and discussed as expanding eligibility, including to the Delta Regional Authority and certain local-affiliated applicants; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 605.

Transcript Highlights:

• Weather variability, rising inputs, labor shortages, uncertain markets, all current.
• Weather variability, rising inputs, labor shortages, and uncertain markets all create significant obstacles
• This will help us identify gaps in Delaware's workforce, giving the Department of Labor a fuller picture
• This will help us identify gaps in Delaware's workforce, giving the Department of Labor a fuller picture
• the commission by increasing the membership and allowing it to include some additional industry and labor

Summary: The Senate reconvened, read committee reports, and assigned House Bill 89 with House Amendment 1 and House Bill 393 with House Amendment 1 to the Senate Finance Committee. It then adopted Consent Calendar 64, which included resolutions recognizing Take Our Children to Work Day, Juneteenth, National Farmers Day, Invisible Disabilities Week, Stonewall Uprising Remembrance Day, National Nonprofit Day, and two property-assessment working group resolutions. The calendar passed by a unanimous roll call, and the chamber heard remarks supporting Juneteenth, Delaware agriculture, invisible disabilities awareness, and the nonprofit sector. The Senate passed the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates in Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, and approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget in Senate Bill 335 after extended debate on budget growth, recurring costs, health care, education, public safety, retiree obligations, and fiscal restraint. It also passed Senate Bill 336, the one-time supplemental appropriation bill, which includes one-time investments such as a $100 million transition toward a weighted education funding formula, election support, early childhood education, classroom projects, lead remediation, and campaign finance modernization. Several members praised the budget process and staff, while others cautioned against future spending growth. Among policy bills, the Senate passed House Bill 369 to codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, House Bill 268 to increase penalties for assaulting postal workers, House Bill 374 to require workforce reporting on large public works projects, Senate Bill 253 with House Amendment 1 to standardize school bullying parental-notification procedures, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 342 to modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission, House Bill 402 to extend Clean Air Act Title V permit fees, and Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1 to streamline Environmental Appeals Board timelines. The Senate also began consideration of House Bill 293, which would add hate crimes to the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, but the transcript cuts off before its vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Business, Labor, and Technology, after consideration on the merits, recommends the following
• Committee on Business,<00:29:52.280><c> Labor,</c><00:29:52.520><c> and</c><00:29:52.600><c> Technology
• ,</c><00:29:53.120><c> after</c> Business, Labor, and Technology, after Business, Labor, and Technology
• House Bill 1218, House Bill 1217, House Bill 1216, House Bill 1215, House Bill 1135 in the Business, Labor
• 00:51:26.160><c> in</c><00:51:26.280><c> the</c> House Bill 1215, House Bill 1135 in the Business, Labor

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The incentives are clear: push an autonomous driving intelligence onto our roads by disrupting labor
• California laboratory for autonomous vehicles, the San Francisco Fire Department leadership, both on the labor
• side and the command staff, have appealed to the autonomous vehicle companies... ...the labor side and
• Elmer Lazzardi here on behalf of the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• We at the Labor Fed want to ensure that we are updating our laws to meet the challenges of our 21st century

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with the chair emphasizing that all panel testimony would be heard before public comment. The first panel included an industry representative from AVIA, a George Mason University professor, a Dawn Project representative, and a crash survivor. Testimony sharply divided between supporters who said AVs and driver-assist systems can reduce crashes and create jobs, and critics who argued that current systems are unreliable, rely on unsafe remote assistance, and are being deployed without enough transparency or accountability. Committee members questioned witnesses about safety data, the distinction between Level 2 and Level 4 systems, remote operations, liability, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger reporting requirements. The second panel focused on first responders and workers. A retired San Francisco Fire Department official described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access, and said remote hotlines have been too slow to resolve incidents, urging a public-safety manual override for police, fire, and paramedics. A San Jose police deputy chief said law enforcement sees AV safety potential but needs clear authority, training, and standardized protocols to handle traffic violations and emergency interactions. A San Francisco rideshare driver described near-collisions, red-light violations, and congestion caused by robotaxis, calling for fines, permit suspensions, and better public access to incident data. A Teamsters representative criticized DMV’s proposed heavy-duty AV rules as too permissive, especially for 80,000-pound autonomous trucks, and argued for independent validation, operational limits, and legislative action if regulators do not act. In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials described California’s existing AV regulatory framework and defended the state’s oversight. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings, and is now developing a fourth package that would expand reporting, strengthen enforcement, and require AVs to respond to emergency geo-fence messages and law enforcement direction. DMV also noted current permit counts and past suspensions and revocations, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC began outlining its role in regulating passenger service for hire. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only, and the committee chair indicated the testimony would inform future policy and legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple years later, I had another injury because I was a laborer in the Labor Union.
• A couple years later, I had another injury because I was a labor in the Labor Union.
• Injury, because I was a laborer in the labor union.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Members referenced AB 1088, which would be considered later, and said the hearing was intended to clarify the science, medical perspective, and whether stronger safeguards are needed. The first panel featured a toxicology expert, state and local public health officials, an emergency/addiction physician, a medical examiner, and county health representatives. Witnesses from CDPH and Los Angeles County described rising deaths and enforcement actions, including statewide advisories, retailer letters, and product removals from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Medical testimony emphasized that 7-OH acts much more like an opioid than traditional kratom leaf, can cause dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression, and may require naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone in overdose or withdrawal cases. Local officials said enforcement is difficult because packaging is inconsistent, testing capacity is limited, and counties lack resources and statewide infrastructure; they generally favored a centralized state framework if regulation is pursued. Committee members asked about testing, age restrictions, scheduling, and whether a distinction between kratom and 7-OH could be enforced. Witnesses said forensic labs can potentially test for 7-OH but validated assays are not routine, emergency departments cannot readily distinguish exposures, and local health departments do not have the lab capacity to verify product labels. Several officials warned that a ban or abrupt scheduling could push products into the black market and discourage research, while others argued that current prohibition and enforcement are the most protective approach because legalization or age-limited regulation could create confusion about legality and safety. The second panel included kratom and 7-OH advocates and industry representatives, who argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH are different products and should be regulated differently. They supported age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules for kratom leaf while opposing a ban on the botanical. They said 7-OH is used by many adults for pain relief or harm reduction, and that prohibition would drive consumers to illicit markets and worsen harm. Committee members pressed them on whether 7-OH is more potent than kratom, the availability of testing, and whether any safe dose is known. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, with the chair noting the issue will continue to be considered in future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a skilled workforce. These are business owners. These are taxpayers.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI data, $1 in 1971 has the same buying power as about $8.15 in 2026

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 27 and first took up House Bill 175 and its companion House Bill 165, both dealing with lottery proceeds for veterans. HB 175 was amended to create a Veterans Service Grant Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs and direct $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds into a Veterans Service Grant Fund, with unused money returned to the lottery proceeds fund that supports the MFP. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, The Boot Louisiana, LDVA Secretary Charlton McGinley, and Bastion Veterans Organization, argued the grants would help veteran services, workforce placement, mental health, housing, entrepreneurship, and retention of veterans in Louisiana. Members raised concerns about drawing from lottery proceeds that traditionally support education, but the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 175 favorably as amended. HB 165, the constitutional amendment companion, was also amended for technical and ballot-language changes and then reported favorably as amended for voter consideration. The committee then considered House Bill 457, which would authorize the Louisiana Department of Health and the State Fire Marshal to set minimum housing standards for homeless shelters, group homes, and halfway homes. The sponsor said the bill responded to a state auditor recommendation and to unsafe conditions in some facilities; he also explained an amendment changing the Fire Marshal’s duties from mandatory to permissive to reduce fiscal impact and allow agencies flexibility. Some members questioned whether local standards already existed and how enforcement and funding would work, while others supported the need for statewide minimum standards for human housing. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 457 favorably as amended. House Bill 488, by Representative Brough, sought to create a Belle Chasse Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund using recurring severance tax revenues from Plaquemines Parish to help buy out the Belle Chasse toll bridge and end what the sponsor described as excessive tolls and fees. He and several local witnesses, including business owners, a YMCA representative, and a parish council member, testified that the tolling arrangement had harmed access, businesses, and quality of life. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the revenue source and then reported HB 488 favorably as amended. House Bill 566, which would prohibit state funds from supporting net-zero greenhouse gas initiatives tied to the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, drew significant debate over whether it would interfere with agency funding and economic development efforts; the sponsor argued the plan lacked legislative approval and should be repudiated, while members urged caution and suggested hearing from affected agencies. The sponsor agreed to consider deferring the bill, and the committee did not advance it at that time. House Bill 603, a constitutional amendment authorizing investment of state funds in digital assets and precious metals, was discussed as a way to hedge inflation and preserve value; members asked about limits and safeguards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then began hearing House Bill 763, a transparency measure creating a public database for settlement agreements involving state agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Things like geopolitical issues can affect timing, wars, tariffs, labor shortages—all those things that
• pro-business policies, competitive electricity markets, and abundant natural resources, as well as a skilled

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all of a sudden they're in the system, and then at 18 they age out, and many of them do not have the skill
• acknowledge and receive these people, that it could turn into a situation where conceivably there could be labor

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, a ceremonial recognition of two Elgin High School students, Clayton Raoul and Leon Anderson, and bus driver Kevin McDonald for their heroic actions during a March 2 bus crash. A citation was read honoring their selfless efforts to evacuate injured students and assist first responders. The chamber also introduced several student pages and recognized visiting groups in the gallery, including Impact Oklahoma and the Ardmore Leadership Group. The Senate then considered several bills. Senate Bill 1491, requiring appointed presidential electors to take the same oath as other electors, advanced and passed. Senate Bill 1579, which requires assessors to mail taxpayers a statement of rights when property valuations increase, also advanced and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1806, extending foster care eligibility to age 21 for those who opt in and meet program requirements, drew supportive debate about helping youth transition to adulthood; it advanced and passed as an emergency measure. A lengthy debate followed on Senate Bill 1552, which would allow certain large counties to pursue home rule charters through a voter-approved process. Supporters argued it would give populous counties more flexibility and local control, while opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment, population-based governance, rural representation, and possible constitutional issues. The bill advanced and then passed 26-18. Senate Bill 483, authorizing county-run relocation assistance programs funded by private donations for voluntarily relocating individuals, especially homeless persons, also prompted extensive questions about liability, trafficking concerns, accountability, and whether it could shift people between jurisdictions; it advanced and passed 39-6. Finally, Senate Bill 63, raising school board member stipends from $25 to $190 per meeting under permissive language, advanced over concerns about cost and then moved to final passage, with debate beginning at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because obviously, you hired aides based on their political savvy and not their golf skills.
• It's been a labor of love from the beginning, and a lot of changes have been made.

Summary: The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions, including the doctor of the day and a lighthearted “Cannoli Day” introduction. The chamber then held an extended farewell celebration for Senator Joe Gruters, with numerous senators, colleagues, and family members praising his loyalty, political skill, family focus, and service in the Legislature and Republican Party. Gruters was presented with a commemorative gift recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety and immigration bill that prohibited sanctuary cities and required local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Senate adopted a motion to spread Gruters’s remarks upon the journal and then recessed briefly. After recess, the Senate returned to regular business and took up third-reading bills. Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 354, relating to blue ribbon projects, was temporarily postponed. The chamber then considered Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1758, relating to public assistance, with Senator Gates explaining that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system discussed earlier in session. During debate on SB 1758, Senator Berman opposed the bill, saying he could not support it in its current form because he believed the Medicaid-related provisions would create a coverage cliff after the one-year transition period and could leave people without care while increasing costs to hospitals and taxpayers. He also said SNAP error reduction should be a priority, but argued the state should focus on fixing administrative errors and fraud rather than imposing a work requirement whose costs and effects were uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because obviously, you hired aides based on their political savvy and not their golf skills.
• It's been a labor of love from the beginning, and a lot of changes have been made.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then devoted most of the first part of the meeting to a farewell-style recognition of Senator Joe Gruters. Senators from both parties offered extended remarks praising his loyalty, political instincts, family involvement, and work as a legislator and as incoming Republican National Committee chair. Gruters responded with remarks about his background, including overcoming a childhood speech impediment, his service in the Legislature, and major policy efforts he highlighted such as alimony reform and the undergrounding of utilities. A ceremonial gift was presented to him recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety/immigration bill, and the Senate adopted a motion to spread his remarks upon the journal before recessing briefly. After the recess, the Senate returned to regular business. No committee reports, governor’s messages, House messages, or reconsideration matters were reported. The chamber then moved to third reading and temporarily postponed CS/CS/CS/SB 354, relating to blue ribbon projects. The next bill, CS/CS/SB 1758, relating to public assistance, was taken up, and Senator Gaetz explained that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system previously discussed by the Senate. Debate was about to continue when the transcript ended.