Transcript Highlights:

• He was in the marching band in high school, and he was in a German exchange student program.
• interrogation, and we were asked leading questions about David's mental health, his popularity in high
• AB 639 makes a narrow exception to the definition of dams to ensure it does not inadvertently apply an
• The Division of Safety of Dams.
• And the focus of the Division of Safety of Dams really should be on the 1,200 dams that are of significance

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 9, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and a consent calendar. The committee first approved a set of unanimous consent bills, then heard and acted on several measures, generally with authors describing them as having minor or absorbable fiscal effects. Bills discussed included AB 439 on Coastal Act streamlining, AB 322 on school-based health and mental health reimbursement participation, AB 679 on state park land acquisition exemptions, AB 482 updating the California Table Grape Commission law, AB 681 increasing the Dream Loan Program cap, AB 40 clarifying emergency services include reproductive health care, AB 454 making the California Migratory Bird Protection Act permanent, AB 572 creating protections for families of people killed or seriously injured by peace officers, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams to avoid extra regulation for certain water operators. Testimony was largely in support of the bills. Supporters included representatives from the University of California, the California Table Grape Commission, Audubon California, Sempervirens Fund, emergency physicians, health equity groups, water districts, and several impacted family members and advocacy organizations on AB 572. AB 572 drew especially emotional testimony from family members describing police-involved deaths and the need for transparency and protection from coercive questioning. No organized opposition was raised on most of the bills heard in committee, though AB 439 drew no-votes from some Republicans, and AB 572 and other measures were framed as low-cost or cost-neutral. The committee reported the bills out on roll calls after motions and seconds, with several measures passing on B-roll calls and AB 482 passing on an A-roll call. After the hearing on presented bills, the committee also approved the suspense calendar and accepted brief public comment on bills not heard that day, including opposition to AB 339 and support for AB 335. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we're we're left reacting to the high we're we're left reacting to the high crash<00:03:22.480><
• I presume this is probably a higher priority than the Anoka Run River Dam is one question.
• This facility will help educate children with high behavioral needs.
• </c><00:20:31.520><c> behavioral</c> educate children with high behavioral educate children with high
• </c> is that trying to educate these high is that trying to educate these high behavioral<00:20:58.799

Bills: HF4680, HF4047, HF4590, HF3757, HF3569, HF4507, HF4426, HF4927, HF4788, HF4757, HF4747, HF3561, HF4014, HF4013, HF4689, HF4766, HF4589

Keywords: wastewater treatment, improvements, capital investment, Greenfield, bonds, water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, state bonds, public utilities, HF4590, Tamarack, municipal infrastructure, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, Public Facilities Authority, sewer system, collection system, street reconstruction, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• gave some concerning statistics: only 29% of blind people are employed, 36% did not graduate from high
• school, and only 7% have a high school or college education.
• He said that only 7% have high school or college educations.

Bills: HB82, HB143, HB145, HB160, HB222, HB430, HB445, HB490, HB603, HB619, HB670, HB672, HB763, HB773, HB781, HB810, HB874, HB981

Keywords: DWI, driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, penalties, criminal justice, inmates, department of public safety, per diem, local correctional facilities, jail funding, firefighters, law enforcement, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, domestic violence, domestic abuse, battery of a dating partner, domestic abuse battery, strangulation

Transcript Highlights:

• That it's still a high percentage of the Navajo Nation.
• President, Senator, that is a very high possibility. Thank you, Mr. President.
• they need, and these kids are coming out of high school making six figures.
• the first year out of high school?
• , get them interested in training, and train them through their last years of high school. high school

Transcript Highlights:

• The Devil's River is one of the most pristine waterways in Texas, with exceptionally high quality and
• We do have examples where, although not a public safety hazard, that rivers' discharges have created
• trade practices and price stability for the fresh tomato market. ...guaranteeing year-round access to high-quality
• And frequently, those dam authorizations are not for impounding surface water; therefore, impounding

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the recidivism is it getting the high the recidivism is it getting the high school<00:24:46.120>
• </c><01:49:00.880><c> school</c> based crew uh program like high school based crew uh program like high
• So that is where we stand on state aid grants at a very high level.
• We would lose shellfish and dam operations.
• </c> lose shellfish we would lose Dam lose shellfish we would lose Dam operations<05:12:48.600><c> um

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout high school and college, I also worked in the mobile home park in the St.
• </c><01:04:02.160><c> or</c><01:04:02.799><c> what</c> rent or whether it's too high or what rent or
• whether it's too high or what whether<01:04:03.279><c> it's</c><01:04:03.760><c> reasonable</c><01:04
• </c> you for your question Senator Dam you for your question Senator Dam Senator<01:11:54.639><c> dram
• You know, I mean, you might have to change things because it's a safety hazard or to clean it up, but

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a week before high school started, and was kidnapped.
• and was detained outside of his high school.
• Senate Bill 811 by Senator Caballero relates to hazardous waste.
• These renters are at particularly high risk of housing instability.
• These renters are at particularly high risk of housing instability.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate took up a series of third-reading bills covering horse racing, local taxation, consumer financial security, elections, utilities, battery recycling, sexual health, body-worn camera privacy, property tax treatment for inherited homes, adoptee access to original birth certificates, a youth housing bond, workers’ compensation, and civil rights. Several measures were framed as technical or clarifying changes, while others addressed broader policy disputes over election security, immigration enforcement, utility oversight, and state borrowing for housing. Among the more debated items were SB 46, which would bar the California ballot from listing a presidential candidate who has already served two terms; SB 73, an urgency measure restricting county election officials from allowing federal agents to inspect voting machines; and SB 747, the “No Kings Act,” creating a state civil cause of action against federal, state, or local officers who violate constitutional rights. Supporters of SB 747 argued it was needed to address alleged abuses by federal immigration agents, while opponents said existing law already provides remedies and warned about added litigation and impacts on law enforcement. SB 492, a $1 billion youth housing bond, also drew debate over state debt and whether housing should be funded through bonds or other mechanisms. The chamber also considered SB 505, requiring money transmitters to use two-factor or multi-factor authentication; SB 501, expanding battery producer responsibility to medium-format batteries; SB 608, related to contraceptive access and school implementation; SB 691, allowing EMS-related redaction requests for body-worn camera footage; SB 288, clarifying Proposition 19 timing for inherited property in probate; SB 381, giving adopted adults access to original birth certificates; and SB 555, updating permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits. Votes were recorded on each measure, with most passing by party-line or near-party-line margins, while SB 795 and SB 288 passed unanimously. SB 73 and SB 747 both passed with urgency clauses, and SB 492, SB 555, and several other bills advanced after floor debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• She began her nursing career where she developed expertise in managing complex and high-acuity patients
• She began her nursing career where she developed expertise in managing complex and high acute patients
• And whereas the work of a lineman requires operating in hazardous conditions, including great heights
• In December 2024, he demonstrated extraordinary bravery during a dangerous, multi-county, high-speed
• , high-speed internet is the rural electrification of our time.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've had a chance to go to Bonneville Dam. You heard Representative Waters talk about it.
• The public's being asked to pay for high-cost, low-success.
• Claiming that sea lions at Bonneville Dam are making any discernible impact on salmon in the Columbia
• I think the major drivers of this have to be recognized as what it really is, the habitat loss dams,
• The public's being asked to pay for high-cost, low success.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2619, which would create a joint legislative task force to review and recommend ways to reduce regulatory burdens in agriculture, and on House Joint Memorial 4009, which asks Congress to ensure federal wildfire response agencies remain capable of protecting communities, natural resources, and firefighter safety. On HB 2619, the prime sponsor and supporters from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, cattle, wheat, potato, onion, and dairy interests said the bill responds to farm stress and suicide concerns by examining regulatory overload; WSDA supported the concept but noted a fiscal note, and members discussed whether the task force scope and cost could be reduced before policy cutoff. On HJM 4009, staff and the sponsor described the memorial as a request for stronger federal wildfire capacity and coordination, with testimony from tribes, counties, forest landowners, conservation groups, and public employees emphasizing wildfire risk, smoke impacts, and the importance of federal-state cooperation; the committee also repeatedly tied the memorial to support for state wildfire funding under 1168 and heard broad support for restoring that funding. The committee then took up House Bill 2221, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and begin predator mitigation when certain population declines occur, while also requiring annual reporting and white-tailed deer surveys. The sponsor argued the bill addresses rapidly declining deer and elk herds, predator pressure, food security, and rural economies in northeast Washington. Supporters included some local residents, ranchers, sheriffs, county officials, and the Colville Tribes, who said predators, livestock conflicts, and reduced hunting opportunity are harming communities and that the state should act more aggressively. Opponents included WDFW staff, Washington Wildlife First, the Sierra Club, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and other conservation voices, who said the bill is not scientifically supported, would be costly, and wrongly blames predators rather than habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions; several said predator control would have limited value and could undermine wolf recovery. Some agricultural and sportsmen groups supported the bill in principle but asked for amendments, especially to remove or revise the in-state wolf translocation provision. No final votes or executive action were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hubs, in addition to providing that immediate response, are also investing in hazard mitigation.
• This year, we are on track to reach 250 intermediate and high school students.
• </c> intermediate and high school students. intermediate and high school students.
• lowcost, high impact um opportunities<00:18:36.720><c> that</c><00:18:37.039><c> we</c><00:18:37.280
• is Hawaii Hazards Awareness and Resilience<00:22:59.280><c> Program.

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill is about 90% focused on high school NIL.
• What it does is it sets appropriate guardrails and parental consent around NIL opportunities for high
• Frederick High School. She's a junior.
• I don't think high-deductible plans were quite as big in use then as they are now.
• I don't think high deductible plans were quite as big in use now as they are.

Bills: HB513, HB581, HB596, HB660, HB719, HB766, HB802, HB940, HB950, HB1028, HB1183, HB1201, SB233, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB411

Keywords: name image likeness, NIL, student-athlete, college athletics, high school athletics, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, athlete compensation, athlete endorsements, sports marketing, athlete agent, marketing representative, sports attorney, publicity rights, right of publicity, Louisiana high school sports, NCAA, school policy, athletic association, athletic conference

Bills: SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB1250, SB710, SB1489, SB2045, SB1614

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, schools, public school districts, education technology, edtech, student privacy, FERPA, data privacy, data security, emerging technologies, machine learning, generative AI, classroom technology, instructional technology, teacher oversight, human-in-the-loop, student data, parental consent, opt-out

Bills: SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB1250, SB710, SB1489, SB2045, SB1614

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, schools, public school districts, education technology, edtech, student privacy, FERPA, data privacy, data security, emerging technologies, machine learning, generative AI, classroom technology, instructional technology, teacher oversight, human-in-the-loop, student data, parental consent, opt-out

Summary: The committee took up a series of education-related Senate bills, first accepting untimely filed PCS amendments for SB 1614 and SB 1250 without objection. SB 1734, the Oklahoma Responsible Tech in Schools Act, would prohibit AI tools from being used for instruction in public districts except for educator-directed uses, and it passed 12-0. SB 1630 would allow a school district up to one day or six hours of virtual instruction when students are completing statewide assessments, and it also passed 12-0. SB 1894, using PCS language, caps teacher professional development requirements at 200 hours over five years for teachers with fewer than five years of experience and 150 hours for those with more experience; it passed 11-0. SB 1975 would expand access to AP testing locations and the state’s Horizons online learning platform, and it passed 11-0. SB 1432 removes pilot-program and sunset language from an alternative certification program, and SB 1437 creates the President’s Physical Fitness Act and directs districts to use student fitness results to improve health outcomes; both passed 11-0. SB 1812 requires districts to make K-8 benchmark assessment results available to parents and guardians, and SB 346 modifies the background check process for certain teachers moving to a new district; both passed 11-0. SB 710 would expand the Teach Forward education preparation program to additional providers if funds are available, and SB 1489 concerns special-needs students; both passed 10-0. The committee also approved SB 1614, which creates a teacher induction program for new and emergency-certified teachers, by an 11-0 vote. The committee then considered SB 2045, a recess-related bill that would provide 30 minutes of recess and prohibit recess from being used as punishment. Members asked about possible compromise language with other PE/recess proposals, and the bill passed 11-0. Finally, the committee debated SB 1250, which was described as addressing school library materials and, through amendment, removing the definition of obscene in favor of sexually explicit language. Supporters said it would give districts and superintendents clearer guidance and require local library collection lists to be submitted to the Department of Education; opponents questioned whether the bill was necessary, whether it would require additional staff or create fiscal impacts, and whether stronger repeated-violations language was needed. After discussion, SB 1250 passed 8-2, and the chair noted it was the committee’s last meeting for the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Virtual instruction if the high school site is completing statewide assessments.
• Senate Bill 1292 will establish a high dosage tutoring program.
• So last year we had a lot of conversations around high dosage tutoring, and I want to thank the other
• I think more as it relates to high school and Went up to use my experience in college.
• Especially once you get into high school, and of course, I'm talking about college.

Bills: SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778

Keywords: career readiness, education reform, high school assessments, workplace skills, state education, credentialing, teacher certification, principal requirements, education administration, special education, Oklahoma education law, SB2045, Grow Your Own Educator Program, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, alternative certification, alternative teacher certification, teacher preparation, tuition reimbursement, course fee reimbursement

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have a very high level of confidence in their conclusion.
• repetitive, but before I considered this map, I asked that it be reviewed by counsel, in which I had a high
• I went to Eastern Hills High School. I grew up in Hampton.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• We will get perspectives both from the ground and a high-level overview.
• What I can tell you is that a way The awareness of 811 is very high.
• When we pull the knowledge. of 811 and what we do and the requirement to use it is very high.
• We think that was a lot of the reason we got that high volume, so we'd like to have that.
• That's, you know, the high level. Like you said, and Mary Alice said, a lot of folks don't.

Keywords: 1184, house, all