Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence your cell phones. If you must take a call, please step outside the room.
• Item number one is to vote to approve the statewide flood control program.
• Item number two is the airport construction and development priority program.
• All you have to do is dial the 800 number. The railroad dispatcher will answer the phone.
• The dispatcher will answer the phone.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works met on March 9, 2026, established a quorum, and approved the March 3 minutes. The chair introduced new members and then moved through four priority-program items: the statewide flood control program, the airport construction and development priority program, the port construction and development priority program, and the state highway priority program. DOTD staff said there were no changes to the flood control, airport, or port projects from the prior week, and the highway priority packet reflected about $1.2 billion in total investment, including about $913 million slated for construction in the upcoming fiscal year. Members also discussed the written justifications for projects raised during the road show but not included in the highway priority list, with the department explaining that those comments would continue to be tracked and addressed in future priority programs. Each of the four programs was approved without objection. The committee then received a presentation from Amtrak’s Todd Stennis on Louisiana service and the new Mardi Gras route between New Orleans and Mobile, which began in August 2025. He described the route as a state-supported service funded by Louisiana, Mississippi, the city of Mobile, and their transportation agencies, and said ridership had exceeded projections, with more than 80,000 riders in about six months against a first-year estimate of 76,000. He also outlined strong on-time and customer-service performance, station usage patterns, fares, and planned capital improvements funded through federal CRISI grants and state matches that are intended to improve rail fluidity and shorten travel times over the next several years. A substantial portion of the Amtrak discussion focused on railroad crossing safety after members raised concerns about recent accidents and fatalities. Stennis emphasized the blue emergency placards at crossings, the 800-number system for reporting incidents, and ongoing coordination with Operation Lifesaver and the host railroads to improve public messaging. Members also asked about an app used to identify crossings when signs are unreadable, and Stennis said he would follow up. The meeting concluded with a motion by Vice Chair Carter to adjourn, which carried without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence your cell phones.
• Members, this is Amendment Set Number 3395, as identified.
• And I'm just throwing random numbers.
• I mentioned like three random numbers.
• I'll use that number. Okay, and of course we...

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we talked about the numbers that would be, I've heard numbers between 400, 100. ...that would
• So there would be the opportunity to have PIN numbers for other individuals, not for an unlimited number
• So it's a matter of a phone call.
• And I remember those phone calls.
• one, number two, and number three, I voted...

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects. The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I get on the phone call around.
• Follow up: I've had three phone calls.
• And do we have any numbers on nuisance numbers from the Department of Wildlife or: Thank you for that
• It is difficult to put a specific number on it.
• Wanted to commend the author, number one, Noah's heart.

Bills: HB3239, HB3391, HB3557, HB4128

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a lady who was in the midst of a domestic violence incident hit send on her phone.
• And then the phone was disconnected.
• And when they didn't answer the phone, she was able to think well, enough on her feet.
• And then the phone was disconnected.
• By the luck or grace of God, she had called the wrong number.

Bills: HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HB4426, HB3704, HB4311, HB3044, HB4191, HB3465, HB3972, HB3759, HB3625, HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882, HB3406, HB2975, HB3977, HB3263, HB2988, HB3404, HB1770

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><00:10:52.480><c> coatings</c> phone screens and glasses, the coatings phone screens and
• You could not hear the cell phone ringing at all.
• You could not hear the the cell phone.
• </c> phone ringing at all. Yep. phone ringing at all. Yep.
• So the example is cell phone; it will stop receiving signal.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:58 Approval of Minutes 03:05 Member Comments 03:18 Nanotechnologies in Energy 06:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee met and approved the minutes, then heard announcements and introductions from members and guests, including an invitation to an East Kentucky trail ride opening and welcomes for new EPIC and Kentucky Coal Association representatives and several constituents. After the opening business, the committee turned to a presentation on nanotechnology and energy applications by Rodney Andrews of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. Andrews explained how nanoscale materials behave differently because of their size and surface area, and described uses in consumer products, batteries, solar panels, catalysts, coatings, sensors, and energy storage. Members asked about the relationship between nanomaterials and coal, and Andrews said carbon nanotubes can be made from coal-derived hydrocarbons, which members noted as an opportunity for Kentucky’s coal and manufacturing sectors. He also discussed work on improved solar coatings, more stable perovskites, fuel-processing catalysts, hydrogen storage, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, electromagnetic shielding, and conductive yarns and fabrics. The presentation also covered more advanced applications such as thermoelectric textiles, power transmission materials, thermal transport composites for aerospace, nanofluids for cooling, and fusion reactor shielding. In the final discussion, members raised questions about electromagnetic pulse protection and quantum computing; Andrews said the materials discussed could absorb and spread energy and that shielding applications may help with EMPs, while quantum computing remains limited by extremely low operating temperatures. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number two, at a...
• Item number four before you.
• Congressional District Number 7.
• Not even people answering the phone.
• I'll be in Washington, D.C., on Monday, and I'll get you a name and a phone number. How about that?

Summary: The committee first went into executive session and then returned to approve settlements in three risk management cases based on the Attorney General’s recommendation. It then took up JLBC staff items on school facilities, including a 4.8% increase to the school facilities construction cost index for fiscal 27, which staff said would have no fiscal impact in fiscal 27 but would increase costs in later years; the committee approved the item. The committee also favorably reviewed ADE’s annual federal monies report, showing fiscal 26 federal funds of $1.38 billion, up from $1.27 billion in fiscal 25, and reviewed the annual Career and Technical Education District report, which showed 14 districts, $244 million in expenditures, and a 37% retention rate from first to second course, with 79% ultimately earning a credential. Members raised concerns about the low retention rate and asked for more comparative and trend data. The committee then considered a DES transfer within the developmental disabilities budget, moving $3.3 million from the Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid line to the state-only case management line. DES said both lines had shortfalls and that the transfer was needed to address more immediate cash-flow pressure in state-only services; members questioned the growth in the state-only population, the lack of federal matching funds, and whether the state should impose a waiting period for new arrivals. The committee attached conditions requiring DES to send formal deficiency letters to legislative leaders, provide monthly breakdowns of DD populations by diagnosis, and report within 30 days on Minnesota audit findings related to fraud vulnerabilities. It then favorably reviewed the transfer and separately favorably reviewed the annual report on the Arizona Training Program at Coolidge, where the population has declined to about 48 residents and DES is making capital repairs and consolidating buildings. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed transfer of $650,000 from unused special election funds to the Secretary of State’s cybersecurity budget. The Secretary of State’s office said the money would fund contracted monitoring, endpoint protection, and remediation of identified vulnerabilities during the election year, and members discussed the office’s relationship with federal cybersecurity partners and the need to maximize outside support. Some members objected to the office’s communication and asked for more outreach to federal agencies, while others noted the urgency of the security needs. After debate, the committee gave favorable review to the $650,000 transfer, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many parts of the road, there's no cell phone service. So that's number one.
• </c><00:44:59.200><c> phone</c> road there's no cell phone phone road there's no cell phone phone service
• So that's number one. But service. So that's number one.
• </c> greater number of negligent homicides. greater number of negligent homicides.
• Number one.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we're going to jump to tab number 5 SB 1822.
• We banned phone.
• number.
• I don't have an exact number today, but I'm happy to do some investigating and see what that number is
• Permission for follow-up phone. Thank you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the homicide number, and it doesn't include the number of children who are terribly abused by
• If we have issues in the rural areas, I know I have my sheriff's cell phone number.
• Like, does that number exist?
• Whether you make a phone call on animals, State of Missouri, whether you make a phone call on animals
• or whether you make phone calls, whoever's making the phone call for children.

Summary: The Special Committee on Urban Issues held a public hearing on House Bill 2292, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones, which would require cross-reporting and training between child/elder abuse systems and animal welfare personnel. Jones said the bill is intended to help identify abuse earlier by training investigators to recognize signs of abuse in both people and companion animals, and she announced planned amendments to narrow the definition of animal to dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds and to extend training time from one hour to one and a half hours. She emphasized the bill is focused on companion animals, not livestock, and said it would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. The committee heard questions about the definition of companion animal and the scope of the bill. Supporters included Humane World for Animals, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the Missouri Animal Control Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Wayside Waifs, and the St. Louis County Police Association. They argued that animal abuse is closely linked to child, elder, and domestic abuse, that animal control officers and humane investigators often see warning signs first, and that cross-reporting would improve early intervention and save lives. Several witnesses described cases where animal abuse coincided with child abuse or other violence, and some said current reporting systems are inconsistent or delayed. One witness also said the training could be provided at low cost through existing mechanisms. Opponents, including the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, and Missouri Animal Husbandry Association, raised concerns about the bill’s wording, possible inclusion of commercial breeders or livestock-related issues, and the role of humane investigators. They argued that animal abuse is already reported to law enforcement, that the bill could create confusion about authority or access to private property, and that it could impose costs and training burdens on agencies already stretched thin. Some rural witnesses said they wanted any investigations to remain with law enforcement and the Department of Agriculture, not animal welfare groups. The hearing ended without a vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> accurate numbers if you'd like. accurate numbers if you'd like.
• That's number one.
• That's number one.
• your phone.
• I use GPS on my phone. Oh, what device? I use GPS on my phone.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:39:56.400><c> 07</c> amendment number 07 amendment number 07 43<00:39:59.680><c> yeah</c><00:
• Our numbers are dropping.
• Our numbers are dropping.
• Our numbers are dropping.
• Our numbers are dropping.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't think that was a proper use of your personal phone number.
• That wasn't why I had approved CVS having my phone number, and I got a lot of complaints during that
• They used personal phone numbers and text messaging to tell you when your prescription was ready, to
• We didn't think that was a proper use of your personal phone number.
• That wasn't why I had approved CVS having my phone number, and I got a lot of complaints during that

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first reviewed the Department of Justice FY 2027 budget, which was presented at $117.8 million, with most funding coming from statutory dedications and the largest program areas being criminal law/Medicaid fraud and civil law. The Attorney General described major work in Troop NOLA, Medicaid fraud, opioid and PBM litigation, and especially child exploitation and online predator investigations. She said ICAC tips are rising sharply, local law enforcement partnerships have expanded, and her office needs more analysts, more permanent positions, and more expenditure authority for the legal support fund and related programs. Members asked about case backlogs, staffing, settlement funds, and whether more resources could be directed toward outreach, mental health, and technology; the Attorney General said she wants to expand cyber capacity, training, and prevention efforts, and that some settlement recoveries are being used to support existing programs and fraud enforcement. Committee members also focused heavily on child safety, truancy, and mental health. Several representatives described local concerns about online exploitation, trafficking, self-harm, and the need for school-based training and community outreach. The Attorney General said she wants a broader prevention strategy involving parents, schools, and behavioral health resources, and she discussed using outreach models such as anti-vaping campaigns and town halls. On opioid settlement oversight, members raised concerns about the size of the funds and the need for stronger state oversight; the Attorney General agreed more structure and compliance monitoring would be useful and said drug courts and treatment programs are effective investments. The committee then moved to the judicial branch budget presentation. The judiciary requested $229.6 million in FY 2027, plus $5.6 million in one-time funding, with most of the budget coming from state general fund. The presentation highlighted increases for judge salaries, staff pay adjustments, health insurance, operating costs, and 17 unfunded positions, along with one-time requests for security and technology upgrades. Chief Justice John Weimer and other justices said the budget would help core court functions and statewide programs such as CASA, drug courts, and FINS, and they emphasized the need for better staffing and technology in the courts. A major discussion centered on truancy and the FINS program. Justice Griffin said statewide collaboration with education officials had reduced truancy and that FINS officers are trained to identify children who may be runaways or trafficking victims. The justices and members supported expanding FINS so every judicial district has coverage, and they said the program helps keep children out of deeper system involvement. Members also asked about security funding, technology improvements, and the 17 unfunded positions, which were described as mostly clerical, IT, and support roles in appellate and district courts. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is not goodbye, just like everybody else, everybody's got the cell phone number.
• First of all, Kathleen is not the person that you answer your phone on speaker phones.
• And the number of words that came out of Kathleen's mouth in about 60 seconds, when we got off the phone
• To get her number and call her.
• But the number one calling of a lion is to protect their family. Number one.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, page introductions, and recognition of guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy basketball team and a student intern. The chamber then took up executive appointment reports from the Ethics and Elections Committee and related committees, which covered a large slate of gubernatorial appointees to state boards and commissions. Senators were given the opportunity to separate nominees for individual votes, and several members spoke in support of or opposition to specific appointees based on qualifications, ideology, and prior public service. The first major confirmation vote covered most of the 186 appointments on the report, with debate centered on three nominees highlighted by Senator Polsky: Ilya Shapiro, Thomas Zachary Smith, and Dr. John Lattell. The report was adopted 31-0 after those objections, and Jeffrey Aaron was then considered separately for the Public Employee Relations Commission. Senators Smith and Polsky opposed Aaron’s confirmation, citing his role as legal counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and alleged involvement in the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds to political entities; Chair Gates defended Aaron as a lawyer representing a client and noted no disciplinary or law-enforcement action against him. Aaron was confirmed 26-10. The Senate next confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after debate focused on her prior leadership at the Department of Children and Families, Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage issues, Hope Florida-related concerns, and a women’s shelter inspection dispute. Supporters emphasized her work stabilizing Medicaid funding and her responsiveness to agency problems, while opponents argued she had overseen serious failures and lacked suitability. The confirmation passed 32-5. Taylor Hatch was then confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families after committee members noted serious operational concerns at DCF, including SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, forensic audit issues, and questions about Hope Florida, but also cited her commitment to child welfare and willingness to address problems; the vote was 33-4. After the confirmations, the Senate recessed and later returned for a lengthy tribute to outgoing Senate President Kathleen Pasadomo. Senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising her leadership, diligence, toughness in committee, mentorship, and resilience after personal loss, while also joking about her reputation as a strict rules chair and “bill killer.” The session concluded with the recognition of her service and presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is not goodbye; just like everybody else, everybody's got the cell phone number.
• First of all, Kathleen is not the person that you answer your phone on speaker phones.
• And the number of words that came out of Kathleen's mouth in about 60 seconds, when we got off the phone
• But the number one calling of a lion is to protect their family. Number one.
• But the number one calling of a lion is to protect their family. Number one.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• went up for 27 and went back down to our usual number of about 2.9.
• If you look at January 28th, Tulsa broadcast was number one, OETA was number two, and then Albuquerque
• , New Mexico, was number three.
• Provided through Senate Bill 1129 for cell phone storage devices.
• Your numbers.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee’s Appropriations Subcommittee met to hear budget presentations from OETA, the Commissioners of the Land Office, and the Oklahoma Educational Quality and Accountability Commission (OEQA). The chair asked witnesses to stay focused on budget requests and agency operations rather than policy, unless policy affected the numbers. OETA reported no request for additional funding. Director Sean Black highlighted the agency’s 70th year of continuous broadcasting, completion of transmitter replacements, conversion to fiber, and lower electricity costs from more efficient equipment. He said OETA would offset the loss of federal CPB funding through donations, events, and partnerships, and described its statewide reach, educational programming, and multiple broadcast and streaming channels. Members asked about energy use and were told the new transmitters had reduced power costs. The Commissioners of the Land Office discussed record distributions to schools, a flat budget, and planned spending on invasive woody species, implementation of SB 951, IT modernization, and possible changes to mineral management and staffing. The secretary requested funding for a revenue compliance director, field services manager, internal auditor support, and other adjustments, while explaining the agency’s use of stabilization funds and carryover. Senators questioned orphan and abandoned wells, AI use, and staffing efficiency; the secretary said the agency was trying to work more closely with operators, use AI and in-house software where possible, and manage wells and land in ways that protect school revenue. OEQA presented its priorities for teacher quality, including Teach Forward apprenticeship pilots, dashboard expansion, accreditation review, statutory cleanups, and continued monitoring of cell phone-free zones. The agency described a small, stable budget, five unfilled positions, and a proposed $100,000 reduction for FY 2027 based on efficiencies. Members asked about Teach Forward applications, multilingual testing, and the broader quality of teacher preparation programs; OEQA said it had received three Teach Forward applications and that translating certification tests would raise cost and validity concerns. Senators urged OEQA to play a stronger role in connecting teacher preparation programs with classroom needs, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Gruters, of course, has his cell phone, and I have my cell phone.
• Family is your number one priority.
• Who do you have their phone number?
• And for years, I'd go through the list of folks that are, you have their phone number.
• And so when I scroll through my phone and I see all those other names, no. through my phone and I see

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the sake of time, take your phones out. Take your phone out.
• Would it be a lower number, right? Would there be any correlation at all?
• We'll finally have those numbers.
• We'll finally have those numbers.
• Pay for it over the phone, whatever. You can go back that night. What if it fails?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held its first hearing of the session and opened with instructions on amendment procedures, witness forms, and possible time limits. The committee then heard House Bill 1790 from Rep. Jim Murphy, which would require more neutral and transparent ballot language, address a Hancock Amendment loophole involving tax sunsets, require levy rollbacks after reassessment even when a ballot measure passes, and express tax levies in terms of cost per $100,000 of assessed value. Murphy said the bill is meant to prevent misleading ballot titles and make tax impacts clearer to voters. There was no opposition testimony; the Missouri Association of Counties and Election Authorities spoke in informational support, and the bill drew some questions about ballot-letter coordination across jurisdictions. The committee next heard House Bill 2189 from Rep. Bromley, which would eliminate the odd/even model-year registration rule and allow five-year vehicle registrations for qualifying vehicles. Bromley argued the current system is confusing and burdensome for citizens and businesses, and he described his own difficulty obtaining a two-year plate. Americans for Prosperity and the Missouri NAACP supported the bill, citing convenience and reduced traffic stops, while the Department of Revenue said the odd/even rule is confusing and that the agency would implement whatever policy the legislature adopts. DOR also noted a new uninsured motorist program and said county tax data is now being shared more regularly. The committee then took up a combined package of bills, including House Bills 1692, 1695, 1838, 1983, 2036, and 2662, all aimed at eliminating or sharply reducing vehicle safety inspections for personal vehicles, with exceptions discussed for prior salvage vehicles, certain accident-related inspections, and commercial vehicles. Sponsors and supporters argued inspections are outdated, costly, hard to access in rural areas, and create unnecessary burdens on drivers and repair shops; several members also raised concerns about inspection costs, shop shortages, and the role of law enforcement and modern vehicle technology. Opponents and skeptics pointed to safety data, including a study cited by Rep. Boyko suggesting states with inspections have fewer fatalities, and the Highway Patrol said it has a study on its website concluding inspections reduce fatal crashes. No votes were taken, and the chair explained that the various bills would be combined and amended to use the same language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's not answering her phone.'
• Chairman, I am looking at LC Number 27.9208-01,000.
• Like, the numbers are going to go up with the number of child victims.
• And so I'm just concerned, number one, of it being there, but number two, of it ever being an opt-out
• So that’s where that number came from.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals. Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• “It’s a number of those things we have.
• hang up the phone.
• I can't stay on the phone with the IRS.
• Does that also apply to cell phones? They're provided cell phones? Yes, sir. Okay.
• It just raised—that was a big number.

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.