Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 341 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Sometimes we work in very rural and remote parts of Idaho. Our people are first on the scene.
- Employee-driven innovation is part of our culture. It's part of who we are.
- We celebrate that, and so it's a real part of who we are at ITD.
- That's part of that all other category.
- Moving that in part of a $5.6 billion budget, right?
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee received an agency update from Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes. He described ITD’s role in highway construction and maintenance, DMV services, and aeronautics, emphasizing public accountability, employee expertise, and the department’s operating priorities of operating, preserving, and expanding the system. He highlighted major projects and emergency responses, including road washouts, bridge repairs, and the reopening of an overpass after a truck crash, and said growth and revenue availability remain the department’s biggest challenges. Stokes also reviewed ITD’s budget picture, noting most funding comes from dedicated state and federal transportation sources, and outlined governor-recommended enhancements for equipment, Highway 16 operations, and roadside tree removal, while saying future project pacing will depend on available funds.
Committee members asked about whether lane-mile growth is keeping pace with population growth, how ITD is planning for a new north-south route in the Kootenai County area, the effect of a 2025 law limiting pedestrian and bicycle spending, and how expected budget cuts might affect the department’s five-year project plan. Stokes said congestion is often a local-network issue as well as a state highway issue, that planning for future routes is being done with local communities, that the pedestrian/bike law has had little effect on ITD’s own projects, and that new project bidding will be scaled to available funding while design work continues.
The committee then heard a JFAC budget discussion from Chairman Grow, Keith Bybee, and Brooke Dupree on the statewide fiscal outlook and transportation funding. They explained that the state faces a tighter general fund picture than in recent years, with possible 3% governor holdbacks and an additional 1% to 2% reduction being discussed, and that the legislature’s revenue forecast and tax conformity decisions will affect the ending balance. Bybee said the budget stabilization fund remains strong compared with 2009, but the legislature must decide whether to use one-time cash or make deeper ongoing cuts to restore structural balance. Dupree reviewed transportation revenue sources and prior legislation, including gas tax and registration fee increases, TECM bonding authority, and general fund transfers to ITD and local governments, and noted the governor did not recommend the full $275 million general fund transfer requested by ITD. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- maintain 32 backcountry airstrips in Idaho, most of those in the backcountry, and tourism is a big part
- Sometimes we work in very rural and remote parts of Idaho. Our people are first on the scene.
- Employee-driven innovation is part of our culture. It's part of who we are.
- We celebrate that, and so it's a real part of who we are at ITD.
- That's part of that 'all other' category.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2026 at 01:46 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- LFC recommendations, but this would also add an FTE for them for local government division for, in part
- If COGS are ever saying, you know, it takes a long time, part to distribute your member grow.
- So just for the working group's knowledge, that's just part of what we have to do.
- So I just wanted to name that as someone who represents part of the lower Rio Grande.
- And it is part of our surface water in the state. And it was a way of protecting that.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Jan 22nd, 2026 at 03:09 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- This is in part for any time constraints that we may have.
- And I guess it's fair to say I'm excited to be part of the tax process. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- And one other thing, Madam Chair, so part of...
- part of recruiting and retaining physicians.
- Then we may have capacity, and I hope this is a part of what we choose to spend that on.
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Keywords:
tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, tax deduction, gross receipts, coinsurance, managed care, 996, all
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Oct 9th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate being part of this committee. Thank you very much.
- It still continues to be part of the conversation.
- Then we have ERB, and my part is that if you had one as far as...
- With their own part, versus that it could be treated as a whole.
- You pay it off when you can, but that's part of how it grows.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Aug 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But we also have to make sure that enforcement and education are part of the comprehensive system, as
- It's one of the really active things that we do as part of our highway safety improvement program.
- This is part of the outreach we have to do with local governments because...
- Part of the challenge in doing a lot of dust mitigation is...
- Part, and it's the city of Albuquerque's part, and hopefully they, you know, will start enforcing their
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- As I shared with Representative Meza, she and I may not understand that part, but we get the rest of
- Is that part of it, the member voting, and they're voting digitally? Yes, exactly.
- How does that part work? Very commonly, there are different mechanisms for voting.
- Is there anything about this that would make a person choose to be part of the DUNA or choose not to?
- Isn't the part of having blockchain technology and everything to make a profit?
Bills:
HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122
Keywords:
construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The roadmap has three parts. Part one...
- Part 1 requires DEP to take stock of the current situation in our state by submitting a comprehensive
- Part 2 of the roadmap... Treatment levels and pollutant concentrations.
- Part 2 of the roadmap requires DEP to submit a priority ranking for upgrading all sewage facilities to
- of the state, to mitigate in a completely different part of the state.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with SB 978, which directs DEP to report on large sewage disposal facilities, rank them for wastewater treatment upgrades, and provide progress reports; it was reported favorably without public opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and favorably reported SB 1388, which restricts vessel safety inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, addresses spring protection zones, and bars FWC fishing licenses for commercial vessels owned by alien powers. Members raised some questions about spring protections and boating access, and one public witness urged further review of the spring-zone language. The committee then favorably reported SB 880, designating the American flamingo as state bird and the Florida scrub jay as state songbird, after testimony supporting both birds as symbols of Florida’s identity and conservation values.
Several other measures were heard and passed. SB 830, dealing with lost or abandoned migrant vessels and aligning with House language, was amended and reported favorably. SB 1326, which requires local plans to maintain hurricane evacuation clearance times and allocates building permits in Monroe County and nearby municipalities, was amended to spread allocations over at least 10 years and then passed. SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility to correctional officers and correctional probation officers and exempting certain public safety personnel from the waiting period for rifles and shotguns, was reported favorably after support from the Florida PBA. SB 26, an uncontested claim bill for injuries from a 2022 crash, also passed, with one member suggesting future consideration of health insurance coverage for victims in similar cases.
The committee additionally approved SB 98 on securities regulation and fingerprinting requirements, SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety, SB 196 on labeling food and cosmetics that contain vaccine materials or certain chemicals, SB 1300 restricting oil and gas drilling structures in sensitive areas, SB 1612 on financial institution assessment and stock offering timelines, and SB 492 on mitigation banking and wetland conservation easements. SB 1212 drew strong support from firefighters, while SB 492 drew both support and opposition from environmental and development interests, with concerns raised about wetland function, credit release timing, and conservation easement releases. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of 12 appointees to water management district governing boards and adjourned after members recorded individual votes on selected bills.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But yeah, that's probably part of the conversation is that.
- What does, you know, and heard back that part of the challenge is...
- Part of the challenge is, so we have, I mean, where did I put it?
- I'd like to let the feds take care of that particular part of stuff.
- We don't know, as part of the problem, I think.
Bills:
HCR3025
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
Summary:
The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it.
The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it.
Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We all have been part of this problem.
- As was stated by our Chair, it is an ongoing problem that we all take part in.
- I think you are hearing there is an obvious need, I would submit, but also strong interest on our part
- It was part of an agreement between the Governor and the Legislature.
- As part of our agreement to take that action, we agreed to create Syrup as a $1 billion fund to help
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- For the most part, that's correct, right?
- So as part of decommissioning, going back to ag land, is there anything in the bill, or does the bill
- And for the green, for the carbon footprint part, if that's such a big deal that everybody's worried
- I represent in land about half of Clay County because I represent the entire rural part of Clay County
- But part of what we're working on for condos is not only to remedy or cure issues that are happening
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and heard several bills, with SB 1742 on condos temporarily postponed. SB 1298 on building construction was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about continuing education for building professionals, rural sharing of building officials, residential inspector limits, a planning examiner internship, permitting modernization, and contractor transition liability. SB 638 on home inspectors was also reported favorably after discussion of increasing required education from 120 to 200 hours, adding subject-specific exam and course requirements, and requiring $300,000 in errors and omissions insurance. SB 960 on elevator accessibility requirements was reported favorably, allowing additional shorter support rails in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch rail requirement. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a block of board and commission appointees.
The committee adopted amendments and reported favorably CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation platforms, aimed at stopping bots and unauthorized resale of restaurant reservations; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Booking Holdings supported the bill, and members discussed how the measure would preserve direct restaurant-platform relationships like OpenTable and Resy while targeting third-party marketplaces that resell reservations. CS/SB 196 on foods containing vaccines or vaccine materials was reported favorably after amendments that defined mRNA vaccine use and added a cosmetics-related amendment addressing harmful chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and mercury compounds; the Florida Retail Federation raised concerns but said it was working with the sponsor. CS/SB 1418 on heated tobacco products was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying the definition of heated tobacco products and excluding hookah, with support from the Florida Retail Federation and comments that the bill would distinguish these products from cigarettes for tax purposes.
The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment and reported favorably CS/SB 1262 on construction contracting, which adds consumer protection and financial literacy topics to contractor continuing education, increases penalties for unlicensed contracting, creates a standardized disciplinary reporting system, and requires timely refunds and project completion standards; the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. Finally, CS/SB 1304 on solar facilities was reported favorably after extensive testimony from county commissioners and local officials supporting greater local oversight and decommissioning requirements for utility-scale solar on agricultural land; the bill would remove the current statewide by-right treatment for solar on agricultural land and authorize counties to adopt decommissioning ordinances. The meeting ended with members recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We had an incredible delegation come over from Montgomery County to visit and be a part of the legislative
- or nearly 1,000 members and she lets me hang out in the woodlands area that's kind of the southwest part
- When we see the rest of our friends, invite them into the gallery a little bit. bit later to be a part
- Watching Johnny on TV was part of our Sunday routine and I know I'm not alone. in that sentiment.
- His energy, enthusiasm, his unforgettable catchphrases became part of our lives.
Bills:
SJR3 , SB5 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066
Keywords:
dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Part of my responsibility is boards, state colleges, and state universities.
- Part of my responsibility is oversee audits of state universities.
- So yes, part of their requirement is that they give a response to the finding.
- So yes, part of their requirement that they give a response to the finding.
- For the most part, these were tailgating events that the university threw.
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Florida Auditor General’s office on recent operational audits of four universities and to discuss how audit findings are handled. The Auditor General explained that financial audits occur annually and operational audits at least every three years, with universities required to respond in writing to findings; the office generally follows up in the next audit cycle, though it can audit sooner if needed. Members asked about accountability, whether findings are referred to other bodies, and how internal university audit functions interact with the state audit process. The chair emphasized the committee’s oversight role in ensuring public funds are used appropriately.
The audit findings highlighted issues at New College of Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. At New College, auditors cited invoice/payment errors, delinquent student account collection delays, prohibited extra compensation, exceeding state remuneration limits for certain employees, weak purchasing card controls, construction management cost documentation issues, and subcontractor licensing documentation gaps. At FAMU, auditors found investment accounting classification issues, delayed bank reconciliations, late vendor payments, and incomplete annual employee evaluations. At UF, auditors reported concerns over a $6.4 million consulting contract, event and catering spending, president’s office hiring and salary practices, bonus and relocation payments, continued high compensation after the president transitioned to another role, travel expenses including charter flights, and remote work agreements. At FAU, auditors found distance learning fee revenue exceeded allowable costs by about $2.8 million, carry forward funds were underreported by about $77 million, and credit card controls needed improvement.
Members pressed the Auditor General on whether overpayments were refunded, whether any findings involved statutory violations, and what enforcement exists beyond the audit report. The auditor said some issues were corrected by the universities, such as New College recovering excess compensation from foundation funds, but others would be revisited in future audits; if potential fraud were identified, it would be referred to the state attorney’s office. The chair closed by noting that accountability for public spending rests with the Legislature and the committee, and the meeting adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond receiving the presentation.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Reducing the Number of School Administrative Units in the State (10/23/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they full-time, part-time? to staff. Are they full-time, part-time?
- Part six, is that right?
- c> >> why would why would part of part of the >> why would why would part of part of the
- c> a</c> part of that.
- Typically, part of a part of that. Okay.
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws.
Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She has two students with her who are part of the program: Jackson Parker, who is an AIM Youth Ambassador
- That is part of the bill.
- The freedom of choice is one of the worst parts of the bill. Thank you. Point of order.
- Okay, so then comment on a specific part of the bill. So a part of the, if I may.
- Okay, so then comment on a specific part of the bill. So a part of the, if I may.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and routine journal and appointment actions. Members also made brief announcements about caucus meetings and recognized guests from AIM Youth Mental Health, including a proclamation by Senator Epstein designating May 31, 2026, as Youth Mental Health Day in Arizona.
The chamber then met as the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 2995, relating to legal decision-making and parenting time in domestic relations cases. A committee amendment and a Mesnard floor amendment were adopted; the floor amendment emphasized child and victim safety in domestic violence cases, tightened standards for rebutting presumptions, and added an emergency clause. The bill was then reported out of Committee of the Whole with a do pass as amended recommendation.
Members next considered House Concurrent Resolution 2040, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning labor organization use of public resources in school districts. Supporters argued it would restrict use of district communication systems and public resources for union-related materials and work stoppages, while opponents raised constitutional, due process, contract, pension, and free speech concerns, and argued it would harm teachers and union communication. The Government Committee amendment was adopted, and after debate the resolution was reported out of Committee of the Whole with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 12-11 division. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and adjourned until May 18, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She has two students with her who are part of the program: Jackson Parker, who is an AIM Youth Ambassador
- That is part of the bill.
- The freedom of choice is one of the worst parts of the bill. Thank you.
- Senator Epstein: Okay, so then comment on a specific part of the bill. So a part of the, if I may.
- Okay, so then comment on a specific part of the bill. So a part of the, if I may.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But one part, for example, that came up with our members was what if there's not money that's kind of
- But one part, for example, that came up with our members was, what if there's not money that's tied up
- I think part of the reason for that is that the code is off.
- of a developer, to bring in those services and say, let's be part of a program together.
- The second part is I agree with the representative that the term sufficient revenue is probably okay.
Summary:
The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard three House bills. House Bill 734, presented by Rep. Ben Furman, would change how wind and geothermal tax revenues are distributed to school districts that do not have supplemental levies, using the county levy rate instead. Furman said the bill closes an unintended loophole and does not change total revenue or affect solar. After brief questions, the committee voted to send HB 734 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
House Bill 670, presented by Rep. Monks, would clarify last year’s urban renewal law regarding whether fire protection and ambulance districts may withdraw from existing or new urban renewal districts when there are no outstanding bonds or contractual obligations funded by district revenues. Monks said the bill is meant to reflect legislative intent and address ongoing litigation. Testimony from the Association of Idaho Cities, the Redevelopment Association of Idaho, and Garden City Urban Renewal Agency opposed the bill, arguing it could increase ambiguity and litigation and that the courts should resolve the current disputes first. The committee voted to send HB 670 to the 14th order for possible amendment.
House Bill 658, also presented by Rep. Birch, would create a process for county commissioners to fill vacancies on cemetery maintenance district boards when a quorum is lost, and would allow counties to handle temporary district functions until a board is restored. Birch said the bill responds to a cemetery district board vacancy problem and has support from local government associations. The committee asked a few light questions and then passed HB 658 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement and Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The investments are a big part of its continued success in providing pensions, and they also help drive
- ... ...are a big part of its continued success in providing pensions, and they also help drive important
- I think that's part of it: there's just a later entry into the state workforce at a later age.
- The CPI plays a part because most retirees get a 2% COLA.
- So that's part of when Scott talked about having the latest data.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Judiciary Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they part of your presentation at all? This is going to be Vicki Goofy? No.
- Are they all part of your presentation at all? No. All right. Okay. Ellen Pines, Jim Jackson.
- Are they all part of your presentation at all? No. All right. Okay.
- So with that, if you look at the bill, the first section is definitions, and that is the crucial part
- In our public school system, we do not give children drugs that are not part of their doctor's health
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 120, which would revise New Mexico law on restraint and seclusion in public schools. The sponsor and supporters said the bill grew out of a year-long stakeholder working group and would clearly define terms such as chemical, mechanical, prone restraint, seclusion, timeout, de-escalation, and elopement; prohibit chemical, mechanical, and prone restraint; require continuous supervision during seclusion; update school safety plans and staff training; and improve reporting to parents and the state. Testimony from disability advocates, the Public Education Department, educators, and parents emphasized that students with disabilities are disproportionately affected, that clearer rules would help staff act safely, and that better reporting and de-escalation practices would reduce trauma. Committee members asked about the meaning of timeout, chemical restraint, data accuracy, and the juvenile detention facility exception, and the sponsor indicated an amendment on parent-notification timing would not be pursued to avoid delay.
The committee then began House Bill 213, which would expand the Optometry Act to allow trained optometrists to perform certain laser procedures, including treatment for capsular clouding and glaucoma-related procedures. The sponsor said the bill adds training, certification, supervised live-procedure requirements, adverse-outcome reporting, and an Optometry Board member qualified to perform the procedures. Supporters argued the measure would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, and that the procedures are already performed safely in other states. Opponents, including ophthalmologists and the New Mexico Medical Board, argued the bill would move surgery outside the Medical Practice Act, lower the standard of care, and create regulatory and malpractice-accountability concerns because optometrists would not be subject to the same oversight and emergency-care authority as physicians. The committee did not reach a final vote on HB 213 before the transcript ended.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 17th, 2026
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, again, part of the reason that I struck the title so quick is because...
- Tell me what you meant, that part about nonprofits. Thank you. Tell me what you meant.
- The first part of your question, as to how prevalent this is, I can't answer that.
- And part of what I've tried to do is to protect the innocent.
- And part of what I've tried to do is to protect the innocent.
Committee:
Senate Local and County Government
Keywords:
emergency management, federal funding, disaster relief, cost sharing, public assistance, bail reform, public funds, nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, injunctive relief, criminal procedure, surety bond, judicial discretion, uniform bond schedule, liability insurance, judgments, insurance fund, Oklahoma, county sheriff, commissary
Summary:
The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance, liability, bail, and jail operations. Senate Bill 1288, by Senator Gillespie, would require the state and political subdivisions to equally share FEMA-related matching costs for federally declared disasters; supporters said it would codify long-standing practice and provide certainty for local governments, with an estimated fiscal impact of just under $4.9 million. After questions about future appropriations and delayed reimbursements, the bill advanced on a 9-0 vote.
Senate Bill 2019, by Senator Logan, would create a political subdivision liability insurance guarantee program and fund to help local governments and shared insurance pools manage large federal civil rights judgments. Members questioned the bill’s scope and whether it applied to catastrophic events or civil rights cases; the author said it was intended to spread the burden of large judgments over time and reduce pressure on property taxpayers. The committee adopted a title-off motion and advanced the bill 7-2.
Chair Hamilton presented Senate Bills 1705, 1878, and 2118. SB 1705 would bar nonprofits from bailing people out of jail if they receive public funds, with supporters citing public safety and opponents raising concerns about impacts on nonprofit and church-based assistance; it passed 7-2. SB 1878 would establish a uniform bail schedule, limit personal recognizance release for certain repeat or higher-risk offenders, and require court approval to lower certain bonds; it also passed 7-2. SB 2118 would clarify how county sheriffs may use commissary funds for jail-related purposes such as training, equipment, inmate care, and operations; it passed 7-2. The committee then adjourned.