Transcript Highlights:

• this bill that is giving some authority to the Optometry Board, it is currently just oversight, regulation
• Sadly, this is now needed because our current federal administration has watered down its vaccination
• Our current federal administration has watered down its vaccination recommendations.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 213, which would allow optometrists to perform three specific laser procedures. The sponsor presented a committee substitute adding 32 hours of approved advanced training, supervised live-patient practice, adverse-event reporting, and other accountability measures. Supporters argued the bill would improve access to care, while the New Mexico Medical Board opposed it, citing patient-safety concerns and the much greater training required of ophthalmologists. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 6-3. The committee then considered House Bill 65, renamed the Foster Care Plus pilot program. The substitute changed the bill to require clinical assessment instead of CAN assessment, added reporting to the Legislature and LFC, and clarified contracting with clinical experts. CYFD officials said the $2.5 million request, combined with existing growth funding, would support more children, staff, foster-parent stipends, and related services, and that the program is already being implemented with help from Oklahoma-based experts. Some members remained concerned about cost, staffing, and whether the program could be sustained, but the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 8-1. House Bill 127, on expedited medical licensure, was amended to create a provisional pathway for internationally trained physicians, require a job offer and benchmarks before full licensure, and establish a telemedicine registry. The Medical Board supported the amended bill, while public commenters emphasized physician shortages and access to care. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill. House Bill 128, which updates firefighter occupational disease and disablement presumptions to add cancers and other changes, drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and workers’ compensation officials; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill. House Bill 156, which removes the sunset on the state’s authority to set vaccine guidelines and continue its vaccine program, also passed after supporters argued it preserves access and opponents raised broader vaccine-policy concerns. The committee then began hearing House Bill 137, a buprenorphine access bill, with the sponsor and advocates describing pharmacy supply barriers and a committee substitute aimed at setting minimum stock standards, requiring distributor reporting, and avoiding fines on pharmacies.

Transcript Highlights:

• it was over 9,000 gross as the slide depicts most of these in flagrant violation of our laws and regulations
• believe that there's a path where poultry can be robust and strong in the state of Oklahoma, and our waters
• a path through which the phosphorus, the legacy phosphorus, is eventually worked through, and the water

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the 292 custodial deaths that were determined to be natural causes. ...and seeks to reform the regulations
• Baldwin's obvious mental health impairments precluded her from making use of a water fountain located
• constraints on SOA are significant because an officer would be competing with everything... ...related to water

Bills: SB614 , SB872 , SB1199 , SB1212 , SB1278 , SB1573 , SB1588 , SB1602 , SB1660 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1833 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2146 , SB2177 , SB2373 , SB2460 , SB2785

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, SB 872, burglary of a vehicle, vehicle burglary, theft of a firearm, stolen gun, firearm theft, Penal Code Section 30.04, third-degree felony, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalty enhancement, gun theft, vehicle break-in, property crime, sentencing enhancement, Texas criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• I know I think water security is very important, and I support it, but now it's a federal responsibility
• In fact, they have received a **DIAG** grant in the past having to do with reducing their water usage
• that, that's an increase. ...received a **DIAG** grant in the past having to do with reducing their water
• We're at 73 miles of water easements at this time.
• But when it comes to the rest of Texas—local governments, water districts, school districts—the rest

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our ranchers follow the state's water laws. DHS doesn't.
• And it pastures, stealing their water.
• And it appears water laws. DHS doesn't.
• </c> construction, depleting this vital water construction, depleting this vital water source<00:20:34.559
• They they were caught in flood waters.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This regulation<00:25:08.320><c> only</c><00:25:08.640><c> benefit</c><00:25:09.120><c> large</c> regulation
• only benefit large regulation only benefit large manufacturers<00:25:10.240><c> like</c><00:25:10.559
• </c> American farmers under heavy regulations American farmers under heavy regulations and<00:25:36.720
• Speaker, it's extremely important to support<00:49:15.920><c> a</c><00:49:16.160><c> regulated</c><00
• </c><00:49:39.359><c> through</c> congressman on honey regulation through congressman on honey regulation

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we had a bunch of houses in Richfield, and to this day it's why we claim to have the best drinking water
• why we uh claim to have the<00:07:16.360><c> best</c><00:07:16.520><c> drinking</c><00:07:16.879><c> water
• despite not having protections for sharing certain information with certain actors, the rules and regulations
• despite not having protections for sharing certain information with certain actors, the rules and regulations
• Devon Bruce: Rules and regulations on what is shared and by what means remain unaffected.

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, it's another regulation.
• We ran out of styrofoam cups, and they gave him a bowl of water to drink out of.

Committee: Senate Labor

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor met with a quorum, adopted the June 4 minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 948, the Workplace Employees Boundaries Act (WEB Act), after adopting an S-1 substitute by a 4-1 vote. Senator Geis presented the bill as a Michigan “right to disconnect” measure that would generally bar employers from requiring employees to access or respond to work communications outside usual work hours, allow employees to set availability hours, prohibit retaliation, direct LEO to write rules, and provide complaint and enforcement procedures with exceptions for emergencies and existing collective bargaining agreements. In questioning, Senator Albert raised concerns about how the bill would apply in small businesses and practical situations like staffing calls, school notifications, and emergency-like circumstances; Geis said the bill was meant to protect non-work time while preserving emergency carve-outs and informational messages. NFIB’s Amanda Fisher opposed the bill, arguing it was too broad, difficult to define across industries and schedules, potentially duplicative of existing wage-and-hour law, and likely to create confusion and reduce flexibility, especially for small employers. The committee then shifted to testimony on health care workforce and labor disputes. Nurses from Teamsters Local 332 described a 291-day strike at Henry Ford/Genesis over safe staffing, return-to-work terms, and alleged union-busting, saying the hospital’s staffing levels and use of replacement workers threatened patient safety and could displace experienced specialty nurses. Michigan Nurses Association president Aaron McCormick and Marquette RN union president Christina Hanson said Michigan’s problem is not a shortage of licensed nurses but of nurses willing to stay in overworked, hostile workplaces; they cited retaliation, slow grievance/arbitration processes, hospital consolidation, rural OB closures, and unsafe staffing ratios as drivers of burnout and departures. They urged stronger protections and faster dispute resolution, especially given the limited effectiveness of the NLRB and delays in labor processes. Additional testimony came from UAW Local 4911’s Kim Wheeler, who said UMH Sparrow was outsourcing two low-paid support groups—patient transport/housekeeping and food and nutrition—despite their importance to hospital operations and despite a recently ratified contract, and asked for transparency and limits on corporate outsourcing. Don Hill of SEIU Health Care Michigan described chronic understaffing in nursing homes, mandatory overtime, burnout, retaliation fears, and the need for enforceable patient-to-staff ratios and stronger wage support; he also noted that home care workers are negotiating first contracts after restored bargaining rights. The committee took no vote on SB 948 beyond adopting the substitute, heard extensive testimony, and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we believe that prospective regulation of them, particularly when it comes to consultant compensation
• Californians benefit from mitigations in high wildfire areas, from fire risk, and it improves the water

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local government finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco retail locations. The author and a physician witness argued the bill would raise awareness of a highly underused screening that can save lives, while retailers and fuel/convenience groups raised implementation concerns about signage size, notice, and penalties. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a 4-0 vote after the committee later took up the on-call item. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without triggering reassessment, so long as the property was destroyed in a governor-declared disaster. Supporters, including the L.A. County Assessor, the California Assessors Association, Realtors, and taxpayers groups, said the bill would reduce uncertainty and help families rebuild without higher property taxes. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dodd, would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a primary residence after a disaster; it drew one opposition witness from the California Teachers Association but otherwise had no public opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place caps and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to cases in Shafter and Dinuba where revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. Local government and business groups supported the measure as a guardrail, while some members expressed concern about Sacramento limiting local control; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; transit agencies and local officials supported it, while taxpayer groups opposed it, and it passed 4-1. SB 1404 by Senator Stern would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with supporters arguing the fee would broaden funding and opponents calling it an unfair tax on rural and wildfire-prone residents; it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help recruit and retain nurses in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we believe that prospective regulation of them, particularly when it comes to consultant compensation
• Californians benefit from mitigations in high-wildfire areas, including reduced fire risk, improved water

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. The author and a UC San Diego thoracic surgery resident testified that lung cancer screening is underused because many Californians do not know it exists, while retailers and convenience store groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, store space, and notice before penalties. Members discussed penalties and screening access, and the author said he was willing to reduce the penalty in later amendments. The bill passed 4-0 and was sent to the Committee on Health. The committee also considered several disaster-related tax measures. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without losing their Proposition 13 base-year value, and it received support from the Los Angeles County Assessor, the California Association of Realtors, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dahle, would create a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased after a disaster for a primary residence; the chair raised concerns about administration and benefits flowing to higher-income households, and CTA opposed. Both bills were approved and sent to Appropriations, with SB 1352 passing 5-0 and SB 1343 passing 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to examples from Shafter and Dinuba where local revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. The city of Shafter, League of California Cities, and California Retailers Association supported the bill, while some members worried it could infringe on local control; the author and sponsor argued it would protect local tax dollars without eliminating local discretion. The bill passed 4-0 and went to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters included transit agencies and county officials, while Howard Jarvis and the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposed. The committee emphasized that the measure only lets voters decide, and the bill passed 4-1. The committee also took up SB 1404 by Senator Stern, which would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author saying he wanted to reduce administrative costs and work on hardship protections. NRDC and PG&E supported the concept, while rural county representatives, Howard Jarvis, and Butte County opposed, arguing the fee would unfairly burden rural and fixed-income residents and function like a tax. Members split over affordability and local impacts, but the bill passed 4-1. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help retention and access to care in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. The consent calendar and other listed bills were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• says the city or the county shall not unilaterally apply subsequent changes to zoning, land use, regulations
• Sewer and water, streets. These are things we all use every day.

Bills: SB1290 , SB1530 , SB1847 , HR1050 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1778 , SB1579 , SB1992 , SB3 , SB2028 , SB1928 , SB2127 , SB2117 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB330 , SB1191 , SB2110 , SB2134 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1976 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB2071 , SB259 , SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• If they were temporary permanent, there'd be certain requirements, rules, and regulations as they relate
• so I mean, you should — you know, all of us are sitting elected legislators and should carry some water

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first heard House Memorial 7, which asks Legislative Council Service, the State Personnel Office, DFA, and GSD to study the use of temporary, term, seasonal, casual, on-call, and other non-regular classifications in state government. The memorial was presented as a response to concerns that some workers are repeatedly terminated and rehired, sometimes after a one-day break, to avoid regular status and associated benefits. Testimony from CWA and AFSCME described long-term temporary workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other agencies who allegedly do full-time work without health insurance, retirement, leave, or consistent pay progression, and who in some cases were denied union coverage. Committee members questioned the scope, definitions of temporary employment, and whether the issue should instead be referred to the state auditor; the sponsor said the study would gather data and recommendations first. The committee voted due pass, and House Memorial 7 passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 177, which appropriates funds to the Veterans Services Department to contract for shelter and care of service and companion animals so veterans can access housing, medical care, and other services without fearing separation from their pets. Support came from the Veterans Services Department, Animal Protection New Mexico, and the Veterans and Military Families Caucus/Veterans Integration Center, all of whom said pets are often a barrier to veterans seeking care and that existing community-based animal boarding models could be used. The bill received no opposition, and the committee voted due pass with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill intended to update and clarify the Public Employees Retirement Act and align it with administrative practice. Testimony focused on a provision allowing PERA to use licensed physicians, including out-of-state physicians who can be licensed in New Mexico, to serve on the disability review process when needed so disability cases are not delayed. Committee members raised concerns about ensuring medical expertise and avoiding abuse of the licensing flexibility, but PERA explained the change was meant to address recruitment difficulties and maintain timely review. The committee voted due pass on House Bill 43.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, when I go out to my school districts and I go out to local, you know, soil and water conservation
• But we don't have all the regulations in place. We just don't.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Highway Department to formulate an estimate, with an estimate expected in just a few days when the waters
• responsibilities of planning, training, exercises, and compliance remain the same. with federal regulations

Bills: HF1354 , HF1901 , HF2124 , HF2130 , HF2260 , HF2099 , HF104 , HF134 , HF1769

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• There's already a framework in place for that in statute and through the SFO of oversight and regulation
• We've navigated through a lot of perilous waters with this program and the funding.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. The first, PCS for HB 1565, would expand permitted purchases under the Personalized Education Program scholarship to include digital devices, clarify statutory terms, and distinguish between parent-directed part-time programs and full-time instructor-led programs. Rep. Hinson questioned oversight and misuse safeguards, while the sponsor said existing statutory and SFO oversight already applies. Public testimony included support from the James Madison Institute, and the bill was reported favorably by a 12-1 vote. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1483, the SCORE Act, which would gradually align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar A-F scale used for students over a 10-year transition. The sponsor argued that current school grades are inflated and confusing to parents, and said the bill would also expand early support identification from pre-K through 8th grade. Members raised concerns about the impact on public and charter schools, low-income communities, teacher workload, resources, property values, and whether the bill should be paired with funding and professional development. Public testimony included an ESE teacher asking about funding and class size, one opponent from Orange County teachers, and a proponent from Florida Citizens Alliance. After extensive debate, the committee voted 12-5 to report PCS for HB 1483 favorably. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability for parents and create pressure to raise standards, while opponents warned it could sharply increase lower-rated schools without sufficient resources and could mislead the public about school performance during the transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:06.360><c> the</c> There was a change made in the allocation for the City of Elizabethtown water
• prohibits additional locations for the play of electronic charity games until such time as the regulations

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:02 HJR 53 Discussion 00:00:35 HJR 53 Vote 00:03:52 HB 622 Discussion 00:06:52 HB 622 Vote 00:12:55 HB 775 Discussion 00:13:50 HB 775 Vote 00:22:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first reconsidered House Joint Resolution 53, which concerns releasing previously appropriated funds for Kentucky State University. Kentucky State University President Kofi Aapo testified in support, describing significant enrollment growth, a balanced budget, and a $5 million fund balance since his arrival, and asking for continued support. Members praised his leadership while noting the institution still has work to do. The motion to reconsider passed, and the resolution then received favorable expression by a 9-2 vote. The committee next took up House Bill 622, a compromise bill involving the Kentucky Nonprofit Network and the Finance and Administration Cabinet. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to improve prompt payment practices for grants and contracts, including partial payments on undisputed invoice items within 30 days and a process for disputed items. The bill also included several appropriation-related corrections and adjustments, including a fix to an allocation for Elizabethtown water and sewer projects, a change in an economic development recipient, revisions to school resource officer language, and additional contingency authority for the Capitol renovation. The committee adopted a title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression by a 10-1 vote. House Bill 775 was then discussed as a broad tax and economic development measure. The bill covers TIF districts, electronic filing for craft brewers, pipeline property tax treatment, bourbon barrel tax cleanup, staged income tax reductions, extension of the Metropolitan College incentive, tourism and lodging incentives, reauthorization of an expired TIF, taxation and licensing of cannabis-infused beverages, alternative fuels and jet fuel tax credit review, entertainment event incentives, the selling farmer tax credit, IRC conformity, data center incentives, the first audit of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and limits on additional electronic charity gaming locations until regulations are adopted. Members raised questions about the beverage tax structure, TIF impacts, and the income tax reduction provisions; some expressed concern about making future tax cuts easier, while others supported the bill’s TIF and agriculture provisions. The bill passed with favorable expression by a 7-2 vote with two pass votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is just a quick glimpse into the federal regulation that allows waiver authorities for states
• They all have their own rules, their own regulations, and their own whatever. grant in high schools,
• They all have their own rules, their own regulations, and their own whatever.
• Federal programs all have their own rules, their own regulations, and their own whatever.
• our state have gone through that with a lot of support from Arkansas community colleges and Kala Waters

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The meeting focused on Arkansas’s workforce development reorganization and a set of federal waiver requests intended to consolidate and streamline the state’s WIOA system. Commerce officials said the department has already centralized shared services, split the old workforce agency into reemployment and Arkansas Workforce Connections, and submitted a combined WIOA/Perkins state plan. They described nine waiver requests, including replacing local workforce boards with a single statewide board, creating one planning and accountability structure, allowing more flexible movement of funds across regions, easing the “last-dollar” requirement for training and supportive services, reducing required youth program elements, and allowing affiliate sites instead of mandatory comprehensive centers. Officials said the goal is to reduce administrative costs and redirect more money to training, supportive services, and employer-driven programs. Legislators raised concerns about rural representation, local employer relationships, and whether local offices would close. Commerce officials said local offices would remain open, some current staff could be rehired, and regional business councils would preserve local employer input. They said the current system is fragmented and expensive, with roughly $14 million in federal workforce funds flowing through local boards but only about $1.9 million spent on training and supportive services last year; they argued the reorganization could raise training spending to about $6 million to $7 million annually. Questions also addressed board composition, performance accountability, and how funds could be shifted between regions when needs change. The State Board of Workforce Development had approved the waiver package 11-3 before it was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. Members also discussed workforce access for people with disabilities, child care and transportation supports, and the role of Arkansas Launch, apprenticeships, and career and technical education. Officials said vocational rehabilitation now has better access to the state job board and that referrals and data-sharing with DHS and other partners still need improvement. Several legislators emphasized the need for training to align more closely with employer demand, especially in manufacturing, technology, health care, and rural areas. The committee also heard a brief overview of Workforce Pell, with staff explaining that the new federal short-term Pell option has narrow eligibility rules and may not fit many existing programs, including some CDL and CNA programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but it's the same group that we used for our water infrastructure tool.
• through 2024, and I would suspect that interest rates are probably part of that, um, probably the regulation
• probably part of that, um probably<00:29:05.680><c> the</c><00:29:06.080><c> the</c><00:29:06.200><c> regulation
• </c><00:29:06.920><c> that</c><00:29:07.080><c> this</c> probably the the regulation that this probably
• the the regulation that this government<00:29:08.160><c> continues</c><00:29:08.680><c> to</c><00:29

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You said it still won't be, physicians are not the one to look at the regulations.
• You said it still won't be—the physicians are not the ones to look at the regulations.
• The doctor themselves are not looking at the regulations. Yeah, I can't.
• So looking at the regulations that are updated, it's still not the physician.
• Representative Water? I just had a second question or a couple about the second part.

Committee: House Labor & Industrial Relations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote. The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Fecau and Amazon, House Bill 4125B vans and general water, objection that will be ordered
• We bind our public schools to a specific set of regulations that we don't require in other venues.
• I don't know that the regulations and burdens that are put on here actually are—I don't know how they
• We very rightly made an agreement with our charter schools that they should have fewer regulations so
• rather rigorous and strict set of ...rightly again, are bound by a rather rigorous and strict set of regulations

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Summary: The House convened after lunch, established a quorum, and then took up a long series of measures. Early debate centered on H.J.R. 1084, which would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to reaffirm that courts must follow the Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutions and not recognize or enforce religious codes that conflict with them. The author said it was meant as a safeguard against unconstitutional courtroom practices; several members questioned its practical effect and constitutional basis. The resolution passed the House 70-19. The chamber then passed a number of bills on workforce, public safety, tax, and administrative issues, including HB 3934 on dental hygienist workforce gaps, HB 3919 allowing county commissioners to adjust fair board membership to reach quorum, HB 4118 creating a family caregiver tax credit, HB 4119 requiring a bond in certain real-property title disputes, HB 426 on workers’ compensation for first responders suffering heart attack or stroke after strenuous shifts, HB 4178 on sales tax exemptions for municipal-beneficiary public trusts, HB 4215 to aid small post-production companies, HB 4324 allowing district attorneys to adjust sentences after initial sentencing with an amendment clarifying jury verdicts are unaffected, HB 3270 cleanup language for farmed cervidae/chronic wasting disease law, HB 4352 adopting the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, HB 4305 clarifying ad valorem assessment of low-income housing tax credit properties, HB 2955 modernizing captive insurance law, HB 3315 creating a 90-hour degree program, HB 3066 reestablishing and funding a behavioral health workforce program, HB 1245 changing retirement coverage for certain DHS law enforcement officers, HB 4125 restoring firearm rights for certain nonviolent felons after five years with expungement or pardon, HB 3075 creating a penny-rounding rule for public-sector cash transactions, HB 3129 creating a process for university security fees, HB 3239 modernizing the Veterinary Practice Act, HB 4153 reinstating prior driver-licensing rules tied to an eighth-grade reading test with a hardship exception, HB 3265 defining mental health specialists for police pension disability cases, HB 4491 allowing school districts to opt in to extracurricular participation by charter, virtual charter, and homeschool students, SB 680 creating a tobacco tax incentive for lower-risk products, HB 4263 aligning retirement options for CareerTech employees, and HB 4268 creating the Teacher Effectiveness and Excellence Act with a compensation pilot and National Board stipend. Most measures passed with little or no debate, though several drew extended questioning, especially the school extracurricular bill, the driver’s-license literacy bill, and the tobacco tax measure. Emergency clauses were adopted on several bills, including HB 3934, HB 3270, HB 3315, HB 3066, HB 3075, HB 3129, HB 4153, and HB 4268.