Transcript Highlights:

• The motion passes with a vote of 18 to zero.
• That cannot go on the consent zero.
• The motion passes with a vote of 18 to zero.
• The committee recommendation on zero.
• The committee recommendation on zero.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Great, so that matter is out with a seven-zero vote, and this hearing is adjourned.

Summary: The ESTM Committee convened on January 13th and announced that the hearing would be brief, with only one consent item on the agenda. The chair reviewed testimony procedures and quorum was established by roll call. The sole measure was AB 763 by Assembly Member Ward, which was placed on the consent calendar and recommended as due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. A motion was made and the committee took a roll call vote on the consent calendar. Members present voted aye, and after the roll was briefly left open for absent members, additional ayes were recorded. AB 763 passed the committee on a 7-0 vote. No opposition or substantive testimony on the bill was presented during the meeting. After the vote was completed, the chair announced that the matter was out and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being five ayes and zero nays, House Bill 4170 will be reported to the full Senate.

Committee: Senate Jurisprudence

Summary: The Committee on Jurisprudence met and considered two bills. House Bill 3783, relating to court-ordered counseling in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, was taken up with a committee substitute. Senator Johnson explained that the substitute clarifies that a court may not order a victim of family violence or abuse by the other parent to pay any part of the counseling costs. The committee adopted the substitute without objection and then voted 5-0 to report HB 3783 favorably to the full Senate, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then considered House Bill 4170. Senator Hughes moved to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, and the motion passed by a 5-0 roll call vote. The committee also agreed without objection to recommend HB 4170 for placement on the local and uncontested calendar. After completing business, the committee recessed at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 10 ayes and zero noes, the motion carries.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 17 ayes, zero noes, and one present, you have voted the House Committee substitute for

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency met in executive session with 17 members present and considered two bills. On House Bill 3428 by Representative Canton, members adopted a House committee substitute ending in .03C after the sponsor explained that it removed several accounts previously identified, including civil liberty and tourism-related accounts. The committee then voted the substitute due pass by 17 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 present. The committee next took up House Bill 2877 by Representative Vosby and voted it due pass after brief discussion. The roll call showed 18 ayes and 1 no, and the bill was reported out of committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote is six ayes and zero noes, you have voted Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The committee met with six members present and heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, presented by Representative Diehl. The bill would allow schools, if they choose, to offer agriculture education in elementary classrooms beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. Diehl described the measure as a bipartisan effort in both chambers and said it would help promote agriculture and give students a better understanding of one of the state’s major industries. No one testified in opposition or for informational purposes, and there were no substantive questions beyond confirming that the bill only addressed the agriculture education program. The committee then moved into executive session and voted on a do pass motion for the bill. After brief supportive comments from members, the roll call resulted in six ayes and zero noes, with one member passing, and the motion carried. The committee then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, nine aye, zero nay. Chairman Kendrix, by unanimous consent, it has passed.

Bills: HJR1101

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Keywords: Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors

Summary: The committee met briefly to consider one item, H.J.R. 1101, a rule related to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority that had been left out of the Business and Commerce process because it was initially thought to be a major rule. The presenter explained that it was later determined not to be a major rule, but still needed committee action for the rule to take effect. After a motion, second, and no debate, the committee voted unanimously 9-0 to adopt it. After the vote, the chair told members that several additional Senate joint resolutions were still pending and were expected to arrive later that day, with action anticipated the next day or Thursday. He said he would try to keep the process within normal procedure rather than using a rule suspension, and would notify members when the items were ready. The chair also addressed a prior exchange involving the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission, saying he had met with the commission, apologized for using them as an example of agency frustration, and that they had since withdrawn their rules and would work on emergency rules to address the issue. With no further questions, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, declare the vote. 11 aye, zero nay.

Bills: SB1365 , SB2139

Committee: House Government Oversight

Keywords: SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants

Summary: The Government Oversight committee met briefly with a prayer and then heard two Senate bills. Senate Bill 1365, presented by Representative Townley, updates and modernizes statutory language for the tourism promotional fund, caps the fund at $75,000, and exempts tourism and recreation purchases from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act so tourism venues such as golf courses and lodges can keep stock on hand without procurement delays. After a do pass motion and no debate, the committee approved the bill 7-4 and reported it out. Representative Kelly then presented Senate Bill 2139, which provides clarifying language to Senate Bill 1617 from 2024. Kelly said it resulted from a year of research and stakeholder discussion and had passed unanimously in the Senate. The committee moved the bill with no questions or debate and approved it 11-0. The chair then thanked members for their work and adjourned the meeting, noting it was likely the last meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 17 ayes, zero noes, and one present, you have voted the House Committee substitute for

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, with 19 ayes and zero nays, the motion is granted. That concludes our business.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There being seven ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute does pass. 43 does pass.

Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There being six ayes and zero nays, **SJR 36** is reported favorably to the full Senate.

Committee: Senate Administration

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we have also on the drawing board, more new light rail vehicles, and transitioning our bus fleet to zero
• We didn't think about accessible parking as much, bus boarding, zero-emission deliveries.
• particular case, we had highly valuable real estate that was undevelopable because it was base value zero

Summary: The Select Committee on Downtown Recovery held an informational hearing on the future of public transit and its role in downtown recovery. Chair Haney framed the discussion around how downtowns have changed since the pandemic and how transit, walkability, housing, and street design can support more 24/7 activity. The hearing included three panels: transit agency representatives, street design and curb management experts, and housing/transit development advocates. Transit agency witnesses from BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit described post-pandemic ridership shifts, with more weekend, evening, and event-based travel and less reliance on traditional weekday commute patterns. BART highlighted downtown San Francisco’s dependence on transit, its event service, safety investments, and transit-oriented development pipeline, while asking the state to protect transit funding and honor SB 125 and greenhouse gas reduction fund commitments. LA Metro emphasized special event service, especially around the World Cup and Union Station activations, as a way to make transit a destination and improve customer experience. Sacramento Regional Transit reported bus ridership recovery above pre-pandemic levels, light rail lagging behind, new vehicles and stations, stronger security measures, and concerns about future funding cuts affecting student fares, capital projects, and service levels. The second panel focused on making downtown streets more walkable and transit-friendly. Jeff Speck argued that walkability depends on places being useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting, and urged cities to restripe streets, reduce lane widths, add bike protection, improve crossings, and redesign one-way streets. Mark Vuksevich of Streets for All said downtowns are statewide economic assets and called for frequent transit, bus priority, modern curb management, parking pricing tied to availability, and parking benefits districts that reinvest revenue locally. He also said the state should provide model enabling legislation and more flexibility for local experimentation. The final panel focused on housing near transit. California YIMBY’s Aaron Eckhouse supported AB 2074, which would encourage large-scale housing in transit-rich downtowns, and argued for more financing tools, condo reform, and building code changes to reduce costs. Transbay Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Adam Van Water described the Transbay Transit Center and surrounding district as a case study in transit-oriented downtown growth, with millions of square feet of development, thousands of residents, and a major portal project still awaiting funding and pre-construction work. Members discussed office-to-housing conversions, the need to repurpose underused office stock, and the importance of state funding and policy support for transit, housing, and downtown revitalization.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the minority is extremely unhappy because we had zero say in it. There was no compromise.
• I would also point to line 14: less than one million, zero.
• If your profit is less than one million, then you would have zero tax to pay on that income.

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Three zero. Okay, the vote is three zero. The bill remains on call.
• The current vote is to zero. Senators Dorazo? Aye. Darzo, aye. Troy? No. Troy, no.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government bills, beginning without quorum and later taking up measures once quorum was established. AB 748 would expand the pre-approved housing plan model for small single-family projects and ADUs, with delayed implementation for smaller jurisdictions; it drew support from housing advocates and some local governments opposed it. AB 1786 would extend best-value contracting authority to general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley COG for larger projects, with broad local government support and no opposition. AB 1712 would let Santa Fe Springs pursue sale of its troubled water system to a larger provider through a protest process instead of a municipal election, citing major capital needs and rate pressures. AB 1679 would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days, with support from business and downtown groups and questions about local control. AB 1738 would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple residential inspections; supporters emphasized efficiency and existing use in some counties, while labor and local government opponents raised safety and implementation concerns. The committee voted 3-0 to send AB 1738 to Housing, with the bill remaining on call. The committee also heard AB 1578, which would require elected state and local officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing harassment training. Supporters argued it would help officials understand the impact of rhetoric on hate and violence, while opponents said it was vague and threatened free speech; the bill passed 3-1 to Governmental Organization and remained on call. AB 1693 would speed retail tenant-improvement permits by requiring review by a qualified professional certifier and shorter local review timelines; it had support from retailers and business groups and passed 4-0 to Business, Professions, and Economic Development. AB 1914 would require local governments to include child care in general planning, with supporters calling child care essential infrastructure and opponents warning about mandates; it passed 2-0 to Human Services and remained on call. AB 1997 would shorten the review period for 90% affordable housing projects after EIR certification, and AB 2605 would require counties to report data on public defense systems and caseloads; both passed their committees and were sent onward, with AB 2605 noted as conditional on appropriation. Later items included AB 2224, which would raise and restructure county recorder fees to fund electronic recording systems and modernize service delivery, with county recorder and county association support and no opposition; it passed to Appropriations and remained on call. The consent calendar included AB 2640. At the end of the meeting, Senator Seyarto presented AB 2110 on behalf of Assemblymember Johnson, proposing workforce housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, using existing EIFD authority without affecting school funding or ERAF; the presentation was introduced as having bipartisan support, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ten to zero. That bill is out. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Ten to zero. That bill is out. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. 10 to 0. That bill is out.
• That bill is out nine to zero.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By a vote of 94 yays, four nays, and zero present, the bill is passed.
• Four nays and zero present, the bill is passed. Mr. Clerk, please read House Bill 1005.
• By a vote of 97 yays, zero nays, and one present, the bill is passed.

Committee: All GIRLS STATE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Secretary, close it. 36 yeas and zero nays. Bill finally passes.
• Madam Secretary, close the machine. 36 yeas and zero nays.
• Secretary, close the machine. 34 yeas and zero nays, and the bill is finally passed.

Bills: SR116 , SR117 , SR118 , SR119 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR12 , HB682 , HB766 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB824 , HB926 , HB1186 , HB1201 , HB1223 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1258 , HB221 , HCR53 , HCR62 , HCR72 , HCR58 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1194 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB1250 , SB29 , SB30 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB47 , SB84 , SB93 , SB113 , SB192 , SB199 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB241 , SB253 , SB255 , SB289 , SB292 , SB306 , SB314 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB14 , SB102 , SB133 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB200 , SB217 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB330 , SB449 , SB489 , SB521 , SB424 , SCR9 , SB25 , SB250 , SB348 , SB405 , SB444 , SB485 , SB35 , SB65 , SB132 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HCR61 , HCR77 , HCR31 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB17 , HB21 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1239 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB210 , HB220 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB36 , HB73 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB166 , HB211 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB354 , HB399 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759 , HB789 , HB850 , HB956 , HB966 , HB1036 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441 , HB258 , HB842

Keywords: SR116, Senate Resolution 116, Louisiana Senate, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, Tyler Marie Grezaffi, law enforcement, corrections officer, deputy sheriff, master sergeant, investigator, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Pointe Coupee Parish, Iberville Parish, public service, bereavement, sympathy, SR117, Senate Resolution 117

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long calendar of House and Senate measures. Early business included adoption of a large batch of Bureau reports and numerous committee reports, along with several personal privilege recognitions for guests and observances, including Aviation Day at the Capitol, Safe Boating Week, and recognition of a student’s educational achievements. The chamber also received messages from the House on several Senate concurrent resolutions and conference committee reports, including House Bill 842, the omnibus election bill, which was taken up and adopted after discussion of changes to Louisiana election procedures, congressional primary timing, ballot order, and related qualifying and public-records provisions. The Senate also adopted or concurred in several resolutions, including measures on community action, early education, condolences, and a blockchain and digital innovation task force. A major portion of the meeting focused on floor debate and final passage of several bills. Senate Bill 250, dealing with comprehensive weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits, was amended to remove GLP-1 and compounded-therapy provisions and then passed. Senate Bill 348 authorizing local law enforcement to contract for administrative and logistical support for motor vehicle regulatory enforcement passed, as did Senate Bill 405 creating a statewide quality oversight initiative for nursing facilities. Senate Bill 444 and Senate Bill 485, both relating to the new city of St. George’s expropriation and taxing authority, passed after amendments and questions about their local impact. Senate Bill 25, on compensation for registrars of voters and staff, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 132, requiring exterior master key boxes and school mapping integration for public schools, passed as a school safety measure. The Senate then considered a series of House bills, many of them local or regulatory in nature. These included HB 649 on dual enrollment, HB 665 on hoop nets in North Pass and Manchac Pass, HB 681 on the Lakeview Crime Prevention District, HB 721 on night shrimping in parts of Vermilion Bay, HB 746 on statewide oversized vehicle permits, HB 781 on fleet vehicle registration, HB 835 on charter guide wildlife management area access permits, HB 857 on commingled seafood labeling, HB 872 and HB 886 on menhaden fishing radios and harvest reporting, HB 889 on bulk oyster tagging, HB 892 creating the West End Economic Development District, HB 982 naming memorial highways, HB 987 consolidating LSU energy-related programs, HB 1037 and HB 1072 on DOTD operational reforms, HB 1068 on garbage collection contracting authority, HB 1078 on tuition and fees for distance education, HB 1085 repealing private vehicle inspection sticker requirements, HB 1132 on lab school funding under the University of Louisiana system, HB 1137 limiting adverse employment action against state employees over pronoun use, HB 1167 naming memorial roadways, and HB 1174 recreating DOTD through 2031. Most of these measures passed, often after brief debate and occasional amendments; HB 1085 drew opposition over the loss of inspection-related jobs and concerns about unsafe vehicles, but it still passed. One notable bill, Senate Bill 500 on medical malpractice and the Patient Compensation Fund, was not brought to a vote; after extensive debate about the medical review panel system, claims costs, and proposed certificate-of-merit changes, the author said he would turn it into a study resolution instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $40, zero dollars, as so many will. Another broken promise.
• Many people in poverty will get zero. Many older adults will get zero.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• how many undocumented people vote in our states or in our country's elections, because it is near zero
• how many undocumented people vote in our states or in our country's elections, because it is near zero
• ELECTIONS BECAUSE IT IS NEAR ZERO. I THANK THE SPONSOR FOR THIS BILL.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine business, including approval of the prior journal and several messages from the Assembly to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills. The chamber then took up a budget extender, Senate Print 10262/Assembly Bill 11295, which would appropriate $2.9 billion to keep state government operating through May 14 while budget negotiations continued. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in reaching a full budget and criticized the lack of clarity on major policy issues, conference committees, school aid timing, and a proposed $1 billion utility ratepayer relief plan, arguing the state’s spending and affordability problems were worsening. Senator Serrano responded that negotiations were in the final stretch and that the extender was necessary to maintain government operations. The extender passed 59-1 after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. The Senate also considered a major election-law bill, Senate Print 88A, providing for automatic voter registration and pre-registration through DMV, Medicaid, and NYCHA-related transactions. Senator Walczyk’s proposed amendment to require voter ID was ruled nongermane, and his appeal was rejected. The bill prompted extended debate over whether the process would protect against non-citizen registration or instead remove barriers for eligible voters. Supporters, including Senator Gianaris, said it would streamline registration and help eligible but unregistered New Yorkers participate; Senator Zellner said it would strengthen the process. Opponents, including Senators Walczyk, Borrello, Helming, Rhoads, and Martins, warned it would shift responsibility away from bipartisan boards of elections, create administrative errors, and risk improper registration. The bill ultimately passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar, with senators explaining votes along party lines. The chamber also adopted or advanced several resolutions and recognized guests. Senator Gallivan’s Police Week resolution drew remarks honoring fallen officers and law enforcement families, with Senators Chan, Rolison, Weik, Ryan, and Myrie speaking in support. Senator Sepúlveda’s resolution commemorating Dominicans in Albany was also discussed, with praise for the Dominican community’s contributions to New York and supportive remarks from Senator Chan. In addition, the Senate heard introductions for guests from Allen A.M.E. Church and the creators of the documentary “Teenage Wasteland.”