Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 361 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- want to make sure the micro-businesses can grow and scale if they want and, you know, be a robust part
- There is a multi-part process where there is a process laid out by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
- It’s a program that is not part of this piece of legislation, but MassDevelopment would be part of this
- Currently, tenants can negotiate a first right of refusal as part of a lease and have an opportunity
- I do not have those numbers, and it wasn't part of our study, but it is a story that comes up time and
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration.
Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement.
There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- It also requires insurers to provide those images automatically when they are used in whole or in part
- I happen to, in a prior part of my career, Mr.
- in 2018 by the Department of Insurance and the then-insurance commissioner, and the team there was part
- And I know I think the Insurance Commissioner is part of the proponents of the bill.
- We all want everyone to be insured and protected, but, you know, I've been part of the conversations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advancing Gun and School Safety Measures | Senator Zaynab Mohamed May 15th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a huge part of that issue, and it's something that people all over Minnesota talk about, and
- That is a huge part of that issue, and it's something that people all over Minnesota talk about, and
- Um, the entire community was a part of this.
- was a part of this. This has shaped was a part of this.
- </c> mental health funding had to be a part mental health funding had to be a part of<00:03:43.760><c
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee REVISED: Meeting room changed to House rm 450 May 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)
Transcript Highlights:
- But as you talk about this with companies from other parts of the country around the world, the fact
- You'll see the icons here represent various industries, and they're a little bit different by parts of
- And I wasn't necessarily part of these deals in the past.
- OK, I want to thank you for asking those questions because it's part of our coordinated execution.
- We're part of the executive office. So we do at your will, which is the best for Oklahoma.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Rules - Legislative May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Any city can be a part of it, any jurisdiction that chooses to form an innovation zone.
- So can you speak to what was driving that part of it?
- So can you speak to what was driving that part of it?
- Can you speak on the residential property or the residential income tax part of it?
- Do you think that was a beneficial part of the overall process?
Summary:
The Legislative Rules Committee held a public hearing and then executive session on Senate Bill 1694, along with related Senate Bill 1688, which together would modernize and expand the Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA). Senator Steve Roberts said the bills would increase flexibility for redevelopment projects, broaden financing tools, extend timelines, and expand residential incentives, with no general fund risk. Supporters, including lobbyists for the Cordish Companies, the City of Kansas City, the City of St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., Historic Revitalization for Missouri, and BioSTL/Next Missouri, argued the program has already helped transform downtown Kansas City and St. Louis and could spur major redevelopment such as Ballpark Village, Power & Light, the Millennium Hotel area, the AT&T Tower, and the Railway Exchange Building. They emphasized private investment, local control, and the potential to bring vacant buildings back onto the tax rolls.
One witness, the state public advocate, opposed SB 1694, arguing it would create more bureaucracy and political subdivisions, rely on tax abatements and TIF-like tools, and shift costs to taxpayers. Committee members asked questions about the bill’s residential language, the history of MODESA projects, the fiscal note, and whether the incentives could apply to other downtown sites. Supporters clarified that the committee substitute removed a proposed income-tax incentive, reduced some escalators, and retained a voluntary, opt-in structure for cities. The chair also noted that stadiums themselves are excluded, though surrounding areas may qualify.
In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and voted 10-0 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1694 and 1688. The committee then voted 8-2 to do pass Senate Substitute Number 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Brown, and 8-0 with two present votes to do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889, which the chair described as a large cleanup bill removing obsolete statutes. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Children and Families May 11th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Children and Families
Transcript Highlights:
- But I believe this is a part of that work, being able to clarify in statute that these children born
- This was something that was a part of discussions.
- I hear you, but it's the amended parts on it.
- It was part of several bills that went forward, the heartbeat bill.
- And I believe it was part of House Bill 126 prior to that.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- But I believe this is a part of that work, being able to clarify in statute.
- This was something that was a part of discussions. Act.
- This was something that was a part of discussions.
- I hear you, but it's the amended parts on it.
- And I believe it was part of House Bill 126 prior to that.
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard Senate Bill 999, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson, which was presented as a revised “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” combined with language from other bills on domestic violence/no-contact orders, pregnancy-associated mortality review, and cyber harassment. Hudson argued the bill would ensure that any child born alive during or after an abortion attempt receives the same legal protections and medical care as any other child, and he said Missouri’s current infanticide law contains a carve-out that leaves such children insufficiently protected. Committee members questioned him about the Canadian study he cited, Missouri mortality concerns, the scope of the infanticide statute, and whether medical providers already understand themselves to have a duty of care.
Public testimony was split. Missouri Right to Life supported the bill, saying it was needed to prevent confusion and ensure care for babies born alive after an abortion attempt. Abortion Action Missouri opposed it, calling it a “trap law” designed to restrict abortion access and warning it could delay life-saving care; the group also said major medical organizations oppose such legislation and that no abortion-after-delivery procedure exists. Campaign Life Missouri testified only for informational purposes, supporting the born-alive language but warning that the added provisions and a nonseverability clause could make the entire bill vulnerable to a court challenge and potentially invalidate unrelated sections.
In executive session, several members explained their votes. Opponents said they supported children and medical providers but believed the bill was unnecessary, duplicative, or harmful to medical practice; supporters said the bill was needed to protect babies born alive and to clarify duties in law. The committee then voted 12-4 to report Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 999 do pass.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- He's kind of a national treasure, and he came in to sign it and be part of the service challenge.
- I mean, he's given an update previously, but part of the rotunda, I think, in addition to in the Capitol
- And then finally... ...Folklife Center as part of a partnership there.
- So this is a chance to have events being broadcast as part of a national viewership opportunity.
- So please encourage students to submit artwork as part of that contest.
Summary:
The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council approved the April 20, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing $68,267.67 unobligated in the commemorative fund, $440,710 spent to date, and $205,852.93 in celebration grants already dispersed, with about $35,000 still to be sent out. The committee also approved a motion to reallocate $10,000 from project coordinator travel expenses to cover the final cost overrun for the Declaration of Independence production.
Treasurer Ellsworth gave an extensive update on America 250 activities across Idaho, highlighting ambassador outreach, school and community events, the service challenge, the Liberty Bell quarter-drive fundraising effort, the Liberty Quilt, and the rollout of “Revolutionary Spud” community to-go packs, coloring books, and storybooks. Members praised the strong participation by schools and youth, and discussed how local officials and legislators can help promote events and fundraising. The committee also heard that the signature collection for the declaration display is complete.
Secretary McGrane reported that planning for Fourth of July events is accelerating, including the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance, parade logistics, Capitol decorations, the Foundation and Freedom Tour, and volunteer needs. Director Gallimore updated the committee on state agency efforts such as a new America 250 license plate, oral history collection, the Move 250 campaign, the Initial Point celebration, and upcoming arts and heritage programming. Federal and national updates covered the Congressional Caucus, the Our American Story oral history project, America’s Block Party, the Great American State Fair, and a student art contest. The Idaho Lottery previewed an America 250 scratch ticket going on sale next Monday, and Senate staff reported progress on the Capitol for the Day event. The committee set its next meeting for May 26 in the afternoon and then adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Campos, representing all the parts of seven counties in northeastern New Mexico. Thank you.
- I represent all of Los Alamos County, plus parts of Santa Fe and Sandoval Counties.
- I think part of that is because too few people actually know what's going on in that.
- Can that just be part of some other committee? Probably.
- There is a fence around part of the Capitol on the north.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Proposed grant program aims to help solve more gun crimes 4/7/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this theory of change is that if we can just meet the basic safety needs of those who are maybe a part
- part, but how much is this success tied to your county attorney's willingness to hold the criminals
- part, but how much is this success tied to your county attorney's willingness to hold the criminals
- And I think that's a big part of the difference here. Yeah, thank you for the question.
- of the the think that's a big part of the the difference<00:19:16.400><c> here.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And if there was a second part to your question, I didn't hear it.
- Do you have a second part of the question? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- I have actually carried a fee increase bill this year for the CIB in part because the same thing here
- But my understanding is, yes, part of that is equipment. Part of that is...
- I'll answer part of that, and he can follow up if you'd like. We are addressing this.
Keywords:
veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 6th, 2026
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- The idea that you'll have time to read and interpret and understand and vet out the bill is just part
- Thank you. ...the bill is, you know, it's just a part of the process. Follow-up. Thank you, Mr.
- It's part of this dollar amount, right? That it is. Yes, ma'am. Would you speak to... Follow-up.
- I'm just trying to understand: so that $43 million is the part that's going to the school districts?
- So what we have here for as part of the overall budget for the Attorney General.
Bills:
SB1177
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriation bill. The chair and budget authors explained that the proposal was built to balance the budget using a mix of general revenue, cash sweeps, and other fund transfers, including money from unclaimed property, revenue stabilization, and other statutory funds. Members also discussed a proposed $35 million OWRB revolving loan fund tied to ARPA interest and a $200 million transfer from the Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund as part of a long-term savings strategy.
A number of agency-specific items drew questions. Members reviewed the OPEB employer contribution reduction, rent coverage for state agencies, child care and Head Start funding, Department of Corrections revenue from ICE-related agreements, sheriff grant funding, and education funding, including about $99 million in additional formula funding, a $2,000 teacher pay raise, and reading-related appropriations such as Strong Readers and Just Right Reader. The committee also discussed mental health funding, including a $30 million consent decree line, a proposed privatization of CCBHC services with an estimated $10 million savings, and related reduction-in-force costs. Other topics included Attorney General transfers and litigation funding, higher education allocations, Langston University extension funding, historical society requests that were not funded, and a biosolids pilot program.
During debate, supporters argued the bill fulfilled the constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget and highlighted increases for education, health care, and water infrastructure. Opponents criticized the use of one-time cash, tax cuts, and what they described as special-project spending, while raising concerns about transparency and underfunded services such as child care and transportation. After debate, the committee voted 18-5 to pass Senate Bill 1177.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, I think that's part of the deal is that I think you can't, it won't I mean, I think that's part
- I mean, I think that's part of the deal is that I think you can't, it won't I mean, I think that's part
- Right now, there are some parts of the state that have that and other parts of the state that don't.
- This is a part of an ongoing conversation.
- There's another bill by my colleague from Cherokee right here that's also a part of this conversation
Keywords:
water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation
Summary:
The committee began by introducing new member Rep. Dylan Travis, who was elected in a special election and will represent District 35. The first measures taken up focused on water policy. HB 1346, as amended, would create a revolving fund for water and wastewater infrastructure loans through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with the amendment removing population-based language so infrastructure needs can be considered more broadly; it passed 9-0. SB 1509 would make well-spacing standards apply uniformly across the state by aquifer rather than waiting on maximum annual yield studies, and OWRB staff explained that domestic wells are not affected and existing rules still protect landowners; it passed 6-3. SB 1928 would establish a five-year flex allocation for groundwater use, allowing producers to shift unused water from one year to another, and it passed 7-2.
The committee also considered several agriculture and food-related bills. SB 2028 would authorize the sale of raw milk products without consumer notification or container labeling beyond indicating the product is unpasteurized; it passed 8-0. SB 2071 would align Oklahoma’s Grade A milk regulations with federal standards and increase the dairy inspection fee from 1 cent to 2 cents per hundred pounds, but after concerns from members and testimony from ODAF about the fee burden, the committee adopted an amendment restoring the 1-cent rate; the bill then passed 8-1. SB 2110 would allow sale of ungraded eggs off-farm at farmers’ markets or directly to consumers, including unwashed eggs, and passed 9-0. SB 2117 would clarify that the Department of Agriculture can stop the sale of contaminated grain and direct remediation or destruction in a current contamination event involving sewer leakage into a field; it passed 9-0.
Other measures addressed livestock transport, crop protection, hemp, and a proposed reimbursement scheme. SB 2134 would create procedures for wreck services and emergency management to handle livestock involved in transportation accidents, with the Department of Agriculture setting humane handling policies; members discussed whether the bill should explicitly address state or county emergency management and rail incidents, and it passed 8-0. SB 2127 was described as a work in progress to address crop protection and nontraditional producer practices, especially amid difficult conditions for row-crop producers, and it passed 8-1. SB 722, after the committee rescinded a prior referral, was presented as a new section requiring ODAF to reimburse agricultural operations for economic losses caused by agency actions enforcing court-ordered rules from an attorney general suit; after extensive questioning about scope, valuation, and legal effects, the author laid the bill over for further work. Finally, SB 3, on a newly adopted PCS, was reframed from a biosolids bill into a hemp-definition bill intended to align state law with the new federal definition and reduce youth access to marijuana-like hemp products; it passed 8-0. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 03/31/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That is consistent with the provision that we adopted as part of the good cause law.
- What you're saying is you're going to incentivize people who, for the most part, are affluent in some
- For the most part, rent guidelines boards have increased legal rents each year because, in our... ...
- They're naturally going to be damaged as part of it.
- And if, in fact, there's an expense part in here, more than likely they're going to say no.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation.
The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes.
The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Right, because they're already part of the report. This is just the easy-to-follow version.
- So items that add bulk and weight tend to be inactive, which was part of our comments.
- So I think that there weren't many changes to the first... ...to the first part of that inquiry.
- Just seeing that reference to hotspots, and that does occur in other parts of the report.
- And I think we are on to part three, which is final recommendations.
Summary:
The special commission on xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and finalize its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Velis was absent due to National Guard deployment, and the commission approved the minutes from the February 9 meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the final draft, focusing on edits since the prior review and on appendices that would be completed after the meeting. Commissioners discussed several substantive wording changes, including clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or softening references to “hotspots,” and refining language about medical consequences and financial costs of delayed wound care. They also discussed adding or strengthening references to harm reduction measures, drug checking, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation, airway positioning, naloxone use, and language access considerations in educational materials.
The report’s main findings and recommendations centered on best practices for oversight and enforcement, outreach and treatment, emergency response, and education/training for first responders, medical providers, non-clinical staff, people who use drugs, and people in recovery. Commissioners emphasized the need for timely, accessible, and tailored training; better data collection and public health surveillance; stronger legal protections for drug checking; and coordination among public health, public safety, and legal stakeholders to address xylazine and emerging adulterants. There was also discussion of a recommendation for the Attorney General to compile guidance for law enforcement in consultation with experts, though staff clarified that this would not be the sole function of the broader public body envisioned in the report.
After reviewing the final language, the commission voted unanimously among members present to approve the final report, with one abstention on the earlier minutes vote and absent members to submit written votes within 24 hours for inclusion in Appendix A. Chair Domb then read a letter from Senator Velis expressing support for the report and its recommendations despite his inability to vote in person. Commissioners offered closing remarks thanking staff and one another for the collaborative work, and the meeting adjourned at 11:11 a.m., with staff to submit the report to the clerks and post it online.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's part of the process going through that.
- And with our stakeholders, they're engaging now with the agriculture industry, which is a part of the
- So that's part of the process going through that.
- And with our stakeholders, they're engaging now with the agriculture industry, which is a part of the
- So this is a part of it. How do we meet the needs?
Keywords:
Arizona beef council, beef promotion, agricultural marketing, commodity council, livestock, cattle industry, ranching, rural affairs, self-financed program, sunset extension, continuation bill, market development, beef products, Arizona agriculture, Title 41, Title 3, sunset review, marketing order, producer assessment, Salt River horse herd
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Other - PSCOC Mar 11th, 2026
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I think part of the approach for these five teacher housing units that we presented in front of the
- Not clumped together as part of the standards base, all the things that people have said.
- The second part is we're working on finalizing a scope of work to issue an RFP to bring in support to
- All of these musicians make it clear that this is part of what you needed to do.
- I have a feeling that Capital Outlay would be part of that process.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So I only get part of one county. Mr.
- Now, the first part we were. We weren't taking good care of it. But now we're injecting it.
- I got the first part of it. Julia Davis Park. You'll find chemicals or anything else.
- Chairman and Senator O'Connowitz, correct in some part.
- So in part, it just depends on both the size of the building that they're looking to have served and
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is the fun part. Everyone wants to know about our budget.
- So we, as the Division of Human Services or department, will pay for those Part A and B premiums.
- And then these bottom bullet points are part...
- And then these bottom bullet points are part. And the statute that does that is listed there.
- The federal government actually then gets the FMAP part of it, which would be about 70% right now.
Summary:
The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to adopt the November 2018 minutes and receive a primer on the subcommittee’s role and Medicaid oversight in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s history and explained that Medicaid is audited annually through the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including weaknesses in eligibility and data-matching controls, improper use of Medicaid funds for partially non-Medicaid work, issues with incarcerated juveniles’ coverage, the absence of a Medicaid recovery audit contractor program exception request, reporting problems involving MFCU recoveries, and provider eligibility documentation concerns. Staff also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for further action.
The Department of Human Services gave an overview of Medicaid’s structure, eligibility, delivery systems, and budget. DHS described Arkansas Medicaid as covering about 850,000 people through fee-for-service, managed care, and premium assistance for the expansion population, and outlined major spending categories such as institutional care, long-term services, pharmacy, capitated payments, and supplemental payments. DHS also explained the difference between state plan amendments and waivers, and said it has a beneficiary-fraud unit that refers cases to local prosecutors.
The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, distinguishing between suspensions for credible allegations of fraud and recovery actions for mistakes or overpayments. OMIG said it works with DHS and law enforcement, issues quarterly and annual reports, and has increased recoveries in recent years. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, can also handle long-term care neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases, and works with local prosecutors as special deputies. Committee members asked about court venue, provider suspensions, beneficiary fraud, education of providers, and the status of Medicaid expansion work requirements; DHS said it is preparing to implement community engagement requirements under HR 1 and will begin with a soft launch before full enforcement. No formal votes were taken beyond adoption of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions were answered.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- When we started that committee about three years ago, I sat down and, as part of the membership on that
- When we started that committee about three years ago, I sat down and, as part of the membership on that
- So, yes, we did talk to them as part of that review process.
- Because, you know, just having the DEI part doesn't get us where we need to be.
- I missed a part of that.
Keywords:
education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process
Summary:
The House Postsecondary Education Committee met and considered several higher education bills. HB 3700, by Rep. Chad Caldwell, would require public college grades to be based only on academic criteria, including attendance, and not on students’ opinions, beliefs, or conduct outside the classroom. Supporters said it formalizes an existing expectation and protects free speech; opponents raised concerns about local control and whether it was a response to a specific incident. The bill passed 6-2.
The committee also passed HB 3379, a “ban-the-box” style bill by Rep. Ranson that would bar colleges from asking about felony history before admission, with exceptions for sex-related felonies and post-admission follow-up on housing, payment, and degree planning. Members questioned campus safety and whether violent offenses should be excluded, but the bill advanced 6-2. Rep. West’s HB 3129, prohibiting public institutions from charging security fees to student groups based on the content of their expression, passed 7-1 after discussion about whether schools could still assess security costs based on event size or risk. His HB 3132, which would limit the use of DEI-related practices in accreditation and require annual reporting on accreditors, also passed 6-3.
Rep. Eves’ HB 3315, directing a feasibility study on three-year bachelor’s degrees, passed unanimously 9-0. Rep. Woolley’s HB 2950, as amended, would prevent extra admissions requirements for students from unaccredited backgrounds, address Oklahoma’s Promise requirements for homeschoolers, and allow OLAP applications up to age 18; it passed 7-2. Finally, Vice Chair Wolfley’s HB 3242, aimed at protecting women’s privacy in restrooms, locker rooms, showers, shelters, and correctional facilities, passed 6-2 after extensive questioning about how it would apply to transgender individuals and safety concerns for both women and trans people.