Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
Page 396 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As a joint author of SB 73, I rise in strong support.
- So at this point, the bill merely requires the authors of that report at the California Earthquake Authority
- The bill merely requires the authors of that report at the California Earthquake Authority to come testify
- That was said by the author of the prior legislation, and I too trust the author.
- I want to thank the author for her hard work on this.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved prior journals, and moved through confirmations and floor items. Doreen DiAmico was confirmed to the State Water Resources Control Board by a 34-1 vote, Dr. Anne Maria de Mars was confirmed to the State Athletic Commission by 36-0, and Ronald Fiore was confirmed to the State Athletic Commission by 36-0. The body then took up SB 73 on election security, with supporters arguing it would protect ballot chain of custody and prevent intimidation or unauthorized access to voting materials, while opponents raised concerns about transparency, federal preemption, and the bill’s impact on investigations. SB 73 passed on concurrence and urgency with 29 ayes and 8 noes on both the urgency clause and the measure.
The Senate also approved SB 929 on annual Energy Commission oversight (37-0), SB 1370 on wildfire-related testimony/oversight (28-5), SB 983 authorizing Port of San Diego job order contracting (28-8), SB 1367 restricting local approval of new or converted private detention facilities (28-8), SB 1257 requiring annual reporting on immigration enforcement incidents (28-8), and SB 1103 requiring large home improvement retailers to report immigration enforcement activity and related records (23-8). SB 1399, which removes the sunset on DOJ reviews of immigration detention facilities, passed 28-7, and SB 873, “ICE Out of Courts,” passed 28-7 to limit arrests near courthouses without a judicial warrant.
Later, the Senate passed SB 1292 creating a pilot for camera- or sensor-based curb management with human review and privacy safeguards, despite opposition over privacy and automation concerns, by 28-7. SB 878 strengthened prompt-payment insurance penalties for delayed claims after disasters and passed 29-6. SB 958, a CEQA clarification related to housing and building height impacts, passed unanimously 37-0. SB 924 modernized low-income energy assistance services and passed 35-1. SB 1057 on certification for nurse assistants and home health aides passed, as did SB 1092 giving mobile home residents a chance to bid on park sales (29-7), SB 1123 requiring agencies to consider consumer and other benefits in rulemaking (26-8), SB 1233 increasing utility rate transparency (29-8), SB 1237 strengthening pay data reporting enforcement (28-6), SB 886 shifting data center infrastructure costs away from existing ratepayers (28-6), SB 905 reforming utility incentives and performance metrics (28-8), and SB 909 strengthening public works wage enforcement (28-7). The final item shown, SB 925 on fusion energy roadmap development, passed unanimously 37-0, while SB 954 on CEQA and advanced manufacturing drew extensive debate over environmental guardrails versus economic competitiveness; the transcript cuts off during closing remarks before the vote is shown.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I stand here as a principal co-author of Senate Bill 998.
- So first of all, I want to thank all of the co-authors for being here.
- We'd like to thank the author for taking the amendments.
- But again, we appreciate the author taking the amendments.
- So I'm like the chair and the author: I'm a former mayor.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call.
The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call.
Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call.
Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Authors will have five minutes to present.
- So I want to thank the author for bringing this.
- Would encourage the author to look at the issue.
- Item 7, AB 1874 by Assembly Member Wilson was pulled by the author.
- Item 13, AB 1955 by Assembly Member Alanis was pulled by the author.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- course the ACC has no authority to limit it for SRP.
- Have policymaking authority and more.
- Under the Arizona Constitution, county supervisors' authority and the county's authority is 100% derivative
- Under the Arizona constitution, county supervisors authority and county's authority is 100% derivative
- They have work authorization.
Bills:
SB1246, SB1338, SB1428, SB1443, SB1501, SB1566, SB1571, SB1645, SB1646, SB1663, SB1688, SB1805, SB1808, SB1825, SCR1023, SCR1029, HB2079, HB2080, HB2130, HB2239, HB2324, HB2375, HB2610, HB2619, HB2620, HB2716, HB2745, HB2749, HB2837, HB2857, HB2968, HB4064, HB4066, HB4087, HB4130, HCR2048, HCR2058
Keywords:
homeowners associations, foreclosure, common expense liens, condominiums, special assessments, unit owner, public benefits, eligibility, immigration status, documentation, Arizona law, county governance, supervisorial board, population-based representation, local government, elections, noise pollution, environmental nuisances, building permits, urban development
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> because we are Hawaii Tourism Authority. because we are Hawaii Tourism Authority.
- </c> Tourism Authority, but you said it. Tourism Authority, but you said it.
- </c> the authority is the advisory board. the authority is the advisory board.
- </c> to have an effect upon the authority. to have an effect upon the authority.
- </c> it and and make for a better authority. it and and make for a better authority.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making.
The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future.
The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Jun 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will get started as soon as we get authors.
- So I would love to be a co-author again on this.
- And I just want to say I would love to be added as a co-author. Absolutely. Thank you.
- And I'd love to also be added as a co-author, as I had been in the past. Thank you.
- And I would be so honored if you could please add me on as a co-author or principal co-author, whichever
Summary:
The Assembly Governmental Organizations Committee met on June 25, 2025, with a quorum present and several members substituting for absent colleagues. The committee first approved a consent calendar of several Senate bills, sending them to Appropriations on a due-pass recommendation. Members then heard SB 702 by Senator Limon, which would expand transparency reporting for statewide and legislative appointments to boards and commissions. The sponsor and supporters from HOPE and other advocacy and civil rights organizations argued the bill would improve accountability, representation, and public trust; committee members broadly praised the effort and many asked to be added as coauthors.
SB 702 passed the committee on a unanimous roll call, with members voting aye and the bill sent to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard SB 388 by Senator Padilla, which would establish a California Latino Commission to study and advocate on issues affecting Latino Californians, including education, housing, health, economic mobility, and related disparities. Senator Padilla and supporters cited data on poverty, educational attainment, climate and health impacts, housing overcrowding, and the Latina pay gap, while members emphasized the bill’s importance amid current attacks on immigrant communities and the need to address homeownership and generational wealth.
SB 388 also received strong support and was approved on a 20-1 vote, with one no vote from Assembly Member Sanchez, and was sent to Appropriations. After the final roll calls and opening the roll for absent members, the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And so in the last two periods, there have been reimbursements to taxing authorities.
- Each taxing authority must be sure that the... ...me.
- And so in the last two periods, there have been reimbursements to taxing authorities.
- Each taxing authority must be sure that the...
- Not all of the taxing authorities that were eligible for refund applied, but just a handful.
Summary:
The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Lissette Kelly of the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Oversight Office on property tax relief for catastrophic events. Kelly reviewed existing statutory relief for homestead, non-homestead, commercial, and agricultural property owners, including extended rebuild timelines, preservation of homestead exemption during rehabilitation, agricultural classification protections, and the catastrophic event refund program for residential property that becomes uninhabitable. She also explained the refund process, the roles of property appraisers and tax collectors, and prior legislative reimbursements to local governments after storms such as Ian, Nicole, and Idalia.
Members asked about how portability works if a homeowner chooses not to rebuild, and Kelly said she would follow up with more detail. Senator Bernard also asked how residents learn about the refund application, and Kelly said property appraisers and tax collectors actively notify affected owners, including through mailings, FEMA and Red Cross sites, public service announcements, and outreach at community events. She said the property appraisers take the lead in promoting the program, with tax collectors also helping direct taxpayers to apply.
The chair noted that staff will distribute the department’s guide to offices before hurricane season and said the committee’s next meeting, during the first week of session, will focus on property taxes more broadly. Kelly said the department would be willing to review the process further and bring suggestions if needed. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and thank you to the author.
- I'll just say thank you to the author for bringing this forward.
- Just asking the author if he's looking for co-authors. Always. All right. I'd be happy to join you.
- I just want to thank the author for... Thank you, Madam Chair.
- I'll just also thank the author for bringing this forward.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on clean energy, electrification, and grid planning. AB 1813 (Ward) would revise California’s community renewable energy program to better support community solar and storage, especially for renters and low-income customers, by tying credits to avoided costs and requiring at least 51% low-income participation. Supporters said the current CPUC program is unworkable and has stalled development; utilities raised concerns about cost shifts, CCA impacts, and the bill’s late substantive amendments. The bill was discussed but no vote was recorded in the excerpt.
AB 2313 (Berman) would create a gas service line replacement alternative program allowing customers facing planned gas line replacement to instead choose electrification and receive an incentive. Supporters argued it would reduce long-term gas infrastructure costs and give customers more choice, while opponents warned it could divert money from safety-related gas replacement work, create affordability issues, and conflict with the recently approved SB 1221 pilot. Committee members pressed the author on safety, funding sources, and renter impacts; the author said the bill includes emergency replacement exemptions and is intended to lower costs for remaining ratepayers.
AB 1975 (Schultz) would require the CPUC to develop a grid utilization metric and consider expanded grid management programs to better use existing distribution infrastructure and reduce the need for costly upgrades. Supporters said better utilization could save ratepayers billions and help integrate batteries and flexible load; utilities generally opposed rigid utilization targets but were open to further discussion. The committee passed AB 1975 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2612, on plug-in photovoltaic systems, passed 9-0 to Appropriations after supporters said it would expand access to low-cost solar and utilities requested clarification that they would participate in the standards process.
AB 1849 (Pappin) would direct CARB to study the need for decarbonized gaseous fuels in hard-to-electrify sectors and for grid reliability. Supporters framed it as a technology-neutral assessment for sectors like industrial heat and backup power; opponents argued it was biased toward a preferred fuel pathway and duplicated existing state studies. After a lengthy exchange over the lack of a statutory definition for “decarbonized gaseous fuels,” the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations. AB 2088 (Pappin) would authorize investor-owned utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks, with safeguards for safety, workforce, and ratepayers. Supporters described TENs as efficient, low-emission heating and cooling systems that can use geothermal energy or waste heat; the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you to the author. Excuse me.
- I just want to thank the author. I just want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward.
- And again, thank you so much to the author.
- Since we don't see any non-committee authors in the room, we'd like to invite committee authors.
- Since we don't see any non-committee authors in the room, I'd like to invite committee authors.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members.
AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes.
The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 5203 concerns the maximum term of regional transit authority bond issues.
- The bill would give Sound Transit the authority to issue up to 75-year bonds.
- New York Port Authority and New Jersey Port Authority issued a 60-year bond... ...year, New York Port
- Authority and New Jersey Port Authority issued a 60-year bond, and then some smaller projects have done
- We are adjourned. year, New York Port Authority and New Jersey Port Authority issued a 60-year bond and
Bills:
SB6148
Keywords:
regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance, 904, all
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Budget Commission Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Boyd moves that the staff be authorized to make necessary, technical, and conforming changes
- The increased costs we face require budget authority beyond what is currently appropriated.
- The increased costs we face require budget authority beyond what is currently appropriated.
- Without this authority, Florida risks falling out of compliance with statutory requirements, and more
- The additional authority will allow us to process impending invoices and to have some other projects
Summary:
The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present to hear the constitutionally required Long-Range Financial Outlook and consider a series of budget amendments. Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research presented the outlook, describing Florida’s continued population growth, strong wage growth, an aging population, housing-market softening, and low consumer sentiment. She said the general revenue forecast was largely unchanged from March, but the state’s funds available had improved because of legislative actions in 2025 that increased the balance forward. She also noted strong reserves, a projected current-year Medicaid deficit of about $125 million, and a three-year outlook that remains positive in the first year but turns negative in years two and three. She highlighted the risk of co-occurring catastrophic events, using a normalized Great Miami Hurricane scenario to illustrate potential state losses. The outlook was adopted after brief comments from House and Senate members emphasizing fiscal restraint and efficiency.
The commission then approved multiple budget amendments, mostly without objection. The Agency for Health Care Administration received amendments to realign funding for Florida KidCare based on estimating conference results, to provide $85 million in budget authority for disproportionate share hospital payments, and to adjust Medicaid and long-term care appropriations, including placing surplus funds into reserve. The Department of Health received $6.3 million in additional authority for newborn screening. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Management Services each received $2.2 million in Private Inmate Welfare Trust Fund authority for repair invoices and pending projects. The Department of State was authorized to release $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue for cultural and museum grants and America 250 commemorative grants. The Department of Transportation received approval for a project roll-forward and for work program changes, including advancing I-95 widening in Duval County and the I-4 corridor in Polk and Osceola counties. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- co-authors for their support.
- Just very briefly want to thank the author.
- I want to thank principal co-author, my principal co-authors, Senator Weiner and Becker, and Assembly
- I want to thank the author, staff, and sponsor.
- And I want to say thank you to the author.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I would ask to, I'm going to support it, and I would ask to be co-author on it.
- Moving on, I see the author present. Moving on to file item number five, AB 2193.
- We'd love to be a co-author if you have me. Happy to add you. Thank you. All right.
- And so I want to thank you for bringing this bill forward and happy to be a co-author.
- We're just giving local people the authority to make these decisions as they see fit.
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then heard several transportation-related bills. AB 1614 would extend existing anti-piggybacking rules to Class 1 bikeways, prohibiting multiple riders on a single bike or e-bike; supporters emphasized rising e-bike injuries and trauma cases, while People for Bikes argued it could create unnecessary barriers and enforcement issues. The committee also heard AB 2193, which would make autonomous vehicle manufacturers responsible for traffic citations when no human driver is present; Teamsters and transit labor supported the bill as an accountability measure, and there was no formal opposition on file.
AB 2629 would cap fees charged by DMV business partners for online vehicle registration services at 5% above DMV fees. The sponsor and consumer advocates said the bill would curb spoofed websites and hidden upcharges, while DMV business partners and related companies argued the cap would make the program economically unworkable and reduce service options. Members questioned how the 5% figure was chosen, and the bill advanced on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations after a roll call.
The committee also heard AB 2046, which would allow EPA-approved E85 conversion kits in California to expand access to lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel; supporters cited consumer savings and emissions reductions, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2346 proposed broader e-bike safety rules, including speedometers, lighting, age-based speed limits, local authority to set path limits, and consumer disclosures; supporters framed it as a response to serious injuries and illegal e-motos, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, enforcement, and potential profiling. The committee approved AB 2346, sending it to Judiciary, and later completed roll calls showing the consent calendar and the other heard bills advancing out of committee.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- McClure, is the pre-authorization application process standardized? Mr.
- Prior authorization isn't just required for new medications and treatments.
- They still have all their authorities.
- We give authority to spend those grants and we give specific authority for those agencies to spend those
- grants without authority.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um and primary investigative authority.
- And it adds a investigative authority.
- I just want to thank you and the authors for working on this.
- Chair, and I just want to thank you and the authors for working on this.
- </c><00:26:21.440><c> Thank</c> the authors. Thank you. Go ahead. Thank the authors. Thank you.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/25/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:04:12.480><c> but</c><00:04:12.680><c> as</c> we'd had this authority, but as we'd had this authority
- </c><00:04:28.560><c> and</c><00:04:28.680><c> we</c> authorization lapsed in October and we authorization
- </c> Gruenhagen, we're going to the author Gruenhagen, we're going to the author before<00:25:48.120>
- </c> progress is progress and authorizing progress is progress and authorizing this<00:52:32.880><c>
- So let's authorize a comprehensive study So let's authorize a comprehensive study without<00:55:03.560
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Further, physicians complete about 39 prior authorizations every week.
- I believe this amendment is acceptable to the author.
- To ask questions to the author. Senator Creighton, do you? Of course.
- Senator West asks for recognition and poses a question of the author.
- To ask questions to the author of the amendment. Do you? Yes.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, adopted the prior day’s journal, received House messages, and adopted several resolutions and recognitions, including Senate Resolution 496 honoring Leadership Garland and resolutions 503 and 504. The chamber also recognized guests, including a North Dakota senator and the Doctor of the Day, and received gubernatorial nominations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board and the Nueces River Authority Board.
The Senate then took up and passed a series of bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Measures approved included SB 614 on Texas Forensic Science Commission referrals to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs; SB 250 on municipal annexation across railroad rights-of-way; SB 1660 on toxicological evidence retention and destruction procedures; SB 2586 requiring property owners associations to file governing documents with the Texas Real Estate Commission; SB 1588 increasing penalties for certain failures to report child sexual abuse; HB 912 on compensation for distributed renewable generation outside ERCOT; SB 1957 setting eligibility standards for civilian oversight boards; HB 2525 clarifying a charitable property tax exemption; SB 1525 limiting repeated prior authorization for neurodegenerative disease drugs; SB 865 requiring CPR/AED training and cardiac emergency response planning in schools; SB 1212 elevating human trafficking penalties; SB 2690 on solicitations for Secretary of State documents; SB 1802 on landlord repair duties for ramps, elevators, and handrails; SB 905 on licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; SB 2929 allowing removal of disruptive spectators at school athletic events; SB 2675 creating a narrow McAllen-specific parkland conveyance exception; SB 872 increasing punishment for burglary of a vehicle involving firearm theft; and SB 1113 clarifying sales rules for certain converter-license holders.
Several bills drew extended debate. SB 2487, dealing with crisis and mental health services for homelessness, was amended to make the county model permissive rather than mandatory and to remove state funding/assistance requirements before passing 28-3. SB 2138, barring higher education funds from contracting with firms that boycott fossil fuels through ESG policies, also passed after questions about fiscal effects and First Amendment concerns. SB 2615, restricting remote work at public institutions of higher education, advanced 22-9. The Senate also began consideration of SB 3016, which would expand enforcement tools against local governments that fail to comply with state law, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill is completed.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Any more questions of the author? Any more questions?
- Any more questions of the author? Any more questions?
- Will there be questions of the author? Will there be questions of the author?
- Follow up, Senator Brooks, so my curiosity, I understand that the author, the house author, feels like
- So I do appreciate the author bringing this forward.
Keywords:
firearm rights restoration, nonviolent felons, Oklahoma firearm laws, gun ownership, pardon, expungement, public safety, transportation of inmates, Department of Corrections, correctional facilities, sentencing, health records, firefighters, sex offenders, employment restrictions, Oklahoma laws, bomb, explosive device, incendiary device, simulated bomb
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency -LOFT- Feb 26th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT)
Transcript Highlights:
- The Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority, a lending entity, can either lend from the legacy capital
- This authority is reaffirmed throughout Oklahoma's statutory code.
- LOFT found a gap between the extent of authority established in statute and that exercised by OMES.
- The question is whether we're exerting full authority.
- LOFT calls this OMES waste, as OMES has the authority to address this gap.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget May 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Number five, review and approval of the following for the Sabine River Authority.
- Number five, review and approval of the following for the Sabine River Authority.
- Sabine River Authority. And I think we have two items in front of y'all today.
- The whole resort was operated without River Authority monies.
- Everyone wants the River Authority to do what they can to make sure this project stays open.
Summary:
The committee first heard a fiscal status statement from the Office of Planning and Budget showing that updated Revenue Estimating Conference forecasts reduced the FY26 general fund excess available from $292.6 million to $179.7 million, with lower revenues across the five-year baseline and larger out-year imbalances. With no questions, the statement was approved.
Members then reviewed several Facility Planning and Control items, including approval of a new $3 million LSU Health Sciences Center project in New Orleans funded by self-generated revenues, a $343,600 increase for HVAC upgrades at the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, and a $700,000 increase for Southern University’s A.A. Leno Law Center addition. The committee also received informational change-order reports and approved Louisiana Economic Development contract extensions for Zender Communications and Graham Group, as well as a Department of Education contract amendment for the Louisiana Gator ESA program with Odyssey after questions about the contract’s up-to amount and procurement process.
The Sabine River Authority sought approval for a $9.5 million increase to its operating budget and its 2026-2027 budget, explaining the increase was tied to taking over the Cypress Bend Resort hotel and related property; members asked about long-term self-sufficiency and local support, and the items were approved favorably. The Louisiana Department of Health received approval for 15 HERO Fund grant awards totaling about $4.6 million to support 541 new health care credentials statewide. The Water Sector Commission’s recommendations were also approved, including $619,850 more for St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 and emergency subfund support for the city of Tallulah, conditioned on a limited fiscal administration order. Finally, members reviewed an agreement between the LCTCS Board and its Facilities Corporation under Act 35, and the meeting adjourned without objection.