Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
Page 409 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I see that both those authors are here today.
- Well, I'm going to invite the author to close then.
- All right, we're looking for authors.
- All right, I'll invite the author to close.
- Yes, as a principal co-author, too. I would like to be principal co-author. Absolutely. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, and no opposition testified. SB 902 would allow electronic signatures for child care and development services paperwork while preserving paper options; supporters said it would reduce burdens on families and providers, and the bill passed to the Assembly Education Committee 4-0.
The committee also heard SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate California’s food assistance efforts, and SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule. Supporters of SB 1025 said the state’s food system is fragmented and needs a coordinated strategy; SB 1030 supporters argued the rule is outdated, redundant, and rooted in racist and sexist assumptions. Both bills received no opposition testimony and were approved on 4-0 votes, with SB 1025 sent to the Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and SB 1030 to Appropriations.
The committee then approved SB 1077, which would require CDSS to create a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns, including a public webpage and planning for state-funded benefits; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1194 would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand immigration legal services in underserved areas, and supporters emphasized the need for legal representation in rural and Central Valley communities; it passed 4-1 to Judiciary. SB 1201 would seek federal waivers to protect veterans from CalFresh time limits, require referrals to county veterans service officers, and adjust treatment of job-search expenses; it passed unanimously 6-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 557 and SB 1051, also passed unanimously. After all items were heard, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And I see that both those authors are here today.
- Well, I'm going to invite the author to close then.
- All right, we're looking for authors.
- All right, I'll invite the author to close.
- Yes, as a principal co-author, too. I would like to be principal co-author. Absolutely. Thank you.
Committee:
House Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- At the request of the author, file item number four, SB 1333 by Senator Jones, will not be heard today
- Look forward to continuing to work with the author and her staff.
- Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
- Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
- Seeing none, we will go to the author for close. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development met as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum, then later established quorum and took up a series of bills, mostly sunset extensions for licensing boards. SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all dealt with extending board operations to January 1, 2031 and making related technical or policy changes. SB 1303 for the Board of Naturopathic Medicine added a fictitious name permit program and other administrative changes, while SB 1304 for the Respiratory Care Board drew significant testimony over whether licensed vocational nurses should be allowed to perform basic respiratory tasks in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. SB 1363 updated barbering and cosmetology apprenticeship and licensing rules, and SB 1368 added a retired license category and strengthened continuing education oversight for speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers.
The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program to support large independent multi-day music festivals. Supporters, including Visit Sacramento and festival promoters, said the bill would protect jobs, tourism, hotel nights, and local tax revenue; opponents raised concerns about using state funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable events should receive subsidies. The committee also heard SB 1297, which would create regional public-private partnerships and financing tools for wildfire mitigation projects; the author and supporters said it would help address the state’s large wildfire prevention funding gap by leveraging local and private investment, while members asked how the bonds would be repaid and whether the state would bear costs.
SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals working in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process. Supporters described safety threats, stalking, and staffing concerns, and the bill passed unanimously. SB 1304 also passed after committee discussion, with members and the author noting ongoing negotiations over LVN scope and training in higher-acuity settings. SB 865 passed on a 9-1 vote, SB 1297 passed 10-0, and the sunset bills SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all advanced unanimously to the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB 1333 was not heard, and SB 1445 was on the consent calendar.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In other words, these states authorize their own recommendations rather than following the CDC federal
- I would have to phone a friend since I was not the primary author of the language.
- I would have to phone a friend since this, I was not the primary author of the language.
- .place a moratorium on have been authorized under emergency authorization.
- The goal of this legislation is to deal with a product that was authorized under emergency authorization
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up Senate Bill 1346, a measure proposing a two-year pause on mRNA-based COVID-19 products for pregnant women and children. Senator Shippey presented the bill as a targeted safety pause to allow more long-term review, saying it was not a blanket ban and that amendments were likely needed to clarify the bill’s language and the process for reviewing safety data. He also said the committee should send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendments.
The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters, including Nicholas Holster, Christina Parks, James Thorpe, Laura Dembray, Xavier Figueroa, and several others, argued that mRNA products are unsafe, described them as gene therapy, and cited alleged harms to fertility, pregnancy, children, and broader health outcomes. Opponents, including physician Stephen Montemot, Primo Castro of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and parent Stephanie Neymour, argued that mRNA vaccines are not gene therapy, that the bill would restrict parental choice and access to medical care, and that decisions should remain with patients and doctors. Committee members also questioned the bill’s definitions, the legislature’s ability to review scientific data, the scope of the exemption for cancer and genetic disorder therapies, and whether the measure would affect other vaccines.
After debate, members expressed mixed views: some supported further work on the bill, while others raised concerns about government overreach, the breadth of the definitions, and whether the legislature had the expertise or mechanism to evaluate safety data. Senator Lenny moved to send SB 1346 to the 14th order for possible amendments, and the motion passed by roll call vote, 5-4. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- It would authorize a new county-imposed public utility tax.
- It would authorize a new county-imposed public utility tax.
- This does authorize some new taxes.
- One of the provisions in here is... ...authorize some new taxes.
- The state just authorizes them to do it. We did not authorize that we would pay for it.
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
affordable housing, sales tax, housing programs, tax incentives, economic development, property tax, senior citizens, tax exemption, local government funding, permanent legislation, adaptive housing, disabled veterans, tax preferences, housing affordability, retail sales tax, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, local government, tax authority
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill specifies certain exceptions from these restrictions, and the bill authorizes the Office of
- I give a contractor authorization to do work in my home.
- the OIC, or grant them general peace officer authority.
- It also improves information sharing authority for the insurance commissioner.
- There is language in Senate Bill 6031 that broadens the investigation authority of the OIC's CIU.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote.
Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you wish the first roll to be open for co-authors?
- There are 62 co-authors added.
- Please respect the authors. Keep your conversations down.
- To the author, is this your first bill on this floor?
- There are 70 co-authors added.
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members also made several guest introductions and memorial recognitions, including tributes to labor leader Louisa Blue and a Memorial Day moment of silence. The body adopted a motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 for certain Appropriations Committee bills, and later took up a second-day consent calendar and several resolutions.
The chamber adopted ACR 68, declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month, and ACR 83, proclaiming California Maritime Day; both received broad support. On the floor file, members passed a series of bills covering child passenger safety, student financial aid, downtown office-to-housing conversion districts, rental vehicle theft prevention, fire hazard zone reviews, medical data protections, UC admissions transparency, office-to-housing streamlining, inoperable RV removal, domestic violence and child welfare, insurance classification for social service workers, sustainable aviation fuel CEQA review, UC hiring background checks, accessory dwelling units, fish and wildlife exemptions for Sutter County infrastructure, speed limit assessments, geothermal permitting, special education transfers, recorder fee adjustments, and a BIT program exemption for farmers and ranchers. Most measures passed with little or no opposition.
AB 435, which would have implemented a five-step test standard for child passenger safety laws, was later reconsidered and failed on a vote of 36-12 after the call was lifted. The Assembly also adopted the second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, and added co-authors to several resolutions. The session ended with adjournments in memory and an adjournment until Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes HF2309, the omnibus housing policy bill 4/29/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If there is no objection, we will let the author explain the bill before we act on the amendments.
- I recognize the author from an NOA, Representative Raya Rayau, who will introduce the bill.
- I recognize the author from an NOA, Representative Raya Rayau, who will introduce the bill.
- ><c> have</c><00:04:14.799><c> to</c> The public housing authorities have to The public housing authorities
- </c> allow these public housing authorities allow these public housing authorities to<00:04:25.440><c
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 11th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And could the author understand that?
- Would the author understand, say, a man and a woman who might be doing...
- Could the author understand? It's plain and simple.
- And so I appreciate the author considering these things and perhaps taking a second look the author considering
- I want to commend the author on this. This is a good process to be done.
Bills:
SCR17 , SB2104 , SB2155 , SB1428 , SB1250 , SB1651 , SB1794 , SB444 , SB1061 , SB1327 , SB1425 , SB1455 , SB1458 , SB1460 , SB1480 , SB1530 , SB1543 , SB1555 , SB1593 , SB1209 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1769 , SB1805 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Ireland relations, Ireland, Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day, Choctaw Nation, Choctaw famine relief, Irish-American, cultural resolution, concurrent resolution, ceremonial resolution, economic development, trade commission, international relations, Tulsa IrishFest, ShamROCK the Gardens, Oklahoma City St. Patrick's Parade, Irish ancestry, Senate of Ireland, Aubrey McCarthy, Phil Thompson
Summary:
The Senate began with several ceremonial recognitions, including citations for the Destiny Christian School girls volleyball team and football team for state championships, and for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, in connection with Delta Day at the Capitol and Women’s History Month. Members and guests were welcomed to speak briefly before the chamber returned to its agenda.
The chamber then considered a series of bills. SB 444, dealing with hospice handling and disposal of controlled dangerous substances left after a patient’s death, passed 39-0. SB 1327, restoring the Tourism and Recreation Commission’s authority and adding general commission-member requirements, passed 27-12. SB 1061, a mortgage broker fee cleanup bill, passed 38-0. SB 1425, repealing an obsolete health care workforce board, passed 40-0. SB 1455, extending the sunset for the Board of Governors of the Architects, Landscape Architects, and Licensed Interior Designers, passed 28-11 and then also passed the emergency with 38-1. SB 1458, an Attorney General-request bill to align grand jury witness confidentiality statutes, failed 24-14.
The Senate also passed SB 1460, which increases penalties for repeat peeping Tom and clandestine recording offenses and makes second or subsequent offenses sex offenses, by a vote of 38-3. SB 1480, creating a youth apprenticeship pilot program, passed 42-0 and then passed the emergency. SB 1530, updating the Oklahoma Research Development Rebate Program and encouraging private partnerships with higher education, passed 36-4. SB 1543, allowing multiple DUI charges within one year to be prosecuted as a single felony case and making related cleanup changes, passed 37-6 after extended debate about diversion, due process, and testing issues. SB 1555, aligning the state definition of intellectual disability with federal standards, passed 42-0, with a later correction noting the final vote as 42-1. SB 1593, updating outdated OSU-Tulsa trustee language, passed 43-0 and then passed the emergency. SB 1730, requiring law enforcement to copy OSBI on sexual offense reports, passed 37-6. SB 1209, which would have excluded Sundays and federal holidays from the eviction filing-to-hearing timeline, failed on a 21-21 tie after debate over landlord rights, service timing, and court delays.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 27th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They co-authored the bill, sir.
- Frank: Okay, so that has always been that authority.
- No credible medical authority supports this bill.
- I believe it is acceptable to the author and I move adoption.
- Member: Can we not question the author now?
Keywords:
ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House public safety panel hears HF435 - Pt. 2 2/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This question is for the author of the bill.
- </c> you Mr chair and again uh to the author you Mr chair and again uh to the author does<00:03:54.920
- Chair, to the bill author. Chair Fransen, would you like to answer the provocative question?
- Then I expect my question from the bill author to be answered without interruption.
- Then I expect my question from the bill author to be answered without interruption.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 04/02/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:36:02.640><c> and</c><00:36:02.960><c> the</c> authored by Senator Weber and the authored by
- </c> That's from Senate file 1419, authored That's from Senate file 1419, authored by<00:36:38.960><c
- </c> 2430 authored by Senator Kunish. 2430 authored by Senator Kunish.
- And so we want to thank the authors<01:23:11.120><c> and</c><01:23:11.440><c> co-authors,</c><01:23:12.239
- ><c> Senator</c><01:23:12.719><c> Herb,</c> authors and co-authors, Senator Herb, authors and co-authors
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 63 Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- joint petition of Leigh Davis relative to tenant representation on the Great Barrington Housing Authority
- Second reading of the bill: An act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
- Second reading of the bill: An act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
- House 5109, an act authorizing the town of Falmouth to expend funds to offset certain costs associated
- We are also including in this budget $217 million for our regional transit authority components.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The presenter said that in 2024 the Idaho Rangeland Improvement Act was passed, but no authorization
- And when we did that, we didn't put any authorization for continuous spending.
- And we were unable to use, we were unable to spend that money because we didn't have spending authority
- Anyway, this legislation is before us to authorize continuous spending of all revenues that come into
- We do have GNA agreements, ...lands through the Good Neighbor Authority program.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't have that same authority.
- Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the Florida
- Bean, reappointment for the Jacksonville Port Authority. Patrick J.
- Kilbane, new appointment for the Jacksonville Port Authority.
- Max Glober, new appointment for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably.
The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we ask the authority for now we ask for the authority to fully protect our people and the communities
- This authority is not just necessary, it's critical.
- By empowering instead of Su Pueblo tribal police officers with this authority, we enhance public safety
- It's just laws that were, you know, enacted by Congress that doesn't give us that authority.
- It also allows the governor to appoint a team to meet directly with Mexican authorities at the local,
Committee:
House S/C on State-Federal Relations
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the purpose of investing in cryptocurrency and the investment authority
- Or during bill referral if permission is granted or authorized to convene upon adoption by the House
- Tyler Obrey, Derek Franco, author. Linda Culpepper.
- Submitting to public utility agencies, providing authority to issue bonds, providing authority to impose
- H.C.R. 100 by Flores, Authorizing the Bureau.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I do see that we have authors here. Thank you so much for being on time.
- First and foremost, we'd like to thank the author and the sponsor.
- I'm going to thank the author for bringing this forward.
- Thank you to the author for bringing it forward to fix it.
- And we have our final author here. File item 8, AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health heard presentations on several bills, beginning with AB 1734, which would expand California Health Interview Survey food insecurity data collection to households up to 400% of the federal poverty level. The author and supporters from food banks, AARP, county governments, and nutrition groups argued the bill would improve California’s ability to measure hunger amid federal cuts; there was no opposition. The committee also heard AB 1949, which would treat acupuncture as its own Medi-Cal benefit and allow up to 24 visits per year. Supporters said the current two-visits-per-month cap limits effective treatment and can increase reliance on medications; the bill drew broad support and no opposition. AB 1910, a postpartum pelvic floor health bill, was presented as an education and awareness measure encouraging patients to discuss pelvic floor concerns with providers, with no opposition. AB 2011 would codify federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement if federal rules are rolled back, while insurers opposed it as premature given ongoing federal litigation and possible new rules. AB 2706 would modernize California’s cannery law to align with federal food safety standards and reduce duplicative requirements for food processors, with support from the dairy industry and no opposition. AB 2041 would require certain public safety agencies to report compliance with 911 dispatcher pre-arrival instruction training requirements, building on prior legislation; it also faced no opposition.
After quorum was established, the committee voted on the bills. The consent calendar bills AB 1571, AB 1864, and AB 1956 were approved 6-0. AB 1734, AB 1910, AB 1949, AB 2041, and AB 2706 all passed the committee unanimously or near-unanimously and were re-referred to Appropriations or Education as applicable. AB 2011 passed 8-2, with some members expressing concern about federal litigation, implementation costs, and the timing of codifying the 2024 parity rule into state law. All bills were placed on call after the votes, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Apr 30th, 2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Or if a nominee has a family member that would like to take pictures, that's also authorized, okay?
- Clayton Bullard of Edmond to the Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to serve at the
- So the Health Care Authority currently we funded a $250 million. The ask was $500 million.
- The Health Care Authority is the manager of the contracts for the MCOs.
- And that would be my ask of the Health Care Authority or anybody that serves in this role.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met to consider a series of gubernatorial nominations, first for several boards and commissions and then for key health-related executive positions. Early confirmations included Michael Vaughn to the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Tina Frazier to the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Dr. Kanya Martin and Dr. Edgar Boyd to the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Dr. Christopher Thurman to the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Samuel Haubrick and Robert Wipp Jr. to the Committee of Home Inspector Examiners, and Dr. Gabriel Pittman to the State Board of Health. Each nominee briefly described their background and qualifications, and committee members generally emphasized professional experience, public service, and rural health needs. All of these nominations advanced on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The committee then considered Clayton Bullard for two roles: Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health and Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Senators focused heavily on Medicaid managed care, provider payment delays, MCO oversight, and the short timeline before a new administration. Bullard said his priority would be stabilizing the agency, building a balanced budget, monitoring contractors and managed care organizations, and ensuring claims are paid promptly; he reported high rates of clean-claim payment within 14 days and said the agency would continue fining MCOs for noncompliance. Members also pressed him on legislative oversight and the need to keep lawmakers informed about policy changes. Both nominations were approved and sent to the full Senate.
Sharon Schell Millington was then nominated to lead the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Senators asked about security concerns, staff safety, de-escalation training, pay for direct care staff, and coordination with local law enforcement. Millington said the agency had increased staff pay, adopted nationally recognized restraint/de-escalation training, and was working to improve communication with law enforcement. Her nomination also passed and moved to the Senate floor. At the end of the meeting, the chair answered a question about board membership requirements, clarified that the statute limits how many members may reside in one congressional district but does not require every district to be represented, and thanked committee staff for their work as the committee’s final HHS meeting of the session.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- That would be the appointing authority.
- Senator Bullard: The appointing authority, though, has to have statutory authority to know who's going
- I have great respect for the House author.
- I have great respect for the House author.
- Will there be questions of the author on House Bill 3329?
Committee:
Senate Rules
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 3711, which was described as a work in progress aimed at increasing transparency for taxpayers about instructional expenditures in school bond communications. Members questioned whether the bill changed what districts may bond for, and the author said it did not alter the bond process, only added communications. After title was struck, the bill passed committee 13-5.
House Bill 4104, dealing with repeat peeping Tom and clandestine recording offenses, was presented with an amendment adding conduct involving three or more separate victims as a basis for felony treatment. The amendment was adopted after questions about its legal basis and a recent court decision. The bill as amended then passed committee unanimously, 18-0.
The committee also took up House Joint Resolution 1077, which would send to voters a proposal to move $1 billion from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust corpus into a new Oklahoma’s Futures Trust Fund. The proponent said the T-SET board would remain in place, the corpus would stay protected, and annual earnings from the new fund would be split between reinvestment and legislative appropriations for health and education. Opponents argued the measure would shift money from an independent endowment to a politically controlled process and could weaken existing T-SET programs. After debate, the resolution passed committee 14-4.
Finally, House Bill 3327 proposed expanding the State Board of Education from seven to nine members, with appointments divided among the governor, speaker, and president pro tem, and allowing removal only for cause. Members raised questions about geographic representation and vacancy appointments, but the bill passed as amended 15-2. House Bill 3329, a trailer bill related to sunset legislation, added a July 1, 2027 sunset for the Board of Psychological Examiners after concerns about its handling of a complaint and a recent court ruling; it passed as amended 14-2, and the committee then adjourned.