Transcript Highlights:

• But the letter goes on to say, and this The board was aware of this.
• It is an average for the three months of those quarters.
• So is that for three months or one month? That number? That number is for three months.
• Three months? Okay.
• So what you're seeing there is six months' worth of data, the first quarter and the second quarter.

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee first took up several personnel and compensation requests. It approved a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism reclassification that would trade three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager. It also approved one-time bonus and recruitment plans for the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, including up to $5,000 bonuses tied to the unemployment insurance modernization project and $2,000 bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the state veterans homes. A Department of Health request to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board was also approved; members were told the position was already authorized and would not increase total positions. The committee then reviewed a Department of Commerce reduction in force affecting the Division of Workforce Services for the Blind and Employment and Training divisions. Secretary Hugh McDonald and Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits explained that the cuts were driven by over-obligated federal funds, a prior realignment, and what they described as long-standing fiscal mismanagement in the Division of Services for the Blind. They said 56 employees remained furloughed, five employees in a separate grant group were still working, and 17 positions were on the permanent RIF list. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the independent board, and whether the layoffs were being handled fairly, including a request for racial composition data on the workforce and the RIF group. Members also discussed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Staff explained that the reports cover average staffing levels over each quarter, and members focused on overtime spending, especially in DHS, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Transportation. OPM said overtime is being reviewed, direct care positions remain exempt from the hiring freeze, and agencies have been hiring more staff since the new pay plan took effect. The committee asked for additional reporting on overtime trends, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, during the COVID election, you might recall in Minnesota and everywhere in America, I'm aware of
• Now, during the COVID election, you might recall in Minnesota and everywhere in America, I'm aware of
• of there was a massive spike in aware of there was a massive spike in the<00:09:58.320><c> number</c
• We provide and post resources as we become aware of them.
• uh end of next the month uh end of next month<01:09:19.080><c> other</c><01:09:19.520><c> Senator</c

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The clearinghouse is updated each month with the most current information, divided into policyholders
• So I just would suggest that the clearinghouse is aware of that issue as well. Appreciate it.
• You know, you should be aware of your replacement costs. You should carry enough insurance.
• I suppose that could come up, but I’m not aware of whether it has at this juncture.
• I just recently, within the last two months, became a part of the clearinghouse.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• April is a special month for someone in the audience, Mr. Kekua Carvalho, Mr.
• for someone in April is a special month for someone in the<00:14:01.160><c> audience,</c><00:14:01.839
• Month in the rotunda, which I'll share more about later.
• month for his sobriety.
• </c> Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness on<00:22:04.320

Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• His oldest son was married this month, and his two older boys are at ASU and Thunderbird High School.
• Month.
• of March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month in Arizona and further record. ...proclaim the month of March
• as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month in Arizona, and further recognize OSA as a significant and underdiagnosed
• Thank you for the work you do, bringing awareness for sleep apnea and helping patients.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They told me to put my affairs in order six months to live.
• Disorders Awareness Month.
• Members, House Resolution 306 recognizes March 2025 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.
• Awareness Month in Texas, joining a national effort to raise awareness about these serious and often
• Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month reminds us of the urgent need for research, improved treatment and

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And right now, May has been coined Mental Health Month.
• And right now, May has been coined the Mental Health Month.
• One time at the jail, when he's finally stabilized and will see me, which takes months and months of
• So every six months, there's a new cohort.
• So every six months, there's a new cohort.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You were eight months pregnant, then nine months, so babies—pretty sure that baby's mine.
• Yeah, I saw you seven months pregnant. The baby's mine.
• It's 12 months if you have children. Okay. So, yes. All right.
• It's 12 months. If you have no children. It's 12 months if you have children. Okay. So, yes.
• It's a 10-month gestation period. That's 300 days.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 718, which would limit liability for landowners who allow free use of private property for aeronautical activities at non-public airports. The author said the bill was modeled on Arkansas law and was intended to help private airstrips. After brief questions about fees and the effective date, the bill was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 134, dealing with material harmful to minors online, was then amended to clarify that interactive computer services may not deliver harmful material to minor accounts they created, while removing algorithm restrictions and cure language; it was reported as amended. House Bill 410, which would require notification before recording direct in-person conversations, drew substantial testimony. The author said the bill was aimed at privacy concerns raised by wearable AI devices and hidden recording tools, and the adopted amendments changed the measure from consent to notification and added exceptions for first responders, evidence preservation, civil or administrative proceedings, criminal matters, and recordings in one’s own residence. Supporters said the bill protected ordinary people from secret recordings, while opponents warned it could chill family-law recordings, citizen journalism, HOA disputes, and other legitimate uses. The bill was ultimately reported as amended. House Bill 318, which would reduce the presumption of paternity period from 300 days to 150 days, was heavily criticized by family-law practitioners and a law professor who said the current 300-day rule tracks gestation and that shortening it would shift burdens onto mothers; the author then voluntarily deferred the bill. A companion study resolution, HCR 19, directing the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the presumption of parentage, was reported favorably. The committee also heard House Bill 970 on competing custody orders. The author described cases where different courts issued conflicting custody rulings for the same child, but judges and attorneys raised concerns about the bill’s “earliest order controls” rule, its effect on out-of-state orders, protective orders, and the lack of a clear mechanism for judges to discover prior orders. After testimony from judges and committee discussion about possible fixes and a unified filing system, the bill was voluntarily deferred. House Bill 163, another private-airstrip liability bill, was reported favorably, and House Bill 170 and House Bill 194, both dealing with construction/design professional contracts and preemptive periods, were reported as amended or favorably after testimony that they would align design-professional rules with contractor rules and keep Louisiana projects under Louisiana law. House Bill 254, limiting acts of donation of motor vehicles to certain relatives and charities, was reported as amended after discussion about tax treatment and possible loopholes. Finally, the committee began House Bill 485, a proposed constitutional amendment declaring parental rights fundamental and subjecting government restrictions to strict scrutiny. Supporters argued it would protect parents’ authority over children’s upbringing, education, care, and control, while opponents said the language was overly broad and could complicate child welfare, public health, and school safety measures. The author said the amendment would not protect abuse or neglect and was meant to ensure government interference meets strict scrutiny, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware of that. OK.
• I'm not aware of that. OK.
• My only question to you is: Are you aware of this letter, for one?
• I'm aware of the letter.
• TSA over the past 18 months, about our 18-month investment in technology and security upgrades.

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee held an interim study on airport security vendors, prompted by Representative Hayes’s earlier House Bill 1271, which would have restricted Oklahoma airports from contracting with third-party identity verification companies such as Clear. Hayes explained the bill stemmed from concerns raised after a December 2022 TSA letter and broader questions about whether these vendors create security risks or bypass TSA screening. The committee heard first from Clear, then Idemia, and then Tulsa International Airport, with members focusing on how identity verification works, whether it differs from TSA screening, and whether the state should regulate these services. Clear’s representative said the company provides an opt-in biometric identity verification service at airports, not physical screening, and that every passenger still goes through TSA screening. He said Clear operates in about 60 airports in roughly 40 states, has about 40,000 members in Oklahoma, and has paid more than $1.1 million to Oklahoma airports since launching in the state. Members questioned how Clear verifies IDs, whether Real ID is required, whether the company can manually override biometric checks, whether it shares data, and whether it has had security issues. Clear said it uses source corroboration with state DMV systems, does not sell data, has no manual override, and has worked with TSA on security upgrades after earlier concerns. Idemia’s representative described the company’s broader biometrics work for Oklahoma and the federal government, including fingerprint systems for the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, civilian background-check enrollment, TSA checkpoint credential authentication technology, and TSA PreCheck enrollment. She said Idemia’s role stops at identity verification and that TSA retains responsibility for screening and for decisions about who enters trusted traveler programs. Tulsa International’s COO said Clear does not replace TSA, that TSA retains exclusive authority over screening, and that the airport leases space to Clear and receives revenue from the arrangement. No vote was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that allows us nine months there with a higher FMAP, a higher match.
• So that allows us nine months there with a higher FMAP, a higher match.
• So if it's nine months, so there is some money there. If, if, if...
• So I am not aware it was not in the governor's budget.
• Because it's the last nine months of the biennium. We'll just be coming in.

Bills: SB2399

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I understand the FAA was aware of this.
• Was the FAA aware of this conflict prior to... January 29th.
• We've streamlined the process, cut roughly five months off. process.
• We went down in the last couple of months because people left.
• I'm not aware. of that. I know it's a part of the ongoing investigation.

Committees: Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation , Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: aviation safety, midair collision, American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter, NTSB, FAA, ADS-B technology, safety protocols

Summary: The meeting focused on the discussions surrounding the tragic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Testimonies were provided by key figures including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Richelieu. The committee expressed grave concerns regarding the existing safety protocols, questioning why the FAA failed to act on numerous warnings and data indicating potential collision risks. Members emphasized the need for urgent reforms in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Specific highlights included the recognition of the importance of ADS-B out technology and concerns about the operational practices of military helicopters in controlled airspaces.

Transcript Highlights:

• Via waiver recipients, consultants, etc. in the next couple of months.
• So that's a 6-month time period.
• Uh, advertising or recruitment, if you will, for folks to be aware of that.
• Um, it's been 4 months.
• Um, and you all, if you're not fully aware of this, you really need to be.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas this April 2026 marks the 23rd annual National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness of
• here in the month of April and May.
• :44:37.760><c> community</c><00:44:38.000><c> about</c> month to encourage our community about month
• And whereas designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month will increase public awareness of the need
• ,</c> April 26, 2026 as second chance month, April 26, 2026 as second chance month, two,<00:50:56.800

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Jennifer, you're saying that you're not aware of that, correct? Correct.
• I was not made aware of that. Okay.
• So we're at eight months since that happened, a little over eight months.
• This is, like you all said, this has been eight months. What has changed?
• This is, like you all said, this has been eight months. What has changed?

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended hearing on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. DHS officials Lori McDonald, Jennifer Brise, and Melissa Weatherton described the HDC system, staffing and resident needs, and said Moore died after being held in a prone restraint for about 13 minutes, followed by a delayed chemical restraint and delayed CPR. They said the family settled a wrongful death claim for $725,000, 13 staff were terminated, the facility leadership was changed, and at least five staff had been criminally charged, with the death certificate later described as homicide and the cause of death as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. Members pressed DHS on why the family was not kept informed, whether there was a written restraint protocol, how staff are trained, and why the agency did not have more complete information ready for the hearing. DHS said staff receive CPI restraint training, annual restraint training is mandatory, and a consultant is reviewing policies, retraining staff, and conducting a root cause analysis under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care. Legislators also raised broader concerns about low pay, staffing shortages, use of float and contract staff, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based care. DHS said it is working on a retention and recruitment plan and a rate report for certain PASS services, but that the PASS rate study does not cover CNA pay. Several members said the incident reflected both a failure of restraint practice and a broader staffing and oversight problem. DHS acknowledged that prone restraint should not have been used, that the chemical restraint was given at the wrong time, and that multiple breakdowns occurred in supervision, communication, and equipment use. The committee also discussed whether there should be more regular independent audits of HDC policies, and DHS said it does not currently have a separate annual policy audit beyond existing oversight. At the end of the meeting, the committee asked DHS to keep it updated on recruitment, consultant reports, and to contact Moore’s mother about the communication she had been promised. The meeting adjourned without any additional formal action beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• walking within two months.
• Seven or eight months ago, I was having a phenomenal day.
• I'm alive, and I started back working full-time last month.
• And so when I did, I then even wasn't aware that I had...
• I wasn't aware of that, and I was going to bring this up.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda. Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage. The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that you're aware of? that you're aware of?
• </c><00:31:45.760><c> It</c> the in the month uh upcoming months.
• It the in the month uh upcoming months.
• </c> of this month. of this month.
• </c> Oh, they're aware. Absolutely. Oh, they're aware. Absolutely.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if you're month-to-month, I'm getting notices every month about my renewal.
• I mean, it ends up being sometimes $500 a month on people, way more than they think.
• Once a platform becomes aware of CSAM, child sex trafficking, or an online...
• She added that the Attorney General would have to be aware of it.
• I'm not aware if any are based in Louisiana. Okay.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we have an individual who we are in an active enforcement proceeding with, and a month, two months
• But if we have an individual who we are in an active enforcement proceeding with, and a month, two months
• But if we have an individual who we are in an active enforcement proceeding with, and a month, two months
• But if we have an individual who we are in an active enforcement proceeding with, and a month, two months
• But if we have an individual who we are in an active enforcement proceeding with, and a month, two months

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• eligibility redeterminations instead of two months.
• One of them pays out every four months. One of them pays out twice a year.
• , 4 months, or every 6 months from the MCOs.
• every four months and the one that pays that quarterly.
• So, I just wanted this body to be very aware, and Oklahomans to be very aware.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're about six or seven months into the process since the funding was cut.
• So in the six or seven months, does that mean EMSA has not come up with a solution?
• So with the arrears pass-through, those months do not untick because it's not recouped.
• So with the arrears power, back a month of eligibility if that amount is repaid.
• So with the arrears pass through, those months do not untick because it's not recouped.

Keywords: 987, senate, all