Transcript Highlights:

• I thought you were coming as a co-author. I may be there.
• To the author, you know, I'm a little concerned that you read all your co-authors, and I was not listed
• on that co-author list.
• So I would gladly be added as a co-author on this bill.
• I like this bill so much that I'd like to be added as a co-author as well.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on June 3, 2025, and considered one bill, AB 247. The author said the bill would require incarcerated hand crew members actively fighting wildfires to be paid at least the federal minimum wage, and explained that recent amendments were added to clarify inclusion of the Pine Grove Conservation Camp and to update co-authorship. There was no organized opposition or support testimony, but committee members discussed the bill’s cost, how any annual pay adjustment would be determined, and whether higher pay could reduce opportunities in the program. The author and supporters argued the current pay is extremely low and that the bill would provide fairer compensation without creating parity with Cal Fire wages. Several members expressed conceptual support while raising questions about the amendment language and the impact on the state budget and inmate firefighting opportunities. The chair noted the bill had been brought back because post-approval amendments added costs and needed further analysis. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed AB 247 on a 9-0 due pass recommendation, with several members not voting. The committee adjourned after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN THE LAST TWO THERE HAVE BEEN REIMBURSEMENTS TO TAXING AUTHORITIES AND SO THIS IS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT
• EACH TAXING AUTHORITY MUST BE SURE THEY ARE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE VENDOR INFORMATION PORTAL.
• SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL THE CLAIMS AND THEN WE WOULD SUBMIT THAT INFORMATION OUT TO THE TAXING AUTHORITIES
• WE RECEIVED APPLICATIONS FROM NEARLY EVERY TAXING AUTHORITY THAT HAD THE REIMBURSEMENT COMING BUT NOT
• NOT ALL THE TAXING AUTHORITIES ELIGIBLE FOR REFUND APPLIED, BUT A HANDFUL. $600 LESS THAN THE TOTAL REFUND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:14.639><c> to</c> independent contractor is authorized to independent contractor is authorized
• </c> and employers are authorized to opt out. and employers are authorized to opt out.
• </c> Kum's amendment of adding authorizing Kum's amendment of adding authorizing party party party &gt
• So that's why that was added in. public to know who is authorized to do public to know who is authorized
• If something does go wrong, then the board would have authority.

Bills: HB0028 , HB0080

Committee: Senate Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: sexual exploitation, child protection, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, identification cards, nursing facilities, assisted living, renewal process, resident rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or five. ...and strong support, and as a co-author of SR 86, to honor Cinco de Mayo Week.
• I rise today as a co-author of SR 86.
• Federal immigration authorities carry out military-style raids at homes, workplaces, and public spaces
• Members, I rise as a proud co-author of Senate Resolution 154, marking May 4th as Green Star Veterans
• And again, I thank the author for bringing this important measure forward. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I also see one of our authors who are presenting today. I see Senator McNurney.
• I heard you needed authors. Great. Good morning, Madam Chair and members.
• Okay, we have the next author I see, Senator Reyes.
• Just a question, I can of the author.
• I see we have our final bill author here in the room. Thank you, Senator Blake Spear.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills focused on workplace technology, data centers, staffing agencies, and environmental health. SB 947, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review before automated systems can be used in discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and would ban predictive behavior analysis; labor groups and worker advocates supported it, while business and industry groups opposed it as overbroad and litigation-prone. After extended discussion about due process, human oversight, and private rights of action, the bill passed 3-1 and was sent to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee. SB 978, the Data Center Community Accountability Act, would require data centers to pay for new infrastructure costs, create a separate rate structure to protect other ratepayers, and impose skilled-and-trained labor standards for construction. Supporters said it would prevent cost shifts to households and ensure good jobs, while opponents argued the CPUC already has ongoing proceedings and that the bill unfairly singles out one industry. The committee discussed balancing economic growth with labor and ratepayer protections, and the bill passed 3-1 to Senate Appropriations. SB 951, the California Worker Technological Displacement Act, would expand WARN-style notice requirements for AI-related layoffs and require reporting on displaced jobs and first consideration for openings; supporters said it would improve transparency and help policymakers respond to AI-driven job loss, while opponents warned it was too broad and conflicted with existing WARN law. It passed 3-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. The committee also considered SB 1032, which would create a licensing and registration framework for temporary staffing agencies. Supporters said it would curb fraud and protect workers from illicit staffing operators, while opponents—many from the staffing industry—said the bill was vague, burdensome, and could hinder small and minority-owned businesses. The bill passed 3-1 to Senate Judiciary. Finally, SB 1046, dealing with protections for lifeguards and park rangers exposed to transboundary pollution in the Tijuana River Valley, would direct Cal/OSHA to develop standards for exposure, PPE, training, and incident reporting. With support from park workers and community groups and no opposition, it passed unanimously 4-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar item and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this authority, we risk unnecessary delays and higher long-term costs. Thank you.
• Without this authority, we risk unnecessary delays and higher long-term costs.
• We urge you to support HB 2711 and strengthen it by adding this bonding authority.
• authorities to create a passenger-only ferry service district.
• Engrossed House Bill 2588 concerning County Ferry District Authority, Vice Chair Lovick.

Bills: HB2495

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: vehicles, streetcar operation, public safety, urban regulation, transportation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And at that point in time, the regulatory authorities, the enforcement authorities, might say, well,
• own authority or our Authority<00:13:35.839><c> is</c><00:13:35.920><c> going</c><00:13:36.000><c> to
• regulatory authorities the enforcement authorities<00:14:28.639><c> might</c><00:14:28.800><c> say</
• c> authorities might say authorities might say well<00:14:29.800><c> it</c><00:14:29.959><c> still</c
• </c><00:19:05.120><c> for</c> bill amends the statutory Authority for bill amends the statutory Authority

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:44 Introduction of Guests 01:21 HB 137 Discussion 02:11 HB 137 Roll Call Vote 25:35 HB 346 Discussion 26:15 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 27:24, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee met with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior minutes, and recognized visiting guests, including representatives from Nucor Steel and students from Eastern Kentucky University. The main business was House Bill 137, which would require air-pollution enforcement actions by the Energy and Environment Cabinet and Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District to rely on EPA-approved monitoring methods or scientifically defensible, quality-assured data. The sponsor and industry supporters argued the bill would ensure reliable evidence and protect manufacturers from enforcement based on questionable data. Opponents, including the Kentucky Resources Council, the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, and a former cabinet employee, argued the bill would conflict with the Clean Air Act’s allowance for “any credible evidence,” could exclude community air-monitoring data and citizen complaints, and might weaken enforcement by limiting the use of lower-cost sensors, photos, video, and other nontraditional evidence. Committee members questioned how credible evidence and the Daubert standard would apply, and supporters and opponents debated whether the bill would simply set evidentiary rules or improperly narrow enforcement authority. One member also raised concerns that the bill’s title and scope could be read as affecting the broader air program. House Bill 137 was ultimately approved favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Webb’s aye vote later clarified for the record. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a subcommittee. The bill was described as helping about 708 companies and carving out emergency generators used for safety purposes in distilleries, with support from the Kentucky Chamber. The subcommittee amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably by roll call vote. The meeting ended with an attempted adjournment and a brief record correction on the vote for House Bill 137.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:33.040><c> co-authoring</c><00:16:34.000><c> this</c> for co-authorizing co-authoring this
• for co-authorizing co-authoring this important<00:16:34.639><c> emergency</c><00:16:35.040><c> management
• </c> regulatory authority to step in on it. regulatory authority to step in on it.
• </c> control agreement unless such authority control agreement unless such authority is<01:31:38.800>
• </c> Um, our current um, act authorizes Um, our current um, act authorizes shareholders,<01:32:36.880

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Medical authority. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have a due pass by Senator Green.
• I wanted to commend the author, number one.
• I wanted to commend the author, number one.
• I, too, would like to thank the author for working so hard on the bill.
• And so I would be glad to work with the author on this.

Bills: HB3239 , HB3391 , HB3557 , HB4128

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Summary: The Agriculture Committee first considered two executive nominations and approved both unanimously. Rebecca Hartfield was re-nominated to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, where she described her rural mixed-animal veterinary work and efforts to encourage future veterinarians. James Harrell was then nominated to the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medical Authority; supporters emphasized his commitment to rural Oklahoma and addressing the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, and he discussed efforts to improve veterinary education and recruit more Oklahoma students. Both nominations passed 13-0. The committee then took up House Bill 3391, which would add improper advertising as a basis for revoking a commercial pet breeder license and define advertising to include digital and social media. Members asked about the definition and scope of commercial pet breeders. The bill passed on a 9-4 vote. House Bill 4128, dealing with black bear hunting season and harvest limits, drew extensive debate. An amendment to move the opener to September 21, expand counties, and let the Wildlife Commission set quotas failed 6-7. The underlying bill, which would have kept the September 15 opener and a 200-bear limit, also failed 3-9 after testimony and debate focused on bear population data, nuisance complaints, and concerns about out-of-state hunters and impacts on female bears. House Bill 3557, which would keep locally raised county extension funds in separate accounts so they are not swept into state accounts, passed 10-2 after questions about how local, state, and federal funds would be handled. Finally, House Bill 3239 on veterinary telemedicine passed 9-3. The bill defines the veterinarian-client relationship needed before telemedicine can be used, with supporters saying it would provide needed structure while preserving access for rural livestock care; opponents worried it could restrict access in emergencies. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• by Senator Kavanaugh: An act to amend the Energy Law, Environmental Conservation Law, the Public Authorities
• requiring certain watercraft, aircraft, and trains to be zero emissions, and to amend the Public Authorities
• Next, Bill 2482, sponsored by Senator Parker: An act to amend the Public Authorities Law in relation
• I didn't see it, but the commissioner indicated they had, you know, authority or didn't have any authority
• project in which ORES is the lead authority.

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met under Chair Senator Kevin Parker and considered several bills related to clean energy, transmission, storage, schools, and microgrids. Bill 1456, which would require certain watercraft, aircraft, and trains to be zero-emissions and direct NYSERDA studies and incentives, was discussed as technology-neutral and advanced with one no vote to the Finance Committee. Bill 286, increasing statewide energy storage capacity, drew concerns about battery safety, fire risk, and volunteer fire department training, but was advanced to the floor with two no votes. Bill 2482, the Go Green Schools Act, would let schools convert to renewable energy and keep savings for school operations; it advanced to the floor despite concerns about siting solar on school grounds. Bill 2485 on expanding electric transmission lines and Bill 5510 directing NYSERDA to develop microgrid recommendations were both advanced to the Finance Committee, each with one no vote. The committee then heard testimony from Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. She argued that wind, solar, storage, and transmission have made New York a leader in clean energy and said renewable energy is increasingly cost-competitive, with much of recent bill increases driven by grid upgrades and gas prices rather than renewables. She also said clean energy helps hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices, pointed to community solar and offshore wind as savings and reliability tools, and said the state’s permitting and interconnection processes have improved. Members questioned Wells about farmland use, decommissioning, recycling of solar and wind equipment, battery storage safety, local control, and misinformation. Wells said utility-scale projects require decommissioning plans and financial assurances, farmland must be restored under agricultural guidelines, and recycling capacity is developing. On battery storage, she said New York has rigorous codes and monitoring requirements, that not all storage is lithium-ion, and that state-level permitting is appropriate for large facilities. Several senators raised concerns about fires, contamination, winter performance, and siting projects in densely populated areas or on farmland, while others emphasized farmland protections and the value of renewable projects to host communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it authorizes local government to review and audit the conduct of the contractors using a uniform
• On one hand, we have what is known as ministerial authority.
• On the other hand, we have what's called discretionary authority.
• related to ministerial authority, and that we preserve all the bill ...the decision and authority related
• But today, you know, I'm... ...of making sure that we weren't taking their authority away during the

Bills: S0014 , S0016 , S0024 , S0168 , S0288 , S0548 , S0686 , S0830 , S1138 , S1234

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Keywords: negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, rural electric cooperatives, energy production, Florida law, energy tariffs, regulation, impact fees, transportation capacity, local government, interlocal agreements, growth management, community planning, extraordinary circumstances

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up a series of local claims, public records, growth management, permitting, and nuisance bills. It first heard and approved SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24, all uncontested claims bills providing relief related to injuries or settlements involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County. The committee also approved SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, which narrows statutory language to protect co-op decisions on generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections, and SB 830, which creates a public records exemption for certain personal information of county and city managers and their families due to reported threats against local officials. Members then considered SB 1138 on qualified contractors and development review, which would create a registry of licensed professionals to help local governments process pre-application reviews and plats more quickly. Local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, while private-provider supporters backed the bill; Senator Sharief voted no, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 168, expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increasing penalties, and SB 686 on agricultural enclaves, which revises the enclave process, adds a public hearing path, limits it to certain residential projects in urban service areas, and was amended to change a date to June 30, 2026 before being reported favorably. The committee next approved CS for SB 548 on growth management and impact fees, which clarifies plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for improper fee collections. Testimony reflected support for clearer standards but also concerns about fee increases and refund administration. Finally, SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was reported favorably; it would extend permit validity, exempt some low-value work from permitting, create a statewide residential permit form, speed review timelines, and expand private-provider use, drawing opposition from a Miami-Dade building official who argued for continued local oversight and support from private-provider advocates. Senator Jones requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on several tabs and negatively on tab 9, and the committee adjourned after all bills were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• The authorization from the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee for repayment of less than 10% of general
• This committee gives the mayor authority to transfer that money, that 10%. Is that a valid motion?
• to do that transfer, this committee gives the mayor authority to transfer that money, that 10%.
• My explanation of that motion will be that I don't believe that we could authorize the mayor to do...
• ...could authorize, we don't need to authorize the mayor to do something.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee first approved a motion by voice vote, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For the 2012 reports, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total to 17 with escrow funds released and 26 still escrowed. For the 2023 delinquent reports, two more had come in, leaving five outstanding; both reports were filed without objection. The committee then focused on Act 709 repayment issues for the town of Daisy. Audit staff said Daisy had made unauthorized payments to a nonprofit and had used restricted street funds for fire-related expenses, and that the town had not yet adopted the required repayment ordinance. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the town had funds to pay. After discussion about the audit calculations and statutory repayment requirements, the committee adopted a motion requiring 10% repayment of the street fund under the statute and providing that failure to comply would result in withholding turnback funds. The Daisy report was then filed. The committee reviewed numerous additional audit findings from cities, counties, and water departments. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including reconciliation work in Harrison and Carroll County, revenue-code corrections in Izard County, monthly bond-pending reviews in Alexander, fixed-asset documentation and receipt procedures in the town of 56, and bookkeeping/receipt improvements in Ozan and Lee County. Some matters were deferred, including several private water and sewer reports and Green Forest, while others were filed. Reports involving more serious issues were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, and others. The committee also filed 19 reports with resolved findings and 53 reports with no findings, and adjourned with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Public Pensions Authority. Public Pensions Authority.
• Safety and authorizes up to 2 million Safety and authorizes up to 2 million each<00:29:55.520><c> year
• This language authorizes funds to be used from the Local Correctional Facilities Authority by DOC, and
• ,</c> expansion, the procurity authorment, expansion, the procurity authorment, this this this sorry,
• authority, this sorry, procurement authority, this allows<01:19:14.400><c> the</c><01:19:14.840><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no authority there generally speaking.
• The authorizer provides us certification that the charter is in compliance.
• So we are getting real-time data from the authorizer, which we had on Highlands.
• The authority will rely on information prepared by the chartering authority and the submission of a good
• authorizing program.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:16.560><c> and</c> Falconer Falconer chief authored and Falconer Falconer chief authored and
• He does not bring dishonor upon this body by authoring this legislation.
• The mission of my life's passion was to be the author of the bill.
• The author does most of the work, most of the legwork.
• Do you know who the author was of the previous Save the Boundary Waters campaign?

Committee: House Ethics

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing the city known as the town of North Attleboro to establish
• Paper from the House: House Bill 5473, relative to authorizing the conveyance of certain parcels of land
• The House bill authorizing municipalities to opt in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor
• Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing municipalities to opt in to a temporary pilot to extend
• The House bill authorizing municipalities to opt in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute Senate Bill 6225 is regarding authorizing bonds for transportation funding.
• of highway projects, and authorizes the issuance of $400 million worth of bonds for certain Move Ahead
• Thank you for projects, increases the existing bond authorization for State Route 520.
• by $500 million, and repeals certain remaining bond authorizations.
• It authorizes a new motor vehicle manufacturer to provide direct sales of its own vehicles if certain

Summary: The committee briefly reviewed four transportation-related bills before taking executive action. House Bill 2347 would repeal the 10% sales and use tax on luxury aircraft; members discussed the bill’s economic importance and its role in supporting business, wildfire suppression, agriculture, and health care, and it passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6170 would raise monetary limits for state highway repair, emergency work, and WSDOT contracting, including higher thresholds for self-performance and small-business participation; it also passed unanimously. Substitute Senate Bill 6225, which authorizes transportation bonds, drew the most discussion. As amended by striking amendment H-3808.1, the bill reduced general highway bond authorization from $1.1 billion to $800 million while retaining $500 million for SR 520 corridor projects and other transportation funding changes. Members described the amendment as a compromise to constrain future spending, and the bill passed 16-10 with several members voting no or no recommendation. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6354 would advance transportation electrification by allowing certain new manufacturers to sell directly under dealer licensing rules and by increasing the dealer documentary service fee, with part of the revenue supporting EV rebates for vulnerable populations. An amendment reduced the fee increase from $50 to $25, lowering the total fee to $225 through 2036 before reverting to $200. After debate about dealer impacts and direct sales policy, the amended bill passed 21-4. The chair then thanked staff and members and adjourned, noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I could ask the first roll be open for co-authors. No problem. Thank you.
• The first roll will be open for co-authors. No problem. Okay.
• Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. Members, this is for co-authors.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
• There are 66 co-authors added.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, re-referring AB 2022, and rescinding prior action on SCR 112. Several bills on the second reading file and concurrence file were passed and retained, while reconsideration items were continued. The chamber then moved to third reading items and consent calendar business. The main substantive item was ACR 145, by Assemblymember Koloza, declaring March 1-7, 2026 as National Women in Construction Week. Koloza, Davies, Bauer-Kahan, and Arambula spoke in support, emphasizing the need to expand opportunities for women in the trades, improve apprenticeship pipelines, address barriers such as childcare, transportation, safety, and restroom access, and support women-owned construction businesses. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added. On the second-day consent calendar, ACR 135 on School Breakfast Week was also taken up for co-authors, with 66 added, and the consent calendar passed 65-0, including ACR 135, ACR 144, and SCR 122. The Assembly also observed an adjournment in memory for Eileen Hubb, and the house adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I could ask, the first roll be open for co-authors. No problem. Thank you.
• The first roll will be open for co-authors. No problem. Okay.
• Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. Members, this is for co-authors.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
• There are 66 co-authors added.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just had one question for the author.
• I just had one question for the author.
• We're also giving them the authority to employ outside counsel.
• We're also giving them the authority to employ outside counsel.
• Will there be further questions of the author? Seeing none, will there be debate?

Bills: SB1332 , SB1378 , SB1525 , SB1771 , SB1919 , SB1998 , SB2018 , SB260 , SB264

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: housing, infrastructure, water projects, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, economic development, zero-interest loans, clawback provision, local contractors, Olympics, funding, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, local businesses, revolving fund, event hosting, SB1525, tourism, recreation, conference, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission

Summary: The Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several bills related to infrastructure planning, tourism, housing, workforce data, and event incentives. The chair also announced committee procedures, including a request that amendments be submitted 24 hours in advance and a decision to lay over Senate Bill 264. Senator Mann presented SB 260, creating the Oklahoma Infrastructure Long Range Planning Commission within the Department of Commerce to coordinate long-term infrastructure planning across state, local, tribal, and utility stakeholders; it passed 8-1. Senator Frix presented SB 1525, allowing the Department of Tourism and Recreation to contract with private entities for an annual statewide tourism and recreation conference up to $75,000; it passed 9-0. Senator Kirt presented SB 1332, aimed at helping cities address housing growth and infrastructure needs through a one-time pot of low- or no-interest loans for water, sewer, and storm sewer projects; it passed 8-1. Senator Coleman presented SB 1998, which would expand the Quality Events Act so smaller communities can define qualifying events and use program funds for items such as equipment; members discussed whether the bill would support existing or new events, and it passed 9-0. Chairwoman Thompson presented SB 1771, authorizing the Oklahoma Workforce Commission to collect workforce development funding and expenditure metrics from agencies and to hire outside counsel when needed because of data-collection workload; it passed 9-0. She also presented SB 1378, creating the Olympics and Oklahoma revolving fund, with discussion that funding requests would later go through the budget process; it passed 9-0. Thompson then presented SB 1919, increasing the cumulative inducement limit in the Oklahoma Tourism Development Act from $30 million to $60 million. She said the current cap is being reached and that the program supports projects that generate sales tax revenue and visible community development, while members asked for more detail on prior uses and program outcomes; it passed 9-0. Finally, SB 2018 was laid over because amendments were not ready in time. The committee adjourned after noting the meeting moved quickly.