Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or rather I think it was the planning or rather I think it was the planning committee<00:22:13.200
• And isn't there a preventative plan to clean this mess up so we're not dealing with it after the fact
• So I'm planning on scheduling something for Monday the 10th.
• </c><01:52:02.880><c> on</c> which is Tuesday so uh I'm planning on which is Tuesday so uh I'm planning
• It's—I would plan on a day.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Rachel Wilkinson, Hawaii Association of Health Plans in support.
• </c> Hawaii Association of Health Plans Hawaii Association of Health Plans providing<00:08:33.360><c>
• Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates in support.
• Hawaii State Planning and Development Agency, Dr.
• </c><00:35:31.680><c> in</c> Planning and Development Agency in Planning and Development Agency in support

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Pelffrey, director of the Division of Planning, KYTC. Good morning.
• ><c> that</c> metropolitan planning organizations that metropolitan planning organizations that are<00
• Oftentimes, as well, you have to look at the local plans that they have as one thing through the planning
• And Muel's the director of the Division of Planning is we look at the local bicycle and pedestrian plans
• </c><01:03:32.640><c> And</c> the contained in the plan. For sure. And the contained in the plan.

Keywords: 0:00:15 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:01:15 Maintenance Update 0:21:07 Approval of Minutes 0:21:32 Regional Offices 0:43:47 SHIFT Scoring 1:04:24 Local Assistance Road Program 1:16:41 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:36.559><c> were</c> appropriations in the Senate plan were appropriations in the Senate plan
• the house plan it wasn't restricted in the house plan and<00:53:45.760><c> it</c><00:53:45.920><c> went
• , versus 133 in the Senate plan.
• </c><01:02:28.480><c> Again,</c> versus 133 in the Senate plan.
• Again, versus 133 in the Senate plan.

Keywords: LBA Briefing on Budget, 928, house, all

Summary: The presentation was an LBA overview of Senate changes to the House-passed state budget, with Michael Kane explaining how Senate Finance updated revenue and spending estimates after April revenue figures and agency discussions. He said the Senate’s revenue outlook was higher than the House’s in some areas, but lower in others, especially video lottery terminal revenue, and that the biggest differences also came from changes to revenue splits between the general fund and education trust fund, lapse estimates, and several policy changes in House Bill 1 and House Bill 2. Kane highlighted several major revenue and policy differences: the Senate changed the business tax, tobacco tax, and real estate transfer tax splits; adjusted liquor revenue dedication; removed the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap; delayed the Lakes Region facility proceeds plan; altered the PECARD fund treatment; added a granite patron of the arts tax credit; and changed the treatment of unique funds and video lottery terminal revenue. On spending, he noted Senate changes to judicial, corrections, HHS, human rights commission, and other budgets, including additional settlement costs, higher lapse assumptions, and a different approach to Medicaid premium revenue and retirement savings. He also described Senate additions such as a nursing home bed fee, Hampstead Hospital transition funding, and changes to the YDC claims settlement fund. The presentation focused on comparing House and Senate surplus statements across fiscal years 2025 through 2027, including projected ending balances and rainy day fund transfers. Kane repeatedly emphasized that the numbers were still dependent on final revenues and lapse amounts, and that some balances would be carried forward and trued up later in the biennium. No committee vote or final action was described in the excerpt; it was an informational budget briefing and comparison of the two chambers’ proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> planning benium. Represent Schult. Yes. planning benium. Represent Schult. Yes.
• I'm not sure of the planning bianium.
• I'm not sure of the planning benium.<00:07:43.440><c> Not</c><00:07:43.599><c> sure.
• </c><00:09:50.720><c> in</c> $10 million increase in the planning in $10 million increase in the planning
• </c> $6 million increase in the planning $6 million increase in the planning bianium.<00:09:54.399><c

Bills: HF2440

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have several that are funded and under planning and nearing construction.
• We have several under that are funded and under planning and nearing construction.
• Chair, uh, Senator, I would actually have the planning manager as our...
• </c> the extent that a metropolian planning the extent that a metropolian planning organization<00:36
• </c><00:54:36.359><c> for</c> adding and we do planning for adding and we do planning for additional<

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:11.520><c> to</c> We have put the order that we plan to We have put the order that we plan
• </c> what's the plan? what's the plan? Chair<00:20:15.320><c> West.</c> Chair West. Chair West.
• c><00:46:05.480><c> Representative</c> I think the plan is Representative I think the plan is Representative
• I do, we have a plan?
• I think it's okay to vote for it, and I certainly plan to.

Bills: HF4382 , HF2929

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, family child care, family day care, group family day care, licensed child care, licensing modernization, early childhood education, preschool, infant care, toddler care, school-age care, drop-in child care, night care, sick care, community-based child care, provider training, staff ratios, group size

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ensure</c> We've thoughtfully planned to ensure We've thoughtfully planned to ensure that<00:51:
• In those cases, the bill requires a written operations plan.
• Identify high-risisk operations plan.
• For them, continuity a transition plan.
• a plan that solves some of the challenges that we're being faced with.

Bills: HF3174 , HF3800

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, every school district must adopt a district language and literacy plan.
• . plan. plan.
• </c> two different plans. two different plans. there's<00:39:25.280><c> a</c><00:39:25.920><c> a</c><
• program, the other plan that I was talking about.
• </c> page individual reading plans page individual reading plans at<00:48:52.319><c> the</c><00:48:52.480

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:04:58.800><c> studied</c> Including a plan for the studied Including a plan for the studied
• Whereas on an off peak charging plan.
• And so to give them an like plan.
• </c><00:59:09.760><c> is</c> understanding of the Virginia plan is understanding of the Virginia plan
• </c> period right now on Excel's EV plans period right now on Excel's EV plans essentially.<01:04:06.640

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• When the plans refer to an audit, it's really an abuse of the term.
• The plans are not held to those standards.
• The plans are not held to those standards.
• The plans are not held to those standards.
• </c><01:16:50.719><c> for</c> can bill an employer's health plan for can bill an employer's health plan

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785 00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785 00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61 00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61 00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788 00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14 01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685 01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they don't have access that's the plan they don't have access that's the plan anyway<00:27:21.480
• </c> is actually work on our retirement plans is actually work on our retirement plans to<00:49:40.920
• </c><00:49:50.960><c> from</c> scaled back the number of plans from scaled back the number of plans from
• </c><00:52:59.839><c> performances</c> pretty much what the plan performances pretty much what the plan
• </c> would happen do you all have uh a plan would happen do you all have uh a plan or<01:21:12.360><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing Representative Hart as House co-chair and Senator Douglas as Senate co-chair by acclamation, then approved the December 10 minutes. It then took up deferred and routine contract items, beginning with a Council on Postsecondary Education item that was withdrawn after staff explained the contract had been canceled and should not have come before the committee because the granting authority, not CPE, was issuing it. The committee next reviewed a Department for Local Government contract tied to an Eastern Kentucky flood recovery housing project in Jackson. Members questioned the high per-unit cost and whether renovation was more expensive than new construction. Staff explained the cost included acquisition of an existing downtown building and needed water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, and said developable land was limited in the area. With no motion to object, the contract was allowed to move forward. The committee then considered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet professional services contracts for highway design work. Members asked about the size of the contracts and how much of the available funding is typically used; staff said the contracts are two-year agreements, that the prior cycle reached close to $2 million per contract, and that this year’s limits were reduced because less money is available in the Highway Plan. The committee also approved a PSC amendment contract for the Bridging Kentucky program after staff explained the $150 hourly loaded rate was within the normal range for consultants. Both Transportation Cabinet items were approved without objection. Finally, the committee heard a Kentucky Communications Network Authority contract for an $85,000 study of the dark fiber market. Members asked what dark fiber is, why the study was needed, whether there was coordination with the Office of Broadband Development, and whether existing service meant there was already a market. KCNA said dark fiber is unused fiber that local providers can light to deliver service, that the study was needed because the contractor said no market existed while ISPs said demand exists, and that the report would help both KCNA oversight and broadband development planning. The contract was reviewed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:11.279><c> The</c><00:26:11.520><c> plan</c> language and literacy plan.
• The plan language and literacy plan.
• </c><00:26:42.159><c> These</c><00:26:42.480><c> plans</c> individualized reading plan.
• These plans individualized reading plan.
• </c><01:11:32.640><c> The</c> should be in the reading plan. The should be in the reading plan.

Bills: HB0023 , HB0024 , HB0025

Committee: House Education

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> responsibility for system planning responsibility for system planning academic<00:03:03.599><c>
• The Audit Committee of the board approves an annual audit plan and any amendments to that plan.
• The Audit Committee of the board approves an annual audit plan and any amendments to that plan.
• The Audit Committee of the board approves an annual audit plan and any amendments to that plan.
• The Audit Committee of the board approves an annual audit plan and any amendments to that plan.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:01.839><c> no</c> file an employees vocational plan no file an employees vocational plan no
• Plug that in with the plan.
• So if it proper formulation of a plan.
• How difficult is it to amend a treatment plan? >> A treatment plan or a VR plan.
• </c> submitting that plan. submitting that plan.

Bills: HB1946 , HB1515 , HB1514 , HB1648 , HB1644 , HB1619 , HB1571 , HB1810 , HB2475 , HB1645 , HB2301 , HB1889 , HB1840

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: time shares, registration, renewal, real estate, Hawaii, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, workers' compensation, functional capacity examination, occupational therapy, physical therapy, employer responsibilities, injured workers, medical stabilization, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, healthcare providers

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions. The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition. HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• move to one of these law enforcement pension plans or the guard firefighter pension plans.
• </c><00:17:26.799><c> are</c> retirement plan to state plans that are retirement plan to state plans
• </c> the plan get to 100% funded sooner. the plan get to 100% funded sooner.
• ><c> plans.
• </c><00:17:58.799><c> And</c> guard firefighter pension plans. And guard firefighter pension plans.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Okay, then you should have a plan. &gt;&gt; Okay, then you should have a plan.
• plans actually save money.
• expensive than the plans and the plans<00:54:00.319><c> actually</c><00:54:00.559><c> save</c><00:54
• You guys are just going to kind of keep reviewing and planning and reviewing and planning.
• <01:04:26.640><c> and</c><01:04:26.960><c> planning</c> reviewing and planning reviewing and planning

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will plan to meet next week.
• He said the bill is meant to entice users with a five-year plan: if they want to use that plan, they
• If someone signs up for the five-year plan, the measurement system would be whatever the OWRB approves
• Members, again, I know originally we had only planned to meet twice.
• So plan to be back here next Wednesday, same time, same place. With that, we are adjourned.

Bills: HB2976 , HB4459 , HB3142 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4230

Committee: House Energy

Keywords: environmental protection, water quality, aluminum, Department of Environmental Quality, EPA standards, groundwater conservation, water rights, permit allocation, metering, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulation, LP-Gas Board, inspections, accident investigations, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management

Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its second scheduled meeting and announced it would need to meet again the following week because of bill reassignments and new agenda items. The committee first considered House Bill 2976, which requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate water quality criteria rules for aluminum. An amendment was adopted to extend the rulemaking deadline to December 31, 2027, to allow time for an OU study on aluminum in water to be completed. The bill then passed 9-0. The committee next heard House Bill 4459, which would create a five-year averaging option for certain water users, mainly irrigators, allowing flexibility in annual use while requiring measurement and reporting over the five-year period. Members questioned whether the bill could encourage excessive use during drought years and whether it would improve reporting accuracy; the author said he was open to discussing a possible reduction from 200% to 150% and emphasized long-term aquifer conservation. HB 4459 was reported out due pass. House Bill 3142, described as a revised version of a bill vetoed last year, also passed unanimously after the author said it addressed the governor’s veto concerns. The committee then advanced House Bill 4316, which updates outdated language related to rural water districts and passed 11-0. House Bill 4338, the so-called Brine Act, was adopted with a PCS and would allow wastewater or produced water to be used in ways that could expand Oklahoma’s iodine production industry; the author said it would create value from material now disposed of and would not change disposal rules. Members asked about treatment and environmental safeguards, and the author said the bill only recognizes the activity as legal and does not mandate it. HB 4338 passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4230, which expands the ability to use qualified outside suppliers for training and technical assistance, passed 11-0 after brief questioning about who those suppliers might be.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you recall, last year the legislature authorized a county that is fully planning under the GMA to
• As you recall, last year the legislature authorized a county that is fully planning under the GMA to
• it easier for, in particular, small counties to be confident that as they're completing their comp plans
• House Bill 2269 would allow rural counties that fully plan under the Growth Management Act to authorize
• House Bill 2269 does strike a thoughtful balance between housing expansion and local plan authority.

Bills: HB2269

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: middle housing, zoning, unincorporated areas, affordable housing, land use, density, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Plan, uh, I'm here, Vice Chair Thompson, uh, Rep Gerdes, Garin, Carlos Harris Hernandez, Longoria
• She sees no one recognize speaker Plan to close. I thank you.
• Speaker Plan, uh, is anyone else here willing to testify on for against, uh, Senate Bill 764?
• Recognize Speaker Plan to close. Thank you, members, I close.
• Members, uh, if there are no further questions, uh, I'm going to recognize Speaker Plan to close.

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures