Transcript Highlights:

• Mister Speaker, I hereby declare a quorum present in the House of Representatives duly assembled.
• the House of Representatives, I declare the motion to have been adopted.
• Recent federal shutdowns and a $38 trillion federal debt show us that the federal government isn't a
• Out-of-state liberal activists preyed on the compassionate nature of Oklahomans.
• We need to stop any effort to federalize half of our state.

Bills: HB3725 , HB3260 , HB3660 , HB3369 , HB3370 , HB2937 , HB3419 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3267 , HB3268 , HB3310 , HB4311 , HB3841 , HB3024 , HB3075

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• is that there's this big beautiful bill contemplated in Congress that potentially changes how our federal
• Because if those cuts are made, let's say at the federal level, hypothetical, that's an unknown, and
• And that could be across the whole spectrum of a natural disaster, as you mentioned earlier, or a shortfall
• Chair Hooper: It's my understanding that, obviously, the governor can declare an emergency.
• We're looking at federal budget cuts.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard three measures focused on state finances. SB 1906 by Senator Brodeur would add a ninth element to the state debt reduction strategy report and create a program to transfer $250 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to accelerate retirement of outstanding state debt, while exempting the Department of Transportation and Florida Turnpike Enterprise. Members questioned the fiscal tradeoffs and flexibility, but the bill was supported in debate and reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 1908 by Chair Hooper, which would amend the Constitution to raise the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require $750 million annual deposits until the cap is reached, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by separate bill with a two-thirds vote, while keeping existing rules for emergencies and revenue shortfalls. Testimony and debate centered on whether Florida already has sufficient reserves, how “critical state need” would be defined, and whether the new requirement would reduce flexibility during recessions or federal funding cuts. Despite opposition from advocacy groups and several senators, the resolution was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 7031 as the vehicle for the tax package and adopted a delete-everything amendment to place it in the proper posture for conference. As amended, the bill was described as reducing the state sales tax by 0.75%, lowering the commercial rent tax from 2% to 1.25%, eliminating the business rent tax, and creating permanent sales tax exemptions while preserving sales tax holidays. The amended bill was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• disaster... ...may be transferred to a comparable property located within the same county that's acquired
• or newly constructed within five years after the disaster as replacement property.
• Obviously, a very difficult time dealing with that disaster and the rebuilding process affecting the
• SB 1053 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors of any county affected by a disaster declared by the
• I'm a big proponent of local control, particularly in times of disasters.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard SB 1053 by Senator Nilo, which would let county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, extend by up to three years the five-year deadline for transferring a property tax base-year value to replacement property. The author said the bill is needed because recent wildfires and other disasters make the current five-year rebuilding window too short, and several members supported the measure as a common-sense local-control response to disaster recovery. There was no opposition, and the committee voted 5-0 to send SB 1053 to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Seyarto, as amended in committee, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the current law creates a catch-22 for disabled veterans whose benefits can push them over the income limit despite fixed incomes and high medical costs. Members from both parties praised the bill as fair and supportive of veterans, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 888 as amended to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. Afterward, the committee adopted a consent calendar containing SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. The roll was called on the consent items and the calendar was adopted. The meeting concluded with SB 1053 being called again for final action, where it was reported out on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have not been spared very much in this state when it comes to natural disasters.
• We have not been spared very much in this state when it comes to natural disasters, but I will tell you
• It’s not quick recovery for natural disasters.
• And when you look back over some of our terms here, you’ve seen Cato and Claiborne as declared disaster
• It went to Natural Resources. Well, what was the result of going to Natural Resources?

Bills: HB410 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HR307 , HR273 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR32 , HB776 , HB42 , HB119 , HB159 , HB302 , HB1017 , HB1028 , SB217 , SB283 , HB953 , SB208 , HR74 , HB998 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , SB237 , HB36 , HB74 , HB75 , HB258 , HB259 , HB414 , HB459 , HB784 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1095 , HB1220 , HB1252 , SB469 , SB479

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• knowledge and skills examination for driving a commercial motor vehicle that complies with minimum federal
• standards established by federal regulation, in addition to other requirements imposed by state or federal
• Disaster relief from flooding.
• Disaster relief of flooding.
• U.S. agencies are increasingly testing smartphone toll payment apps and occupancy declaration apps.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on House Bill 2410, which would establish a commercial truck safety and education council, increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, and direct the new revenue to a dedicated account for truck safety and training programs. Committee staff outlined the bill’s CDL and training requirements, council structure, confidentiality provisions, and fiscal impacts. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to improve truck safety through industry-led education and noted that a substitute was expected because details still needed work. Testimony from the Washington Trucking Associations, insurers, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission was generally supportive of the safety goals, though the commission said operational details and agency roles still needed clarification. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2347, which would repeal the recently enacted luxury aircraft tax on non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000. Staff explained that the tax is scheduled to take effect April 1 and that repeal would reduce revenue to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. Representative Dent, the sponsor, argued the tax is harming business aviation, emergency services, wildfire response, agricultural operations, and rural access, and said aircraft and related jobs were already leaving the state. Most public testimony came from aviation businesses, airport operators, industry associations, and related employers, all urging repeal and warning of aircraft departures, lost hangar tenants, reduced fuel sales, and job losses. One witness from the Port of Seattle supported addressing the tax’s impact but urged working toward a narrower fix rather than full repeal so sustainable aviation fuel funding would remain stable. After closing the hearing on HB 2347, the committee received a work session on tolling technology. Transportation Commission staff presented the results of a pilot using a smartphone app to support toll collection, explaining that the current tolling system remains accurate but that new technologies could reduce costs and improve flexibility over time. The pilot found high accuracy when the app was paired to a vehicle by Bluetooth, lower accuracy without pairing, strong customer satisfaction, and some privacy concerns. The commission recommended keeping the current system in place for now, conducting a more fully operational smartphone-based pilot in the near term, and eventually developing a broader technology marketplace for future tolling systems. Members asked about the role of tags versus apps, video tolling accuracy, and the timeline for replacing existing tolling methods. The meeting ended with adjournment for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:36.640><c> disaster,</c><00:18:37.280><c> the</c> a tornado, a natural disaster, the a tornado
• , a natural disaster, the floods<00:18:37.760><c> that</c><00:18:37.880><c> we</c><00:18:38.040><c> have
• Thank you. peacetime emergency and those federal peacetime emergency and those federal waivers.<00:30
• </c> based on a number of things, natural based on a number of things, natural disaster,<00:42:40.520
• </c> the federal government. the federal government.

Bills: HF2136 , HF4195 , HF4548 , HF4432 , HF4174 , HF3024 , HF4389 , HF3773

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We're proud to recognize the Honorable Aan Pollack, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia
• Ahalita Pollak, Second Lady of the Federated States of Micronesia, and His Excellent Excellency Percy
• Matagorda County is known for its abundant wildlife, diverse geography, and rich natural resources.
• Number 4, refer to the Committee on Natural.
• state of disaster, referred to the Committee on State Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• By State Affairs Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee, Representative
• By Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee, Representative Mooney and others, CS for House Bill 755
• By State Affairs Committee, Natural Resources and the Disaster Subcommittee, Representative Connerly
• disasters.
• He's a naturalized citizen.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers. The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal disaster assistance programs are available, and I want to ensure that support is received for
• </c><00:36:31.440><c> In</c> has declared is a good thing. In has declared is a good thing.
• So why not our federal government?
• So why not our federal government?
• HR556 imposes a federal gun lobby.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are technical in nature. All right, I'll offer up the technical amendments.
• late fees, repossessions, and collections for 60 days after a FEMA major disaster declaration.
• And I'll say for federal institutions, for credit unions, it is capped at 24%.
• It's just because of the nature of the clay that's there.
• It's actually cleaner than burning natural gas. Oh, okay. And you mentioned green pellets.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do declare the nominee to go forward to the floor. Thanks, Senator Guthrie. Thank you.
• The nominee having received eight ayes and zero nays, I do declare the nominee to go to the full floor
• So what we do now with emergency management, the plan is if the disaster hits down there, we would go
• I do Declare Mr. McCoy to go to the full vote of the Senate floor. Thank you, Senator Reinhart.
• Good-natured debate and questioning.

Bills: HB3045

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: accident response, motor vehicle, law enforcement, fire department, fee prohibition

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, the Governor issued a disaster declaration allowing governments to adopt expedited building
• For families recovering from disaster, certainty matters, and... ...taxpayer protections.
• and appliances purchased to furnish a home for up to three years post-disaster.
• disaster can leave residents and families with impossible decisions.
• disasters here in California.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• California's first governor stood before the first legislature in the state of California and declared
• That infamous declaration paved the way for destruction and persecution of tribal communities across
• Between 1851 and 1852, federal commissioners negotiated 183 treaties with leaders in California Indian
• These amendments were technical and clarifying in nature.
• disaster aid.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with federal disasters and the state shares, we are not certain.
• We know that we need increased authority right now because we had five declared disasters at the end
• We know that when the federal government sends us disaster funds, we have 30 days to get that to the
• Because we don't know the timing of these disasters, payments. Only on the federal portion.
• Because we don't know the timing of these disasters, payments from the federal government.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a federal commitment; we use those federal dollars for it.
• So that's a federal commitment. We use those federal dollars for it.
• water naturally go?
• Also, if there should be some type of disaster, we'd qualify for federal money to repair.
• Also, if there should be some type of disaster, we'd qualify for federal money to repair.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The lieutenant will be responsible for coordinating daily operations with our local, state, and federal
• In addition, during major incidents, emergencies, and natural disasters, the lieutenant will provide
• During major incidents, emergencies, and natural disasters, the lieutenant will provide critical field
• The amendments are administrative and procedural in nature and are intended to improve clarity, consistency
• and write-in candidates, requiring write-in candidates to receive at least 25 votes before being declared

Bills: H5426 , H5434 , S3084 , S3087 , S3088 , S3092

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on several local bills and home rule petitions. The first major item was Senate Bill 3092, authorizing the city of Newton to issue pension obligation bonds or notes. Senator Cindy Cream and Mayor Mark Laredo’s chief of staff, Dana Hansen, testified in support, saying the measure would help Newton manage its unfunded pension liability, preserve its AAA bond rating, and create about $10 million in budget flexibility over five years. Senator John Keenan supported the bill but cautioned that pension obligation bonds depend heavily on market timing and assumptions about future funding and hiring. The committee then heard testimony on a Boylston bill, Senate Bill 3088, allowing the town to contract for a newly created police lieutenant position. Boylston officials said the town’s growth and public safety needs justify a second-in-command role with supervisory, internal affairs, and emergency command duties, and that a contract is needed because of the position’s management-level responsibilities. Representative Wells asked why a lieutenant position required a home rule petition, and the chief explained that town counsel advised the arrangement functioned more like an employment contract than a standard personnel-plan position. Next, the committee took up House Bill 5426 for North Attleboro, a charter amendment package. Town Manager Mike Borg said the bill makes limited local changes: correcting charter language, expanding the Board of Health from three to five members, and requiring write-in candidates to meet a minimum vote threshold comparable to ballot candidates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3087 for Walpole, which would create a water and sewer advisory board and change the governance structure for the town’s water and sewer system. Town officials supported the bill as a way to improve planning and accountability, but several elected water and sewer commissioners and a town meeting member opposed it, arguing it would abolish an elected board, reduce voter representation, and concentrate power in appointed officials. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a vote in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 291, an act relating to recyclers and declaring an emergency.
• </c> those schools that would receive federal those schools that would receive federal tax<00:22:26.000
• And it could be because of war, it could be because of natural disaster, all sorts of things.
• </c> war, it could be because of natural war, it could be because of natural disaster,<00:44:10.880><
• So for disaster, all sorts of things.

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• IMMIGRATION IS A FEDERAL ISSUE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THE LEAD . PRES.
• THE BILL REQUIRES A JUDGE TO FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.
• Gruters: THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLARED AN EMERGENCY, YES. >> Sen.
• Pizzo: HOW LONG AGO DID HE DECLARE THAT EMERGENCY? HOW LONG AGO DID HE DECLARE THAT EMERGENCY?
• MUST DEAL WITH 30 DAYS OF BECOMING A NATURALIZED CITIZEN.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> through reliable, flexible federal through reliable, flexible federal loans,<00:12:47.120><c> pushing
• </c> returning to his position as the Federal returning to his position as the Federal Housing<01:06:
• </c> returning to his position as the Federal returning to his position as the Federal Housing<02:21:
• </c><05:14:12.400><c> regulations,</c> programs, issue disaster regulations, programs, issue disaster
• </c> federal overregulation. federal overregulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, the governor issued a disaster declaration allowing governments to adopt expedited building
• For families recovering from disaster, certainty matters, and... ...for families recovering from disaster
• and appliances purchased to furnish a home for up to three years post-disaster.
• disaster can leave residents and families with impossible decisions.
• disasters here in California.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. The author and a UC San Diego thoracic surgery resident testified that lung cancer screening is underused because many Californians do not know it exists, while retailers and convenience store groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, store space, and notice before penalties. Members discussed penalties and screening access, and the author said he was willing to reduce the penalty in later amendments. The bill passed 4-0 and was sent to the Committee on Health. The committee also considered several disaster-related tax measures. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without losing their Proposition 13 base-year value, and it received support from the Los Angeles County Assessor, the California Association of Realtors, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dahle, would create a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased after a disaster for a primary residence; the chair raised concerns about administration and benefits flowing to higher-income households, and CTA opposed. Both bills were approved and sent to Appropriations, with SB 1352 passing 5-0 and SB 1343 passing 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to examples from Shafter and Dinuba where local revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. The city of Shafter, League of California Cities, and California Retailers Association supported the bill, while some members worried it could infringe on local control; the author and sponsor argued it would protect local tax dollars without eliminating local discretion. The bill passed 4-0 and went to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters included transit agencies and county officials, while Howard Jarvis and the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposed. The committee emphasized that the measure only lets voters decide, and the bill passed 4-1. The committee also took up SB 1404 by Senator Stern, which would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author saying he wanted to reduce administrative costs and work on hardship protections. NRDC and PG&E supported the concept, while rural county representatives, Howard Jarvis, and Butte County opposed, arguing the fee would unfairly burden rural and fixed-income residents and function like a tax. Members split over affordability and local impacts, but the bill passed 4-1. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help retention and access to care in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. The consent calendar and other listed bills were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.