Transcript Highlights:

• We are creating the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Equipment and Capital Improvement Program.
• Are the federal mandates still in effect that we're precipitating making this program happen?
• So I understood it took a little bit of time to promulgate the rules and prop this program up.
• So effectively, since it's a rebate program, they're basically just going to offset whatever taxes.
• But I think this is a good program.

Bills: HB3044 , HB3465 , HB3625 , HB3704 , HB3759 , HB3920 , HB3972 , HB4191 , HB4311 , HB4426

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee considered several House bills dealing with tax credits, fee changes, school funding, and investment authority. House Bill 4426 extended the sunset on the SIDE tax credit to December 31, 2032, and passed 7-2. House Bill 3704 elected Oklahoma into the federal income tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and passed 9-2. House Bill 4311 raised the unclaimed property division’s administrative fee from 4% to 6% to cover increased duties and costs; it passed 8-3 after debate over whether the increase was justified. House Bill 3044 reauthorized the veterans income tax checkoff and the associated capital improvement fund, and passed 10-0. House Bill 4191 revised the Smaller Employer Quality Jobs Act by lowering job thresholds, expanding qualifying locations and industries, and changing other eligibility rules; it passed 6-4. House Bill 3465 extended the emission tax credit sunset from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029 and passed 6-4, with opponents arguing it subsidized compliance with federal mandates. House Bill 3972, a title-off bill addressing ad valorem reimbursement issues tied to the state purchase of a prison, drew extensive debate over precedent and scope; an amendment to add a sunset failed 5-5, and the bill then passed 8-2 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't even program my smart TV, much less go in and figure all this stuff out.
• I can't even program my smart TV, much less go in and figure all this stuff out.
• Can you be out the house this weekend and help me program my smart TV? I'd be tickled to death.
• </c> and help me program my smart TV? and help me program my smart TV?
• They'll use that they have 10 or 15 different programs.

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:21 HB 480 Discussion: 01:40 HB 480 Voting: 02:36 HB 577 Discussion: 05:14 HB 577 Voting: 08:38 HB 692 Discussion: 09:23 HB 692 Voting: 14:00 HB 869 Discussion: 15:21 HB 869 Voting: 18:56, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to focus on our registered apprenticeship programs.
• The city of Jacksonville alone is home to various top-notch apprenticeship programs.
• Also hurt are apprenticeship programs. Chair Salzman: Thank you. I got a little confused.
• We have been in committee meetings where we have been pushing apprenticeship programs.
• Application of the pilot program is subject to annual legislative appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• district, my kid, first grader, was asked to be part of some third-party social-emotional learning program
• , ...some third-party social-emotional learning program, and I asked, I said, how's this data going to
• So the licensing program now is just in the direct-to-consumer context.
• So the licensing program now is just in the direct-to-consumer context, but just to answer your question
• yourself to exclude certain... ...drop program yourself to exclude certain data brokers, but I assume

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so if the Federal nutrition programs so if the Federal Department<00:08:38.599><c> of</c><00:08:38.800
• and special education programs and Title I for low-income families.
• </c><00:09:29.519><c> in</c> said goes for nutrition program in said goes for nutrition program in special
• <00:09:30.079><c> education</c><00:09:30.920><c> programs</c><00:09:31.920><c> and</c><00:09:32.279><
• education programs and um in TI and<00:09:33.240><c> um</c><00:09:33.360><c> title</c><00:09:33.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the bill programs is important.
• But the two requirements sets of requirements... implement the program following implement the program
• Program students are Maryland.
• does with its other loan programs.
• does with its other loan programs.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now it has that program, and then the act relates to federal rural health transformation program funds
• </c><00:02:09.119><c> income</c> Health to reference that program income Health to reference that program
• </c><00:20:54.640><c> for</c> technology replacement program for technology replacement program for software
• And that footnote uh people program.
• </c> grants program. It is a new $300,000. grants program. It is a new $300,000.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:28.240><c> of</c> the feed lot county feed lot program of the feed lot county feed lot program
• </c> reduction was to the feed lot program. reduction was to the feed lot program.
• One's a positive for the new program and a negative for getting rid of the old program.
• </c> of the old program. of the old program.
• Line 101 is the gas leasing program.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:00.080><c> mental</c> Jail has a their a pilot program mental Jail has a their a pilot program
• </c> jail sentence they completed the program jail sentence they completed the program and<00:36:38.000
• um with information about court program um with information about the<00:46:01.360><c> program</c><00
• Certainly uh they would not program.
• :02:30.800><c> only</c> &gt;&gt; Basically, is this program only &gt;&gt; Basically, is this program

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a program would provide the books.
• At the YMCA, we see every day Program.
• </c><00:29:13.679><c> or</c> if they participate in this program or if they participate in this program
• ,</c><01:33:27.840><c> but</c> have gone through a full program, but have gone through a full program
• And they have to university program.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a statewide program.
• This was a statewide program.
• This was a statewide program.
• This was a statewide program.
• Um programs.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a senior attorney with the Community Partnerships Program at Earthjustice, and our team represents
• And through our Ombuds program, public concerns receive substantive responses and follow-up.
• But California is in a dynamic fiscal situation, and while the ECRG program is doing everything it can
• Sixth, on the Safer Consumer Products program, this program is undertaking valuable scientific and regulatory
• Thank you, Robin Christensen, Deputy Director of the Safer Consumer Products Program at DTSC. actually

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on the Board of Environmental Safety (BES), created by SB 158 in 2021, and on broader DTSC reform efforts, including permitting, community engagement, fee setting, and the hazardous waste management plan. Chair Connolly opened by noting the board’s original goals of improving transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability, and raised concerns about a recent board appointee later becoming a lobbyist with DTSC-regulated clients. Witnesses and members also discussed the long-delayed SB 673 regulations on facility permitting and community vulnerability protections, as well as the board’s role in approving the hazardous waste management plan and reviewing permit appeals. Community and environmental justice witnesses argued that the board has improved access by creating a public forum, ombudsperson, and appeal process, but said it remains too passive and lacks authority over budgets, staffing, and implementation. They urged more statutory direction, stronger community participation, better transparency on how comments are used, and more meaningful authority in permit and plan decisions. One witness suggested the Legislature consider a separate oversight body or stronger legislative engagement, while another called for youth representation and paid fellowships on advisory bodies. Business and regulated-community testimony was more supportive of the board’s structure, emphasizing that SB 158 was a negotiated compromise that improved transparency and accountability while avoiding politicization, and calling for faster fee analysis and clearer budget information. Board Chair Andrew Rakestra and DTSC Director Barbara Butler reported that reform has produced measurable gains: more public engagement, stronger enforcement, fewer continued permits, improved compliance, increased revenues from the generation-and-handling fee, and progress on Exide cleanup, safer consumer products, and community revitalization grants. They acknowledged, however, that the board’s authority is limited, permit appeals can be slow, SB 673 regulations remain unfinished, and public trust still needs work. Both said the board is most effective when involved early and when DTSC shares information proactively. Members asked about fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and whether the Legislature should give the board a more formal role in budget change proposals, regulatory processes, and implementation oversight. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill recognizes medical health and fitness facilities and establishes a pilot program that proves
• As a Vietnamese American doula and a graduate of our workforce development program, she...
• As a Vietnamese American doula and a graduate of our workforce development program, she...
• On outreach, CHWs connect people to detox programs and distribute Narcan that saves lives.
• I know what it's like to be helping and praying they get into an inpatient program in time.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of public health bills, with much of the testimony focused on two major themes: expanding access to care and stabilizing health-related workforces and services. On House 2364, an act relative to medical health and fitness facilities, representatives from Dedham Health and Athletic Club argued for a pilot program recognizing supervised exercise as medicine, saying it could improve outcomes for chronic disease, fall prevention, and mental health while reducing costs. On House/Senate bills concerning community health workers (H. 359/S. 251), multiple witnesses from MACHW, Health Care for All, MHA, Cambridge Health Alliance, Mass General Brigham, Boston Children’s Hospital, Asian Women for Health, and the City of Somerville described CHWs as essential for navigation, trust-building, language access, and addressing social needs, and urged reimbursement by MassHealth, the GIC, and private insurers, along with workforce development measures. One pediatric neurologist also told the committee that losing grant-funded CHW support led to more avoidable ER visits and threatened clinic operations. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hospital closures and essential services. Witnesses including Dr. Alan Sager, MNA President Katie Murphy, nurses from Brockton Hospital and Providence Behavioral Health, and local officials and legislators from Norwood described the loss of hospitals and service lines, especially maternity, pediatric, and behavioral health care, and argued current closure processes are too weak to protect communities. They supported bills such as H. 2460/S. 1503 and H. 2534/S. 1574, which would require earlier notice, community input, stronger state oversight, possible receivership, and limits on reopening or expanding after closures. Testimony emphasized the impact of Steward’s bankruptcy, the closures of Carney and Neshoba Valley, and the need to preserve access to essential services in underserved areas. Several end-of-life and professional regulation bills were also discussed. On H. 2436, Representative Omar Gomez and funeral industry witnesses supported eliminating Office of the Chief Medical Examiner fees for the removal of a child’s body in cases involving children five and under, describing the bill as a small but important relief for grieving families. On H. 2444 and related Senate bills, cemetery and consumer advocates supported legalizing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction as environmentally friendly after-death options, while cemetery representatives opposed H. 2360, which would allow funeral establishments to operate crematories, arguing cemeteries should retain that role. The committee also heard support for H. 2382, which would exempt dentists and oral surgeons from a new office-based surgical center framework, and for H. 2461, which would create hospital efficiency standards; employers and retailers backed that bill as a way to address rising health care costs. Finally, the committee heard testimony on autism services and hospital governance. On S. 1414, behavior analysts and school representatives said Massachusetts already licenses assistant-level ABA providers but MassHealth does not reimburse them, causing long waitlists and limiting school and family access; an actuary testified that a three-tier ABA reimbursement model could reduce MassHealth costs by up to 6% per child served. Senator Lovely also testified in support of S. 1572, which would require at least one registered nurse on each acute care hospital governing board, arguing nurses’ frontline perspective would improve quality and retention. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpt, but many witnesses urged favorable reports on their respective bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sacramento, and its continued investment in the next generation through the return of youth state program
• , and extends our very best through the return of youth state program and extends our very best wishes
• leader, Kimberly has encouraged local chapters across the Far West Region to execute meaningful programs
• of Corrections and Rehabilitation until we confirm Frank Silva for the overseeing rehabilitation programs
• Campuses, and two labor occupational safety and health programs at UCLA and UC Berkeley.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research Education Program, or PREP, were canceled in 2025.
• other members of my lab have mentored many first-generation California college students in these programs
• Catherine Keatsman, I'm the director of the Health Equity Program at the UCLA Center for Health Policy
• and safety net services to all local funds to offer critical programs and safety net services to all
• , we know our residents and their needs best, and we design programs to respond to those needs.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard several health-related bills, with extensive public testimony and multiple roll-call votes. SB 895, by Senator Wiener, would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support science and health research in California amid federal funding cuts. The author and UC researchers argued the measure would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership; many universities, labor groups, and patient advocates testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee members praised the bill, and it passed 6-0 to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SB 944, also by Senator Wiener, would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds. Supporters, including acupuncturists, patients, community organizations, and health access advocates, described acupuncture as effective, low-cost, and culturally important care; there was no opposition. The committee discussed access for API communities and Medi-Cal patients, and the bill passed 6-0 to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 987, by Senator Wiener, would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes cause Medi-Cal enrollment losses, with the goal of redirecting those savings to care for affected patients and providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, psychiatric, medical, and safety-net hospital groups. Committee members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and other vulnerable populations if savings materialize. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 964, by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, would limit prior authorization barriers by allowing certain dose or frequency adjustments for covered medications without repeated authorization, up to two clinically appropriate changes. The bill was supported by a Crohn’s and colitis patient and sponsor testimony describing delays in care, while health plans and insurers opposed it over safety, FDA-labeling, and cost concerns. Committee members raised questions about off-label use and clinical standards, but the author said the bill was intended to reduce delays and avoid emergency care; it passed 11-0 to Appropriations. SB 1099, by Senator Reyes, would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA-related exemptions, to reduce legal uncertainty for local safety-net programs. County counsel and city attorney representatives said the bill would preserve local flexibility to provide services such as health care, shelter, crisis response, and food distribution without unnecessary eligibility barriers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 11-0 to the Committee on Human Services. SB 1033, by Senator Padilla, would require manufacturers of protein products to test for heavy metals and disclose results. Supporters cited Consumer Reports findings of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in protein powders and beverages, while opponents asked for narrower scope and raised concerns about naturally occurring metals and over-warning consumers. The committee discussed narrowing the bill and the need for transparency, and it passed 11-0 to the Committee on Environmental Quality. Finally, SB 1049, by Senator Weber-Pearson, would give providers a fair opportunity to correct certain claim errors after a health plan action, rather than being barred by original filing deadlines. An OBGYN testified that a missing diagnostic code led to large clawbacks and delayed payments despite appropriate care; the bill was presented as a limited fix for honest mistakes. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1049, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't until the 2022-23 school year that they started a full bus transportation program.
• It wasn't until the 2022-23 school year that they started a full bus transportation program.
• And they tried to explain that they did not have a full bus program.
• And the challenge is we want these programs, and we vote for our CTE programs, but it’s very difficult
• I’ll just give one example: the welding program.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Namely, we're here for the beginning farmer tax credit program.
• and other programs that typically provide food, we're seeing go down.
• We pulled it from a federal program.
• So certain, yes, certain programs do have certain requirements to access. I'd like to see those.
• You need to cut other programs and other programs that aren't working to make up this difference.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Too often, tribal engagement exists as a program or an initiative that depends on who is in office.
• These programs include the Washington World Fellows Program, Boundless Washington, and Compassion Scholars
• The Leadership Board does not simply run programs.
• Since then, the demand for our programs has grown substantially.
• And simply put, it's the administrative fix that we need to sustainably continue the programs that you

Bills: SB6084 , SB6137 , SCR8406 , SB5892 , SB5863

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• It is part of their field training programs via an agency.
• Through our education programming, specifically our violence prevention program, we talk with students
• Why reinvent the wheel when it’s already being voluntarily... must also adhere to this program.
• That's already part of the program. It's already part of what's done with children.
• What I'm saying is, explain to me part of what program? Taking care of children.

Committee: House Special Committee on Urban Issues

Summary: The Special Committee on Urban Issues held a public hearing on House Bill 2292, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones, which would require cross-reporting and training between child/elder abuse systems and animal welfare personnel. Jones said the bill is intended to help identify abuse earlier by training investigators to recognize signs of abuse in both people and companion animals, and she announced planned amendments to narrow the definition of animal to dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds and to extend training time from one hour to one and a half hours. She emphasized the bill is focused on companion animals, not livestock, and said it would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. The committee heard questions about the definition of companion animal and the scope of the bill. Supporters included Humane World for Animals, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the Missouri Animal Control Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Wayside Waifs, and the St. Louis County Police Association. They argued that animal abuse is closely linked to child, elder, and domestic abuse, that animal control officers and humane investigators often see warning signs first, and that cross-reporting would improve early intervention and save lives. Several witnesses described cases where animal abuse coincided with child abuse or other violence, and some said current reporting systems are inconsistent or delayed. One witness also said the training could be provided at low cost through existing mechanisms. Opponents, including the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, and Missouri Animal Husbandry Association, raised concerns about the bill’s wording, possible inclusion of commercial breeders or livestock-related issues, and the role of humane investigators. They argued that animal abuse is already reported to law enforcement, that the bill could create confusion about authority or access to private property, and that it could impose costs and training burdens on agencies already stretched thin. Some rural witnesses said they wanted any investigations to remain with law enforcement and the Department of Agriculture, not animal welfare groups. The hearing ended without a vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll also say he has been instrumental in the pre-apprenticeship programs in Federal Way Public Schools
• The Washington State Leadership Board offers equity-focused leadership programs that help Washington
• The programs include Compassion Scholars, World Fellows, and Boundless, and they're designed to help
• We must invest in programs that support student leadership and student growth and inspire service so
• An act relating to the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Program.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5286 , SB6002 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5874 , SB5863 , SB5972 , SB5941 , SB5203 , SB6014 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB5825

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, policing costs, state hospitals, local funding, budget allocation, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate recognition, LPR, surveillance, driver privacy, vehicle tracking, location data, law enforcement technology, data retention, audit trail

Summary: The Senate convened with ceremonial opening activities, approved the previous day’s journal, and referred committee reports and new introductions, including SB 6346, to the appropriate committees. It also confirmed several gubernatorial appointments to college and board positions: Glenn F. Ellis to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees, Suzanne Donaldson to the Clark College Board of Trustees, and Jesse E. Johnson to the Highline College Board of Trustees, each by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered and passed a series of bills, often after suspending the rules to move them directly to final passage. These included SB 6014 on pregnancy-related accommodations; SB 5863 on preservation and inspection of Lakeland Village historical records; SB 5874 on correcting unemployment insurance employer reporting procedures for small businesses; SB 5972 expanding interest arbitration for certain correctional employees; SB 5286 formalizing reimbursement for local public safety services provided to state hospitals; SB 5877 making a technical correction related to certified anesthesiologist assistants; SB 5904 restricting nursing titles to licensed human persons; SB 5915 updating the health technology assessment program; SB 5919 creating voluntary wildfire-prevention incentives for agriculture; SB 5938 adjusting foreclosure prevention fees and exemptions; SB 5957 expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee; SB 6102 aligning the ambulance transport quality assurance fee with federal rules; and SB 6103 advancing a rural hospital conversion intended to help East Adams Hospital remain open. The most debated measures were SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, and SB 6002, which regulates automated license plate reader systems and driver privacy. On SB 5825, two Jeff Wilson amendments seeking to limit administrative use of donated funds and cap contributions were both rejected, but the bill ultimately passed 33-16. On SB 6002, an amendment to broaden authorized uses of ALPRs was rejected, a striking amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 48-9 after extensive floor debate focused on privacy, surveillance, law enforcement utility, and the need for clear rules. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though SB 5972 and SB 5203 drew some dissent over impacts on smaller counties and land-use concerns tied to wildlife connectivity planning.