Transcript Highlights:

• we get to the public hearing, a reminder: to facilitate, we’ll be using a timer, a two-minute timer—green
• Our industry has embraced this challenge to identify an alternative.
• Trucking is a pass-through industry.
• And so we think that that's important to urge the industry, the chemical industry, and the tire industry
• And so we think that that's important to urge the industry, the chemical industry, and the tire industry

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on three bills. SB 6076, sponsored by Sen. Gaynor, would streamline procurement for consumer-owned utilities on clean energy, storage, transmission, and distribution projects through 2045 by raising contract thresholds, allowing more use of vendor lists, electronic bids, and broader competitive-bidding exemptions for certain energy-related projects. The sponsor and utility and labor supporters said the bill would help PUDs respond to rising costs, supply-chain shortages, aging infrastructure, and growing electricity demand, while keeping work with union labor. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing closed with 60 people signed in pro and 3 con. The committee then heard SB 5984, a governor-request bill sponsored by Sen. Wellman that would regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring disclosure that users are interacting with AI, restricting manipulative engagement techniques for minors, requiring safeguards against sexual content and self-harm, and creating enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act with a private right of action. Supporters included the governor’s office, the Attorney General’s office, privacy officials, parents, child-safety advocates, researchers, and some tech-industry voices who urged stronger safeguards; they emphasized harms to minors, suicide risks, and the need for transparency and accountability. Opponents and critics argued the bill could sweep too broadly, create constitutional/free-speech problems, burden general-purpose AI and consumer-facing businesses, and rely on unclear or ineffective definitions. The hearing closed with 697 signed in pro, 219 con, and 477 other. Finally, the committee heard SB 6119 on 6PPD-containing tires. The bill would phase out sale and distribution of tires containing 6PPD or regrettable substitutes beginning in 2035, create a mitigation fee on such tires, and dedicate revenue to Ecology administration, monitoring, salmon and waterbody studies, and waste tire removal. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, scientists, environmental groups, Seattle Public Utilities, and salmon-recovery advocates, said 6PPD-Q is acutely toxic to coho salmon and that a deadline and fee would accelerate safer alternatives and fund mitigation. Ecology and industry witnesses acknowledged the problem but said no proven alternative is yet available and warned the bill could be premature, raise costs, and affect tire safety and affordability; business and trucking groups also opposed the measure, citing duplication of the existing Safer Products process and the need for further stakeholder work. No votes or executive action were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yolanda Green. Yolanda Green? Mr. Yolanda Green." "Works and we also have Ms.
• Yolanda Green, Yolanda Green, Mr. Yolanda Green.
• Is this green? Would you? Yeah.
• Green also present.
• No, no, no, we have not had industry come. Industry coming because of a four-day district? No, no.

Bills: HB624 , HB1022 , HB1203 , SB82 , SB206 , SB305 , SB376 , SB441

Committee: House Education

Keywords: school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> industry stands for. industry stands for.
• Senator<01:18:52.160><c> Green.</c> Senator Green. Senator Green.
• Senator<01:41:05.760><c> Green.</c> Senator Green. Senator Green.
• Senator<01:42:23.920><c> Green.</c> Senator Green. Senator Green.
• Senator<01:43:05.880><c> Green.</c> Senator Green. Senator Green.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we can't make this a green building.
• </c> this body for the benefit of the green this body for the benefit of the green grift<00:41:52.560
• And that's what makes this industry.
• </c> people and save their industries. people and save their industries.
• </c><01:09:56.960><c> that</c> to taking away entire industries that to taking away entire industries

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and and build out our industries and and build out our existing<00:10:32.760><c> industries</c><00:10
• and started growing green beans in there.
• and started growing green beans in there.
• and started growing green beans in there.
• </c><00:33:30.600><c> Eastern</c> around our cattle industry Eastern around our cattle industry Eastern

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28, which would create a framework for the $5 million in agricultural economic development funding included in the 2024 budget. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified that the bill is intended to support agriculture-focused economic development, especially processing and further processing projects, by giving the Department of Agriculture tools to identify opportunities, convene partners, and offer incentives. He emphasized the role of the new economic development division in the department and said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the state Economic Development Cabinet. Shell and several senators described the bill as a rural development tool aimed at helping smaller communities attract projects that fit their scale. He cited examples such as poultry processing, grain and elevator operations, milling, and specialty crop ventures, arguing that local processing can create jobs, strengthen markets for farmers, and keep more value in Kentucky. Senators discussed the need for return-on-investment metrics and clawback provisions for unsuccessful projects, and Shell said the framework includes those concepts. He also said the department is working on opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and other markets that could bring more acres into production. Members also raised questions about small-farm innovation, raw milk, and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Shell said raw milk testing and related consumer protection issues are more closely tied to the University of Kentucky and the department’s consumer/environmental protection functions than to the bill’s economic development focus, but he said the department can help expand small-farm programs such as Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, KOAP, CAP, food-as-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. The discussion also turned to beef processing and feedlot development, with Shell saying Kentucky wants a beef processor but first needs to prove it can feed cattle at scale; he said changing conditions in western states could create an opening for Kentucky if it can build the necessary supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bobby Green.
• Industry itself is diversifying. Co-stability. Industry itself is diversifying.
• Does this bill do anything to industry, or is it any more stringent, Do anything to industry, or is it
• And things change in the industry.
• And things change in the industry.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Green, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The lady from Green. Introduction of special guests, proceed, please.
• Gentleman from Green, thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Gentlemen from Green, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing none, gentleman from Green. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal by a 122-0 vote, and numerous introductions of special guests, including Special Olympics participants, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, social workers, local officials, and community groups visiting for Hill Day and other advocacy events. Members also made announcements about committee meetings before the chamber recessed until 2 p.m. On the floor, House Bill 2974 was perfected and printed with little debate. Supporters said it would codify telehealth access in Missouri’s licensure reciprocity framework, helping seniors and rural residents continue to receive care. House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention center governance measure, also advanced after adoption of an amendment changing governor-appointed board seats to two city, two county, and one at-large member. The bill would merge existing entities managing the convention center and Dome, create a new board structure, and authorize a convention district tax framework and related financing rules; members discussed local control, revenue use, and the length of agreements under the bill. House Bill 2057, a technical fix for Osage Beach entertainment district authority, was adopted and perfected and printed. Supporters said it corrects an error from a prior bill and would allow Osage Beach to create an entertainment district similar to those in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Branson to support tourism and economic development. The chamber also took up House Bill 1839 and related bills on age verification for pornographic websites. Proponents argued the measure is needed to protect minors from online pornography and exploitation, citing the Supreme Court’s upholding of a similar Texas law and Missouri’s existing attorney general enforcement efforts; opponents raised privacy, enforcement, and unintended-consequences concerns, including whether less-scrupulous sites could become more accessible. After a motion for the previous question, the House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed House Bill 1839 by a 104-16 vote with 20 present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been very inviting to chemical industry.
• The clerk also noted green cards in support from Mr. Michael Hatch of GNO, Inc., Mr.
• Green cards in support were noted from Mr.
• I'm Jim Patterson with Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.
• We do have green cards present, not wishing to speak, or will speak if asked to.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 1088, which would authorize state and local sales and use tax rebates for certain items used in aerospace facilities and activities. Chairman Bacala, LED Secretary Susan Bouchois, and governor’s office representative Julie Emerson argued the bill would help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace and defense investment, build on Michoud’s history, and attract high-paying jobs. Members asked about job growth, the scope of aerospace versus defense, and whether downstream activities like jet fuel production could qualify. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved HB 1179, which extends the ad valorem tax exemption for certain manufacturing establishments to aerospace manufacturing establishments, also reporting it favorably without objection. HB 1122, a placeholder bill tied to a future path toward reducing the state income tax rate, was voluntarily deferred by its sponsor after brief explanation. The committee then heard HB 515, which would let political subdivisions sell certain adjudicated properties directly to buyers at appraised value if the property is under $50,000. The sponsor and supporters said the bill was intended to help parishes clear long-vacant blighted properties and return them to commerce and the tax rolls. Members raised concerns about transparency, competition, title issues, and possible conflicts with recent tax-sale reforms. The committee adopted a conceptual amendment requiring the property to have been offered at public auction within the preceding 12 months before an over-the-counter sale could occur, and HB 515 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered HB 440, a constitutional amendment allowing parishes to increase the homestead exemption above the current level. The sponsor said the exemption has not been updated since 1980 and argued that raising it would provide relief from rising property taxes, insurance costs, and cost of living pressures. Amendments were adopted requiring parish approval and a local election before implementation, and delaying effectiveness until 2030. Several members and LABI warned the change could shift tax burdens onto businesses and other taxpayers, create parish-by-parish disparities, and affect bond ratings. The committee voted 5-9 against reporting HB 440, and the sponsor voluntarily deferred the companion bill, HB 543. Finally, the committee took up HB 614, presented with help from eighth-grader Elijah Brown as part of a civics competition. The bill would rebate state sales taxes on lodging and meals for utility company workers performing disaster or emergency-related work. After discussion, the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill to water, gas, and electric utilities regulated by the PSC, limited the rebate period to 10 days after a declared disaster, tied eligible lodging and meal costs to federal per diem rates, and capped annual rebates at $55,000. Members asked about administration, eligible workers, and fiscal impact; the Department of Revenue said it could administer the rebate with existing resources. The discussion was ongoing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> green vote. green vote.
• Vote<00:31:01.920><c> green.</c> Vote green. Vote green.
• Vote<01:27:56.560><c> green.</c> Vote green. Vote green.
• . industry. industry.
• Please vote green. money. Please vote green.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, cost. small, commercial, and industrial.
• Green Building Council.
• Texas will continue to lead the industry and the deployment of safer energy storage and help drive industry
• My two suggestions are: one, we really do want the industry...
• Service, that battery storage and the green energy, yes, sir.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> represent that with this uh dashed green represent that with this uh dashed green line<00:12:24.440
• </c><01:07:01.559><c> but</c> something targeting one industry but something targeting one industry but
• </c> workers in the construction industry workers in the construction industry lost<01:45:50.599><c>
• </c> thinking specifically industrial thinking specifically industrial property property property um<
• </c><02:42:38.680><c> is</c> class specific I think industrial is class specific I think industrial is

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a Ways and Means briefing opened by the vice chair, who introduced Jason Wong of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to discuss the national and regional economy. Wong focused on inflation, asking why it had fallen from about 9% in 2022 to the 2%–3% range, and what that meant for monetary policy and the risk of an economic downturn. He said the Fed’s target is 2%, noted that recent PCE inflation was about 2.4% and core PCE about 2.7%, and described the ongoing debate over whether interest rates should stay tight or be lowered further to protect the labor market. Wong explained that the improvement in inflation has been driven largely by goods prices, especially durable goods such as cars, appliances, and furniture, as well as non-durable goods like food. He said supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic caused major price spikes in 2022, but those pressures have eased and many goods prices are now at or below the Fed’s target. He also referenced the New York Fed’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index, saying it showed extreme pandemic-era disruptions that have since receded. The main remaining inflation problem, he said, is in services, especially housing. Wong broke services into rent of shelter and all other services, explaining that shelter is a large share of household budgets and that housing inflation has a lag because rent measures often reflect older lease terms rather than current market rents. He said monthly Zillow data suggest market rents have cooled and may eventually feed through to official inflation measures. Members asked several questions about the chart’s time scale, the treatment of real estate, property taxes, and utilities, and Wong clarified that housing costs are counted in services and that the slides would be shared digitally. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We refer to it as Green Communities Plus.
• When we think about industrial decarbonizing our economy, we think of other industrial transitions of
• That is why Green Energy Consumers Alliance strongly supports H-35.
• Basically, this supports and advocates for green building initiatives.
• And this citizen is proud that we are a green community leader.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So green is good. So you can see there is a little green there.
• riparian area is, as part of this project, we are going to set back that river in that green area.
• And that green area is going to be pushing behind that blue area to really incorporate, not incorporate
• We provide a voice for the industry. ...flight attendants, dispatchers, and other industry stakeholders
• and facilitate professional development and meaningful industry relationships for our members.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session on two major corridor projects before moving to public hearing and executive session. In the Yakima area, WSDOT, Yakima County, and Ecology described the Interstate 82/east-west connector work as a coordinated effort to add capacity, improve interchanges, and address the Boise Cascade mill site contamination that sits in the project footprint. County and Ecology witnesses said the county is ready to remove wood waste and contaminated material, but the project is stalled pending a draft work plan and a de minimis consent decree; several senators pressed for faster action and clearer direction from Ecology. The committee then heard an update on the SR 3 Belfair freight corridor, where WSDOT said environmental review is complete and the next major step is an access hearing this summer, followed by right-of-way acquisition and construction likely in late 2027 or early 2028. Local and tribal partners emphasized the project’s importance for freight mobility, housing growth, emergency access, and regional economic development. The public hearing was on engrossed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill that largely tracks provisions from prior legislation but also adds or changes several tax and account provisions. Staff explained that the bill clarifies fuel tax and peer-to-peer tax distributions, treats trade-in value differently for recreational vessel and luxury vehicle taxes, provides a six-month motor home exemption and penalty waiver for the luxury vehicle tax, allows lease payments to be made over time, exempts tribal members and nonresidents, creates a Preserve Washington account, changes some transfer timing, and repeals the luxury aircraft tax. Testimony was mixed: aviation groups supported repealing the luxury aircraft tax; trucking and some citizens opposed fuel tax and diesel tax increases; Sound Transit, transit advocates, labor, and ferry interests asked for amendments such as 75-year bonding authority, mobile driver’s licenses, ferry funding, and bike education funding. Alaska Airlines and Delta also supported adding mobile ID language. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills, including SHB 1823, SHB 2114, E2SHB 2251, SHB 2323, SHB 2410, EHB 2588, 2SHB 1923, and HB 2495, all with due pass recommendations after adopting amendments where applicable. The committee adopted a striking amendment to E2SHB 2251 adjusting Climate Commitment Act account distributions and a striking amendment to EHB 2588 limiting the ferry district changes to Whatcom County and removing the voter-approval tax provision. It also adopted an amendment to 2SHB 1923 that added further conditions for passenger-only ferry districts, including whale-protection and fare-related provisions. Senator King voted no on E2SHB 2251, objecting that the bill reduced the transportation share of Climate Commitment Act revenues. The chair announced one more executive action meeting would be held Wednesday morning, with amendment requests due the prior day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Green. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, the gentleman from Greene. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Greene. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Greene. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• It also encourages more evening driving, which, get this, the petroleum industry, the gas and oil industry

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of introductions recognizing student groups, interns, FCCLA and FBLA participants, a Missouri Rural Water Association delegation, medical students, family guests, and legislative assistants. Members also highlighted the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state championship team and several job-shadowing students from across the state. Announcements included committee meetings and a Missouri Department of Conservation Earth Day tree-seedling giveaway in the rotunda. On legislation, the House received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, then took up House substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049. Members discussed the bill as a vehicle for multiple bipartisan provisions, including public safety, AI, trafficking training, and other topics; opponents raised concerns about anti-trans language and the bill’s breadth, while others defended it as a package of widely supported items. The House passed the measure 117-10 with 17 present. The chamber also truly agreed to and finally passed Senate Bill 914, dealing with soil analysis/perk test issues, by 108-34 with one present, and Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLC certificates of good standing, by 142-0 with one present. The most extended debate was on House Bill 1758, a daylight savings time trigger bill. The sponsor argued Missouri should lock in daylight savings time if the federal government authorizes a nationwide change, to avoid neighboring states forcing Missouri into standard time and to support tourism, safety, and economic activity. Supporters cited health, mental health, family, and business benefits, while opponents argued for standard time, raised concerns about children, circadian rhythms, and prior failed experiments, and questioned the federal-state authority issues. After extensive discussion and a point of order, the House ordered House Bill 1758 perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The justification form is green and is at the bottom of the packet.
• The form is green. It's at the bottom of the packet. This is for analysis and reporting.
• The green justification form, again, is found at the bottom of the packet.
• So you're in the green packet. Can you tell me which page you're on in the green packet?
• The green justification form at the bottom of the packet explains that.

Committee: All JBC-PEER REVIEW

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Green? Representative Hilferty? Representative Jacob Landry? Present.
• I did have a couple of green cards. Coltramian Mann, Louisiana Automobile Deals.
• And so, I really, honestly, again, I've been in this industry since 2012.
• Representative Green? No. Representative Hilferty? No. Representative Green?
• Green cards were present in support, but the supporters did not wish to speak.

Bills: HB387 , HB673 , HB947 , HB975 , HB1102 , HB1228 , HB1229 , HCR66 , SB102 , SB165 , SB280 , SB291 , SB326 , SB521

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also addresses several important areas that we've heard with the agricultural industry, including
• </c><00:02:33.200><c> uh</c> with the agricultural industry uh with the agricultural industry uh including
• He also said they have concerns about the cuts to green fertilizer and the dairy with an eye program.
• This is especially important and significant in our region where agriculture is the main industry.
• Um, and I work in that industry where I need locates all the time.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:35:36.960><c> pre-tax</c> for an industry with a reported pre-tax for an industry with a reported
• </c> 2025 the gentleman from Texas Mr Green 2025 the gentleman from Texas Mr Green is<03:23:53.960><c
• Green.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that Representative Al Green be censured and that Representative Al Green
• </c><03:26:40.520><c> of</c> censoring representative Al Green of censoring representative Al Green of

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a due pass from Senator Green, a second from Senator Thompson.
• We made it where it works actually better for the Oklahomans that are involved in that industry.
• Senator Green. Senator Hall. Senator Hamilton. Senator Hicks. Senator Howard. Senator Yack.
• Senator Green. Senator Hall. Senator Hamilton. Senator Hicks. Senator Howard. Senator Yack.
• Senator Green? Senator Hall? Senator Hamilton?

Summary: The committee primarily considered House Bill 440, which would move Medicaid expansion language from the Oklahoma Constitution into state statute and send the change to voters in a special election. Supporters argued this would give the Legislature flexibility to manage the program, especially if federal Medicaid matching rates were reduced, and said it would help protect the state budget and allow future adjustments such as eligibility or work requirements. Opponents said the measure would weaken voter-approved constitutional protections, create uncertainty for more than 300,000 enrollees, rural hospitals, and providers, and could allow future cuts without another vote of the people. Members also discussed the possible fiscal impact of a federal match change from 90-10 to 60-40, with supporters saying the state could face roughly a billion-dollar annual cost and would need flexibility to avoid cuts to other services. Questions also focused on the choice of an August special election rather than the November general election, and on whether tribal governments and other stakeholders had been consulted. After debate, the committee tabled an amendment and passed House Bill 440 on a 14-2 vote. The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 1087, which would change the Avalon reimbursement program so the Legislature could manage funding levels and methodologies rather than being bound to the current structure. It passed 14-2. The committee also considered House Joint Resolution 1067, a trigger measure that would only appear on the November ballot if House Bill 440 failed in August; it would relieve the state of any obligation to fund Medicaid expansion for working adults if the federal match dropped below 90%. After adopting a committee substitute and tabling an amendment, the resolution also passed 14-2. The committee then laid over H.J.R. 1089 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is my light green? Is that light red?
• Overall, the autonomous vehicle industry is committed to bringing Overall, the autonomous vehicle industry
• They've been in this industry for 10 years, 15 years.
• So I'm going to call on Daniel Green. Good afternoon. My name is Daniel Green.
• So I'm going to call on Daniel Green. Good afternoon. My name is Daniel Green.

Summary: The committee held a work session on autonomous vehicles, beginning with an overview from the Washington State Transportation Commission on the state’s five-year AV work group. The commission described its 2018 legislative mandate, the 35-member executive committee and seven subcommittees, and the resulting 29 recommendations and “roadmap to the future.” The presentation emphasized six policy “building blocks” for Washington: agency readiness, public outreach, equity, safety, testing and pilots, and a path to deployment. It also noted current Washington law requires AV testing companies to self-certify with the Department of Licensing, carry $5 million in liability insurance, report collisions and violations, and notify local law enforcement before testing; three companies are currently certified. State regulators from California and Arizona then outlined their AV frameworks. California described its long-running permit system for testing with and without a safety driver and for commercial deployment, its current rulemaking to expand use cases to heavy-duty trucks and passenger shuttles, and new requirements for mileage, operational assessments, and more detailed crash and incident reporting. California also said it is creating a new enforcement tool allowing citations to be issued to manufacturers for moving violations by AVs. Arizona described its executive-order-based approach, later codified by statute, which allows testing and driverless operations through self-certification, law enforcement interaction plans, quarterly meetings with companies, and reporting of crashes or near misses; Arizona also said it tracks crashes monthly and has not recorded fatalities attributed to AVs. Industry representatives from Waymo, Zoox, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that AVs can improve safety, accessibility, and mobility while creating jobs. They described extensive sensor systems, community outreach, first-responder engagement, and current operations in multiple cities. Waymo cited more than 127 million rider-only miles and said its data show large reductions in injury-causing and pedestrian crashes; Zoox said it operates in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Seattle and stressed its purpose-built electric robotaxi and local jobs; AVIA said its members have driven more than 145 million autonomous miles and that 26 states now expressly authorize driverless operations. Members asked about public education, crash and fatality tracking, enforcement, weather, school zones, first-responder interactions, and labor impacts. Labor and public-safety witnesses from the Teamsters, firefighters, and driver unions opposed commercial AV deployment without stronger safeguards. They argued Washington should not be an unregulated testing ground, especially for heavy trucks and hazardous materials, and warned of job losses for drivers, taxi and rideshare workers, and related occupations. Firefighters and driver representatives raised concerns about AVs interfering with emergency scenes, blocking responders, and creating risks in dynamic roadway incidents. Committee members also asked for comparisons to human-driven vehicles, data on citations and crashes, and more information on how AVs interact with pedestrians, first responders, and workers.