Transcript Highlights:

• I'm on the Route 66 Centennial Commission.
• The second thing I'll mention is that we did a kick-start Route 66 tour.
• And I grew up on 11th Street in Tulsa, Route 66.
• So Route 66 is in my heart. I'm excited. It's going to be a great year.
• 66 and how important the Capitol Building is being part of the Route 66 journey.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 66 communities, from the legacy of Will Rogers' story to stories Like Andy Payne, Route 66 reflects
• Happy Route 66 Day to those Those who celebrate.
• And Route 66 is one of the biggest economic drivers that we have.
• So, once again, happy Route 66 Day to everyone that celebrates. And it should be everyone.
• I cannot follow that one up, but it is Route 66 Day on the first floor.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• we call Route 66.
• Legislative proclamation, recognizing Route 66.
• Route 66, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, forging a vital artery that would
• Arizona's historic Route 66.
• So come and eat the cake, and it says, 'Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66.' So let's do that.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The second certificate is a recognition for the centennial of Route 66.
• Whereas United States Highway 66, better known as Route 66, was a product of a grassroots movement for
• And whereas in 1937, a redesign of Route 66, a style of...
• And whereas in 1937, a redesign of Route 66 established the route as it is today, and many restaurants
• 66-related businesses and legacies, and whereas in 1972, Interstate 40 was completed and took Route

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm on the Route 66 Centennial Commission.
• The second thing I'll mention is that we did a kick-start Route 66 tour.
• 66 history is going to be really cool and I grew up on 11th Street inulagrippa Route 66.
• So Route 66 is in my heart. So I'm excited.
• 66 and how important the Capitol building is being part of the Route 66 journey.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a number of urban local routes that serve this area: Routes 5, 7, 14, 22, 30, and 32.
• There are suburban local routes that serve this corridor.
• There's also Route 721, 722, 723, and 724 that serve this corridor.
• There being 67 ayes and 66 nays, the amendment is adopted.
• There being 66 ayes and 67 nays, the bill does not pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• International has been new as a function of the Route 66 centennial. Centennial.
• We're starting our on-ramp to this with the Route 66 Centennial.
• It means nothing to me; it doesn't tell me it's Route 66 or anything, right?
• And that's a Route 66 event.
• We're going to do for Route 66 and how we're going to do that.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last week, we did a Route 66 show. At the pre-screening, we had 166 people come.
• The Route 66 show that our education department created is about to be completely finalized by PBS.
• Yeah, the Nazi prisoners is one, but if you look at this Route 66, it's 100 years of Route 66 through
• Oklahoma is the most with the most Route 66 travelable miles in the country.
• From all across the world to go to travel Route 66, and so by letting people know that and by having

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the routes that you see that have blue are also long-distance routes as well, but they're overlaid
• have blue are also long-distance routes have blue are also long-distance routes as<00:02:21.040>
• trains that operate over three routes. trains that operate over three routes.
• If not it's one state bordered routes.
• line we operate about 30 routes line we operate about 30 routes supported<00:09:34.560> by

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, January 14, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: Amtrak officials Todd Stenis and Jeff Mann briefed the committee on Amtrak service in Mississippi, with a focus on the new Mardi Gras state-supported route on the Gulf Coast. They reviewed Amtrak’s national structure, including the distinction between long-distance and state-supported service under PRIIA section 209, and noted that Mississippi is served by the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, and the new Mardi Gras service. They said the Mardi Gras began service on August 18 and operates four trains a day between New Orleans and Mobile with Mississippi stops, supported by Mississippi, Louisiana, and Mobile. The officials reported strong early performance for Mardi Gras, saying ridership had already exceeded 60,000 by the end of December against a 71,000 first-year projection, with about 435 passengers per day and a 64% average load factor. They also cited 86% on-time performance, a 94% customer satisfaction index, and average fares of $27 in coach and $66 in business class. They said the service is benefiting from strong demand, good coordination with host railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern, and planned capital improvements totaling more than $200 million that they said should reduce trip times by 30 to 40 minutes. Committee members responded positively, with Senator Williams praising the train experience and another senator noting personal use of the Mardi Gras service. The presenters invited members to ride the train and described it as a state investment paying off across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. After the Amtrak presentation, the committee returned to business and took up one bill, 2019, which would delete the sunset on the provision directing the first $80 million of lottery proceeds to the state highway fund. Senator Blackmon asked for clarification, the chairman confirmed the bill would make the road funding provision permanent, and the committee approved the title and reported the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we have a large overall branding campaign, significant investment in Route 66, as well as state parks
• We're investing and promoting the new travel on Route 66 guides, as well as our magazine, Oklahoma Today
• 66 in Oklahoma this summer is a top 10 destination.
• I'm looking forward to showing you our two of our Route 66 spots, our state park spot, and our fishing
• We keep the legend alive. 66 celebrating 100 years of bo.

Bills: SB1307, SB1425, SB1826, SB1365, SB1696

Keywords: SB1425, health care, healthcare workforce, workforce board, Health Care Workforce Resources Board, Health Care Workforce Resources Act, Oklahoma Health Care Workers and Educators Assistance Program, repeal, statutory repeal, health care workers, educators, workforce development, health professions, state board, assistance program, Oklahoma statutes, economic development, incentives, enterprise zones, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is why AB 66 is so critical.
• AB 66 is a common-sense solution.
• We're here today in support of AB 66.
• And it's very focused on secondary egress routes.
• locks along the primary egress route or secondary egress route, or whatever other changes.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of natural resources and climate-related bills. AB 70 would codify a definition of pyrolysis and allow procurement credit for projects using organic waste to generate pipeline biomethane; supporters said it would help divert organic waste from landfills, reduce methane, and support energy reliability. AB 30 would authorize E15 fuel sales in California, with supporters arguing it could lower consumer fuel costs and emissions, while opponents from boating and marine groups raised concerns about engine damage and the need for clear labeling and continued E10 availability. AB 66 would create a CEQA exemption for emergency evacuation routes in high fire-risk areas; supporters emphasized wildfire evacuation safety, while some members worried the bill lacked sufficient guardrails and environmental review. AB 399 would let the Coastal Commission consider blue carbon sequestration in coastal permitting and authorize blue carbon demonstration projects; environmental groups supported it, while business groups objected to new costs and regulatory uncertainty. AB 491 would codify California’s nature-based solutions climate targets for lands and wetlands, with supporters citing climate and adaptation benefits and the Farm Bureau opposing statutory targets. AB 580 would extend Metropolitan Water District authority related to the Colorado River Aqueduct, and AB 43 would make permanent state authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers if federal protections are weakened. The committee also considered AB 436 to streamline siting and permitting of composting facilities and AB 539 to streamline certain Coastal Act procedures and reporting. Most measures received due-pass recommendations and were reported out on roll calls, with several bills also moving on consent; AB 404 was pulled at the author’s request.

Transcript Highlights:

• But after we bypassed that section of Route 111, it serves just that section of Route 111; it serves
• happened at the intersection of Route happened at the intersection of Route 202<00:27:21.720>
• route um Route 99 Nelson case involves route um Route 99 202<00:29:58.080> in<00:29:58.240>
• is because 66 DB reason 66 DB is used uh is because 66 DB is<01:11:36.880> the<01:11:37.040><
• Hopkinton, Route 26, C Brook to Errol, Route 25C, Pont to Warren, Route 16, Bartlett to Gorm.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 561, sponsored by Representative Nancy Murphy, which would limit the state’s ability to discontinue, reclassify, or revert state-owned highway property to municipalities without local approval. Murphy and other supporters argued the bill would protect towns from unfunded mandates and prevent property tax increases caused by taking on costly road maintenance. Representative Wendy Thomas, Rosemarie Rung, Merrimack Town Council Chairman Finley Rothhouse, and Town Manager Paul McAuliffe all testified in support, describing the financial burden of the planned transfer of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack and warning it would set a harmful precedent for other communities. The Department of Transportation’s Steve Leon explained the department’s current authority and processes for discontinuance and reclassification, said active highways are not surplus property, and noted that the Supreme Court’s Town of Nelson decision held such reclassifications were not an unfunded mandate. The committee then closed the public hearing on HB 561. The committee next took up House Bill 578, presented by Representative Mooney on behalf of Representative Bill Boyd, to require sound barriers along the F. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Supporters said widening the turnpike would increase noise in nearby neighborhoods and that a 2019 NHDOT study identified 17 neighborhoods with noise levels above federal standards, though only four were included for mitigation under the current project. They argued the remaining neighborhoods should also receive relief and cited quality-of-life and property-value concerns. Senator Tim McGuire also testified in support, saying residents were experiencing unexpected and severe noise impacts and urging the committee to act outside the usual criteria to approve the barriers. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or action on HB 578.

Bills: SB215, SB1104, SB1351, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB1423, SB1568

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• This designation authorizes the port to issue overweight permits along their approved routes, which includes
• Rather, it just clarifies the route designation.
• They want to export crude oil, but they are not interested in going this route.

Bills: SB 682, SB 1013, SB 1369, SB 1422, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2366, SB 2705, SB 2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.

Transcript Highlights:

• This designation authorizes the port to issue overweight permits along their approved routes, which includes
• Rather, it just clarifies the route designation, cleans up the small oversight, and brings parity among
• Want to export for crude oil, they are not interested in going this route.

Bills: SB682, SB1013, SB1369, SB1422, SB2001, SB2080, SB2366, SB2705, SB2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to critically delay infrastructure on this hurricane evacuation route.
• It doesn't cut off routes, emergency routes, if there's a hurry, or anything like that.
• The route that was chosen was selected by the FRB.
• So, the route that's been laid out is the route that made it into the Record of Decision.
• That's the route that this project is going to take if it gets built.

Bills: HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• Route 66 Centennial is next year.
• We have a number of efforts involved there with Main Street and the Route 66 revitalization grant program
• We have a number of signature events coming to the state: the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the Olympics
• We received a $20 million appropriation in FY25, and we have the Route 66 program.
• 66 centennial...

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million. Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have held off on pursuing that route for the simple fact that Kentucky is our home and we want to
• ><00:09:38.920> on<00:09:39.120> pursuing<00:09:39.600> that<00:09:39.800> route
• we have held off on pursuing that route we have held off on pursuing that route for<00:09:40.240
• extend this pilot program to July 2026, and it also amends the definition of local government. 603 KAR 5:66
• is a the weight Mass limit for 6035 66 is a the weight Mass limit for trucks<00:12:40.199> that

Keywords: Roll Call 00:32 Approval of Minutes 01:38 HB 20 Discussion 02:08 HB 20 Vote 06:00 HB 188 Discussion 07:07 HB 188 Vote 10:10 Administrative Regs 11:09, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting’s minutes, and heard two House bills plus several Transportation Cabinet regulations. House Bill 20, sponsored by Rep. Hodson, would restrict the retention and sale of automated license plate reader data, limit storage to 60 days, and prohibit nonconsensual tracking devices such as micro-trackers and subcutaneous trackers. Hodson said the bill was aimed at protecting citizens’ privacy and noted it had passed the House previously; members asked about enforcement and deletion responsibility, and one member suggested criminal penalties might be worth considering in the future. The committee voted to report HB 20 favorably. House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. Duvall, addressed driveaway plate businesses that transport vehicles for others. Duvall said Kentucky law had created confusion about how many vehicles could be on the road and had driven up insurance costs, hurting a Warren County business; the bill would let such companies purchase the exact number of plates needed, which he said would reduce exposure and premiums. He emphasized the bill would not affect dealer tags or trailer transport and said he was working on a floor amendment to make that clear. The committee reported HB 188 favorably as well. The committee then reviewed five administrative regulations, including Transportation Cabinet rules allowing technology to be used in title examinations, extending an off-road vehicle pilot program to July 2026 and updating the definition of local government, aligning truck weight-mass rules with statute, adopting the MUTCD traffic control manual, and an emergency Kentucky State Police regulation adjusting a TSA-related hazardous materials endorsement fee because the federal change came too quickly for the normal regulatory process. Members asked whether the title rule covered rebuild titles, and staff said it applied to all titles. The committee noted the regulations had been reviewed and then adjourned, with the next meeting tentatively set for the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what your budget is for, provided by the state budget and the federal 66% match.
• <00:07:57.520> So budget and the federal 66% match. So budget and the federal 66% match.
• There's several different hosts within the state to route the 911 calls to the appropriate location.
• <00:22:35.840> the<00:22:36.080> 911 hosts within the state to route the 911 hosts
• within the state to route the 911 calls<00:22:36.960> to<00:22:37.120> the<00:22:37.280

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:10 Office of the Attorney General 00:00:58 Office of Homeland Security 00:17:39, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government heard presentations on several Attorney General and Homeland Security budget items. Amy Burke of the Department of Child Support Services said the program inherited a structural shortfall of more than $13 million after the transition from CHFS, including about $14 million in federal child support incentive funds that had been used to cover core operating costs and county attorney contracts. She explained that federal law requires incentive funds to supplement, not supplant, baseline services, and said the Attorney General’s budget request seeks general fund support to replace that gap and help balance the program going forward. Members asked for clarification on the misuse of the funds, the size of the shortfall, and whether the requested money would be unrestricted; staff said the intent is to use it as a contract offset for core services. Commissioner Rich Ferretti then presented the Department of Criminal Investigations’ request for additional staffing and a Western Kentucky Digital Forensics Lab. He said DCI wants one additional special victims unit investigator and one digital forensic examiner to handle increasingly digital cases involving child exploitation, sexual assault, human trafficking, and technology-facilitated abuse. He also described plans for a lab in Mayfield, co-located with the new Mayfield Police Department facility, to reduce travel time, speed forensic processing, and improve access for rural communities. Committee members responded positively and asked no substantive questions. Finally, the Office of Homeland Security outlined Kentucky’s Next Generation 911 project. Officials said the current 911 system was built for landlines, while most calls now come from mobile devices, and the upgrade will add precise location routing plus text, photo, and video capability. Shelley Clark described the funding model, including wireless subscriber fees and a dedicated tech fund, and reviewed progress on mapping, vendor selection, and migration to the new platform, with completion expected by July 2027. Members asked about local maintenance costs and the impact on rural areas; officials said maintenance is local but supported in part by collected funds, and implementation will not be delayed for rural localities. The meeting concluded with no votes or formal actions taken.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce