Transcript Highlights:

• to remind, in celebration of Earth Day, which is today, it is Legislator Night at the Oklahoma City Zoo
• They're shutting down the zoo just for us.
• One other thing, I brought the two boys to go to the zoo tonight.

Bills: HR1052, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• A statue of Gandhi sits along a pathway near the zoo in Waikiki, a quiet symbol of the peace we often
• A statue of Gandhi sits along a pathway near the zoo in Waikiki, a quiet symbol of the peace we often
• A statue of Gandhi sits along a pathway near the zoo in Waikiki, a quiet symbol of the peace we often

Bills: HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie from Zoo Miami is a proponent. You are recognized. Dr. Stephanie: Good morning.
• I'm Doctor Stephanie and I am the Avian Conservation Manager at Zoo Miami and a conservation scientist
• LaMarca: You heard from Zoo Miami.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taylor Valve, Bob Moore, Jasko, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and Oklahoma City Zoo
• One of our clients, David, decided that he wanted to work at the zoo.
• They went to the zoo and learned how giraffes are trained.
• When we were talking to him about the cohort, he said, 'I want to work at the zoo because everyone knows
• learn what else is available for possible employment, just as David did during his cohort with the zoo

Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next section is a correction in mini bond for the Brandywine Zoo.
• We updated some language about funding that was going to the Delaware And for the Brandywine Zoo, we
• transfer, new section Summit North Marina, new section Lums Pond State Park, and new section Brandywine Zoo
• New section Brandywine Zoo. That'll do it for now. Thank you. I have a motion. Do I have a second?

Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that leaves the other 53%, and some of them are direct appropriations to our Minnesota Zoo, our science
• appropriation<00:25:20.159> to<00:25:21.039> our<00:25:21.279> Minnesota<00:25:21.760> zoo
• <00:25:22.400> you appropriation to our Minnesota zoo you appropriation to our Minnesota zoo

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to spending a week here at the Zoo to spending a week here at the Minnesota<00:30:08.640> State
• I don't know how often we get Zoo School students here, but I want to tell everybody that the School
• of Environmental Studies, SES or Zoo School as we call it in 196, is such a unique school.
• It is for juniors and seniors, and it is a partnership with the Minnesota Zoo, and frankly the coolest
• kids go to Zoo School.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Minnesota Zoo.
• Next is Minnesota Zoo.
• Minnesota Zoo, 38,000 above forecast.
• Minnesota Zoo, 38,000 above forecast.
• Zoo, 38,000 above forecast.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tomorrow is Zoo Day, everyone. Yay. Very. Every day is Zoo Day.
• So, tomorrow is Denver Zoo Day, which is in my district.
• And yay, Denver Zoo. Zoo Day, everyone. Yay. Very. Every day Zoo Day, everyone. Yay. Very.
• is Zoo Day.
• So, tomorrow is Denver Zoo is Zoo Day.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. Members then made a series of announcements recognizing visiting groups, including emergency managers, community health centers, the Colorado Chamber Alliance, medical equipment providers, the League of Women Voters, and upcoming committee meetings and Denver Zoo Day. The chamber also moved several bills to special orders later in the day. The House then took up third reading of several bills. House Bill 1026, expanding plan options for the Public Employees Retirement Association, passed 49-13. House Bill 102, concerning access to behavioral health providers and licensure for clinical social workers, passed 51-13. House Bill 1205, updating state law to reflect federal good neighbor authority agreements, passed 63-1. House Bill 1145, on water quality and mobile home parks, passed 42-12. House Bill 107, improving use of distributed energy resources, passed 48-16. House Bill 1127, requiring a report after fatal motor vehicle crashes, passed 42-22. House Bill 1277, continuing the kidney disease prevention and education task force, passed unanimously 64-0. The chamber then considered House Bill 1081, which would require utilities to evaluate advanced transmission technologies to improve Colorado’s electric transmission system. Members debated amendments, including L007 and L004, both of which were adopted, while L006 was rejected. Supporters said the bill would help reduce costs, improve reliability, and better use existing infrastructure; opponents of L006 argued it would add unnecessary mandates and costs. After amendment, House Bill 1081 passed. The House also took up House Bill 1228, creating an additional pathway to licensure for marriage and family therapists, which passed unanimously. House Bill 1120, implementing mobile home taxation task force recommendations to protect mobile homeowners’ equity and align tax sale procedures with constitutional requirements, was then considered; the finance committee report was adopted, and debate continued on a proposed amendment as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're familiar with the quasi-state agencies would be places like the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Zoo
• you're familiar with the quasi-state agencies would be places like the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Zoo
• 38.799> of<00:20:39.039> Minnesota science museum of Minnesota science museum of Minnesota zoo
• 42.400> m<00:20:42.799> Minnesota<00:20:43.280> and<00:20:43.520> others zoo
• University of m Minnesota and others zoo University of m Minnesota and others all<00:20:44.799> those

Bills: HF3426, HF3428

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• THE PLATE IS $25, PROCEEDS OF THE SAVE COASTAL WILDLIFE SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE ZOO
• Rodriguez: THE AMENDMENT AUTHORIZES THE ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION INCORPORATED TO USE 10% OF THE FUNDS FROM

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it's made up of 46 regional parks, 12 park reserves, eight special recreation features like the KO zoo
• it's made up of 46 regional parks, 12 park reserves, eight special recreation features like the KO zoo
• it's made up of 46 regional parks, 12 park reserves, eight special recreation features like the KO zoo
• it's made up of 46 regional parks, 12 park reserves, eight special recreation features like the KO zoo
• it's made up of 46 regional parks, 12 park reserves, eight special recreation features like the KO zoo

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The zoo—that’s a picture of the zoo.
• The Honolulu Zoo was surveyed on February 20th; no detections.
• that's a picture of spaces um the zoo that's a picture of the<00:28:44.559> zoo<00:28:44.919>
• every Green Dot is where we put the zoo every Green Dot is where we put a<00:28:46.880> stick
• <00:28:54.200> was be a detection the Honolulu Zoo was be a detection the Honolulu Zoo was

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• is interesting because a lot of our metro venues have, like, for instance, I used to represent the zoo
• , and they had numerous serving points around the zoo if many of you have been to that event.
• ><00:37:13.320> and<00:37:13.640> they<00:37:13.840> had used to represent the zoo
• and they had used to represent the zoo and they had numerous numerous numerous uh uh uh uh<00:37:16.000
• if many of you've been to that zoo if many of you've been to that event.<00:37:19.720> And<00

Bills: HF4145, HF4009, HF4304, SF2511, HF4090, HF357, HF901

Keywords: alcohol consumption, nursing homes, assisted living, resident activities, Minnesota Statutes, seasonal liquor licenses, resorts, intoxicating liquor, county board, Brainerd, Northern Pacific Center, event center, liquor license, on-sale license, alcohol sales, special law, local option, Minnesota liquor law, chapter 340A, Sunday sales

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director for the San Antonio Zoo.
• On behalf of my family and the San Antonio Zoo, I'm here to testify in support of Senate Bill 2928.
• As a senior leader at the San Antonio Zoo, I'm proud to share that alongside our conservation efforts
• In 2024 alone, the San Antonio Zoo hosted over 110,000 school group kids, 1,500 campers, and we also
• So as a representative of the San Antonio Zoo and... Team Vargas, I support SB 2928.

Bills: SB1798, SB1835, SB1319, SB2942, SB2928, SB784, SB1049

Keywords: higher education, tuition rates, financial support, immigration status, Texas law, SB 1835, resident tuition, nonresident students, scholarship students, public higher education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Education Code Section 54.213, tuition waiver, in-state tuition, out-of-state students, higher education finance, enrollment cap, capacity limit, workforce development area, nonimmigrant visa

Transcript Highlights:

• bill, like Minnesota Public Radio, Ampers, Minnesota Public Television, Wilderness Canoe Mobile, KOMO Zoo
• , Science Museum, and Lake Superior Zoo. $125,000 each year um in the A31 $125,000 each year um in the
• The amount going to the Minnesota Zoo is unchanged in the A31 amendment. It's 3.64 million.
• <00:19:38.400> in<00:19:38.640> the<00:19:38.720> A31 Minnesota Zoo is unchanged
• in the A31 Minnesota Zoo is unchanged in the A31 amendment.<00:19:40.000> It's<00:19:40.559><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• beautiful, 74 degrees, and it's going to be perfect to take your family and staff to the Oklahoma City Zoo
• Let's go to the zoo.
• Well, along with Representative Heffner, after you go to the zoo with her tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.,

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:

• Proceeds from the sale of the safe coastal wildlife specialty license plate will be distributed to the Zoo
• The amendment authorizes the Zoo Miami Foundation, Inc. to use up to 10% of the funds from the sale of

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of transportation-related bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 532 would exempt 100% disabled veterans from paying Florida tolls. SB 1738 would allow certain counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in by maintaining current levels of service, though there were concerns about congestion and future growth. SB 1696 aimed to reduce transportation network company driver impersonation, allow transit authorities to contract with ride-share platforms, and permit those platforms to participate in state-funded paratransit trips. SB 1378, as amended, would allow courts to order restitution in standard leaving-the-scene crashes; the amendment made restitution discretionary and required that the driver caused or contributed to the crash. SB 1210 would increase penalties for red-light and stop-sign crashes and require bodily injury insurance for drivers who cause such crashes. SB 1820, via strike-all amendment, addressed dealer-manufacturer relations by requiring written explanations of performance measures, prohibiting retaliation against dealers asserting statutory rights, and limiting franchise termination or nonrenewal to substantial breaches. SB 1246 created a specialty license plate for safe coastal wildlife, with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation for conservation work and an amendment allowing up to 10% for administrative and marketing costs. The committee also considered SB 574, which would allow Florida residents with Purple Heart license plates to pass tolls free of charge; the bill was amended to change the plate reference to a specialty plate and was reported favorably. SB 1662, the FDOT department bill, was substantially revised by strike-all amendment covering a wide range of transportation issues, including USF’s role in the Florida Transportation Research Institute Consortium, Florida Transportation Commission provisions, seaport and airport-related changes, strategic space infrastructure, sewer lines in rights of way, small county road assistance, aggregate supply chain programs, and Jacksonville Transportation Authority board appointments. Testimony on SB 1662 included support from USF and the Florida Public Transportation Association, which raised concerns about added oversight and bureaucracy for transit systems. Most bills received support from affected stakeholders, and several were amended before final favorable votes. Roll calls were taken on each measure, and all of the listed bills were reported favorably by the committee. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on several bills, and the committee adjourned after a brief personal privilege remark from Chair Collins.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, and thank you to the zoo.
• WE RECENTLY SECURED $1.75 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE BREVARD ZOO SEA TURTLE HEALING CENTER AT
• UPON THE AMAZING LEGACY OF THE BOWEN FAMILY AND SO MANY OTHER FAMILIES THAT HAVE BEEN GENEROUS TO THE ZOO
• SPEAKER, AND THANK YOU TO THE ZOO.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we look at the zoo, the PFA, MSFA, and some things like that.
• Uh we look at<00:05:12.560> the<00:05:12.720> zoo,<00:05:13.120> the<00:05:13.280
• 14.400> MSFA<00:05:15.199> and<00:05:15.360> some<00:05:15.520> some at the zoo
• , the PFA, MSFA and some some at the zoo, the PFA, MSFA and some some things<00:05:16.000> like

Keywords: 1183, house