Video & Transcript Research : 'Oklahoma Today Magazine'
Page 53 of 500
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Apr 30th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Oklahoma Education Commission
Transcript Highlights:
- Williams, good to be with all of you today.
- We are on their radar, and he had a meeting at 11:30 today.'
- Oklahoma business community appointed by the governor.
- And I know that Brett was sharing my story with me earlier today.
- And I want to welcome our new member today, John, so welcome today.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- passed a couple weeks ago on the House floor, and What this bill does is a bill request from the Oklahoma
- These companies are the backbone of Oklahoma.
- Follow up, in Oklahoma, these lawsuits are happening right now in Oklahoma.
- We're not going to waste Oklahoma judicial economy or our taxpayer dollars with such things here.
- Um, I've been late to everything today.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Apr 30th, 2026
Oklahoma Education Commission
Transcript Highlights:
- Good to be with all of you today.
- Good to be with all of you today.
- And I know that Brett was sharing the story with me earlier today where this guy, he's from Oklahoma
- Yes, so I'm taking over the presentation today. Yes, I'm taking over the presentation today.
- But he had to leave a little early today. That back up, but he had to leave a little early today.
Summary:
The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations.
The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-OMES REVISED Jan 21st, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Mike Sanders, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office.
- to unserved and underserved locations across the state of Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma will be at least 95%.
- Obviously, my My district is very rural in southern Oklahoma.
- It looks like we've got him in Oklahoma County.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee - Morning Session Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:33 am
A&B Health Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our vision is to provide a healthier Oklahoma, supporting healthcare training programs, patient care
- So that these psychiatrists, as they finish the residency programs, stay in Oklahoma.
- Are those staying in Oklahoma or leaving to go someplace else?
- Access in rural Oklahoma other than possibly some telemed. We're struggling.
- I would like to know approximately how many dispensaries we have today.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Jan 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Natural Resources REVISED Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, we have a new agency, well, new to us, I guess, the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission.
- Diana Fletcher, I am the administrator for the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission.
- and professional combative sports and for professional wrestling in Oklahoma.
- combative sports and professional wrestling in Oklahoma.
- fights to Oklahoma, televised fights, which are a good moneymaker.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an informational budget presentation from Diana Fletcher, administrator of the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates amateur and professional combative sports and professional wrestling. Fletcher said the agency oversees licensing and event regulation for boxing, MMA, kickboxing, bare-knuckle fighting, slap fighting, and wrestling, with a focus on participant and public safety. She described recent changes including securing a standalone agency number, updating definitions and legal authority, moving away from cash/check processing to credit cards and online applications, and joining national regulatory organizations. She also said the commission is trying to attract major events such as UFC, WWE, and AEW, and noted the economic impact of 173 events last year, with more than $3 million in sales and significant hotel and job impact.
Members asked about licensing requirements, whether events must be sanctioned, the legality of unsanctioned events, and how the commission handles enforcement. Fletcher explained that participants, judges, promoters, announcers, and others around the ring or cage must be licensed, and that unsanctioned events are illegal under state law; boxing is also federally regulated. She said the commission relies mainly on the Attorney General’s Office for legal enforcement and does not regulate high school sports, though it does regulate youth combat sports and youth kickboxing. Questions also focused on slap fighting, which Fletcher said is a real and dangerous sport that the commission has trained on in Las Vegas to prepare for regulation.
On funding, Fletcher said the commission has historically received about $200,000, but is requesting a $300,000 supplemental appropriation this year and $500,000 recurring going forward. She said the agency needs funds for rent, IT, HR/payroll services through OMS, training, and one additional full-time employee, and that its revolving fund could be depleted without additional support. A committee member with boxing background endorsed the commission’s reputation and the need to restore it as a standalone agency. No vote was taken; the meeting ended after members thanked the presenters and adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- The residential school is a nationally ranked two-year boarding school in Oklahoma City with the most
- Perhaps what I'm most excited. to share with you today is a new partnership we have with an innovative
- There is no shortage of brilliant, talented young people in the state of Oklahoma.
- We have academic homegrown talent right here in Oklahoma.
- Are all of those 132 students residents of Oklahoma? Any other questions?
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Education REVISED Jan 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- That's because of nationwide actions, not problems in Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma. Excellent question.
- Oklahoma has some of. The lowest fees in the country.
- We had Oklahoma Roofing come to campus and do an evaluation.
- Today, we have about a half dozen, I think, six more to go.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The only item on the agenda today, and so at this time, you are recognized to explain Senate Bill 259
- We live in Oklahoma, and specifically in northwest Oklahoma, not all of Oklahoma's dry at the same time
- But I live in northwest Oklahoma.
- I want my grandkids to live in northwest Oklahoma while my great-grandkids live in Oklahoma.
- And all that you've done for the State of Oklahoma for energy.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 3rd Reviion: SB1427 added to agenda Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Is this a Service Oklahoma? It's within there as well, yes.
- now, as opposed to going to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
- Would go through Service Oklahoma now, as opposed to going to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and then it
- Now, these images are being taken today.
- I got contacted earlier today, actually, about this bill.
Summary:
The committee took up a long series of Senate bills, beginning with SB 44, which extends a sales tax exemption to contractors working for nonprofits. It was presented briefly and reported out 24-0. The committee then considered SB 237, with a PCS and a written amendment that delayed the effective date and phased out the manufacturing exemption for solar and battery energy storage systems; members discussed the impact on ongoing projects, the treatment of solar and storage like prior wind and data center exemptions, and concerns from the renewable industry before the bill was advanced.
Several other measures were heard and passed, including SB 248 on reinvesting proceeds from any sale of tourism real property back into state park maintenance and capital improvements; SB 1360 on the Pro Tem’s numeracy bill for the Department of Education; SB 985 codifying the local food for schools program; SB 1204 requiring three days of paid bereavement leave for school district employees; SB 1239 extending the bridge funding formula and moving certain motorcycle and moped fees to Service Oklahoma; SB 1307 cleaning up statutory language related to the ARCS Council, J.M. Davis Arms Museum, and Historical Society; and SB 2143 allowing county assessors to use aerial imagery, but not drones, to identify property changes. The aerial imagery bill drew the most debate, with questions about privacy, assessors’ authority, and whether the measure would save counties money; it passed 13-11.
The committee also advanced SB 1428 creating an Alzheimer’s and related dementia services coordinator in the Health Department; SB 1390 extending a gross production tax sunset for tourism and water-related entities; SB 1400 combining sales tax exemptions for aircraft maintenance facilities; SB 1405 renewing the wildlife diversity check-off; SB 1732 raising fees for the construction industries board; SB 1832 adding voluntary ODVA checkboxes to licenses and hunting forms; SB 1859 creating a revolving fund for the OSBI cybercrimes and fraud unit; SB 1989 allowing electronic payment methods such as Cash App and Venmo for 529 accounts; SB 2018 changing valuation rules for new multifamily housing; and SB 1427, a bipartisan diabetes prevention and health bill. Most bills were reported out with overwhelming support, with a few receiving one or two no votes, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Government Oversight Government Oversight will be meeting AFTER the Rules Committee Adjourns Apr 15th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative, wouldn't you agree that across Oklahoma, particularly in some of our rural counties,
- The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority...
- Say, I'm registered in Oklahoma as Trey Caldwell. But, Then, I moved to another state.
- And then, I moved to the state of Oklahoma. I tell them that I'm registering as Trey Caldwell.
- to vote in another state if they legally registered in Oklahoma.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Health and Human Services Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the director for the Office of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
- So you're gonna hear some things about that today.
- So we're just telling you what we think it's going to be today.
- And so that's where we are today. And all that Kathy add some additional comments.
- We're gonna transition over to the University of Oklahoma hospital and go.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 23rd, 2026
Veterans and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- To present the nomination of Ted Perry to serve on the Oklahoma Veterans Commission at the pleasure of
- Nomination of Thomas George to serve on the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, serving at the pleasure of
- Senior Chief Thomas George has been appointed to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
- For me, it's the American dream to serve and to serve veterans in the great state of Oklahoma.
- Senator Stanley, thanks for bringing me up today to the committee. It's been a phenomenal honor.
Summary:
The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met for its final meeting of the 2026 legislative session and considered two executive nominations to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission. Senator Green presented Ted Perry, and Senator Standridge presented Senior Chief Thomas George. Both nominees spoke briefly about their military service and desire to serve veterans; supporters praised Perry’s work with young athletes and George’s 25-year naval career and leadership in youth training.
Committee members voiced support for both nominees, and Senator Hines offered debate in favor of Perry. The committee voted 9-0 to advance Perry to the full Senate and 8-0 to advance George. During discussion of George’s nomination, members noted the commission had been deliberately and fully staffed after a long vetting process, and Secretary John Nash thanked the committee and said it was his last Senate meeting.
At the close of the meeting, Senator Peterson commended the chair, vice chair, and Senator Stanley for improving the commission’s condition over the years. The committee then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, Oklahoma City ain't real rural. No, they're not.
- They're, and I would agree with you, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Lawton, Broken Arrow.
- There are three or four counties, I believe, in the Oklahoma City metro area.
- There are three or four counties, I believe, in the Oklahoma City metro area.
- The money would be handled through the Oklahoma Homeland Security, yes. Any other questions?
Summary:
The Public Safety committee met and first considered HB 2993, as amended by a PCS, which would create 11 Council of Government-based positions to help rural law enforcement pursue grants and equipment funding. Members questioned the estimated $1.1 million annual cost, whether the program would mainly benefit rural areas rather than metro counties, and how the money would be administered through Oklahoma Homeland Security. The bill author explained that each COG would receive one funded position and that the money would stay within each COG. The committee voted 7-2 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then heard HB 3850, which would require inmates to obtain a high school equivalency diploma as a condition of parole and would place the diploma in the inmate’s release file to improve employability and reduce recidivism. Questions focused on whether the requirement applied to all inmates, how it would affect release eligibility, and whether existing DOC programs already provide similar training. The author said the bill would build on current law and could help reduce waiting lists for equivalency programs. The committee voted 8-1 to pass the bill.
Next, HB 3595, with a PCS, would create a revolving fund in the Department of Public Safety to award counties grants for traffic-control public safety equipment, especially for events where vehicles could be used to harm crowds. Members discussed the bill’s dependence on future appropriations and its status as a vehicle for the idea while budget issues are resolved. The committee voted 7-2 to report it out. The committee also unanimously passed HB 3763, requiring two hours of domestic violence training as part of continuing education for law enforcement, and HB 3760, a tax credit for donations to qualified law enforcement foundations, with the author noting a planned amendment to include COGs and certain other nonprofits. The chair announced one more meeting the following week and then adjourned the meeting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's get some good done today. Starting off with HB 2293.
- House Bill 2293 extends the sunset on the Oklahoma Broadband Office until December 31, 2030.
- the Oklahoma Route 66 Association for preservation, education, and centennial-related activities.
- It's called the Oklahoma Health Care Cost Transparency Board, establishing a board.
- From the most country, Hick, representatives in Southeast Oklahoma, we highly appreciate it.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of bills, mostly on broadband, artificial intelligence, business law, public safety, funeral services, health care transparency, and licensing. HB 2293 extended the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset to December 31, 2030 to allow it to administer remaining broadband grant funds. HB 3545 set standards for state agency use of AI, including human oversight for high-risk decisions, transparency for AI-generated content, and annual public reporting. HB 3546 prohibited AI systems and other non-human entities from being granted legal personhood under Oklahoma law. HB 3260 added the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association to the list of approved continuing education providers for funeral directors. HB 3147 created a Route 66 centennial specialty license plate to support preservation and centennial activities, HB 3369 eased food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable extinguishers instead of mandatory automatic suppression systems, HB 4453 created the Oklahoma Health Care Cost Transparency Board, HB 3660 addressed national organic reduction, HB 3081 lowered the age for fire extinguisher technicians from 21 to 18, HB 2035 allowed funeral homes to sell certain third-party transportation packages, and HB 3498 modernized corporate and LLC statutes to improve Oklahoma’s competitiveness for business formation.
Most bills were presented by their authors, several with proposed committee substitutes or corrections that were adopted without objection. Members asked a few questions, particularly on the AI bills, the Route 66 plate, the food truck fire code change, and the corporate law modernization. The AI personhood bill drew discussion about legal liability and human rights, while the corporate code bill was described as modeled on Delaware-style business law to attract and retain companies in Oklahoma.
Votes were largely unanimous in favor. HB 3545, HB 3546, HB 3260, HB 3147, HB 3369, HB 4453, HB 3081, HB 2035, and HB 3498 all received do-pass recommendations, with vote totals ranging from 11-0 to 16-0. HB 3660 passed 15-1. HB 3673 was laid over at the author’s request, and Chairman West’s bill was also laid over to the committee’s next meeting on Thursday.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee REVISED: HB4155 (Hasenbeck) added Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- You're wanting DEQ and Oklahoma to do more? Okay, just respond to that. I may have a follow-up.
- Are we okay with having any facility in the state of Oklahoma, not even really just this one?
- So all this says is any facility in the state of Oklahoma, if you are going to be...
- Oklahoma DEQ can supersede EPA? It's not supersede.
- Price for the state of Oklahoma to go and purchase that equipment. Oh, I'm sure they will do that.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee Feb 25th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
A&B Finance Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission was founded in 1999.
- We haven't had a training in Oklahoma since 2012. So, that is one of my goals.
- And I talked to him about coming to Oklahoma.
- He loves Oklahoma.
- Just that would be somebody we would hire anywhere in the state of Oklahoma.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee REVISED: HB4155 (Hasenbeck) added Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Can I make this clear, just for all those bill presenters, we were told at A&B today, full A&B, the more
- So all we want in Oklahoma really is to, if you're going to incinerate medical waste that's regulated
- You're wanting DEQ and Oklahoma to do more? Okay, just respond to that. I may have a follow-up.
- Are we okay with having any facility in the state of Oklahoma, not even really just this one?
- Oklahoma DEQ can supersede EPA? It's not supersede.
Summary:
The committee opened with prayer and then took up a series of House bills, most of them on natural resources, agriculture, energy, and economic development topics. House Bill 2988, dealing with efforts to address woody invasive species through a state income tax credit subject to appropriation, was explained as a response to underfunding concerns and was reported do pass unanimously. House Bill 4344 would exempt sales tax on frackwater sales; the author said it was a constituent request tied to oil and gas activity in western Oklahoma, staff indicated a minimal fiscal impact, and the bill passed 9-2.
The committee then approved House Bill 3280, which raises the Homemade Food Freedom Act revenue cap from $75,000 to $300,000 to let home-based food businesses grow before facing more burdensome licensing and inspection requirements. Members asked about the fiscal impact and food-safety distinctions between perishable and nonperishable foods; the author said there would be no state fiscal impact and that existing safety limits would remain unchanged. House Bill 3917, imposing a surcharge on large-load data centers during peak demand periods and directing the revenue to a grid modernization fund, was presented as a way to protect ratepayers and passed unanimously.
House Bill 4413, as amended by PCS, would require any Oklahoma facility incinerating regulated medical waste to follow EPA guidelines; the author said the measure was prompted by a Tulsa facility seeking a permit variance and argued the bill was needed to protect public health and safety. After extensive questioning about DEQ authority, EPA standards, and health risks from incineration emissions, the PCS passed 8-1. House Bill 3402 created a revolving fund for DEQ biosolids land-application research and passed 7-2, and House Bill 4476 created a community music infrastructure and events development revolving fund to support rural music festivals and local matching participation, passing 5-4. Finally, House Bill 4155, as amended by PCS, established a new economic development structure for events in Oklahoma and passed 6-3. The committee repeatedly reminded authors to provide detailed forms and Senate authors before full A&B consideration, and then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agency Performance Review and Budget Request Hearing - Office of Emergency Management Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to go ahead and hear this today. We have our members here, and our director, Ms.
- We're happy to be here today with you all to present this budget, and we appreciate certainly the flexibility
- Our mission and values, we hope to see prepared and resilient communities in Oklahoma.
- We certainly support modernizing and strengthening Oklahoma Task Force One.
- Oklahoma Task Force One is considered to be the state's task force.
Summary:
The committee heard a budget presentation from Emergency Management Director Annie Verst for the General Government appropriations budget. She described the agency’s core role as coordinating disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation, emphasizing that local governments lead initial response while the state supports recovery and resource coordination. Verst highlighted recent activity including wildfire-related declarations, $83 million in public assistance payouts, use of the new state disaster revolving fund, implementation of an Oklahoma resilient recovery strategy, and restructuring efforts that repurposed positions toward regional coordination and reduced administrative overhead.
A major focus of the presentation was uncertainty around federal funding. Verst said FEMA programs and obligations have been delayed or canceled in some cases, including hazard mitigation assistance and disaster case management, and that the agency is seeking state support to cover possible gaps. She outlined requests for a $3.7 million federal funding loss contingency, $1 million for updating the state hazard mitigation plan, $3.8 million for the state emergency fund and 12.5% public assistance obligations, and $800,000 for anticipated other needs/temporary sheltering cost share. She also explained that most of the agency’s large revolving and pass-through balances cannot be used for operating costs.
Members questioned her about Oklahoma Task Force One, including whether it is funded by OEM and whether the agency is shifting toward response rather than mitigation. Verst said Task Force One is used when local capacity is exceeded, that out-of-state deployments are reimbursed, and that the agency sees its role as coordination and recovery rather than replacing local response. She also explained the revolving fund for disaster advances, the timing of reimbursements, and the purpose of the hazard mitigation plan update. No votes or formal actions were taken, and the hearing concluded with thanks and adjournment.