Transcript Highlights:

• database and looking at those claims payments for all the state.
• We risk-adjust it. This is by county.
• But even when you risk-adjust them, they still cost a lot.
• Well, you know, we're looking at a claims database, not a clinical database.
• So that's what we have actually. claims database, not a clinical database.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings. The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They, they were able to claim that full jackpot.
• Uh, how do we, how do we know that we have, uh, legit folks that are playing or claiming prizes?
• You can win to claim the prize, to claim a prize, right?
• You can't if you're a minor, you can't buy a ticket, but you can claim a prize.
• Gerdes's question of, can an LLC or an LP or corporation claim a prize? Absolutely.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they file that claim, they have to address some questions in order to complete that claim.
• The balance of the claims may have issues that are varied, could be multiple issues on any one claim,
• The balance of the claims may have issues that are varied, could be multiple issues on any one claim,
• </c><00:32:42.880><c> being</c> of claims being of claims being received<00:32:45.000><c> fast</c><00
• </c> that as I mentioned earlier each claim that as I mentioned earlier each claim can<00:34:46.720><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture. The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict. Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:45.520><c> the</c> DHS commissioner when adjusting the DHS commissioner when adjusting the
• </c> from House File 4547 and it just adjusts from House File 4547 and it just adjusts the<00:19:26.080
• </c><00:25:43.840><c> database</c> Colorado's uh payer claims database Colorado's uh payer claims database
• </c><00:34:33.520><c> to</c> incorporate data about denied claims to incorporate data about denied claims
• </c><00:36:49.680><c> were</c> tell us more about um which claims were tell us more about um which claims

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 16 is an uncontested local claims bill against the City of St. Petersburg. Mr.
• SB 14 is a settled claims bill for the relief of Jose Correa for injuries sustained due to the negligence
• This claims bill is for $4.1 million and is supported by both the claimant and Miami-Dade County, and
• This is an uncontested claims bill for local funds in the amount of $500,000, payable from unencumbered
• After 20 years of not raising an impact fee, when that impact fee does finally get adjusted for growth

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a series of local claims, growth management, public records, nuisance, and permitting bills. SB 16 (relief of I. Sanchez by the City of St. Petersburg), SB 14 (relief of Jose Carrera by Miami-Dade County), and SB 24 (relief of Lourdes and Edward Latour by Miami-Dade County) were presented as uncontested claims bills tied to settlements for serious injuries or negligence, and all were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was described as a negotiated “glitch” bill to clarify co-op authority over generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections, and it also passed favorably. SB 830 would exempt certain personal information of county administrators, city managers, and their families from public records; it was supported by local government groups and reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1138 on qualified contractors, which would create a registry of licensed professionals to conduct certain pre-application reviews and help address local permitting backlogs. Local government groups raised concerns about delegation of authority and preserving quasi-judicial review, while private provider advocates supported the bill; Senator Sharief voted no, but the bill was still reported favorably. SB 168 would expand public nuisance law to include gambling houses, increase daily fines after one year, authorize attorney’s fees, and allow foreclosure on unpaid fees; it passed favorably. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves, after an amendment changing a date to June 30, 2026, would revise enclave procedures to allow a public hearing process for certain residential projects in urban service areas; conservation and planning groups raised concerns about impacts on local planning and public participation, while the bill was reported favorably. SB 548 on growth management and impact fees was presented as a cleanup bill for prior legislation, setting definitions for plan-based methodology and extraordinary circumstances, capping extraordinary fee increases, and streamlining refunds; counties and cities discussed concerns about implementation and refund procedures, but the amended bill passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections would extend permit validity for single-family homes, exempt some low-value work from permitting, create a statewide residential permit form, and expand private provider use and timelines; local building officials warned about reduced oversight, while builders and private provider advocates supported the changes, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Jones asked to be recorded as voting affirmatively on several tabs and no on SB 1138, and the committee adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> paper claims and adding documentation. paper claims and adding documentation.
• </c> predatory unacredited claim sharks. predatory unacredited claim sharks.
• </c> take on their claim. Same with the VFW. take on their claim. Same with the VFW.
• </c> discussion in the work on claim sharks. discussion in the work on claim sharks.
• </c> have the option to go to a claim shark. have the option to go to a claim shark.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The claimant will submit a claim against the fund itself.
• Because the claims are only open for three years.
• After three years, you can't bring a claim any longer. Okay, so, Mr.
• Who do I present... my claim to? Mr.
• that include the amount of the claim and then the amount of attorney's fees that went to that claim.

Bills: HB97, HB280, HB183, HB151, HB202

Keywords: Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, child safety, training and education, healthcare funding, youth internships, workforce development, education, grant funding, employment, drinking water, water quality, environment, public health, water filtration, private well testing, federal funding, childhood sexual abuse, time limitations, civil actions

Transcript Highlights:

• The adjustment made by AB 1383 is prospective and paid for by both the employees and employers.
• The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or DLSE, has a backlog of 47,000 wage theft claims.
• I process wage claims, as you heard earlier as a committee.
• I process wage claims, as you heard earlier as a committee.
• for especially in light of the numerous AB-218 related claims for childhood sexual assault.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor enforcement, pensions, and workplace safety. AB 1054 would create a voluntary DROP-style retirement option for CHP officers and Cal Fire firefighters to help retain experienced personnel; supporters said it would be cost-neutral and help staffing, while an opponent warned it could affect bond ratings and create pension risk. The bill passed the committee 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2129, which would improve Cal Fire compensation to aid recruitment and retention, also passed 4-0 to Appropriations with support from firefighters and no opposition. AB 1383, a broader PEPRA-related measure lowering retirement age and adjusting compensation caps for public safety workers, drew extensive support from firefighters and peace officers and strong opposition from cities, counties, and other local government groups over long-term pension costs; after debate over fiscal impacts, it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 605 on refinery safe staffing during shutdowns, prompted by layoffs and reduced staffing at refineries such as Phillips 66 Wilmington. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers and nearby communities during refinery wind-downs, while petroleum and business groups said closures are not inevitable and opposed the bill’s premise. The bill passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. AB 1859 would let joint labor-management committees access public works sites to help detect wage theft and safety violations; construction labor supporters backed it as an enforcement tool, while laborers, local governments, and builders raised concerns about duplication, property access, and project disruption. It passed 2-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee then heard AB 2321, a pilot program allowing county district attorneys in Alameda and Santa Clara to investigate workplace deaths, which supporters said would address Cal/OSHA’s backlog and weak enforcement; employers and safety practitioners opposed it, citing expertise, due process, and overlapping investigations. It passed 2-0 to Appropriations, on call. Finally, AB 2575 began testimony on healthcare AI guardrails, with the author and nurses arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment and that patient safety requires human oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• voteable housing; HB 2658, dropout recovery; HB 2659, structural time model; HB 2672, small school adjustment
• ; HB 2834, claims against HOA's; HB 2835, labor organizations; HB 2836, tax credit for fire prevention
• HB 2877, time share of salespersons; HB 2882, law enforcement prohibition; HB 2883, small school adjustment
• 2076 public bodies 277 time share of salespersons 2882 law enforcement prohibition 2883 small cool adjustment
• HB 2407, insurance claims claim, Health and Human Services.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, zero absent, and four excused. Members then used personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visiting groups, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant, and veterans and military representatives. The chamber and blood donor month proclamations were read, with Representative Bliss recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and Vitalant’s role in supplying most of the state’s blood supply, and Representative Aguilar declaring January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day. The House handled a large volume of procedural business, including reports of standing committees, first reading and referral of numerous bills and resolutions, and announcements of committee meetings. The bills covered a wide range of topics such as elections, education, housing, taxes, health care, artificial intelligence, veterans, public safety, and energy. Several measures were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. Members also made brief remarks honoring guests and community causes, including a Veterans Caucus lunch announcement focused on military-family policy and a personal remembrance by Senator Cruz. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken beyond procedural approvals and the motion to adjourn. The House recessed and later adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• They used to be able to turn up the volume, adjust the airconditioning.
• And just the volume adjust the just the song to adjust the temperature. We've gotten past that.
• Madam Chair, members of for the singing special Masters on claims Bill.
• The sitting in state settled the claim for 2 million dollars.
• They can't call themselves under Colonel adjust. That's what this bill does.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• company financial data and uses financial regulations to make sure insurers stay solvent and pay claims
• But remember, this bill doesn't touch the reserves needed to pay claims and manage risk.
• Collective bargaining is not a right that can be eliminated when budgets are adjusted.
• Collective bargaining is not a privilege that can be reduced when budgets are adjusted.
• How can we claim that when we view workers' rights as disposable in a moment of stress?

Bills: SB5808, HB2254, HB2385, SB6006, SB6351, SB6198, SB6260, SB6353, SB5949, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, SB6229, SB6173

Keywords: health insurance, premium assistance, funding, healthcare access, state budget, HB 2254, Washington, Health Care Authority, partnership access line, psychiatric consultation line, first approach skills training, behavioral health, mental health, assessment, administrative costs, health carriers, self-funded plans, multiple employer welfare arrangement, MEWA, employers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:25.280><c> for</c> credits can be can be claimed for credits can be can be claimed for donations
• </c> claim the federal tax credit? Thank you. claim the federal tax credit? Thank you.
• If this was a tax deduction, it would just be adjusting your income.
• </c> is where it is adjusting your income. is where it is adjusting your income.
• </c><00:40:22.720><c> is</c> would just be adjusting your income. is would just be adjusting your income

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:03 Bills for Consideration: 3:10 Adjournment: 56:19, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• something better for their claim.
• We're not prosecuting these claims.
• , they actually can't file the claim themselves.
• I want to talk about the claim shark bill.
• Took feedback and made adjustments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, if the Board of Regents... decides to adjust it, it's subject to student approval.
• Any of those Texas Tort Claims Act procedures in the bill. Any reason why?
• You claim to have integrity, but no one wants to have accountability for what happened.
• Notice for that change, the ability to adjust those standards.
• the claim.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> was going to need to be an adjustment was going to need to be an adjustment there<00:46:59.880><
• What does a clean claim mean?
• the claim, and to me that's what a clean claim is.
• What does a clean claim mean?
• The number that I give here is not only the cost of the claim, but a 100% increase on that claim, and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• new claims coming in.
• new claims coming in.
• We have paid out around $3.5 billion so far in claims. $3.5 billion so far in claims.
• The claims, the vast majority of the claims, have been closed.
• will handle our daily claims.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Fair Plan, focusing on its rapid growth, financial stability, rate adequacy, and whether it is still functioning as an insurer of last resort. Fair Plan representatives explained that the plan is a private, statutorily created involuntary association regulated by the Department of Insurance, and that it has grown substantially because of non-renewals and limited availability in the admitted market. They said the plan now has more than 668,000 policies and about $724 billion in exposure, and that it is increasingly being used because it can be cheaper than admitted-market coverage in some areas, especially when paired with a difference-in-conditions policy. The Fair Plan outlined its rate history, saying prior rate approvals had fallen well short of requested increases, and that its current filing seeks a 35.8% increase after working with the department on new modeling and reinsurance cost treatment. Officials said the plan remains underfunded relative to its liabilities, but recent reforms such as AB 226 have helped it secure a $600 million line of credit and improve its ability to manage cash flow and reduce assessment risk. They also described a $7.1 billion reinsurance tower and a $750 million catastrophe bond, while noting that the plan still had to assess the admitted market for $1 billion after the 2025 fires. Members questioned the Fair Plan about coverage limits, broker education, depopulation, and smoke claims from the Eaton and Palisades fires. The Fair Plan said it does not deny applicants because their homes exceed the $3.3 million limit, but only insures up to that cap and allows excess coverage to be purchased elsewhere. It said it is requiring broker training, has reviewed closed smoke claims, and continues to pay covered smoke damage under revised policy language that removed the “sight and smell” test. The committee also discussed CDI recommendations, with Fair Plan officials saying many are in progress but that strategic planning is difficult because the organization cannot control market conditions or legislative mandates. Public commenters from the insurance industry, builders, agriculture, and nonprofit child-and-family services largely agreed that the Fair Plan’s growth signals a broken market, but they differed on solutions. Industry groups urged higher Fair Plan rates and stronger depopulation tools, while nonprofit and agricultural representatives asked for better access to coverage and more effective clearinghouse processes. No vote or formal action was taken; the hearing concluded after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've already put out hundreds of millions of dollars in tort claims.
• We've already put out hundreds of millions of dollars in tort claims.
• The $100 is basically the baseline, and the language is permissive, so it can adjust or change.
• The cost of living could be an adjustment that was made.
• My amendment would take it to $50, where I think it's a fair adjustment.

Bills: HB2510, SGA9305

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• public servants by increasing the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• the Penal Code to increase the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• The amendment also makes a non-substantive change to the calculation of adjusted average daily attendance
• Members, I will have an amendment with perfecting elements, and that will adjust language related to

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Bills: HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HB4426, HB3704, HB4311, HB3044, HB4191, HB3465, HB3972, HB3759, HB3625, HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882, HB3406, HB2975, HB3977, HB3263, HB2988, HB3404, HB1770

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Bills: HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HB4426, HB3704, HB4311, HB3044, HB4191, HB3465, HB3972, HB3759, HB3625, HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882, HB3406, HB2975, HB3977, HB3263, HB2988, HB3404, HB1770

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including the doctor of the day, Dr. Mukesh Perek; nurse of the day, Cynthia Cochran; psychologist of the day, Dr. Colby Kipp; and a guest introduced by Senator Brooks, Marianella “Nellie” Castaneda, who was honored for her quick action in responding to a distress call that helped prompt a law enforcement response in a domestic violence situation. Senator Brooks and Castaneda both spoke about the incident and the importance of staff responsiveness and public service. The Senate also honored Jalen Lundry of Hayworth, named a national champion in the FFA Agriscience Fair for research on red wiggler worms and soil health. Lundry spoke briefly about her project and thanked Senator George Burns. The Pro Tem recognized April 6, 2026, as National Rifle Association and Oklahoma Rifle Association Day, with representatives from both organizations present in the gallery. The chamber also introduced the week’s pages, who each identified their schools, senators they were paging for, and future plans. No legislation was debated or voted on during the session. Instead, members made committee and floor announcements, including upcoming meetings of Revenue and Taxation, Appropriations, Public Safety, and the Senate Rural Caucus. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.