Video & Transcript : 'Oklahoma Today Magazine' :
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today is a great day for the Mississippi Delta, and today is a great day for the state of Mississippi
- Oklahoma is still doing this today.
- “Oklahoma has something similar.
- With them today is Coach Seth—” “With them today is Coach Seth Mail, assistant coaches Brad Campbell
- “Uh, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I’m sorry we didn’t get these out today.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill we're going to hear today is H.J.R. 154, Missouri Health Net Services.
- Chair and committee for having me today.
- I believe Oklahoma did something very similar. And they've seen good results. Okay.
- You mentioned Oklahoma, and Oklahoma hasn't implemented yet the requirements for the One Big Beautiful
- You know, they've, they're in Oklahoma, which I think has less people than us.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The other one is Oklahoma.
- the states most states have one single high court the only other state that has two high courts is Oklahoma
- In Oklahoma, the way that they resolved this question.
- Supreme Court of Oklahoma decides who hears a case when there's controversy.
- I just send an adjournment or recess today. Good morning.
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The Oklahoma has inspired awe for generations.
- It is an honor to be able to present before you today.
- I'm really excited today and honored to be part of this.
- I'm really excited today and honored to be part of this.
- And I had no intention of speaking today, so I have nothing prepared.
Keywords:
onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition.
The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably.
SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/28/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> that</c><00:10:13.120><c> should</c> you hear testimony today that should you hear testimony today
- </c><03:20:48.960><c> I</c> opportunity to testify here today. I opportunity to testify here today.
- Um, but I'm here today covered.
- </c> centers that we heard today on HB734. centers that we heard today on HB734.
- We’ve heard about that today.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Native American and a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
- So when it comes to this bill, I ask you to please vote no today.
- I if you asked me to do a Merges and acquisition case today.
- She's not joining us today, Mr. Chairman. All right, very good. Have I got everyone?
- We're done for today.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- And with me today, I have Services.
- </c> through the COVID era up to today? through the COVID era up to today?
- No change since before COVID and to today, all the way to today. Correct. That's it, Mr. Chairman.
- </c> to you, you knew this coming in today. to you, you knew this coming in today.
- ,</c><03:08:58.920><c> the</c> wearing in this room here today, the wearing in this room here today,
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this report today will meet the following requirements as I don't know.
- Today, this information will assist in this review.
- So today is an overview and our roadmap for this presentation.
- I didn't want to disappoint anybody today.
- You said we'll get to that today? Not today. That'll be in our teacher report.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The other one is Oklahoma.
- The only other state that has two high courts is Oklahoma.
- In Oklahoma, the way that they resolve this question is the Supreme Court of Oklahoma decides who hears
- Today marks my first opportunity to testify on a bill since joining the court.
- that the statute looks the way that it does, and it dates from 1895, which is a progenitor of 22.002A today
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs met and heard several bills related to legislative process and court jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1386, by Senator Huffman, would change compelled legislative testimony from blanket transactional immunity to testimonial immunity, allowing compelled statements or documents to be used against a witness in criminal prosecution only if not derived from the compelled testimony, while preserving protection against perjury and false statements and retaining the right to counsel. No public witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1470, by Chairman Hughes, which would require DPS to share existing data on cross-state driver’s license cancellations with the Secretary of State for voter-roll maintenance. Hughes said the bill does not create new data collection and is intended to improve list maintenance. A DPS resource witness was present, there was no substantive opposition, and the bill was left pending.
Senate Bill 1210, also by Hughes, would address conflicts between the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals on constitutional questions by making the Supreme Court the final arbiter in limited circumstances. Chris Hilton supported the bill, but Allen Place, Jack Rohde, and Philip Furlow opposed it, arguing it was unconstitutional, unnecessary, and could create practical problems in criminal post-conviction litigation. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 311, which would conform the Government Code to the Texas Constitution by clarifying the Supreme Court’s original writ authority against lower courts and officials other than the governor. Justice Evan Young and Chris Hilton supported the bill as a clarification of existing authority, while no one testified against it; the bill was left pending. The committee then recessed to allow the chamber to rearrange for the Senate session.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- You have several guests that we want to recognize today.
- Members, we are very blessed today also. We actually have two doctors here with us today.
- Adelaide is here, welcome, and accompanied here with her mother today.
- Also, we have a very large group over here in the East Gallery here today.
- Adelaide is here welcome and accompanied here with her mother today.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Before we start, if you wish to give testimony today, please fill out a witness card, sign it, and hand
- Before we start, if you wish to give testimony today, please fill out a witness card, sign it, and hand
- It mirrors several of our other states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado
- It mirrors several of our other states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado
- It mirrors several of our other states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado
Summary:
The House Civil Law Committee met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several bills and resolutions. It reported favorably without objection Senate Bill 466, which bars foreign adversaries from using expropriation authority in Louisiana and creates a narrow expropriation category for very large aerospace/LED projects of at least 20,000 contiguous acres with no residential structures. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 986, requiring child support payments from persons convicted of vehicular homicide for the benefit of a child who lost a parent.
The committee then considered two constitutional amendments by Senator Morris. Senate Bill 123 would allow judges to be removed for cause by a majority vote of the legislature and certification by the governor; it was amended to change the ballot language to refer to removal for malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence, and was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 5 yeas and 1 nay, with Representative Carter voting no. Senate Bill 97 would require prosecutorial consent for a defendant to waive a jury trial, except in capital cases; after adopting Amendment Set 5277 to clarify the capital-case exception, the committee heard opposition from Chris Alexander of the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group and then reported the measure favorably by a 5-1 vote, again with Representative Carter voting no.
The committee also heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 35, which urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to study remote online notarization for authentic acts. Testimony in support came from the Louisiana Bankers Association, which argued the study is needed because of declining notary availability, especially in rural areas, and noted similar practices in other civil law jurisdictions. SCR 35 was reported favorably without objection. Finally, House Bill 1098, by Chairman McFarland, was reported favorably without objection; it provides a limited liability framework for FAA-licensed aerospace flight entities operating in Louisiana. House Bill 375 was voluntarily deferred, and the meeting adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Specialty Courts, and with me today Specialty Courts, and with me today should<00:02:11.920><c>
- </c> life to where to be the man I am today life to where to be the man I am today and<00:17:20.480><
- Uh my uh drug we're talking about today.
- ,</c> thank you judge from Oklahoma, thank you judge from Oklahoma, from<00:52:47.920><c> Kentucky,</
- Thanks for being here this Oklahoma.
Summary:
The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average.
Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required.
Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm so happy that we're here today.
- I'm here to speak today on this bill. on this bill.
- This funding is not just for today; it is really late. 40, 50 years ago. Why did we do it today?
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
- Thank you, Fouzia, for being here today.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- ISN'T THAT WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE TODAY?
- THANK YOU FOR TAKING UP THE BILL AND HEARING IT TODAY.
- THAT'S MY QUESTION TODAY TO THIS COMMITTEE.
- THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY.
- MEMBERS, IT WAS QUITE A COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- But as far as long meetings, I think this may be the end of it today.
- There's nothing in law today that keeps or prohibits anyone.
- There's nothing in law today that keeps or prohibits anyone.
- More eyes could have been looking, and that child might still be here today.
- Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I live in St. Tammany Parish.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of bills, mostly from the Senate, covering military affairs, courts, veterans’ services, tobacco/vape regulation, and emergency alerts for missing persons with disabilities. Several measures were described as cleanup or modernization bills, including SB 317 adding the House and Senate military committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, SB 357 updating court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, SB 421 modernizing electronic records language, and SB 232 and HB 597 addressing judicial compensation and related funding/commission issues. The committee also heard SB 164, which would add public works employees to the definition of first responders, and SB 510, which would regulate certain licensed establishments that allow on-premises consumption of hemp/THC products and related age restrictions. These bills were generally presented as technical updates or alignment with existing practices, and the committee reported them favorably after brief questions and, in some cases, amendments.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 208, which revises Louisiana’s law on services provided to veterans after a prior version was struck down. Senator Kathy and LDVA representatives said the bill is intended to protect veterans from unaccredited “claim sharks” by limiting fees and creating state-level safeguards, while an opponent argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress and the pending appeal. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 34, which would create “Bryan’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities, including wireless alerts and responder training. Family members and disability advocates described fatal risks from elopement and drowning, and supporters said the bill would fill a gap between Amber and Silver Alerts; the committee moved the bill favorably. Another bill, HB 302, sought to restrict vape sales near schools; the sponsor and Alcohol and Tobacco Control discussed possible language changes, and public health testimony supported broader protections for youth. Several bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and HB 374-1, and the committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we...
- This version before you today is the second reprint.
- When I turned 50, I actually got my AARP magazine.
- Our only opposition today is with the intentionally and knowingly aspect.
- what's happening today, I am going to recess today.
Keywords:
elderly, vulnerable persons, criminal penalties, theft, civil penalties, criminal justice reform, traffic stops, law enforcement, data recording, public safety, racial profiling, SB323, Nevada, Department of Corrections, offenders, inmates, incarcerated people, prison phone calls, free phone calls, family communication
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That means our work touches on many of the challenges in opportunities facing Californians today.
- Today our hearing will cover the Governor's Tax Proposals, Franchise Tax Board, California Department
- We are joined by additional non-committee members today.
- Good morning, Chair, and it's a pleasure to be with you today.
- So we have two requests today.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you for having me today, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
- Somebody had to pull an April Fool's joke today. Just had to, did you?
- My problem today was the funding beforehand, before it's built.
- And it is a very boring drive across I-40 from Oklahoma City through Oklahoma, through Texas, through
- And it is a very boring drive across I-40 from Oklahoma City through Oklahoma, through Texas, through
Summary:
The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and heard testimony on several measures focused on agriculture, broadband, public health administration, and utility eminent domain. Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington, would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from 20 schools to allow voluntary K-12 agriculture curriculum statewide. Washington said the bill builds on a successful pilot and is intended to help students understand agriculture as a STEM field and broader community issue. Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri N.A., Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all testified in support; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote.
The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 38 from Representative Louis Riggs, which urges that Missouri’s broadband funding remain in the state and be used for deployment. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in broadband funding but that more than half had been cut or left uncertain, and he argued the money should stay in Missouri to bridge the digital divide. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives supported the resolution, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1699 from Representative Maisie Christensen, a constituent-driven bill to clarify when county health officers/directors’ authority ends if they are not reappointed. Christensen explained the bill addresses ambiguity in older statutes governing different county public health structures; no witnesses testified for or against the bill.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while still allowing grid connection. Pollitt and Farm Bureau argued the bill closes a loophole and protects landowners from having property taken for large renewable projects; Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the measure. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it has no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and appreciates the grid-connection language. Several members debated whether the bill should also address nuclear energy or broader utility siting concerns, and one witness noted transmission and battery-storage limitations as reasons renewable projects are not built everywhere. The hearing on HB 2169 closed with no vote taken.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- But as far as long meetings, I think this may be the end of it today.
- There's nothing in law today that keeps or prohibits anyone.
- Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I live in St. Tammany Parish.
- Today, I'm also raising a stepson, Camden. He has autism. He is neurodivergent.
- My stepson is out here today. That's your son? Yes, ma'am.
Keywords:
legal representation, attorney general, elected officials, defense, legislative acts, judicial review, judiciary, election, judges, 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge, precincts, coroner, retention, body, mortuary, investigation, missing persons, Amber Alert, Endangered Missing Child Advisory