Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Madam Chair, members of the Senate Conservation Committee.
• Down our area, the Dexter-Hagerman soil conservation is very active.
• Thank you very much, Madam Chair, members of the Senate Conservation Committee.
• Thank you, members of the Senate Conservation Committee. Thank you.
• Thank you, members of the Senate Conservation Committee. Thank you.

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's the thing: The 2015 law I was only able to get data from conservation from 2015 to the present
• Since then, a lot of them have been afraid of conservation, being concerned about their animals being
• Education and conservation go hand in hand.
• There is no input into the department of conservation, and I would say otherwise.
• and tried to modify... to conservation and tried to modify things.

Bills: HB448, HB448

Keywords: wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, good samaritan, injured animals, orphaned animals, debilitated wildlife, wild birds, wild animals, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, permit exemption, animal rescue, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, veterinary licensing, animal cruelty, wildlife care, rehabilitation act, non-federally protected species, endangered species

Bills: SB1928, SB259

Keywords: groundwater, water rights, waste prevention, conservation, permitting, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, water permits, water use reporting, metering, permit enforcement, groundwater waste, well permitting, cease and desist, fines and penalties, permit suspension, data centers, data processing facilities, cooling systems, evaporative cooling

Summary: The committee took up two water-related bills, both on committee substitutes with titles stricken. Senate Bill 259, carried over from the prior year, was described as a shortened version of earlier language that removed some provisions seen as burdensome and eliminated funding for the Water Resources Board. The author said the bill aims to recognize that water extends beyond property lines, add measuring requirements for permitted users, and preserve water for future generations while exempting domestic uses and pasture/livestock taps. After no questions or debate, the committee passed SB 259 by a vote of 7-1. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1928, which creates a voluntary five-year flex allocation program beginning January 1, 2027. The author said the program is intended to help existing permit holders measure and use water more efficiently without requiring new permitting or mandatory metering, and noted the proposal mirrors House language. He also explained that the original 200% annual cap had been reduced to 150% in the committee substitute. The bill passed 10-0. At the close, the chair noted both bills were heard to help develop broader water policy for Oklahoma and encouraged continued cooperation among interested parties. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: SF0027, SF0124

Keywords: game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, tourism, economic development, rodeo, cowboy heritage, Wyoming, funding, cultural preservation, 916, all

Bills: SB1928, SB259

Keywords: groundwater, water rights, waste prevention, conservation, permitting, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, water permits, water use reporting, metering, permit enforcement, groundwater waste, well permitting, cease and desist, fines and penalties, permit suspension, data centers, data processing facilities, cooling systems, evaporative cooling

Transcript Highlights:

• 03:40.239><c> on</c><00:03:40.480><c> the</c><00:03:40.640><c> efficiency,</c><00:03:41.680><c> conservation
• ,</c> have on the efficiency, conservation, have on the efficiency, conservation, and<00:03:42.799><c
• <00:19:47.360><c> improvement</c><00:19:47.760><c> program</c> conservation improvement program conservation
• in the amount of one and a conservation in the amount of one and a half%<00:20:45.039><c> of</c><00:
• operations procedures uh to conservative operations procedures uh to manage<00:56:47.440><c> um</c><

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got irrigation districts, private land owners, Trout Unlimited, Game and Fish, Conservation District
• /c><00:04:36.080><c> Fish,</c> Trout Unlimited, Game and Fish, Trout Unlimited, Game and Fish, Conservation
• , all working Conservation District, all working together.<00:04:39.360><c> Uh</c><00:04:39.680><c> and
• It's a statement about our commitment to conservation. the billing and and the and the grant the billing
• It's a statement about our commitment<00:17:52.799><c> to</c><00:17:53.039><c> conservation.

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have HB 1802, relating to conservation banking.
• Um, there have been proposals over the years for conservation banking.
• of our endangered species. years uh for conservation banking.
• We years uh for conservation banking.
• promote the conservation of our endangered<01:01:29.040><c> species.

Bills: HB1846, HB2205, HB1802, HB1571, HB2047, HB2434, HB2426, HB2361, HB2395, HB1712, HB2544, HB1619

Keywords: coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Bills: SB1333, SB1191, SB1439, SB1314, SB1509, SB1319, SB1346, SB1613

Keywords: water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels

Summary: The Oklahoma Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The session opened with prayer, followed by a gallery introduction recognizing the Convention of States Organization and related guests in the North Gallery for Capital Freedom Day and the 250th anniversary of the nation. The Senate also granted unanimous consent for an entourage to come to the floor. Senator Bullard presented a citation of valor honoring multiple law enforcement officers from Atoka County, Stringtown, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Tulsa Police Department for their response to a dangerous May 2025 incident involving a high-speed pursuit and armed confrontation. The citation praised their courage, coordination, and actions that helped protect civilians and resolve the situation safely. The Senate extended its gratitude to the officers, and members of law enforcement present were recognized on the floor. Several floor introductions and announcements followed, including recognition of a UCO student intern, Senator Alvord’s mother-in-law, and caucus and committee notices. Announcements included Republican caucus meeting plans, committee meetings for Business and Insurance and Energy, a Diabetes Caucus meeting, a Women’s Caucus social event, and a note that the Senate won the prior day’s blood drive competition. No legislation was debated or voted on, and the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Bills: SB2278, SB2908, SB2987

Keywords: light pollution, outdoor lighting, fully shielded, Hawaii Revised Statutes, environmental protection, night sky, lighting fixtures, local control, exemptions, athletic facilities, wildlife conservation, Hawaiian culture, 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Tourism and Economic Development and Technology heard several measures on February 12, 2026. HB 1950 would dedicate 15% of transit accommodations tax revenue to a new state-led marketing and branding special fund and require an annual tourism management plan. HTA and DBEDT supported the bill as providing predictable funding for marketing and tourism management, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special fund structure as limiting legislative flexibility. Members discussed the size of the allocation and whether a tourism emergency fund would still be needed; the bill later advanced with amendments that removed some provisions and blanked out the 15% figure for further discussion, and it passed with amendments. HB 2268 would add film production marketing and promotion to HTA’s powers. The governor’s office, HTA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, and several industry groups supported the measure, arguing that film and TV exposure drives tourism and generates significant spending and tax revenue, while one individual testified in opposition. In questions, HTA said it would use existing staff and did not have a separate cost estimate. The committee amended the bill to specify that film productions are primarily filmed in Hawaii and deferred the date to continue discussion; it then passed with amendments. The committee also heard HB 2156, which would raise filing thresholds for general excise tax and transit accommodations tax filers. The Department of Taxation said the change could increase administrative burden if more filers shift from mandatory electronic filing to paper filing, while the Tax Foundation noted the filing threshold issue is separate from e-filing requirements. The bill was moved forward with a deferred date. HB 1946, concerning time-share registration renewals and amendments, drew support from ARDA and other industry testimony, with no opposition noted; DCCA was said to be in talks with the industry. It was also advanced with technical amendments and a deferred date.

Bills: HB74, HB175

Keywords: environmental project, public money, political subdivision, greenhouse gas emissions, federal law compliance, renewable energy, water conservation, retroactive child support, child conception, paternity, family law, health care expenses

Bills: HM26, HB243, HB109

Keywords: insects, ecosystem, education, public awareness, wildlife conservation, state agency involvement, New Mexico, equine welfare, animal rescue, shelter funding, trust fund, veterinary care, water project fund, water project finance act, New Mexico Finance Authority, water infrastructure, water grants, water loans, regional water planning, water rights adjudication

Bills: SJR49, HB3281, HB4319, HJR1086

Keywords: wildlife, conservation, Oklahoma, regulations, permanent rules, administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, legislative approval

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Joint Resolution 49, as amended, which revokes an Oklahoma Wildlife Department rule requiring oil and gas companies to post a surety bond. Senator Murdoch explained that the change was intended to eliminate what he described as duplicate regulation, since the Corporation Commission already requires security bonds, and said the Wildlife Department had agreed to the revision. Senator Merritt’s amendment narrowing the resolution to the surety bond provision was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 6-0. The committee then heard House Bill 3281, described by Senator Bergstrom as the same measure previously passed as Senate Bill 1433, the Guidance Transparency Act. It was advanced without questions or debate and passed 6-0. House Bill 4319 followed, requiring agencies to have explicit statutory authority for each rule and to inventory existing rules within three years so noncompliant rules would be automatically repealed by January 1, 2030; it passed 7-0 after a due-pass motion. Finally, House Joint Resolution 1086 was approved, which ratifies rules from the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, the State Fire Marshal Commission, and the State Board of Licensed Social Workers. Senator Bergstrom said committee concerns had already been addressed in prior hearings, and the resolution passed 7-0. The chair then announced a meeting for the following Wednesday at 11:30, urged members to continue reviewing rules and raising concerns promptly, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• water use disguises the actual water use and hides the serious offenders at times of required conservation
• This is a deep aquifer-based geothermal system.
• The public utilities being able to serve as aggregators without adequate guardrails, as the Conservative
• For over 120 years, the National Audubon Society's work has focused on habitat conservation, so some
• Those are from Audubon Conservation Ranching certified farms that do similar work in implementing conservation

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move on to the next measure, Senate Bill 3253 relating to conservation, which establishes the Hawaii
• Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit group to work with DNR on similar things.
• >> So, so where are you guys looking at establishing these conservation sanctuaries, and how much will
• We’ll take actually the first two, and SB 3253, relating to conservation, which is the other sanctuary
• which is the other conservation which is the other sanctuary<01:46:01.440><c> bill.

Bills: SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Bills: SB1550, SB2065, SB2110, SB2111, SB2114, SB2152, SB2159, SB2172

Keywords: burn ban, drought, emergency powers, county commissioners, fire safety, wildfire prevention, pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, SB2110, eggs, ungraded eggs, graded eggs, egg sales, poultry, farmers market, direct-to-consumer sales, local food

Bills: SB1550, SB2065, SB2110, SB2111, SB2114, SB2152, SB2159, SB2172

Keywords: burn ban, drought, emergency powers, county commissioners, fire safety, wildfire prevention, pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, SB2110, eggs, ungraded eggs, graded eggs, egg sales, poultry, farmers market, direct-to-consumer sales, local food

Summary: The committee took up several agriculture and wildlife-related bills. Senate Bill 1550, presented by Senator Axson, would give county commissioners more authority to issue burn bans during drought conditions and provide liability protection for those decisions; it passed 13-0. Senate Bill 2065, presented by Senator Bullard with help from Lucille Morehouse, would designate several native pollinators and recognize the importance of pollinators to agriculture and food production; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 2152, by Senator Kern, would allow the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to move black bear muzzleloader and archery season earlier, starting no earlier than September 1; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 2159, by Senator Peterson, would designate wheat as the state crop; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 2172, also by Senator Peterson, would prohibit future ownership, sale, trade, or breeding of primates while allowing existing lawful owners to register and comply with rules, with exceptions for sanctuaries, research, veterinary, law enforcement, and zoo settings; it passed 11-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2110 from Senator Murdoch, which would allow farmers to sell ungraded eggs. Members raised concerns about the low egg limit and asked about sales to restaurants and urban farms; the author said he would work on the number and other details. The bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 2111, also by Senator Murdoch, would remove the orange-clothing requirement for hunters on private hunt reserves or private hunt facilities; it passed 12-0. Finally, Senator Guthrie presented Senate Bill 2114, as amended by committee substitute, to make it unlawful to knowingly, recklessly, or negligently allow a dog to harass wildlife on property without permission, while excluding lawful hunting, livestock protection dogs, and brief accidental crossings. Members discussed dog hunting, property rights, and possible GPS or collar language; the chairman struck the title to allow further work on the bill. The measure passed 12-1. The meeting then adjourned after the chair noted the committee would continue with more bills in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jim Downing who filled out a physical piece of paper all right McMullen Conservation District would be
• One of my clients is the McMullen Valley Water Conservation and Drainage District.
• And then there are other programs, there are conservation programs, serious conservation programs that
• That's going to cost money also because we're going to have to pay for the types of conservation that
• Moving water away from Salome and Wenden will cripple these areas and further deplete the aquifer at

Bills: HB2014, HB2031, HB2078, HB2102, HB2103, HB2117, HB2261, HB2262, HB2264, HB2278, HB2428, HB2494, HB2756, HB2758, HB2762, HB2782, HB2932, HB2933, HB2986

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, water rights, groundwater, Willcox, active management area, certificate of grandfathered rights, Arizona legislature, aggregate mining, reclamation plans, environmental protection, public safety, land use, domestic water, improvement district, water delivery, water hauling

Bills: SJR49, HB3281, HB4319, HJR1086

Keywords: wildlife, conservation, Oklahoma, regulations, permanent rules, administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, legislative approval, 914, all