Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that in the interest of transparency in state government, we should not prevent our state employees
• In the interest of transparency in state government, we should not prevent our state employees from being
• Members, this is a program to incentivize state employees and state agencies to proactively look for
• And then, like... ...the agency and to the state.
• We have five agencies now chasing feral pigs throughout the state.

Bills: SB1415, SB1714, SB1962, SB26, SB172

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Summary: The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources heard several bills dealing with state employment, purchasing, and retirement policy. Senate Bill 1415, by Senator Brooks, would prohibit nondisclosure agreements when a state employee resigns or is terminated, with exceptions for statutorily protected confidentiality such as physician or attorney privilege. Members questioned how the bill would interact with whistleblower protections and sensitive information, but the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1714, by Senator Jett, which would expand an existing state employee suggestion/incentive program to encourage agencies to identify cost savings and efficiencies, require agencies to review recommendations in good faith, and report back on accepted or rejected ideas. Members raised concerns about open meetings, employee notification, written documentation of suggestions, and possible disputes over the value of savings. The author agreed to work on amendments, the title was struck, and the bill passed as amended 5-2. Senate Bill 1962, by Senator Bullard, would move certain purchasing exemptions out of statute and into the administrative rules process so exemptions must be periodically renewed and justified. Supporters said this would reduce personality-driven exemptions and improve oversight, while concerns were raised about ongoing needs and emergency situations. The bill passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 26, which would allow retired teachers to return to work after a 90-day break with a salary set by local districts and a 3% contribution back to the retirement system, and Senate Bill 172, which would tie cost-of-living adjustments for pension systems to funding benchmarks and a rolling average, rather than legislative discretion; both bills passed, with SB 26 passing 7-0 and SB 172 passing 6-1. The chair noted the committee expected at least one more meeting and hoped to finish the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute House Bill 2236 concerns the State Housing Finance Commission.
• Next up in your EBB is House Bill 2281 regarding the state and tribal government-to-government relationship
• on certain tribal traditional cultural practices may not be construed to prevent the purchaser of state
• lands or valuable materials on state lands from being able to access those state lands or those valuable
• The chair recommends a no for the purposes stated by the good Representative Stearns.

Bills: HB2236, HB2281, HB2514, HB2551, HB2668

Keywords: housing finance, affordable housing, housing commission, state agency, financial assistance, tribal relations, government, state policy, sovereignty, federalism, HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look on page two, that is clarified as a state officer employee.
• Texas teachers in 2022 wanted to tie pension investments to something in a pro-life Texas bill, and then
• another in Texas wanting to finance net zero financing restrictions on banks.
• It says 'subcommittees thereof, judges, justices, and state legislators.' Why strike that?
• Basically, the group worked closely with the state auditor, her office officers, and legal staff.

Bills: HB3057, HB3279, HB4428, HB3420

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, employment restrictions, state officers, prohibited acts, government contracts, public service, public finance, pension, pension fund, retirement system, board of trustees, proxy voting, proxy proposal, shareholder vote, shareholder activism, fiduciary duty

Transcript Highlights:

• He was the executive director of the state chamber of commerce.
• We are on the Secretary of State at this time.
• This is a bill to Make sure that state governments and agencies don't use state funds and resources to
• So, given that a portion of our population in the state is LGBTQ, why would our state not be able to
• It's saying state resources and state dollars shall not be attributed to it.

Bills: HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219

Keywords: state government, vendor contracts, subcontracting, public database, contract assessment, transparency, retirement, law enforcement, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, school resource officers, public safety, public finance, contract management, service-driven contracts, state accounting, intangible assets, Oklahoma Police Pension, disability benefits, mental health, retirement system

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Library takes newspaper archives, and that's where a lot of these things are stored even if
• a newspaper has gone out of business; their editions are still archived through the state libraries
• It's not just at one archival library in the state; they're all over the state.
• You go to libraries and research libraries.
• You go to libraries and research libraries.

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2129, HB2170, HB2210, HB2228, HB2352, HB2460, HB2533, SB1019, SB1045, SB1050, SB1078, SB1083, SB1167, SB1184, SCR1006

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology

Transcript Highlights:

• We already see in Texas.
• Texas' goal is that by 2030, 60% of the residents in the state will hold a credential.
• as long as it's approved by the state treasurer.
• Something in our state statute that is allowable as long as it's approved by the state treasurer?
• Please state your question. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HB2398, HB4363, HB3557, HB3701, HB2210

Keywords: credential of value, education, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, higher education, Oklahoma State University, Board of Trustees, presidential selection, college governance, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, academic programs, low-producing programs, Oklahoma State Board of Regents, program review, curriculum quality

Transcript Highlights:

• of Texas.
• Texas.
• of Texas now for over 30 years.
• of Texas.
• The state of Texas, TxDOT employees, almost 14,000 strong, get up hard every day.

Bills: HB227

Keywords: HB227, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom products, kratom processor, kratom retailer, controlled substances, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Penalty Group 1, tianeptine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, synthetic kratom, kratom alkaloids, adulterated products, product testing, lab testing, ISO 17025, labeling requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the assistant state director of NFIB.
• We represent. and over 20,000 small businesses in Texas across all different industries.
• I urge you to pass SB 2610 to strengthen Texas cybersecurity and safeguard our SMBs. Thank you.
• Riley, testifying for yourself, Texas Association of County Election Officials.
• of Texas.

Bills: SB1540, SB2610, SB2373

Keywords: election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, cybersecurity, data breach, breach of system security, exemplary damages, punitive damages, liability shield, safe harbor, small business, mid-sized business, Texas Business & Commerce Code, sensitive personal information, personal identifying information, identity theft, fraud prevention, NIST

Transcript Highlights:

• In the state of Texas, they give a little pushback.
• The state. And is it the Texas Department of Agriculture? Yes. Yes.
• agencies to evaluate pest and disease outbreaks in the state of Texas.
• I've been a practicing veterinarian in the state of Texas for 42 years.
• Our state board here in Texas is currently investigating several claims.

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479, HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The LNG market is Expected to nearly double by 2040, and the state of Texas has an opportunity to take
• We want to contribute to the state of Texas and its future economic growth, and we believe our...
• In the state of Texas specifically, domestically is over 50%.
• The state of Texas. Loses. Oh, 100%.
• But the way the state of Texas handles it in an expedited way, I think, is the way to go.

Bills: SB2037, SB1757, SB1758, SB1759, HB29

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• I've said before I love living deep in the heart of Texas, but I'm concerned with the growing to whom
• Um, I work for Texas Materials, a CRH company.
• of Texas.
• I understand the growth objectives for Texas. I like it here. I want to continue that.
• I understand the growth objectives for Texas. I like it here. I want to continue that.

Bills: SB2037, SB1757, SB1758, SB1759

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources took public testimony on Senate Bill 1757 and its committee substitute, a measure dealing with aggregate production operations and a new permitting option for rock crushers/aggregate facilities. Testimony centered on whether the bill should remain focused on air permitting or also include broader quarry operations such as stormwater, reclamation, monitoring, and public participation requirements. Supporters of the substitute, including representatives of the Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association and Associated General Contractors, said the bill would provide a voluntary third permitting option, preserve existing authorizations, and create a more practical regulatory path for Texas growth. Opponents and critics, including representatives of Texas for Responsible Aggregate Mining, Job Materials, and Public Citizen, argued the bill as written was too weak or too broad in the wrong ways. They said best management practices should be set in statute or through negotiated rulemaking rather than left to TCEQ rulemaking, and they raised concerns about limited monitoring periods, vague air-monitoring standards, public notice procedures, and the inclusion of non-air requirements in an air permit. Several witnesses said the bill should better balance industry needs with neighborhood impacts and public health protections. Chair Birdwell questioned witnesses about ongoing negotiations between industry groups and said the bill was intended to be a practical compromise. After testimony and questions, public testimony was closed. The committee left SB 1757 and its committee substitute pending, with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas, but I'm concerned with the growing conflicts resulting from our growth.
• Al Kincaid, I work for Texas Materials, a CRH company.
• AGC represents approximately 700 members who build critical infrastructure vital to Texas growth. ...
• As the actor for the state of Texas, if I add those things, if I add ornaments to that Christmas tree
• I understand the growth objectives for Texas. I like it here, and I want to continue that.

Bills: SB2037, SB1757, SB1758, SB1759, HB29

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• When a well is orphaned, the state assumes the liability of the well in perpetuity.
• Depending on the economics, an orphan operator might wait for the state to prioritize and eventually
• And remove this language, liability stays with the state as is the case with current state plugging activities
• Senators, my name's Todd Staples with the Texas Oil and Gas Association testifying in favor of Senate
• this state.

Bills: SB 1150, SB 763, SB 1061, SB 1146, SB 1198

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2787 is a FY26 supplemental appropriation to the State Department of Health to pay for legacy
• looking at the state's obligations and those things we contracted with outside entities to fulfill state
• goals and state strategies.

Bills: HB2786, HB2787, HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the Oklahoma Pregnancy Care Network a state agency? No, it is a pass-through.
• These programs are going to be administered under the Oklahoma State Department of Health based on the
• The reason I raise those questions is because I'm curious why they need to come to the state legislature
• We have so many obligations with state agencies and various services that we need to give to.
• Maybe have some more information on that, but there are a lot of public-private partnerships in this state

Bills: HB2786, HB2787, HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The total state budget at engrossed is $46.6 billion for fiscal year 27.
• other state revenue sources as recognized by REC and a reduction of $47.1 million in state general fund
• State general fund savings in the Medicaid program.
• Office of State Procurement, $13.4 million with 99 T.O. positions.
• Environmental State Revolving Loan Funds, $126.5 million.

Bills: HB1, HB2, HB3, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3

Keywords: state budget, appropriations, education funding, public health, social services, government operations, state institutions, capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, funding, state general fund, local government, fiscal year

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not employees of the state.
• Our state workforce is about 75% white, and in fiscal year 2024, 24% of state hires have been people
• voters in the state.
• Yes, there is, but it basically includes the state National Guard and the state militia.
• The state—what was the second thing? The state militia. Oh, is that a thing?

Bills: HB2309, HB2249, HB2417, SGA9066, SGA9246, SGA9268

Keywords: state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation, workforce diversity, hiring reform, employment eligibility, work authorization, DACA

Transcript Highlights:

• Our state, Washington state, is defined by innovation, opportunity, and rapid growth.
• Our state has a strong history of leading with care and foresight.
• Washington and those who visit our state.
• State several years ago.
• In light of our Secretary of State and a former Secretary of State being against this bill, and several

Bills: HB2198, HB2401, HB2462, HB2419, HB2210, HB2205, HB2249

Keywords: regulatory efficiency, permitting, licensing, executive order, state government, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, unpiloted aircraft, drones, regulation, airspace safety, privacy, address confidentiality, administrative law judges, privacy protection, staff employment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:29.040><c> um</c> space as well as the state patrol. um space as well as the state patrol.
• The Minnesota State Academies gets $17,000 per year.
• The Minnesota State Academies gets $17,000 per year.
• ><c> Universities</c><00:10:57.760><c> receives</c> State Colleges and Universities receives State Colleges
• It's important to people in the state of Minnesota, so thank you all.

Bills: SF2884, HF1889

Keywords: pension, retirement, omnibus pension, MSRS, PERA, TRA, public employees retirement, state employees retirement, correctional employees, police and fire retirement, State Patrol retirement, teachers retirement, firefighter relief association, volunteer firefighter, state aid, postretirement adjustment, COLA, annuity, disability benefit, duty disability

Transcript Highlights:

• agreed-upon bill, and we feel comfortable that it will help and assist many of our school systems across the state
• agreed-upon bill, and we feel comfortable that it will help and assist many of our school systems across the state
• Because this is a bill that was passed in another state and this bill is copied and pasted off another

Bills: SB279, HB478, SB279, HB478

Keywords: Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building, historic preservation, state property, inventory removal, fixtures, furnishings, reuse, recycling, upcycling, surplus property, public assets, legislative chambers, desk sale, chair sale, state auditor