Transcript Highlights:

• So this flowchart captures the step-by-step actions that WSDOT takes to protect public safety, to prevent
• So this flowchart captures the step-by-step actions that WASHDOT takes to protect public safety to prevent
• I have a few questions about Highway 167, the Howard Hanson Dam, and your working relationship with the
• I have been told and received information about water being lowered in the dam so that we can maintain
• the dam, which may or may not have contributed to the flooding on 167.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session. WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million. Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• President and members, it is my pleasure to recognize a delegation of community leaders. observing Water Safety
• proud to sponsor and pass House Bill 59 by Representative Goodwin, the Gatis Act, to strengthen water safety
• education and training. safety practices at camps and child care facilities to help prevent childhood
• children we have lost as we raise awareness, promote prevention, and encourage every Texan to make water safety
• group homes often face neglect and abuse and exploitation, increasing the risk to their health and safety

Bills: HB135 , HCR64 , SCR3 , SCR30 , SB500 , SB739 , SB816 , SB898 , SB1283 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1531 , SB1540 , SB1666 , SB1721 , SB1886 , SB1931 , SB2001 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2173 , SB2217 , SB2284 , SB2375 , SB2383 , SB2386 , SB2398 , SB2448 , SB2476 , SB2540 , SB2580 , SB2589 , SB2693 , SB2707 , SB2776 , SB2786 , SB2801 , SB2864 , SB2927 , SJR84 , SCR30 , SB243 , SB324 , SB393 , SB457 , SB511 , SB529 , SB547 , SB636 , SB646 , SB659 , SB715 , SB731 , SB735 , SB800 , SB801 , SB904 , SB1065 , SB1141 , SB1181 , SB1224 , SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1250 , SB1266 , SB1285 , SB1359 , SB1434 , SB1442 , SB1467 , SB1502 , SB1524 , SB1528 , SB1551 , SB1585 , SB1640 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1777 , SB1844 , SB1863 , SB1972 , SB2007 , SB2035 , SB2046 , SB2055 , SB2069 , SB2082 , SB2119 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB2200 , SB2201 , SB2269 , SB2310 , SB2330 , SB2357 , SB2366 , SB2401 , SB2422 , SB2514 , SB2530 , SB2533 , SB2543 , SB2544 , SB2550 , SB2568 , SB2589 , SB2660 , SB2693 , SB2695 , SB2707 , SB2717 , SB2721 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2846 , SB2891 , SB2925 , SB2938 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB326 , SB767 , SB769 , SB783 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1035 , SB1197 , SB1271 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SB1619 , SB1637 , SB1786 , SB1806 , SB494 , SB530 , SB2312 , SB1 , SB260 , HB135 , HB1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HCR64 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1721 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2383 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB1540 , SB2929 , SB2540 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2514 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB410 , SB2776 , SB2580 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB456 , SB1666 , SB2801 , SB2055 , SB1012 , SB2926 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB3016 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB1528 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586 , SB1551 , SB3039 , SB2819 , SB66 , SB629 , SB1015 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2933 , SB1965 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB2605 , SB2419 , SB1957 , SB375 , SB250 , SB777 , SB628 , SB2523 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2778 , SB3044 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB865 , HB2525 , HB3093 , SB1032 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2675 , SB2452 , SB2835

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Bills: HB135 , HCR64 , SCR3 , SCR30 , SB500 , SB739 , SB816 , SB898 , SB1283 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1531 , SB1540 , SB1666 , SB1721 , SB1886 , SB1931 , SB2001 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2173 , SB2217 , SB2284 , SB2375 , SB2383 , SB2386 , SB2398 , SB2448 , SB2476 , SB2540 , SB2580 , SB2589 , SB2693 , SB2707 , SB2776 , SB2786 , SB2801 , SB2864 , SB2927 , SJR84 , SCR30 , SB243 , SB324 , SB393 , SB457 , SB511 , SB529 , SB547 , SB636 , SB646 , SB659 , SB715 , SB731 , SB735 , SB800 , SB801 , SB904 , SB1065 , SB1141 , SB1181 , SB1224 , SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1250 , SB1266 , SB1285 , SB1359 , SB1434 , SB1442 , SB1467 , SB1502 , SB1524 , SB1528 , SB1551 , SB1585 , SB1640 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1777 , SB1844 , SB1863 , SB1972 , SB2007 , SB2035 , SB2046 , SB2055 , SB2069 , SB2082 , SB2119 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB2200 , SB2201 , SB2269 , SB2310 , SB2330 , SB2357 , SB2366 , SB2401 , SB2422 , SB2514 , SB2530 , SB2533 , SB2543 , SB2544 , SB2550 , SB2568 , SB2589 , SB2660 , SB2693 , SB2695 , SB2707 , SB2717 , SB2721 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2846 , SB2891 , SB2925 , SB2938 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB326 , SB767 , SB769 , SB783 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1035 , SB1197 , SB1271 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SB1619 , SB1637 , SB1786 , SB1806 , SB494 , SB530 , SB2312 , SB1 , SB260 , HB135 , HB1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HCR64 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1721 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2383 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB1540 , SB2929 , SB2540 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2514 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB410 , SB2776 , SB2580 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB456 , SB1666 , SB2801 , SB2055 , SB1012 , SB2926 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB3016 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB1528 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586 , SB1551 , SB3039 , SB2819 , SB66 , SB629 , SB1015 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2933 , SB1965 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB2605 , SB2419 , SB1957 , SB375 , SB250 , SB777 , SB628 , SB2523 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2778 , SB3044 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB865 , HB2525 , HB3093 , SB1032 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2675 , SB2452 , SB2835

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• by Dobrinski of the House and Murdock of the Senate, an act relating to the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Safety
• by Dobrinski of the House and Murdock of the Senate, an act relating to the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Safety

Bills: HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• of accountability, compassion, and professional growth while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety
• Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, Oklahoma Municipal Power, Authority, and the Grand River Dam
• linemen warrant recognition for their essential role in powering communities and protecting public safety

Bills: HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• by DeBrensky of the House and Murdoch of the Senate, an act relating to the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Safety

Bills: HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House convened in quorum call and first took up several Joint Committee reports on appropriations and tax measures. HB 4028 extended the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments and passed 54-27. HB 4075 appropriated $26 million in interest funds to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water and wastewater projects and passed 84-4, with the emergency clause also approved. HB 477 appropriated up to $10.58 million to the Department of Emergency Management for the Emergency Response and Relief Grant Program and passed 84-5, with the emergency clause approved. HB 476 appropriated up to $21.64 million to the Department of Commerce for rural economic impact grants tied to water and wastewater needs at rural industrial parks and ports; it passed 79-11 and its emergency clause also passed. HB 474 closed out ARPA funds for health care workforce training and passed 79-12, with emergency approval. The House then considered several Senate bills. SB 1221 would add tracking numbers for mailed Real ID cards and offer expedited delivery; members raised concerns about voting access and possible poll-tax issues, but the bill passed 82-9 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1921, an OSBI request bill, raised fees for criminal history/background checks and passed 84-8. SB 2118 expanded the use of sheriff commissary funds for sheriff duties and jail operations and passed 87-4. SB 1932 allowed motor carriers to represent themselves in Corporation Commission administrative hearings without an attorney and passed 92-1. SB 2134 required wreckers responding to livestock transport accidents to contact local emergency management for humane handling of livestock and passed 71-20. A lengthy floor debate centered on HCR 1025, which supports eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Supporters argued education is a state responsibility and that federal bureaucracy and mandates add red tape; opponents warned that federal oversight is essential for special education, Title IX, IDEA, and civil rights enforcement. After extended debate, the resolution passed 72-17. The House also passed SB 1432, which removes pilot and sunset language from a successful alternative teacher certification program in Tulsa, making it a permanent pathway; supporters said it has helped career changers enter teaching and could be replicated statewide. It passed 85-3, and the emergency clause passed. The session ended with announcements, including recognition of a special-needs advocate, a rural caucus notice, and adjournment until April 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of accountability, compassion, and professional growth while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety
• Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, and the Grand River Dam
• linemen warrant recognition for their essential role in powering communities and protecting public safety
• and ensuring reliable Essential role in powering communities and protecting public safety and ensuring
• multi-county, high-speed pursuit involving an armed and violent suspect who posed a serious threat to public safety

Bills: HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• The YMCA is also the leading provider of water safety classes, partnering with school districts and communities
• Their job is to ensure safety. We take all the personalities out of it.
• And this is the end of a negotiation that they came to what they felt was that level of safety that they

Bills: SB5223 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5223 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5941 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Bills: SB5223 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5941 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then received a House message announcing passage of engrossed substitute House Bill 1604. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 8679 recognizing Taiwan, with remarks emphasizing Washington’s trade relationship, shared democratic values, and Taiwan’s support during COVID. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Mark Silva to the Lower Columbia College Board of Trustees, Shilpa Tavari to the Higher Education Facilities Authority, and Christine Johnson to the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees. The Senate then took up several bills on final passage. Substitute Senate Bill 5720, the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, passed after supporters said it strengthened consumer notice protections and reflected extensive stakeholder work. Substitute Senate Bill 5824 passed, allowing fifth-wheel travel trailers up to 46 feet and aligning length rules for legal sales and highway use. Substitute Senate Bill 5886 passed to protect personality rights by addressing name, likeness, and voice in the context of deepfakes and AI. Senate Bill 6013 passed to update ski area and winter sports terminology, and Substitute Senate Bill 6039 passed to let the Department of Labor and Industries use electronic or non-electronic notices at the recipient’s choice. Substitute Senate Bill 6036 passed to exempt certain former foster care providers from adult family home licensure, with supporters saying it would preserve stability for youth aging out of foster care. Senate Bill 6178 passed to prohibit post-loss assignment of property insurance benefits, with the sponsor saying it would keep homeowners in control of claims after disasters. Senate Bill 5892 passed to protect voter registration database information by routing requests through the Secretary of State, despite opposition over the bill’s felony penalty and strict process. Substitute Senate Bill 5941 passed to allow limited exemptions from renewable energy system requirements for certain school districts in cold, remote areas. Senate Bill 5177 passed to expand the topics considered in educator professional development on supporting historically marginalized and underrepresented students. Finally, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5912 passed after an amendment assigning staff support for the Indigent Defense Task Force to the Office of Public Defense; supporters said the task force is needed to address public defender shortages and caseload standards. The Senate then announced a later start time for the next day and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go from More Dam to Littleton, I mean to the Wilder Dam. And we'll have lunch.
• Um need to be at the more dam at 9:30.
• ><c> the</c><00:06:51.600><c> Wilder</c><00:06:52.000><c> Dam.
• And they'll have to um the Wilder Dam.
• </c> is approved for the hydroelectric dam is approved for the hydroelectric dam tour<04:29:05.680><c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Bills: SCR7 , SCR59 , SCR182

Committee: House Health

Keywords: emergency care, reproductive health, abortion services, EMTALA, patient safety, hospital regulations, medical treatment, health care professionals, emergency response, licensure, disaster response, telehealth, SCR182, S.C.R. 182, Hawaii Trauma System, trauma care, trauma center, Tripler Army Medical Center, military-civilian partnership, civilian trauma patients

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on three concurrent resolutions. SCR-7 would affirm that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care to pregnant people; supporters included the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, AAUW Hawaii, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, with two individuals in opposition. A member raised a wording concern about “pregnant people” versus “pregnant women,” and the chair agreed to note the comment in the committee report. The committee then recommended passage, and the measure was adopted by vote, with Representatives Alcos voting no and Garcia not voting. SCR-59 SD1 would ask the governor to establish procedures allowing certain health care professionals to practice in Hawaii without a Hawaii-issued license during a state of emergency. The Hawaii Organization of Nurse Leaders strongly supported the resolution, citing emergency response problems during Kona low storms and the Lahaina wildfires when out-of-state licensed providers were available but could not serve. The committee recommended passage as is, and the recommendation was adopted, with Representative Garcia voting with reservations. SCR-182 would request that the governor and Department of Health work with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal military partners to explore a military-civilian trauma partnership to strengthen Hawaii’s trauma system. The Department of Health supported the measure, and a member suggested the title should reflect “Department of War,” while another member noted the federal department name has not changed; the chair said the comments would be noted in the report. The committee recommended passage, and the resolution was adopted without objection, with Representatives Martin and Olds excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the intent of This is to try and help them with their safety.
• This is very much a safety measure. It's a lifeguard type of scenario.

Bills: HB1782 , HB2293 , HB3176 , HB3544 , HB3546 , HB3619 , HB4358

Committee: Senate Technology and Telecommunications

Keywords: artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the intent of this, to try and help them with their safety also, but their output and production
• This is very much a safety measure. It's a lifeguard-type scenario.

Bills: HB1782 , HB2293 , HB3176 , HB3544 , HB3546 , HB3619 , HB4358

Committee: Senate Technology and Telecommunications

Keywords: artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development

Summary: The Senate Technology and Telecommunications Committee considered several House bills focused on artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, broadband, and education technology. House Bill 3176 would create an Oklahoma Gas Artificial Intelligence and Space Research Hub under the Department of Commerce and a National Laboratory Development Program to help Oklahoma pursue federal research designations; members questioned the fiscal impact, public reporting, and agency placement, and the bill passed 7-1. House Bill 3544 would prohibit minors from accessing AI social companions and authorize civil penalties; supporters cited research and safety concerns, and it passed 8-0. House Bill 3619 would modernize state geographic data collection and mapping for census and boundary purposes; members raised concerns about county boundaries, costs, and possible impacts on property and taxation, and it passed 6-2. The committee also advanced House Bill 3546, which bars artificial intelligence and other non-human entities from being granted legal personhood under Oklahoma law, passing 8-0 without debate. House Bill 1782 would create an Oklahoma AI Education Innovation Act with an advisory council and grant fund; members asked about funding formulas, membership, and dual office-holding, and it passed 8-0. House Bill 2293 would extend the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset while requiring a wind-down plan and legislative review; members discussed the office’s consultation and termination process, and it passed 8-0. Finally, House Bill 4358 would limit screen time for pre-K through fifth grade students to one hour per school day. After questions about enforcement, classroom logistics, and special events, the author struck the title to continue working on the measure, and the bill passed 8-0. Throughout the meeting, members generally expressed support for the policy goals of the bills while flagging implementation, fiscal, and jurisdictional concerns.

Bills: HF4074

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: retirement, pension, public employees, MSRS, PERA, TRA, St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association, police and fire, correctional employees, probation officers, telecommunicators, dispatchers, 911 operators, public safety answering point, PSAP, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, paid on-call firefighters, fire relief association, state aid

Transcript Highlights:

• "I felt really proud of myself," said Roman, "for getting everyone out and getting them to safety and

Bills: SB1177 , HB3705 , SB1942 , SB2026 , SB1533 , SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, tax credit, parental choice, private school, income tax, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity, insurance claims, dentist rights, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, veteran burial

Bills: HF3298 , SF3832 , HF3528 , HF3516 , HF3972 , HF4118

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• and civil justice budget totaled $7.9 billion and reflects a strong commitment to our core public safety
• and civil justice budget totaled $7.9 billion and reflects a strong commitment to our core public safety
• Investing in salaries while ignoring these conditions does not create safety. It creates chaos.
• Safety, warmth, food, and medical care are not privileges. They are obligations.
• Many of these individuals pose little to no public safety risk.

Bills: S0436 , S0532 , S0600 , S0644 , S0682 , S0928 , S1072 , S1332 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: foreclosure, court clerks, budget management, judicial sales, Florida statutes, bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, bond conditions, surety, attorney fees, litigation costs, court jurisdiction, equitable awards, financial resources, domestic violence, protective injunctions, electronic monitoring, enhanced penalties

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to consider several criminal justice and court-related bills, along with the committee’s proposed $7.9 billion budget. The committee first heard and approved CS/SB 600 on bail bonds, as amended to adjust solicitation, cash bond return, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures; CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses and was amended to correct a drafting issue; CS/SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction for dangerous crimes; SB 1332 on career offender registration, adding in-person reporting, more detailed registration requirements, and stronger penalties for noncompliance; and CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, a domestic violence measure adopted via a substitute amendment that adds stricter penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures. All of those bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for statewide review, and opponents raising concerns about free speech, the definition of anti-Semitism, and possible conflation of criticism of Israel with hate speech. Senators also discussed the bill’s scope and the IHRA definition before it was reported favorably. In addition, CS/SB 532 on clerks of court was amended to clarify foreclosure sale procedures and funding predictability for clerks, then reported favorably. CS/SB 644 on attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs was also approved after amendments that aligned family-law fee provisions and codified standards for fee awards in dissolution and paternity cases; the sponsor said the bill was intended to curb vexatious litigation and improve consistency across districts. After the bill actions, the chair summarized the criminal and civil justice budget, describing it as a disciplined proposal that addresses corrections deficits and future inmate growth while funding core public safety needs. The committee then heard substantial public testimony on prison conditions, staffing, pay, heat, infrastructure, and the possibility of reducing prison populations or adding air conditioning in facilities. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill SB 1634 would be temporarily postponed to the following week, and the record was supplemented with the names of many people who had registered to speak for or against those bills. The meeting concluded after members were invited to record votes and the committee adjourned.

Bills: SB211 , SB305 , SB300 , SB211 , SB305 , SB300

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2143 specifies that the investment cap that prohibits the Public Safety Personnel Retirement
• It's the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, which is generally our police officers and our sheriffs

Bills: HB2143 , HB2273 , HB2290 , HB2373 , HB2784 , HB2794 , HB4037

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Bills: HB2975 , HB3405 , HB3406 , HB3728 , HB3902 , HB3977

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation