Video & Transcript : 'Oklahoma Constitution' :
Page 71 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 9, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For what purpose does the gentlewoman from Oklahoma seek recognition?
- </c><03:04:42.240><c> seek</c> the gentle woman from Oklahoma seek the gentle woman from Oklahoma seek
- </c> Oklahoma is recognized. Oklahoma is recognized. >> I<03:09:58.560><c> reserve.
- I want to thank the gentleman from Oklahoma, Mr.
- Oklahoma, Mr.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Human Services Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3390 directs the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to update and maintain its provider
- at, by 2035 and by some estimates as early as 2023, or 2033 rather, having more older adults in Oklahoma
- It's a federal program that Oklahoma participates in, and that is a facility that actually transports
Summary:
The committee met to hear several House bills related to aging services, child care, and transparency in human services. At the start, the chair announced House Bill 2949 would be laid over until the following Monday and said the committee should expect one additional meeting before deadline. The committee also adopted PCS versions of the bills presented.
House Bill 3390, by Rep. Clinton, would require the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to maintain a more detailed provider search website for home and community-based services, including ratings, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, and administrator information. Clinton said the goal was greater transparency and consumer protection, but noted a fiscal impact estimate of about $244,000, with roughly $126,000 affecting the state budget. After a question about whether a rating system already exists, he said he was not aware of one and suggested scaling back the proposal if needed. The bill passed 4-0.
House Bill 4199, by Rep. Schreiber, proposed a limited pilot program to help employers and the state share child care costs for workers in a specific income band, with the state matching up to one-third of employer contributions. Schreiber described it as a public-private approach to rising child care costs. The committee passed the bill 4-0. House Bill 4407, by Rep. Blancett, aimed to prevent a future senior services waiting list by encouraging better use of home and community-based services and PACE instead of more expensive long-term care, and House Bill 4412 would create a revolving fund tied to those senior service programs. Blancett argued both bills could improve care and save state money; both measures passed 4-0. The chair then announced the committee had finished its agenda and adjourned, with one more meeting scheduled for the following Monday at 10 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of ours are either in Iowa or right across the line into Guyam and Oklahoma for Seaboard. different
- And ranch last session state law and the Texas Constitution was changed to implement protections against
- As a constitution provided that everybody voted on yeah, so there's just various things that cities have
- Establish the constitutional right to farm and ranch in in the Constitution and even though that they're
- accordingly, they've engaged with our members and said we realize state laws change, there's a constitutional
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that's our job to make our Constitution that's our job to make our country<00:17:05.319><c> strong</
- And yes, I will remind people of the rights and the tenets of Article One in our Constitution. bans for
- that all equal our very Constitution that all equal members<00:22:05.880><c> of</c><00:22:06.080><c>
- over the next three years Tulsa Oklahoma over the next three years with<00:24:29.320><c> the</c><00:
- </c><02:48:44.800><c> is</c> taxpayers the Constitution is taxpayers the Constitution is Vindicated<02
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And that will officially ban slavery in all forms from our California State Constitution.
- Constitution as well.
- The federal Constitution, the state Constitution, and voter initiatives provide fundamental rights to
- The federal constitution, the state constitution, and voter initiatives provide fundamental rights to
- The right to a full and robust defense is essential to our constitutional framework.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations.
The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes.
Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 16th, 2026 at 09:09 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, Chicago is looking like a strong fly, but Oklahoma City is looking like a strong fly drive
- Would be for expanding into an additional market, likely looking at Chicago, Oklahoma City, or there's
- We could boost our co-op program and add drive market advertising to the Oklahoma City market as sort
- approving the executive recommendation so that we can have at least a fighting start to sustain our constitutional
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution that prohibits that comparable language in the Colorado state constitution as well.
- <01:50:02.000><c> that</c><01:50:02.239><c> prohibits</c><01:50:02.639><c> that</c> Constitution that
- prohibits that Constitution that prohibits that comparable<01:50:03.840><c> language</c><01:50:04.159
- </c><01:50:06.960><c> There</c><01:50:07.280><c> is</c> state constitution as well.
- There is state constitution as well.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Oklahoma, Arkansas, Utah, Idaho, and North Dakota have all successfully implemented stoppage yield laws
- Because of the constitutional requirements to the Texas Mobility Fund, House Bill 4192 reduces, uh, the
- November is when November is when we'll have the constitutional amendments to that we've been passing
- HB 5669 renames the authority, expands its constitutional authority, modernizes governance, and aligns
Bills:
HB 535 , HB 2120 , HB 2822 , HB 3243 , HB 3457 , HB 3544 , HB 4089 , HB 4192 , HB 4669 , HB 4868 , HB 4955 , HB 5253 , HB 5669 , SB 1371 , SB 1919 , SB 2001
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Oklahoma, Arkansas, Utah, Idaho, and North Dakota have all successfully implemented stop-as-yield laws
- Because of the constitutional requirements tied to the Texas Mobility Fund, House Bill 4192 addresses
- November's when we'll have the constitutional amendments, too, that we've been passing.
- It names the authority, expands its constitutional authority, modernizes governance, and aligns operational
Bills:
HB535 , HB2120 , HB2822 , HB3243 , HB3457 , HB3544 , HB4089 , HB4192 , HB4669 , HB4868 , HB4955 , HB5253 , HB5669 , SB1371 , SB1919 , SB2001
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- An institutional care facility does not necessarily constitute a break in homelessness.
- police power and may exercise only those powers expressly defined. ...conveyed to them by the Constitution
- president and co-founder of the Calvary Group, a national member-based company that advocates for the constitutional
- organization has spearheaded legislation similar to HB5356, which has been passed and enacted into law in Oklahoma
Bills:
HB386 , HB1449 , HB1701 , HB2142 , HB2675 , HB2857 , HB3063 , HB3171 , HB3641 , HB3732 , HB4045 , HB4370 , HB4491 , HB4505 , HB4626 , HB5267 , HB5356
Committee:
House Intergovernmental Affairs
Keywords:
construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Correct, because of our constitutional standards. Thank you. Any other questions? Okay.
- The test strip mandate: the bill currently lacks sufficient clarity on what constitutes sufficient supply
- The bill currently lacks sufficient clarity on what constitutes sufficient supply, leaving organizers
- I'm a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and Muskogee.
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills on holidays, procurement, public safety, and business regulation. AB 268 would add Diwali as an official state holiday and allow schools and state workers limited flexibility to observe it; supporters described it as a recognition of California’s large South Asian and Hindu communities, and there was no opposition. AB 770 would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays to clarify what repairs and reinforcements are allowed; the bill was presented as a safety and consistency measure for the billboard industry. AB 783 would authorize the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk pricing for construction materials to help disaster-affected communities rebuild more affordably, with supporters from the housing and building sectors and some members raising concerns about state contracting, storage, and implementation. AB 381 would update state procurement rules to better prevent human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, aligning state policy with federal standards and drawing support from anti-trafficking advocates, labor, and local government representatives. AB 668 would extend drink-spiking prevention measures to music festivals by requiring test strips, drink lids, and reporting procedures; supporters emphasized victim safety and underreporting, while venue operators opposed the bill unless amended, citing feasibility and cost concerns. AB 880 would require prompt payment and indirect cost coverage for nonprofits contracting with the state, with broad nonprofit support and no opposition. AB 989 would make California Native American Day a paid holiday, with tribal and allied support. AB 592 would extend and expand temporary outdoor dining and alcohol service flexibilities for restaurants, with strong support from restaurant and business groups and opposition from alcohol policy advocates who preferred a narrower or permanent grandfathering approach.
Most bills advanced on committee votes, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan support. AB 770 was moved to Appropriations, AB 783 was passed as amended to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, AB 381 was sent to Labor, AB 668 and AB 880 were sent to Appropriations, AB 989 was sent to Public Employees and Retirement, and AB 592 was sent to Health. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing several additional bills, which was approved. The hearing ended with the roll left open for additional votes and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And I want to highlight the fact that our belief that conduct may constitute a crime does not mean any
- And I want to highlight the fact that our belief that conduct may constitute a crime does not mean any
- This helps maintain constitutional medical standards while also ensuring that only those who do not pose
- , the state constitution, and RCW 72.10.105.
- And when we start considering the vital constitutional rights and protections that a person might waive
Committee:
Senate Human Services
Keywords:
incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, persistent offender, three strikes, resentencing, juvenile conviction, youth offender, juvenile sentencing, life without parole, LWOP, most serious offense, sentencing reform
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Four - Monday, April 20
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- State, likely violates the original purpose clause, Article 3, Section 21 of the Missouri Constitution
- And so you see Oklahoma, they're competing for our veterans. They're saying, come move here.
- And so you see Oklahoma, they're competing for our veterans. They're saying, come move here.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Aug 14th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It would exclude amounts that the state has prohibited from taxing under the Constitution.
- For example, if you look at both Texas and Oklahoma, when you compare some of the apples-to-apples registration
- divide our total revenue by total lane miles, which is about a third of Texas, about 50% less than Oklahoma
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution. I am all for sticking to the U.S. Constitution.
- 30:38.360><c> one</c><00:30:38.519><c> of</c> the US Constitution this is from one of the US Constitution
- </c><01:29:35.000><c> I</c> consistent with our state constitution I consistent with our state constitution
- </c><02:07:49.079><c> the</c> 14 of the Hawaii Constitution the 14 of the Hawaii Constitution the Supreme
- </c><02:08:26.320><c> Amendment</c> because of a Constitutional Amendment because of a Constitutional
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused.
The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Number six, it's constitutional. It was founder's intent.
- The constitutional concerns were raised. In my view, this legislation is constitutional.
- It tracks the text of the Constitution.
- The constitutionality, it may or may not be constitutional.
- The constitutionality, it may or may not be constitutional.
Bills:
HB42
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay.
The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending.
Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably.
Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So the other states include Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
- ACA 7 is a Black Caucus priority bill which aims to clarify Section 31A of the California Constitution
- of equal treatment for all by striking down Section 31 of Article 1 of the state Constitution, which
- Constitution.
- Again, our only intent is to clarify what Section 31 of the California Constitution is and is not, and
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this bill addresses a longstanding issue on the Oklahoma River by directing the Department of
- Environmental Protection to allow natural water flow to return to the Oklahoma through partial restoration
- Dam, and I don't know how many of you got a chance to watch the videos that I had sent, but the Oklahoma
- The Oklahoma has inspired awe for generations.
- none of that, but does cause ecological harm and severs the connection between Silver Springs, Lee, Oklahoma
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
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.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 23rd, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Pennsylvania, Oregon, Oklahoma, Maryland, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, South Carolina, and Kentucky
- So this says the marketing for sale of the contractual rights or other equitable interest constitutes
- So this says the marketing for sale of the contractual rights or other equitable interest constitutes
Summary:
The committee first deferred several bills, then took up House Bill 468 by Representative A-Bear, which would regulate wholesaling of residential real property by requiring disclosures, a right to cancel within 14 days, and other consumer protections. Representative A-Bear said the bill is meant to increase transparency without banning wholesaling, while committee members and witnesses debated whether the bill should instead focus on proof of funds or other safeguards. The committee adopted an amendment set that added disclosure of assignment fees, required a 1% earnest money deposit, and imposed a civil penalty for violations, then reported the bill favorably after hearing testimony from real estate professionals, title attorneys, and the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, many of whom supported transparency but urged changes to the rescission period and other provisions.
Witnesses on HB 468 generally agreed there are bad actors in the wholesale market, especially in residential transactions involving distressed or unsophisticated sellers, but several argued the bill could interfere with legitimate local investors who close quickly and help move problem properties back into commerce. The Real Estate Commission explained that the bill creates a rebuttable presumption based on marketing activity and that the agency has enforcement tools even against unlicensed actors. Representative Jordan raised concerns about intent, assignability, and whether represented sellers need the same protections, and Representative A-Bear said he would continue working on the bill before floor debate.
The committee then heard House Bill 548 by Representative Bowie, which changes CPA licensing by allowing either a master’s degree or an additional year of experience in place of the current extra undergraduate hours, while keeping the exam requirement the same. The bill also codifies board composition criteria and modernizes CPA mobility/practice privilege rules for out-of-state CPAs. After brief questions about enforcement and mobility, the committee heard support from the Louisiana Society of CPAs and others and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 848 by Representative DeWitt on motor vehicle dealer licensing and repair facility requirements, adopted technical amendments, and then recessed.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, of Oregon, to be Secretary of Labor. - Part 2 of 2 Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I get it, Oklahoma is a proud right to work state, and yet we still support Lori.
- I will follow the law and the Constitution.
- It's going to pay. the NLRB is constitutional?
- But you believe that it's constitutional? Yeah, I believe that the...
- We'll follow the law and the Constitution.
Keywords:
PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization
Summary:
The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.