Transcript Highlights:

• We have still expanded and still expanded, and we're asking it to come out of one-time funds...
• Expanded, and we're asking it to come out of one-time funds.
• FAFSA's and received federal funding that weren't enrolled.
• It's supported by their fees and funds.
• They're not the traditional Forest Legacy Program funds. And so that's funds.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> our</c> that we attract talented leaders to our that we attract talented leaders to our health<01
• Attracting top talent to Coos County already requires exceptional skill and intentional effort.
• Attracting retain and recruit leaders.
• money from dog racing and horse racing to fund the children's education scholarship fund. 07 07 07 &
• fund, and then 50% of that surplus goes back into the general fund.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Business and industry leaders looking to relocate or build new facilities look specifically to states
• services necessary to attract and support their employees.
• For instance, I can leave Kansas, Missouri, and get into Oklahoma, and their weight limits different.
• For instance, I can leave Kansas, Missouri. ...and get into Oklahoma, and their weight limits different
• organization that helps fund and support social services, security, education, and community programs

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• got some finance and some funding issues to to work through to get the funding implementation but can
• Studies conclude that carbon capture and storage could attract at least 60... billion dollars in private
• We think the TCEQ and and the Railroad Commission's funding requests are very important, obviously.
• The Texas State Technical College needs a fund. that will assist and Chairman Birdwell's involved with
• this. mission by DPS and Oklahoma, or the Southwestern Cattle Raid Association, and they deal specifically

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• for us to attract and retain talented<00:31:23.160><c> workers</c><00:31:23.720><c> because</c><00:31
• Rental Housing Revolving Fund from 50% Rental Housing Revolving Fund from 50% to<02:47:56.440><c> 20%
• </c> to the Rental Housing Revolving fund. to the Rental Housing Revolving fund.
• Up until that point, it was receiving 25%, and at one point the rental housing revolving fund was also
• And I uh and [laughter] of public funds.

Bills: HB2459 , HB1616 , HB1799 , HB1604 , HB1732 , HB1736 , HB1931 , HB772 , HB2153 , HB2122 , HB2009 , HB2012 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB2397 , HB2398 , HB1596 , HB2233 , HB1976 , HB1563 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1851 , HB1941 , HB2037 , HB1635 , HB2201 , HB1943 , HB1163 , HB2452 , HB2429 , HB2148 , HB2306 , HB2007 , HB2049 , HB2616

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas it is fitting and proper that the Oklahoma Senate congratulates and commends Delta Sigma
• Twyla Earle, and I serve as the Oklahoma State Social Action Chair, and I am just pleased to be here
• County and Oklahoma County who handles the case.
• treatment revolving fund.
• don't have a brick-and-mortar presence in Oklahoma.

Bills: SCR17 , SB2104 , SB2155 , SB1428 , SB1250 , SB1651 , SB1794 , SB444 , SB1061 , SB1327 , SB1425 , SB1455 , SB1458 , SB1460 , SB1480 , SB1530 , SB1543 , SB1555 , SB1593 , SB1209 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1769 , SB1805 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1503

Summary: The Senate began with several ceremonial recognitions, including citations for the Destiny Christian School girls volleyball team and football team for state championships, and for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, in connection with Delta Day at the Capitol and Women’s History Month. Members and guests were welcomed to speak briefly before the chamber returned to its agenda. The chamber then considered a series of bills. SB 444, dealing with hospice handling and disposal of controlled dangerous substances left after a patient’s death, passed 39-0. SB 1327, restoring the Tourism and Recreation Commission’s authority and adding general commission-member requirements, passed 27-12. SB 1061, a mortgage broker fee cleanup bill, passed 38-0. SB 1425, repealing an obsolete health care workforce board, passed 40-0. SB 1455, extending the sunset for the Board of Governors of the Architects, Landscape Architects, and Licensed Interior Designers, passed 28-11 and then also passed the emergency with 38-1. SB 1458, an Attorney General-request bill to align grand jury witness confidentiality statutes, failed 24-14. The Senate also passed SB 1460, which increases penalties for repeat peeping Tom and clandestine recording offenses and makes second or subsequent offenses sex offenses, by a vote of 38-3. SB 1480, creating a youth apprenticeship pilot program, passed 42-0 and then passed the emergency. SB 1530, updating the Oklahoma Research Development Rebate Program and encouraging private partnerships with higher education, passed 36-4. SB 1543, allowing multiple DUI charges within one year to be prosecuted as a single felony case and making related cleanup changes, passed 37-6 after extended debate about diversion, due process, and testing issues. SB 1555, aligning the state definition of intellectual disability with federal standards, passed 42-0, with a later correction noting the final vote as 42-1. SB 1593, updating outdated OSU-Tulsa trustee language, passed 43-0 and then passed the emergency. SB 1730, requiring law enforcement to copy OSBI on sexual offense reports, passed 37-6. SB 1209, which would have excluded Sundays and federal holidays from the eviction filing-to-hearing timeline, failed on a 21-21 tie after debate over landlord rights, service timing, and court delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program will provide dedicated funding for sheriff's offices and municipalities.
• a safe work environment also attracts and retains skilled professionals.
• It also codifies the center in statute and will bolster its ability to attract top-tier talent in election
• It also codifies the center in statute and will bolster its ability to attract top-tier talent in election
• It's the nexus and the connective tissue between taxpayer-funded programs and religion.”

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer by Rabbi Moshe Umatz, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar after a motion to reconsider SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. Several bills were also set aside during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included funding for expedited DNA testing grants for local law enforcement (SB 1072/HB 847), additional aggravating factors in capital cases involving religious, school, or government gatherings (SB 984/HB 693), fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients (SB 924/HB 677), commuter rail indemnification for Miami-Dade and Broward counties (SB 916/HB 867), restrictions on disposing of migrant vessels in Florida waters (SB 830), specialty license plates including Miami Northwestern and several colleges and institutions (SB 824), an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign (SB 398), relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University (SB 364), charter school changes allowing parent conversion and municipal job-engine charter schools (SB 140), sex offender registration reporting changes (SB 1654/HB 1351), penalties for assaulting utility workers (SB 1386), juvenile justice revisions and truancy process updates (SB 1344), reporting of student mental health outcomes (SB 1310/HB 969), foster home license transfer simplification (SB 1174/HB 989), water access facility funding and boating industry incentives (SB 1162/HB 735), Florida Virtual School operational changes (SB 1122), school readiness program support for children with disabilities (SB 1102), sexual image offenses involving minors (SB 1180/HB 757), age-related defenses in child sex offense cases (SB 1136/HB 777), tampering with electronic monitoring devices (SB 1054/HB 437), certified recovery residences and local zoning accommodations (SB 954), and the FSU Election Law Center (SB 892). Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 984 and SB 140 drew some opposition. One of the most extensive debates centered on SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office staff, citing emails and campaign-related communications tied to Amendment 4; the amendment failed on a 13-23 vote. Senators then debated the bill’s relationship to state election law, free speech, and the role of faith-based outreach. Supporters emphasized the office’s service network and reported benefits to children and families, while some senators raised concerns about interfaith representation and political use of government resources. The bill was then read a third time and the Senate proceeded toward a final vote as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• attracting entrepreneurs and investments in the Commonwealth.
• attracting entrepreneurs and investments in the Commonwealth.
• The bill also strengthens the Kentucky Enterprise Fund by expanding its purpose to better recruit and
• And that last piece is particularly important for business attraction.
• </c><00:04:32.800><c> uh</c><00:04:33.120><c> and</c> flexibility in contributing funds uh and flexibility

Committee: House Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• For 40 years, the state of Oklahoma, ...watershed in Washington and Benton counties.
• Griffin, Secretary Ward, the Governor of Oklahoma, the Speaker of the House of Oklahoma, and numerous
• and developed a great love of expertise in that music, was a highly talented vocalist and instrumentalist
• And then there are four supplementals, which are requests for additional funding.
• And then there are four supplementals, which are requests for additional funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• special revenue funds, county sales use and lodging tax summary, Oklahoma ad valorem levies, and we
• And I think Oklahoma benefits from that involvement.
• There is concern about those grant and contract funds.
• mainly state-funded to now more than half-funded through grants and contracts each year.
• health and the environment very seriously and are looking out for the citizens of Oklahoma and our future

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• and pleasing in Your sight, and that which is right for the people of Oklahoma.
• The Oklahoma State Senate and the Senate body would like to extend a sincere appreciation to the Oklahoma
• And are we not just trying to build Oklahoma and make Oklahoma a better place to live?
• I want these companies to stay, and I want them to expand in Oklahoma, and that will bring more jobs.
• ...stay, and I want them to expand in Oklahoma, and that will bring more jobs, more taxpayers, more

Bills: SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and several floor and gallery introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Mid-America Christian University, the Oklahoma Truckers Association, Leadership Wagoner County, the Broken Arrow Chamber, and an intern. The chamber then took up several bills in general order. Senate Bill 1426, requested by the Department of Human Services, would limit referrals to district attorneys to substantiated findings of abuse of vulnerable adults; it passed unanimously, 44-0. Senate Bill 1531 was presented as a placeholder vehicle for possible future FAA action on drones and unmanned aircraft, with questions focused on why the bill was being kept open and what language might later be added. It passed 33-12. Senate Bill 1561 would allow EMTs to be subject to progressive discipline for drug or other violations instead of automatic license revocation; it passed 46-0. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1122, which lowers the ad valorem assessment rate for broadband providers from 22.85% to 15% and was described by supporters as a way to create parity, encourage broadband expansion, and keep providers investing in rural Oklahoma. Opponents argued it would give a tax break to large legacy broadband companies, reduce county revenue by an estimated $20 million, and do little for homeowners, farmers, or other taxpayers facing property tax pressure. After extended questioning and debate, the bill passed 28-19. The Senate also laid over SB 1555, heard announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• ability of Minnesota to compete in that area in order to make and keep Minnesota an attractive place
• </c><00:02:09.599><c> that</c> and development on Innovation and that and development on Innovation and
• and and part of the the point of and and and part of the the point of this<00:39:38.680><c> uh</c><00
• We are asking for almost no funding, and this is definitely not an overreach of government regulation
• We are asking for almost no funding, and this is definitely not an overreach of government regulation

Bills: HF1355 , HF1469 , HF1768

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The supplemental funding is necessary to prevent a lapse in funding and to ensure continued services
• only 3%, and 97% of all funding goes straight to mothers and children.
• In rural Oklahoma and parts of it, there is no OB care for women.
• In urban Oklahoma, we're putting a lot of focus on rural Oklahoma, and rural Oklahoma has a lot of needs
• But even in urban Oklahoma, and for the women in the room—and, Madam Speaker, you are a health care provider

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several measures. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 2787, a one-time $2 million supplemental for the Choosing Childbirth program through the State Department of Health. Supporters said the money would prevent a lapse in services for more than 4,000 mothers and children, especially in rural areas, until the organization can reenter the bidding process in 2028. Opponents questioned the nonprofit’s transparency, donor base, leadership, and prior use of state funds, arguing the Legislature should not provide another supplemental without clearer accountability. The bill passed 70-19, and the emergency clause also passed. The House also considered Senate Bill 546 on data privacy. After floor amendments removed the emergency clause and set a January 1, 2027 effective date, the bill was explained as a comprehensive consumer data privacy measure applying to certain businesses operating in Oklahoma. It would give consumers rights to access, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal data, with enforcement through the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and civil penalties for violations. The bill passed 84-4. In addition, House Bill 2786 received a joint committee report and passed with no debate; it provides supplemental funding to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to complete fiscal year 2025 payments to CCBHCs and other vendors, and its emergency clause also passed. The House adopted House Resolution 1034 recognizing February as Black History Month. The chamber also heard several introductions and announcements before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess and and we can visit with you.
• and come to<00:02:14.440><c> work</c><00:02:15.040><c> and</c> to work and to work and to to to cut<
• It's very useful and helpful when the regulator comes in and says, "You're doing X, Y, and Z, and that's
• </c> and Native American healthcare and uh and Native American healthcare and uh among<00:15:45.480><
• </c> and consent. and consent.

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• He stands ready to serve the people of Oklahoma and help advance the continued growth and success of
• But our board at Oklahoma and M is all workers.
• You're knowledgeable and you care about helping students and you care about helping Oklahoma teachers
• higher education and community safety in Oklahoma and as also as a a graduate of Langton University
• And I really Consider it a privilege and an honor to be able to serve on the Oklahoma Arts Council, and

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And that project will, that funding will be replaced with Department of Energy... ...and that funding
• And this funding used both SIF and ARPA funds, and I'll give you some details on that funding a little
• The $5.3 million in ARPA funding came in and out of that, essentially in and out of the fund during the
• I'm going to touch quickly on the infrastructure revolving loan fund and on the school construction revolving
• And Kylie is our business banker for infrastructure revolving loan funds, which are all of the municipalities

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• fund and transfer it to the aquifer planning and management fund for aquifer monitoring and measuring
• fund and transfer it to the aquifer planning and management fund for aquifer monitoring and measuring
• fund and transfer it to the aquifer planning and management fund for aquifer monitoring and measuring
• fund and transfer it to the aquifer planning and management fund for aquifer monitoring and measuring
• fund, and increase 0.43 FTP and add $21,400 from dedicated funds to align personnel funding with the

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee heard a series of budget presentations and acted on several FY 2026 and FY 2027 items. Noah Peterson reviewed the General Fund Daily Update, noting large FY 2026 supplemental actions for Medicaid and Corrections that reduced the estimated ending balance, and a FY 2027 outlook that still had room for remaining work. He also flagged several policy bills with fiscal impacts, including county jail per diem changes, a state police bill, and a health and welfare board/position bill. Janet Jessup then walked the committee through Department of Environmental Quality and Soil and Water Conservation actions. The committee approved adding four FTP for DEQ’s solid waste regulatory program and adopted related language transferring $400,000 from the hazardous waste emergency fund to support the new solid waste regulatory fund. It also approved a CREP supplemental for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and then voted to move the commission from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Water Resources, including a corresponding reduction in Agriculture and an addition in Water Resources. The committee adopted language to align the new budget structure and approved a one-time $390,000 restoration in the Department of Water Resources to avoid reducing stream-gauging and water-monitoring services. The committee next considered the consolidation of the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a new Office of Species, Mineral, and Energy Coordination. It approved reductions to the two existing offices and then debated competing motions for the new office. The substitute motion to cut four FTP and reduce spending more deeply failed, while the original motion to reduce two FTP and preserve more staffing for nuclear and mining coordination passed. Members and the agency administrator argued that Idaho needs a stronger “one-stop shop” for nuclear and mining projects, while others emphasized following the policy bill moving through the legislature and capturing consolidation savings. The committee also approved a DOPL budget item for replacement vehicles and IT hardware. Most motions passed with do-pass recommendations, and the committee announced it would meet again the next day; Senate Finance was noted as on hold, while House Appropriations would continue after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and The Talented youth mathematics and The Talented youth mathematics program<00:53:32.440><c> both
• staff time to develop and create proposals and generate data, and it supports costs not funded entirely
• </c> transactions and actions for a revolving transactions and actions for a revolving set<01:30:29.000
• So for us to be able to retain talent here in Minnesota and attract the talent to Minnesota, we attract
• fund student health workers in and fund student health workers in Rochester<01:42:38.560><c> funds</

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And the salute to the Oklahoma flag.
• And whereas, in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, Dr.
• example of leadership and service to the state of Oklahoma and the nation.
• example of leadership and service to the state of Oklahoma and the nation.
• And whereas it is fitting and proper that the Oklahoma Legislature, acting on behalf of the citizens

Bills: HB1675 , HB3242 , HB1739 , HB3320 , HB3047 , HB4434 , HJR1089 , HB4432 , HB3718 , HB3705 , SR43 , HB1933 , HB4248 , SB1847 , SB1778 , HJR1086 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3008 , HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305 , HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298 , HB3270 , HB3145 , HB3056

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and recognized several visiting groups and honorees, including students from Wesleyan Christian School, Claremore Day participants, and a tribute to Dr. J. Craig for his Marine Corps service, chiropractic career, and aid to first responders after the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber also welcomed a Cricket Oak High School AFJROTC unit and the Lincoln Christian wrestling team, both recognized for recent achievements. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 43 commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring victims, survivors, and first responders. The Senate took up House Bill 1933, first rescinding prior action and then adopting a floor amendment to correct a drafting error and shift a penalty provision; the bill then passed 47-0. House Bill 4248, which would require purchasers of hemp beverages to be 21 and treat them similarly to beer for age purposes, passed 45-0 after brief discussion about whether it had medical implications. The Senate also adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1847, described as a compassion bill that would have saved the state money, and passed it 35-11 before later approving it as an emergency measure with 43 ayes. The chamber next adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1778, a major literacy bill adding early intervention, teacher training, and optional early ELA testing for second graders, along with good-cause exemptions; it passed 43-2 and then as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Joint Resolution 1086, approving rules from several agencies, by 42-4. Finally, the Senate advanced and passed a series of sunset-extension bills for boards and councils, including the Child Death Review Board, county government training commission, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, several environmental advisory councils, and the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, with most later receiving emergency passage. The Senate concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and get funding, individual<00:30:38.720><c> funding.
• </c> on our side to fund raise and work on on our side to fund raise and work on corporate<00:40:59.040
• And team, which is our operations fund.
• c> for</c> be recruiting and asking for funding for be recruiting and asking for funding for the<01:22
• And right now you need operational funds and then you're going to need NIL.

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.