Transcript Highlights:

• that is a carve out, but if lease agreements are still wanted, they can still be done and they can compete
• that is a carve out, but if lease agreements are still wanted, they can still be done and they can compete
• that is a carve out, but if lease agreements are still wanted, they can still be done and they can compete
• <02:03:37.239> and<02:03:37.400> they<02:03:37.480> can<02:03:37.760> compete
• can still be done and they can compete can still be done and they can compete with<02:03:38.480>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the same competencies that Oklahoma's employers, communities, and industries consistently say
• educators, and volunteers. 4-H creates a structured environment where youth can grow in confidence and competence

Bills: HR1052, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• And there we were an all-girls team competing in robotics, and everyone else...
• All-girls team competing in robotics and everyone else.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology met to hear a presentation from Ananya Lakaraju, a Hamilton High School junior, on her research project using metabolomics and machine learning to identify potential salivary biomarkers for major depressive disorder. She described using a UCSD saliva metabolomics dataset, statistical methods such as Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U, and PLS-DA, and an ensemble AI model with SHAP and permutation importance to identify metabolites and pathways associated with depression. She said the work suggested several novel biomarkers, with some metabolites and pathways showing stronger associations with depression than others, and noted that her model achieved about 90% accuracy and a 97% AUC in distinguishing depressed from non-depressed samples. Lakaraju also discussed a drug-discovery component of the project, using pathway analysis and molecular docking in UCSF Chimera to identify a target protein and potential compounds that might block a depression-related pathway. She said flupinazine showed the lowest binding energy in her simulations. Members asked questions about what the metabolites were, whether the findings were novel, how the saliva samples were obtained, and how the app she developed would be used. She explained that the data came from an online dataset rather than direct sample collection, that some top-ranked compounds were exogenous and not likely biomarkers, and that the app was intended to supplement AI results with mood and behavioral information because the model is not a doctor and could still be wrong. The committee praised the presentation and discussed the broader implications for AI policy and mental health diagnostics. Lakaraju said she became interested in coding through robotics and later combined that interest with biology, and she emphasized her goal of making mental health assessment more objective and holistic. The meeting ended with members thanking her for the presentation and adjourning without any formal votes or legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of people on competency, but of course that remains an important issue for us.
• The facilities have to be fully staffed with competent, solid people because it goes into other decisions

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the non-compete is a very important policy that we need to keep working on.
• Again, the non-compete is a very important policy that we need to keep working on.

Bills: SF1832, HF2440

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• forensic evaluators, our courts rely on forensic evaluators to make determinations on individuals' competency
• Our courts rely on forensic evaluators to make determinations on individuals' competency to proceed with

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills. SB 894, relating to faith-based content in batterers’ intervention programs, was explained as allowing certified programs to offer voluntary faith-based components alongside existing models. Members raised questions about how faith would be defined, whether participation would be optional, and how all faiths would be included. An amendment was adopted clarifying that faith-based activities may be offered but not required and removing language directing DCF to repeal a rule. After supportive testimony from faith-based advocates and some debate, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senators Harrell and Garcia later recording affirmative votes. The committee then considered SB 1240 on substance abuse and mental health care, which would assign state oversight of the 988 Lifeline, remove the annual needs assessment barrier for medication-assisted treatment licensing, and require annual continuing education for forensic evaluators. An amendment with technical conforming changes and two substantive clarifications was adopted. Members expressed support for expanded access to behavioral health services, and the bill was reported favorably. Later, the chair presented SB 1736, which would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. After an amendment clarifying sliding scale insulin and related medication administration, the committee heard testimony from family advocates describing how the bill would prevent unnecessary institutionalization and reduce costs. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1286, which clarifies that allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities such as biking or playing outside does not by itself constitute neglect unless reckless or dangerous. After brief support testimony, that bill was also reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOCUS ON PROVIDING PARENTS WITH THE CHOICE IN EDUCATION SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO COMPETE
• SUPPORT THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY TRYING TO KIND OF UNTIE THEIR HANDS AS MUCH IS WEEKEND SO THEY CAN COMPETE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• responsibilities also include employment, development, and retention of staff to the highest levels of competency
• Our board remains committed to to support and retain our human resources to the highest levels of competency

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• better so that we're not always<01:20:10.080> having<01:20:10.320> to<01:20:10.560> compete
• <01:20:11.280> with<01:20:11.600> other always having to compete with other always
• having to compete with other areas,<01:20:12.239> whether<01:20:12.560> they<01:20:12.800
• college president yesterday who told me she's announcing layoffs at her campus today because of those competing
• college president yesterday who told me she's announcing layoffs at her campus today because of those competing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the road to becoming the person I am today while navigating the complexities of unmet needs and competing
• the road to becoming the person I am today while navigating the complexities of unmet needs and competing
• <01:37:14.440> These<01:37:14.600> services they are competent with.
• These services they are competent with.
• , and scope of practice, and competencies, and scope of practice, and aligns<01:52:55.680> with

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they're all focused on the competencies that are required to be an administrator in Minnesota.
• So, if you are offering a program, it has to meet one of the competencies.
• Now we're doing it all online, but they have to show us that they're following the competencies.
• We have this whole chart that they go through, and they have to prove the competencies.
• They have to to prove the competencies.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with Massachusetts, we're competing with Tennessee and again TVA-subsidized electricity, which is great
• if you can get it, but yeah, we have to compete with these other states until it all goes out like it
• Um, but yeah, we have to compete with them.
• if you can get it, but yeah, we have to compete with these other states until it all goes out like it
• Um, but yeah, we have to compete with them.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the employers who have made good-faith effort to implement earned sick and safe time will be competing
• <00:37:23.640> on<00:37:23.760> an<00:37:23.920> uneven time will be competing
• on an uneven time will be competing on an uneven playing<00:37:24.599> field<00:37:24.960>
• employers who is the vast majority of employers who have<01:30:24.679> to<01:30:24.840> compete
• with the likes of Mega have to compete with the likes of Mega billionaire<01:30:26.840> businesses

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• together leaders from industry as well as to identify, define, create, and validate occupational competencies
• together leaders from industry as well as to identify, define, create, and validate occupational competencies
• :46.400> occupational create and validate occupational create and validate occupational competencies
• in-<01:36:48.520> demand<01:36:48.920> careers<01:36:49.840> some competencies
• for in- demand careers some competencies for in- demand careers some of<01:36:50.080> the<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities. Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff. The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.

Bills: HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HB1370, SB2154, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1099, HJR1100, HB3021, SB893, SB206, SB248, SB259, SB423, SB563, SB604, SB633, HJR1077, SB667, SB1224, SB1257, SB1264, SB1319, SB1360, SB1437, SB1531, SB1543, SB1806, HB3004, SB1572, HB4342, SB1618, SB2, SB237, SB1632, SB1687, SB1726, SB1859, SB1894, SB1461, HB4432, SB1948, SB1589, SJR52, SR46, HCR1030, SB2071, SB2182, SB1451, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100, SB2185, SB893, HB3021, SR46, SB206, SB237, SB248, SB259, SB423, SB563, SB604, SB625, SB633, SB667, SB1224, SB1257, SB1264, SB1319, SB1360, SB1378, SB1437, SB1531, SB1543, SB1572, SB1618, SB1632, SB1687, SB1726, SB1806, SB1859, SB1894, SB1948, SB2071, SJR52, HB1370, HJR1077, SB2, SB1451, SB2182, HCR1030

Keywords: education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

Bills: HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HB1370, SB2154, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1099, HJR1100, HB3021, SB893, SB206, SB248, SB259, SB423, SB563, SB604, SB633, HJR1077, SB667, SB1224, SB1257, SB1264, SB1319, SB1360, SB1437, SB1531, SB1543, SB1806, HB3004, SB1572, HB4342, SB1618, SB2, SB237, SB1632, SB1687, SB1726, SB1859, SB1894, SB1461, HB4432, SB1948, SB1589, SJR52, SR46, HCR1030, SB2071, SB2182, SB1451

Keywords: education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and recognition of two student pages before taking up a long agenda of House joint resolutions and bills, mostly related to administrative rules and agency approvals. The chamber advanced and passed H.J.R. 1088, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1099, and 1100, which approved permanent rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, building code, health-related agencies, general government agencies, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and OMES. Several senators criticized the process for moving rule resolutions quickly and without committee vetting, while supporters said the calendar delays required direct consideration. The Senate also adopted conference committee reports and passed SB 206, SB 248, and HB 3021, with HB 3021 making small changes to graduation requirements, including science/math course language, Oklahoma history flexibility for some military families, and personal financial literacy counting toward math in some cases. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1370, which was described by its author as repealing an automatic state trigger that would replace any federal gasoline tax if the federal government suspended it. Supporters argued the bill would prevent Oklahoma drivers from paying more if the federal gas tax were repealed and framed it as tax relief; opponents argued it could reduce highway and bridge funding and create a budget hole. The Senate suspended several rules to bring the bill up, but rejected a motion to suspend the fiscal-impact rule for a proposed amendment. After debate, the chamber passed the measure 41-7 and then approved it as an emergency measure. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 893, a conference report dealing with foreign ownership near critical infrastructure and agricultural land. The bill would restrict certain foreign adversary ownership or leasing within 10 miles of critical infrastructure, add training zones and other protected areas, delay implementation until July 1, 2027, and create an enforcement process involving Attorney General review and whistleblower-style reporting. Senators raised concerns about enforcement, possible misuse, and profiling, while the author said the bill was aimed at national security and infrastructure protection. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. Later, the Senate received notice that the House was ready to convene in joint session, and the chamber briefly stood at ease before returning to continue its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• In reality, the software removed human judgment and replaced it with rent hikes across competing properties
• I directly participated in nine successful TOPA transactions as a developer and competed for or picked
• According to DOJ, the landlords were consciously committing themselves to a common scheme not to compete
• Lastly, they are least able to fork over a surcharge because landlords are not competing honestly and
• Lastly, they are least able to fork over a surcharge because landlords are not competing honestly and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement. Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties. The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas, which competes with these states for private capital and development talent, is operating under
• water, the cheapest energy—all those things that kind of pit the different municipalities against competing
• They are literally competing with large generators and loads to provide the same services, the same quality
• One concern that we hear is that off-grid systems will compete for scarce equipment.
• It doesn't just compete for the market. It helps create more of it.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're competing with municipal utilities. Why didn't the market work?
• 'You're trying to compete with Georgia.
• But your typical manufacturing group or something like that, when we're competing with other states,
• We've seen over the years, there are competing players in these spaces and when they don't agree, they
• Competing to bring Toyota manufacturing to Texas.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we want to make sure of is, for instance, competency in and fluency in medically related English
• that previously the bill said you just have to be competent in English.
• What we want to make sure of is, for instance, competency in and fluency in medically related English
• that previously the bill said you just have to be competent in English.
• that previously the bill said you just have to be competent in English.

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all