Transcript Highlights:

• Can you talk to us about why it didn't go through public safety or criminal or judiciary process, the
• House Bill 4248 by Kennedy of the House and Paxton of the Senate relates to public health and safety
• Bill 4248 by Kennedy of the House and Paxton of the Senate, an act relating to public health and safety
• So, my bill does not change any of the food safety requirements of a program that has been in existence
• And so, the same food safety requirements that have been in place will continue to be in place.

Bills: HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you talk to us about why it didn't go through public safety or criminal or judiciary process, the
• Bill 4248 by Kennedy of the House and Paxton of the Senate, an act relating to public health and safety
• Bill 4248 by Kennedy of the House and Paxton of the Senate, an act relating to public health and safety
• So my bill does not change any of the food safety requirements of a program that has been in existence
• And so the same food safety requirements that have been in place will continue to be in place.

Bills: HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Summary: The House convened, heard the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, recognized the Doctor of the Day, and held several special presentations, including the Bethany Youth Council and a centennial recognition for Ascension St. John. The chamber then took up a long series of bills on second and third reading, with members asking questions on hospice care, broadband, funeral director continuing education, economic development, court reporters, DUI-related GPS monitoring, banking discrimination, statutory interpretation, electronic filings, intoxicating hemp beverages, homemade food production, youth apprenticeships, domestic violence, school communications with minors, firearms definitions, and outdoor warning sirens. Among the measures considered, House Bill 3645 on hospice referrals for patients without next of kin or a durable power of attorney passed 16-0. House Bill 3649, allowing proceeds from certain state property sales to remain in the mental health real estate trust, passed 15-0. House Bill 2293 extending the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset to 2030 passed 84-10. House Bill 3216 adding the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association to approved continuing education providers passed 94-0, and House Bill 3176 directing Commerce to pursue national lab and innovation opportunities passed 51-37 after extensive debate about its aspirational nature and cost. Other bills approved included HB 3177 on Corporation Commission court reporter pay and retention, HB 3114 removing DUI with great bodily harm from DOC GPS monitoring eligibility, HB 3172 restricting adverse banking actions by large financial institutions against lawful activity, HB 3322 on statutory interpretation, HB 3323 removing notarization requirements for electronic Service Oklahoma submissions, HB 4248 restricting certain intoxicating beverages to those 21 and older, HB 3720 expanding the Homemade Food Freedom Act, HB 2210 modernizing youth apprenticeships, HB 1322 creating a domestic violence offender registry, HB 1937 revising school communications with minors and receiving emergency passage, HB 3301 aligning state firearms definitions with federal law, and HB 4107 criminalizing hacking or unauthorized activation of outdoor warning sirens. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew significant questioning over fiscal impact, public safety, and implementation details.

Bills: HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Summary: The House convened after a quorum call, welcomed visitors in the galleries, and then took up a series of bills. HB 4104, relating to the Sex Offenders Registration Act, was explained as making second or subsequent misdemeanor “peeping tom” offenses a felony and making felony convictions under that statute registrable; it passed 91-0. HB 3722, an elections bill, drew extended debate over whether a voter registration application should be considered incomplete if the applicant leaves party affiliation blank; supporters said the state should not infer intent, while opponents argued the change would create an unnecessary barrier and could disenfranchise voters. The bill passed 75-18. HB 3787, as amended, clarified that any person appointed to fill an unexpired term in an elected office must be a U.S. citizen; it passed 79-13. HB 3700, from the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, requires colleges and universities to grade students on academic content rather than opinions or beliefs, and it passed with an emergency clause. HB 3701 codifies the Regents’ process for reviewing low-performing degree programs and passed with an emergency clause as well. The House also passed HB 3310 on state government transparency and accountability 94-0, HB 3404 creating a framework for prescribed burn associations and financial relief 89-4, HB 2964 on medical records fees after amendment 92-0, HB 2398 allowing postsecondary institutions to designate credentials of value 70-20, HB 3024 on transparency for state employee pay and bonuses 79-9 with an emergency clause, HB 3499 allowing special judges to hear certain title-issuance cases 84-5, HB 3278 providing corrections for Open Meeting Act violations without going straight to district court 82-4, and HB 3279 updating public corruption rules to address contract and post-employment conflicts 10-? (the transcript indicates passage but the exact final tally is unclear). The session ended with adjournment until Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Bills: SB2169, SB2263, SB2360, SB2359, SB2031, SB2796, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2120, SB2593, SB2751, SB2135, SB2024, SB2872, SB3179, SB2308, SB2392, SB2470, SB2398, SB2902, SB2841, SB2436, SB2806, SB2691, SB2824, SB2645, SB2384, SB2697, SB3153, SB3156, SB888, SB2423, SB2746

Keywords: business competitiveness, economic development, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, business climate, regulatory reform, permitting, economic ranking, state ranking, top 10 states, business climate improvement working group, business revitalization task force, CNBC America’s Top States for Business, Hawaii business climate, workforce development, infrastructure, cost of doing business, tax competitiveness, labor unions, private sector

Transcript Highlights:

• Many pilots and aircraft owners voluntarily equip their planes for the added safety benefits.
• was sold for safety, not for remuneration of any kind, taxes, fees, and whatnot.
• The idea is don't use this safety equipment in an inappropriate way. Okay. Thank you.
• They can't use that device intended for safety to do it. For landing fees. Correct.
• and driving safety, that's one thing, right?

Bills: HB345, HB502, HB511, HB655, HB667, HB713, HB714, HB730, HB743, HB777, HB803, HB836, HB871, HB1037, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, Caddo Parish, property taxes, abatement, payment in lieu of taxes, taxing entities, governmental approval, pursuit intervention, law enforcement, safety technology, GPS tracking, public safety, ferries, Department of Transportation, contracts, state legislation

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred. The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill. The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that's the safety mechanism more than the... ...I don't know. Do we have any data?
• And I think that's the safety mechanism more than the timelines.
• And I think that's the safety mechanism more than the timelines.
• And I think that's the safety mechanism more than the timelines.
• Jonathan Vine, I'm the Executive Counsel for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Bills: HB36, HB52, HB56, HB68, HB92, HB119, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB289, HB351, HB552, HB784

Keywords: HB 36, Act 780, Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, juvenile justice, juveniles, Evangeline Parish, regional district, board of commissioners, commission membership, Louisiana juvenile law, R.S. 15:1109, R.S. 15:1109.1, parish governance, district boundaries, local government, HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses and enhances the: drop or the deferred retirement option plan that is available to public safety
• What it does is if we currently, if a public safety officer passed away and had not elected that option
• So this is making sure that our public safety officers work as long as they want and don't prematurely

Bills: HB3041, HB4428, HB4429, HB1064, HB3265, HB3721, HB3028, HB3313, HB3588, HB3020

Keywords: credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, public finance, pension, pension fund, retirement system, board of trustees, proxy voting, proxy proposal, shareholder vote, shareholder activism, fiduciary duty, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, ESG, environmental social governance, social goals

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses and enhances the DROP, or Deferred Retirement Option Plan, that is available to public safety
• What it does is, if a public safety officer passed away and had not elected that option, they wouldn't
• Currently, if a public safety officer passed away and had not elected that option, they wouldn't be able
• So this is making sure that our public safety officers work as long as they want and don't prematurely

Bills: HB3041, HB4428, HB4429, HB1064, HB3265, HB3721, HB3028, HB3313, HB3588, HB3020

Keywords: credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, public finance, pension, pension fund, retirement system, board of trustees, proxy voting, proxy proposal, shareholder vote, shareholder activism, fiduciary duty, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, ESG, environmental social governance, social goals

Summary: The Banking, Financial Services and Pensions Committee met and announced that several bills would be laid over, including HB 4225 and HB 4263, while also noting that actuarial follow-up reports on prior referrals were still being revised. The committee then worked through a long agenda, with members frequently noting schedule conflicts and the chair alternating between bills and committee business. The meeting adjourned after the agenda was completed, with the chair saying the committee would return the following week with a longer agenda, likely including additional pension bills. Several bills related to payment processing and pension governance were heard and passed. HB 3041 would allow merchants to pass along credit card surcharges up to the amount charged by the card company, with the author noting some businesses face fees of 4% to 5%; it passed 9-0. HB 4428 and HB 4429, both dealing with shareholder proxy advisors for pension funds, passed 8-1 and 9-0 respectively; supporters said the bills would require fiduciary standards and transparency, while the speaker referenced opposition from GreenAmerica.org as evidence of the bill’s value. HB 3028, which lets technology center districts and public schools pass on credit card service fees, also passed 7-0. The committee also advanced several pension-related measures. HB 3265, requested by the Police Pension Board, defines who qualifies as a mental health specialist for disability evaluations; testimony explained the change would let the board use psychologists because psychiatrists are harder to contract with, and the bill passed 7-0. HB 3721 would adjust the DROP benefit for public safety officers so surviving spouses can claim it if the officer dies before electing the option; the author said it has no actuarial cost, and it passed 7-0. HB 3313, a defined contribution retirement bill, would raise contribution levels, eliminate vesting delays, and add retirement planning and lifetime income options; members questioned whether it would affect retention or other retirement plans, and it passed 8-0. Other bills addressed creditors, housing, and financial exploitation. HB 3588, a Uniform Law Commission request bill on assignment for the benefit of creditors, was described as codifying existing case law and passed 8-0. HB 1064, which would restrict large institutional investors from buying single-family homes in Oklahoma, was amended in concept during discussion to narrow the hedge fund definition and remove a resale requirement; supporters framed it as protecting homeownership, while opponents raised concerns about restricting sales and the evidence for housing impacts, and it passed 5-2. Finally, HB 3020, the Protections for Financial Exploitation of Protected Adults Act, would let financial institutions place temporary holds and act in good faith when they suspect fraud against vulnerable adults; members asked about training and safeguards, and it passed 9-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• It affects public beaches, access, safety, agencies, and taxpayers.
• It affects public beaches, access, safety, agencies, and taxpayers.
• It affects public beaches, access, safety, agencies, and taxpayers.
• It affects public beaches, access, safety, agencies, and taxpayers.
• Good afternoon again. safety, agencies, and taxpayers. Early safety, agencies, and taxpayers.

Bills: SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a health and safety issue. So, I really appreciate you working on this.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Transcript Highlights:

• May our homes be filled with joy, safety, and spiritual strength.

Bills: SB1333, SB1191, SB1439, SB1314, SB1509, SB1319, SB1346, SB1613

Keywords: water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a health and safety issue. So I really appreciate you working on this.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Summary: The Senate Energy Committee met and first laid over a couple of items before taking up a series of energy and water-related bills. Senate Bill 1333, presented by Sen. Hall, was framed as a symbolic reflection of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s budget request and the state’s estimated $24 billion water infrastructure need through 2030. Members asked about project prioritization, emergency needs, long-term funding, federal matching dollars, and whether some proposed spending would go to outreach or new programs rather than direct infrastructure. Supporters emphasized the statewide water crisis, rural and municipal needs, and the goal of building a comprehensive water package; the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1191, presented by Sen. Daniels, would eliminate an unused board tied to the Low Carbon Energy Initiative; the deputy secretary testified the board was never actually founded and collected no research, and the bill passed 11-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, also by Sen. Daniels, which would shield fossil fuel companies operating lawfully and within permits from certain climate-change and emissions-based lawsuits. Questions focused on why the bill applied only to fossil fuels, whether it could affect landowners’ rights or environmental standards, and whether it would create a lower regulatory bar in Oklahoma. The author said it was aimed at a specific category of litigation seen in other states and would not protect unlawful conduct; the bill passed 10-1. Senate Bill 1314, by Sen. Yek, would raise the cap on the well drillers and pump installers indemnity fund from $50,000 to $100,000 and increase the per-well cap from $10,000 to $25,000; members discussed how the fund works and its limited size, and it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1509, also by Sen. Yek, would update groundwater well spacing rules so the Water Resources Board could apply spacing requirements across all groundwater basins, not just those with maximum annual yield studies. The board said the bill is meant to protect existing commercial wells from encroachment, with exceptions if water cannot be found elsewhere on the property; it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1319, presented by Sen. Hall, would allow the Corporation Commission to use plugging funds in rare cases where homes are affected by historic oil and gas activity or orphan wells; members raised concerns about caps, proof of contamination, remediation versus plugging, and whether landowners could present expert evidence. The author said the language was still being refined with the Commission, and the bill passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1346, by Vice Chair Woods, would direct the Water Resources Board to establish a water and wastewater infrastructure program with competitive loans for eligible entities; it was described as part of a broader effort to consolidate water measures into a comprehensive package and passed 9-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1613, which would let the LP Gas Administration buy, lease, and own its own vehicles instead of using the OMES fleet and would rename a miscellaneous permit as a food truck permit; it passed without debate. The meeting ended with adjournment and notice that there would be no committee meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, Senate Bill 1081 prohibits an attorney representing the Department of Child Safety
• Our America's core values include public safety, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, cost of living

Bills: SB1015, SB1049, SB1066, SB1081, SB1092, SB1133, SB1134, SB1139, SB1147, SB1148, SB1168, SB1189, SCR1001, SCR1002, SCR1005, SCR1010

Keywords: gender transition, detransition, healthcare liability, medical malpractice, youth protection, legal action, Arizona law, spousal maintenance, court guidelines, self-sufficiency, financial support, marriage dissolution, child safety, dependency cases, attorney regulation, foster care, legal representation, probation, dangerous crimes, children

Transcript Highlights:

• Patient safety depends on this skill set.
• the Ironworkers Training Center to evaluate my patient's capacity to climb a vertical I-beam with a safety
• including, among others, contractor registration, trade licensing and enforcement, and workplace safety

Bills: SB5437, SB6152, SB6058, SB5944, SB6039, SB6117

Keywords: noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule

Transcript Highlights:

• these vulnerable children and what measures facility operators are taking to ensure their health and safety
• facilities do not further endanger these children through unvetted hiring practices or unclear health, safety
• , an emergency evacuation plan, an education plan for resident children, quarterly compliance and safety
• Not so much in the life safety building code aspect, but from the zoning perspective.
• In conclusion, we're asking that cities do the job they were chartered to do to protect public safety

Bills: SB2784, HB23, HB247, HB1533, HB2011, HB2013, HB2273, HB2421, HB2464, HB3120, HB3424, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HJR34

Keywords: Somervell County, hospital district, board of directors, elections, local governance, staggered terms, third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure

Summary: The committee heard and left pending several local government, property tax, development, and public safety measures before later voting some of them out. Senator Birdwell explained SB 2784 for the Somerville County Hospital District, which would move the board to staggered four-year terms after a transition and was requested to be held pending until the House companion could be acted on; no public testimony was offered. HB 5084 would allow local approval for fireworks sales tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, with testimony from Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin emphasizing local fire risk and the need for county discretion. HB 5534 would let county commissioners post agendas electronically instead of on a physical bulletin board. HB 4370 would expand permissible projects for certain special districts to include geothermal water conveyance systems, and HB 312 would require residential child detention facilities to enter local MOUs, report health and safety information, and conduct background checks for state-funded facilities; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 5057 would give displaced solid waste providers time to wind down after a city grants an exclusive franchise, and HB 2421 would extend the life of the Save Historic Muni District to continue work on preserving Lions Municipal Golf Course; both were left pending after supportive testimony. HB 2011 would let former owners repurchase property taken by eminent domain if the acquiring entity fails to pay property taxes for two years, and the committee substitute to SB 3065 was also laid out and left pending after a technical correction to eminent-domain language. The committee then took up additional bills on development, appraisal, and local regulation, including HB 3575, HB 4809, HB 2273, HB 247/HJR 34, HB 2464, HB 3424, HB 2013, HB 5668, HB 3788, HB 1533, and HB 23, with testimony ranging from support to opposition on issues such as appraisal procedures, historic property valuation, Galveston emergency governance, border-security tax treatment, home-based businesses, chicken covenants in HOAs, municipal utility district authority, hospital authorities’ use of assets, and third-party building review. HB 23 drew the most extensive testimony, with builders, engineers, counties, and cities split over third-party plan review and inspection authority, liability, licensing, and local code enforcement; many witnesses said the House amendments created problems and the bill was left pending. In the end, the committee voted SB 2784, SB 3065, HB 5686, HB 247, HJR 34, and HB 2011 out of committee, with the first several receiving local and uncontested calendar recommendations where applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• So members, we have an agenda today featuring important bills designed to improve public safety to make
• This bill will require the Department of Public Safety to consult with the sheriff of each county that
• I'm a Freeman Martin: colonel with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• There's a safety valve there for them to tell the judge, 'Look, we are working on it.'
• My name is Diana Warden, and I'm the Senior Director of Safety and Security at the Dallas Zoo.

Bills: HB 33, HB 45, HB 48, HB 1261, HB 1465, HB 1778, HB 2596, HB 5238, SB 2969

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• These dayhabs have no safety mechanisms put in place, no fences, no gates, and no one trained to help
• These are safety measures that often go overlooked, especially for beginners.
• Efforts to raise awareness about firearm safety through Firearm Safety Month have already been taking
• Many gun deaths and injuries can be prevented by improving firearm handling, storage, and safety, and
• Gun safety is crucial in the state of Texas due to the high rates of gun-related deaths and injuries,

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93, HCR12, HCR6

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Transcript Highlights:

• resident students themselves at risk, and as the school district was left in the dark regarding proper safety
• resident students themselves at risk as the school district was left in the dark regarding proper safety
• problem like what you’re talking about here is kind of difficult, except I would think there’d be a safety

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and announced it would vote on pending bills at 10:30, with public testimony limited to two minutes. It first took up Senate Bill 905, a TDLR cleanup bill on licensing regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Senator Zafferini said the committee substitute would streamline advisory board consultation, remove obsolete provisional licenses, and allow any licensed physician to authorize hearing instruments for minors; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 451, which would require universal screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk for children in DFPS conservatorship and youth under TJJD jurisdiction. The author and witnesses from Children at Risk, the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective, and Texas CASA supported the bill as a prevention tool with existing infrastructure and training; the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee next considered Senate Bill 466, which would clarify that families may request a fetal death certificate at any gestational age, while keeping existing filing requirements for physicians. A constituent father testified about losing his 11-week-old daughter and being told he could not obtain a certificate, which he said prevented funeral arrangements; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. Senate Bill 2311 followed, requiring residential treatment centers to have a written agreement with the school that will educate resident children before becoming operational. The author cited a local dispute where an RTC and school district lacked communication, and witnesses from Texas CASA and Disability Rights Texas supported clearer educational planning while suggesting the Education Code may need conforming changes; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2826, known as Alyssa’s Law, which would create a statewide education program on medical child abuse for medical students, health care professionals, and CPS caseworkers. The author and Sheriff Bill Weyburn described Alyssa’s case as involving repeated unnecessary surgeries and argued the bill would improve awareness and early identification, while several witnesses and members raised concerns about false accusations, impacts on medically fragile children, and the need for scientific, peer-reviewed training and safeguards. After extensive discussion, the chair left the bill pending. The committee also heard House Bill 136, which would add certified lactation consultants as Medicaid providers to expand breastfeeding support; witnesses from lactation and nutrition fields said the bill would improve access, maternal and infant health, and long-term savings, and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2805, a surprise-billing/arbitration measure that would clarify provider identifiers and shift arbitration costs to the losing party. The author said the substitute was a legislative counsel draft with no substantive difference, and witnesses from the Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, and U.S. Anesthesia Partners supported the bill as a modest improvement that would reduce administrative confusion and make arbitration fairer without weakening patient protections. Members discussed how arbitration costs affect settlement behavior and how to define the “winner” in close cases. The bill was heard but not voted out during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is something that we do to ensure that we are not jeopardizing anything in regards to safety and
• I'm not going to talk for very long, but the focus for me will be safety.
• We're proud to have the holiday, but for safety, what happens is, for these holidays, these individuals
• For the safety and to avoid having to import fireworks, it’s important for them to be able to get them
• They realize we're actually important for life, health, consumer safety, and all that sort of stuff.

Bills: HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death

Transcript Highlights:

• entire system is at risk, which could negatively impact the sheriff's office. and undermine public safety
• In office, members know how hard it is to attract and retain staff. ...public safety workers.

Bills: HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death