Transcript Highlights:

• of commercial fishing companies based in Washington, many of which fish in Alaska, but do our maintenance
• of commercial fishing companies based in Washington, many of which fish in Alaska, but do our maintenance
• Washington home ports more than half of the North Pacific's large fishing vessels.
• Washington home ports more than half of the North Pacific's large fishing vessels.
• My kids, I've got kids now fishing in Alaska. I've got a kid saving up to buy his own boat.

Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also an active outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, active outdoorsmen, have small businesses that are
• Our mission statement is managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and for
• A lot of times we focus on the front end of that—managing the fish and wildlife resources—but we can't
• This is for Florida Fish and Wildlife. Thank you for the presentation and for being here today.
• And then finally, I'm going to land on a question with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For DEP, Department of Citrus, Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife, we would like
• of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Citrus, Department of Environmental Protection, Fish
• of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Citrus, Department of Environmental Protection, Fish
• Next, we have some proposed issues within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• And then I see that there's a $32 million increase in the fish and wildlife budget, but there's an $18

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 1673 by Assembly Member Hadwick, an act relating to fish and wildlife.
• Currently, the county fish and game commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish
• and Game Code to protect fish and wildlife.
• Currently, the county fish and game commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish
• and Game Code to protect fish and wildlife.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then dispensed with reading the journal and moved through a large number of procedural items, including deeming 102 second-reading items read and amendments adopted. The body also approved several floor motions, including suspending rules for guest access and committee noticing, moving AB 2595 to second reading, and sending ACR 110 to the inactive file. Numerous local officials and community representatives were introduced from cities including South Pasadena, Isparia, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Palmdale, Holtville, and Lindsay. On the floor file, several measures were taken up and passed. AB 1673 by Hadwick, allowing county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain funds for wildlife conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Pacheco, proclaiming April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 co-authors added. AB 1982 by Lowenthal, removing sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for certain establishments, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 co-authors added after testimony about organ donation and transplant needs. AB 1908 by McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse involving public agencies, passed 71-0. AB 2052 by Stephanie, aimed at ensuring continuity for vulnerable victims in criminal cases by allowing the same prosecutor to remain on a case, passed 62-0. ACR 178 by Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, was also adopted with 69 co-authors added. The second-day consent calendar and remaining listed items were then approved, with all votes recorded at 69-0 and no items removed. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Haney for Mary Dallas Armstrong of San Francisco, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session. The House adjourned until Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This upcoming Saturday and Sunday, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be hosting their annual
• Over 120 exhibitors will be there showcasing the newest hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational products
• This year, the Game and Fish Department will highlight the importance of Arizona's fish hatchery by offering
• opportunities for your kids to get hooked on fishing and cast a line at the children's fishing tank.
• variety of shooting sports, meet wildlife ambassadors, and learn more about Arizona's world-class fishing

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the doctor of the day. Members also introduced numerous guests and groups in the gallery, including the Dandy Project, Arizona Right to Life, Red State Reform, Reproductive Freedom for All, Somerton elected officials, Apache County Supervisor Alton Joe Shepard, and the family of the late Brad Brower. The chamber then adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brower’s life and service, followed by a moment of respectful silence and remarks from members about his community leadership. The House considered several Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1020, relating to the Arizona Space Commission and a specialty license plate, drew debate over a proposed Villegas floor amendment to add a community college access and success plate; the amendment failed on a recorded division vote, and SB 1020 was then approved. SB 1127 and SB 1181 also received do-pass recommendations without controversy. The House later held an additional Committee of the Whole on SB 1426, adopted a floor amendment, and reported the bill as amended with a do-pass recommendation. On third reading, the House passed SB 1125 on child safety by a vote of 43-4 and SB 1415 on insurance adjusters by a vote of 46-1. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, with a separate motion to include the defeated Villegas amendment in SB 1020 failing 19-28. The chamber announced upcoming committee meetings, made several brief personal and ceremonial announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This upcoming Saturday and Sunday, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be hosting their annual
• Over 120 exhibitors will be there showcasing the newest hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational products
• This year, the Game and Fish Department will highlight the importance of Arizona's fish hatchery by offering
• opportunities for your kids to get hooked on fishing and cast a line at the children's fishing tank.
• variety of shooting sports, meet wildlife ambassadors, and learn more about Arizona's world-class fishing

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• COMMONLY CALLED FISH TABLES AND IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD OF THEM IT IS BECAUSE IN THE DIGITAL DISPLAY IF
• IT WAS MOVING YOU WOULD SEE FISH BASICALLY SWIMMING THROUGH A DIGITAL DISPLAY.
• WHERE YOU PULL A LEVER OR A BUDGET THAT YOU PRESS THAT SAYS WAGER IT IS A BUTTON THAT SAYS SHOOT FOR FISH
• OR CAST AND SO JUST AS FAST AS I CAN PRESS THE BUTTON THAT IS ME WAGERING BECAUSE THERE ARE FISH SWIMMING
• ON THE TABLE AND EVERY FISH SUPPOSEDLY REPRESENTS A DIFFERENT ODDS AT THE SMALLER THE FISH THE BETTER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this bill, the Department of Fish and Wildlife must designate an ungulate population as at risk and
• For populations designated at risk, Fish and Wildlife would implement predator mitigation actions, including
• The Department of Fish and Wildlife must designate an ungulate population as at risk and initiate predator
• For populations designated at risk, Fish and Wildlife would implement predator mitigation actions, including
• The Department of Fish and Wildlife must transfer the increased penalty amounts to the University of

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an executive session on a series of bills and a joint memorial. Staff summarized measures on agricultural marketing (SB 5816, adding juice grapes), Board of Natural Resources membership and tribal representation (SB 5838), irrigation district hiring exemptions (SB 5930), ungulate population management and predator mitigation (SB 5960), a green fertilizer incentive program (SB 5971), mitigation grants for landowners (SB 6075), tribal participation in the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), agricultural impact statements and related protections for farmland (SB 6104), timber sale process modernization (SB 6216), increased wildlife penalty assessments for covered species trade (SB 6233), shellfish licensing and biotoxin fee caps (SB 6318), and a federal wildfire response memorial (SJM 8015). Several bills had proposed substitutes or amendments, including competing changes to SB 5838 and SB 5960, but some items were ultimately set aside with no action. The committee adopted a substitute for SB 5971 and advanced it to Ways and Means. It also adopted a substitute for SB 6097 and sent it to Rules. SB 5816, SB 6216, SB 6233, SB 6318, and SJM 8015 all received due pass recommendations, with SB 5971 and SB 6318 referred onward to Ways and Means. SB 5838 was debated at length over tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources; amendments to require forest-management expertise or alternate east/west representation were rejected, and the proposed substitute was approved and passed. SB 6233 drew comments about possible unintended consequences, but the bill passed. The committee took no action on SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104. The chair later confirmed that every bill on the executive session agenda had either been moved forward or dropped from the agenda. The meeting ended with the chair thanking staff and members for getting through the last committee meeting before the policy cutoff, and the committee adjourned subject to signature of the boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a beloved charter school in my district, Answer Charter School, and we are really... ...my district
• This is not going to happen to any other charter school, and all the new charter schools are founded
• Answer is a charter school, and single charter schools,... ...occurs during this field work.
• Answer is a charter school, and single charter schools often do not have the huge enrollments that create
• I'm our operations director at Answer Charter School over transportation.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• board to allow charter schools who do not have the ability to act. ...charter school board to allow
• No, because these are charter school facilities.
• , private school, charter school, micro school, traditional public school, virtual charter schools, brick-and-mortar
• Public schools are charter schools. Charter schools are public schools.
• serve the community they were chartered for.

Bills: HB3327 , HB3711 , HB4104 , HJR1077 , HB3329 , HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989 , HB3016 , HB2979 , HB2988 , HB2288 , HB3062 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3530 , HB3622 , HB3755 , HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency. Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as a maximum, that’s going to be up to the school district or charter school to determine what
• As far as a maximum, that's going to be up to the school district or charter school to determine what
• school in my district, the Answer Charter School, which happened to be the first charter in the Treasure
• What happens with a brand new charter school that has not been around since 2010?
• Answer is a charter school, and single charter schools often do not have huge enrollments that create

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> professional regulation, and charter professional regulation, and charter school<00:05:06.639><c
• and evaluating charter soliciting and evaluating charter applications,<00:48:56.240><c> conducting</
• </c><00:50:42.240><c> is</c> charter school, one of these charters is charter school, one of these charters
• And every other charter school that has been in place since the charter schools statutes have been on
• </c> So, yes, I I charters are different. So, yes, I I charters are different.

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> when they go to a charter school? when they go to a charter school?
• So, a charter school can use them.
• So, a charter school can use them.
• So, a charter school can use them.
• And no charter schools um one.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Facilities met to satisfy its quarterly statutory requirement and to discuss interim priorities. Staff from LSO reviewed the committee’s duties: monitoring K-12 school facilities statewide, prioritizing needs for the interim, and preparing a budget request due by November 1. They also noted the ongoing litigation related to the Chapter 3, Section 8 exception process and said the committee would move forward with securing a consultant to study that issue, as previously authorized by Management Council. A major topic was school funding formulas, especially how average daily membership (ADM) affects routine and major maintenance funding and how excess square footage is treated. Members revisited an earlier proposal to fund 135% of allowable square footage, which did not advance this session, and discussed whether some schools should instead be funded at a minimum percentage of their actual square footage. Staff explained that some districts have buildings larger than their formula allowance, and that the issue is complicated by older buildings, pools, and other unique facilities. They also noted that recent changes to the major maintenance multiplier increased funding and that some districts are still not fully covered by the formulas. Safety and security funding was another focus. The State Construction Department reported that $10 million was appropriated this year for safety and security upgrades, with some funds expected to go toward vestibules, bollards, and design work, and the rest through a district application process. Officials said the last comprehensive safety assessment was done more than 10 years ago and suggested a new consultant-led study to update priorities, since technology and building conditions have changed. Members also discussed the role of school resource officers and whether the committee should continue leading this work rather than handing it off to the recalibration committee. The committee also examined declining enrollment and excess capacity across the state, citing examples such as Newcastle, Shoshoni, Casper, Campbell County, and Fremont County. Officials said some districts are right-sizing by taking schools offline, while others cannot easily reduce capacity because the buildings are essential to the community. Charter school leasing was raised as a related concern, including the Mills charter school and the fact that the state pays lease costs based on ADM and allowable square footage. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to continue studying these issues, likely including site visits and further data requests during the interim.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second way is to contract with the charter school for the charter school staff to provide the services
• </c> Hampshire Alliance for public charter Hampshire Alliance for public charter schools<00:03:08.239
• :03:21.120><c> are</c> agencies briefly uh charter schools are agencies briefly uh charter schools are
• </c> with the charter school for the Charter with the charter school for the Charter School<00:04:29.199
• </c> charter schools and again our Charter charter schools and again our Charter School<00:25:04.200>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on HB 222, which would repeal the requirement that a chartered public school and the resident school district sign a memorandum of understanding on how students with disabilities will receive special education services. The prime sponsor, Rep. Peggy Balboni, said the bill was requested by the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators and the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools. She argued that federal and state law already require districts to provide FAPE and that the MOU requirement has created extra work, legal costs, and delays without improving services. She said many MOUs remain unsigned, but students are still receiving services and complaint numbers have not changed. Rep. Mooney also supported repeal, calling the MOU duplicative and impractical because IEPs and 504 plans already govern services. Testimony from Jane B. Brulu of the special education administrators’ association and Beth McLure of the charter schools alliance echoed that view, saying the MOU has not helped students, has added hours of work and legal fees, and has mostly been a source of disputes over funding and service costs. McLure said her school has worked with more than 15 districts and has always been able to reach agreements, though the first year of the requirement took substantial time and money. Committee members asked about the original purpose of the law, unsigned MOUs, and whether disputes could be resolved without the requirement. A representative from the Department of Education said the MOU was originally proposed to address reports that some students were not getting services on time and to provide some oversight, but the department has no authority to order charter schools or districts to agree and no appeal process if they cannot. The department also said it does not currently audit charter school special education services because it lacks authority to monitor charter schools directly, and it urged the committee to consider some alternative oversight if the MOU requirement is repealed. The hearing on HB 222 was then closed, and the committee announced it would begin the hearing on HB 699 after a short break.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also held a ribbon cutting for the Cle Elum juvenile fish passage facility.
• The project is a collaboration between the Corps of Engineers, the Yakama Nation, the Department of Fish
• Some accomplishments to highlight there include surface water intake, fish screens, and fish passage.
• was about two years ago to allow for more flexible hatchery management by the Leavenworth National Fish
• We actually put a fishing moratorium on Chinook at the...

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:59.200><c> game</c> there's opportunities and fishing game there's opportunities and fishing
• </c> uh Bureau of Trails and Fish and Game. uh Bureau of Trails and Fish and Game.
• Her designate could be any employee within Fish and Game.
• Her designate could be any employee within Fish and Game.
• Um, but as you saw, Fish and Game was there supporting it.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California Fish and Game regulations only regulate aquatic transgenic animals, with the regulations silent
• From 2003 to 2016, the Fish and Game Commission banned the sale of genetically modified fish.
• It will reduce the burden of regulating this industry from both the Fish and Game Commission and the
• Department of Fish and Wildlife, and it will save untold dollars that our state will incur if we add

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Concurrent Resolution 54 by Representative Fottinot urges and requests the United States Fish
• Members, House Concurrent Resolution 54 by Representative Fottinot urges and requests the United States Fish
• Members, House Concurrent Resolution 54 by Representative Fottinot, urges and requests the United States Fish
• is just a beautiful, pristine, cypress-covered lake that used to be really world-renowned for its fishing
• Can't fish. Can't get to your duck line.

Bills: HCR54 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR104 , HB1209

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: migratory waterfowl, hunting regulations, flooded crops, wildlife management, environmental impact, hunting, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, deer hunting, dogs, conservation, hunting heritage, federal regulations, Senator Kennedy, wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, legislative support, environment, protective measures, boating safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was heard last session on February 5th and very briefly requires the Department of Fish and
• This bill was heard last session on February 5th and very briefly requires the Department of Fish and
• This bill was heard last session on February 5th, and very briefly requires the Department of Fish and
• It repeals specific duties of the Department of Fish and Wildlife related to grizzly bear management
• It repeals specific duties of the Department of Fish and Wildlife related to grizzly bear management

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened its first formal public hearing agenda of the session with House Bill 2238, which would direct the Department of Agriculture to coordinate statewide food security efforts and develop a food security strategy due to the Legislature by December 1, 2027. Staff explained the bill would add food security coordination and food system monitoring to the department’s duties and require collaboration with state agencies, nonprofits, experts, and tribes. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves described the bill as a way to codify and continue work the department had done under COVID emergency authority, while also addressing food insecurity, farm viability, food access, and supply chain resilience. She and several testifiers emphasized rising food costs, food deserts, and the need for a coordinated statewide approach. Testimony in support came from Second Harvest of Spokane, Northwest Harvest, Washington wheat, potato, onion, and cattle groups, the Washington State Farmers Market Association, Harvest Against Hunger, Pierce County Councilmember Brian Yambay, the Washington Food Industry Association, Food Lifeline, the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health, and small producers, many of whom stressed the importance of coordination, affordability, data, and including people with lived experience and small farmers in the process. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the sign-in record showed 137 pro and 166 con positions overall. The committee then moved into executive session on several 2025 bills, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds and foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet sales (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefed each bill, and members discussed proposed amendments on HB 1735 and HB 1976, but the committee deferred action on all bills except HB 1608. During caucus, members indicated HB 1608 was the only bill to be voted on that day. On HB 1608, which would ban knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and authorize a civil penalty, members debated animal welfare and the bill’s policy merits. Rep. Birnbaum supported the measure as a humane step, while Rep. Dent said he had concerns and was not ready to support it. The committee then voted 6-5 to report HB 1608 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after that vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's no doubt that ensuring high-quality charter and virtual Charter school seats for Oklahoma students
• virtual charter school board.
• brick and mortar charter schools and 7 of which Are virtual charter schools.
• and seven virtual charter schools. 12 schools fall under the statewide charter school board, and the
• Most of our virtual charters are not eligible for Horizon, so only the brick-and-mortar charter schools

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all