Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Summary: The committee considered a series of bills largely focused on reappropriating and closing out ARPA-related funds, transferring interest earnings, and filling funding gaps in existing state projects. Measures included funding for the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, juvenile services in Rogers County, rural hospital rebuild projects, DHS-related projects for Boys and Girls Clubs and the YWCA, water and wastewater projects through the OWRB, ALS grant limits for OSDH, pandemic relief accounting, administrative costs for ARPA projects, pediatric cardiology and OSU-related projects, rural industrial park and port water/wastewater gaps, and emergency response grants through the Department of Emergency Management. Most of these bills were presented by Rep. Newton, Chairman Caldwell, Speaker Hilbert, Rep. Osborne, Rep. Hill, and others, with committee substitutes adopted without objection where noted. One bill, House Bill 4028, drew the most discussion. It would extend the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments. Members questioned the lack of program-specific evaluation data, including return on investment, jobs created, and how much of the tax deduction had actually been used. The sponsor said the program had helped grow Oklahoma venture capital and that he would seek better data, but argued the sunset should be extended for now. The bill passed 23-6. Another extended exchange centered on House Bill 4063, which combined measures related to placing state questions on the August ballot, including HJR 1024 and a bill tied to House Bill 1440. Members raised concerns about single-subject issues, ballot timing, voter turnout, and whether combining the measures limited legislators’ options. The Speaker defended the approach as election-related and noted prior precedent. The bill passed 23-6. The remaining bills were approved overwhelmingly, generally by votes of 27-0, 28-0, or 29-0, and were reported out with due pass recommendations before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A critical role in our public safety system and keeping Arizona safe, and we want to make sure that we
• When you look at the DOC staffing currently, there's a 14.1% vacancy rate for security personnel, for
• They don't feel safe. And it's not just simply a matter of inconvenience.
• We've got to get the funding to look to the future, to plan our roads so we can safely get back and forth
• offset documented VOCA-related funding shortfalls and maintain core operational capacity, including staffing

Bills: SB1001, SB1035, SB1056, SB1065, SB1138, SB1161, SB1204, SB1207, SB1248, SB1274, SB1284, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1020

Keywords: appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, state budget, private prisons

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not been an issue to close bed capacity because of staffing issues.
• There are ways that we can help monitor somebody safely remotely, and have that.
• Staffing continues to be an issue with the facility continuing to rely on agency staffing in order to
• How many are currently not staffed right now? I saw 21, but maybe there's more right now.
• 01:17:55.800><c> at</c> reassessment of our our staffing both at reassessment of our our staffing both

Bills: HF1380, HF1166, HF487, HF1553, HF1472, HF258, HF1911

Keywords: psychiatric treatment, human services, mental health funding, per diem rate, Clay County, disability services, assistive technology, remote support, advocacy, training programs, HF487, Wellness in the Woods, Minnesota human services, grant funding, general fund appropriation, peer support, substance use recovery, addiction recovery, reentry services, reentry after incarceration

Transcript Highlights:

• your children safely so you don't<00:28:39.600><c> kill</c><00:28:39.800><c> them.
• and put into safe families and something that's suitable and very accommodating.
• So, we have this Safe synthetic opioids.
• I would never, again, be delaying safety, security, and a safe home for children.
• It protects privacy while encouraging safe storage discussions. is needed.

Bills: HF4407, HF4382

Keywords: child welfare, African American children, racial disproportionality, family preservation, reunification, foster care, kinship care, relative placement, noncustodial parent, guardian ad litem, ombudsperson, Department of Human Services, county social services, active efforts, reasonable efforts, child protection, placement, out-of-home placement, Northstar kinship assistance, data disaggregation

Transcript Highlights:

• and um materials that promote reef safe and and<00:15:32.720><c> basically</c><00:15:33.040><c> what
• ones to drink and trees are the safe ones to drink and which<00:26:50.000><c> ones</c><00:26:50.240>
• </c> Um, so we have to have a way to safely Um, so we have to have a way to safely manage<00:29:03.279
• </c><01:00:01.520><c> So</c><01:00:01.680><c> for</c> the term reef safe sunscreen.
• So for the term reef safe sunscreen.

Bills: SB2489, SB2310, SB2372, SB2426, SB2334, SB2925, SB3323

Keywords: invasive species, agriculture, biosecurity, lease provisions, environment, natural resources, flood management, vegetation removal, Kainahola stream, Hawaii legislation, trees, exceptional trees, significant trees, urban forestry, arborist advisory committee, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, county planning, tree preservation

Summary: The committee heard several measures related to agriculture, invasive species control, trees, reef protection, and land use. SP 2489 would require Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases to include access, invasive-species control, and termination provisions; DAB and DLNR supported it, as did several outside groups, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council raised concerns about notice, cooperation with lessees, and placing penalties on leaseholders for preexisting infestations. The chair noted six testifiers in support, one opposed, and three with comments. SP 2310 would appropriate funds to remove overgrown vegetation from the Kohola stream. DAB supported the bill but explained that the work already completed by its contractor stopped at a DOT boundary, and that the affected parcel appears to be a DOT highway segment on ceded lands; the committee discussed whether the appropriation should instead go to DOT. SP 2372, on exceptional and significant trees, received support from DNR and Outdoor Circle, with testimony describing trees as critical infrastructure and suggesting technical amendments to committee membership and the process for recommending trees to county councils. SP 2426, which would authorize DNR to contract with private parties to maintain sunscreen dispensers at state beaches and promote mineral-based sunscreen as reef-protective, drew support from DNR and reef advocates, while another witness questioned the science behind claims about mineral versus chemical sunscreens and urged broader environmental solutions. SP 2334 would impose a land conversion fee on agricultural land converted to other uses, create a fee fund for programs including healthy soils, and require state agricultural lands to use a conservation metric. DAB offered comments, and testimony from climate and farm groups generally supported the conservation goals but questioned references to programs not yet in place and objected to language excluding solar and wind uses, with one witness urging that agri-voltaics remain allowed. SP 2925, concerning coconut trees, would recognize them as food, water, and cultural resources, require signage for landscape palms, set labeling standards, and create a tax credit for naturally managed consumable coconut trees. DAB shifted from opposition to comments, DNR supported, and testimony from cultural and subsistence advocates strongly backed the bill as a response to coconut rhinoceros beetle impacts; committee questions focused on enforcement of signage, inspection resources, and the proposed tax credit.

Bills: SB 612, SB 1855, SB 2568, SB 3058

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Bills: HB398, HB906, HB1201, SB41, SB47, SB106, SB210, SB218, SB220, SB248, SB289, SB397

Keywords: travel expenses, reimbursement, state officials, US General Services Administration, disaster management, nominating petitions, unaffiliated voters, party primaries, political participation, elections, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, boards and commissions, public records, contact information, email addresses, phone numbers

Bills: SB1873, SB1948, SB540, SB1653, SB1061, SB1534

Keywords: roofing, contractor registration, continuing education, endorsement, construction industry, fireworks, consumer safety, local governance, emergency declaration, public safety, dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry, dental hygiene, licensure compact, interstate compact, professional licensing, license portability, health workforce, workforce shortage

Bills: SB1873, SB1948, SB540, SB1653, SB1061, SB1534

Keywords: roofing, contractor registration, continuing education, endorsement, construction industry, fireworks, consumer safety, local governance, emergency declaration, public safety, dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry, dental hygiene, licensure compact, interstate compact, professional licensing, license portability, health workforce, workforce shortage

Summary: The committee heard several Senate bills, most of them described as cleanup or compact-related measures. Senate Bill 1061 was presented as a cleanup bill adding defining language, supported by the Department of Consumer Credit and correcting a typo, and it passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1534, a charity enforcement act worked on with the Attorney General’s office, was described as strengthening protections for donor intent, preventing misuse of charitable funds, and closing enforcement loopholes; after a brief question about examples of bad actors, it also passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1873 was another cleanup bill requested by roofers and passed 11-0. The committee also considered interstate licensure compacts. Senate Bill 540 would create Oklahoma’s participation in a dentist and dental hygienist compact; one question focused on why the Oklahoma Dental Association opposed it while the American Dental Association supported it, and the bill passed 9-2. Senate Bill 1653 would join a compact for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, with the sponsor noting 31 states already participate; it passed 11-0. Finally, Senate Bill 1948 would allow year-round fireworks sales in Oklahoma. Members questioned how the bill would interact with city and county authority, whether it would affect dense neighborhoods, and concerns about veterans with PTSD. The sponsor said the bill would not override city ordinances and argued counties should not restrict private property owners, while also saying current law already allows fireworks use year-round but limits in-state purchasing windows, sending consumers to other states. The bill passed 10-1. The chair then announced this was the last bill for the day and that about 12 bills remained for the following week.

Bills: HB168, HB220, SB187, SB270, SB265, SB220, SB242, SB277

Keywords: loitering, mask policies, school safety, crime prevention, public health, board appointments, governor authority, multi-member boards, state governance, legislative authority, Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code, Title 10A, corporate governance, nonprofit governance, business corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership

Transcript Highlights:

• How do you take care of patients safely?
• We then train communities to bring these products to us so that we can safely dispose of them.
• The other thing is that there's no safe disposal system in place for them.
• We're also a partner in the state's Safe Harbor response and No Wrong Door programming.
• Mainly in our area, they're getting charged and provided education on serving safe food.

Bills: HF2779, HF1645, HF1885, HF1289, HF1534, HF2707, HF1675, HF3046

Keywords: health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• So now it's more current: are you able to take care of patients safely?
• Some of the hospitals, patients safely?
• We're also a partner in the state's Safe Harbor response and No Wrong Door programming.
• </c> also a partner in the state's Safe also a partner in the state's Safe Harbor<01:21:29.440><c> response
• But we see the value in getting these places licensed so we can serve safe food to our communities.

Bills: HF2779, HF1645, HF1885, HF1289, HF1534, HF2707, HF1675, HF3046

Keywords: health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in a legally sound, emotionally safe in a legally sound, emotionally safe manner.<00:35:41.280><
• They cannot keep their child or other family members safe.
• Thank you for your time. feel safe. We've put key locks on all feel safe.
• Thank you for listening to my testimony, Miss Manilis. remain safe and perhaps most remain safe and perhaps
• This is the unfortunate reality to safe?

Bills: HF2362, HF2136, HF1316, HF2009, HF1918, HF1614

Keywords: youth intervention, funding, mental health, education, community programs, HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers

Transcript Highlights:

• this space is. ...that you've done and keeping our kids safe and just how important and sensitive this
• very busy street, and the eight-month pregnant teacher was chasing the child down to keep the child safe
• This helps with this issue of empowering teachers and also keeping teachers and students safe.
• that we heard a lot in the Senate Memorial 68 Working Group is that a lot of teachers didn't feel safe
• We as educators work to ensure all students are safe, protected, and respected while they are in our

Bills: HJR6, HJR7, HB120, HB60, HB151, HR1, HM13, SB40, SB104

Keywords: constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement

Bills: HB1845, HB2192, HB2438, HB2529, HB2607, HB2658, HB3348, HB3505, HB3305

Keywords: rural prosecution, salary assistance, staffing grant, legal support, criminal justice, fireworks, permit requirements, sale, county regulations, public safety, hospital district, administration, elections, director qualifications, public contracts, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Strategies that will keep schools safe.
• Um, there are safe would look like.
• </c> and my community safe. and my community safe.
• </c> safe. Thank you. safe. Thank you. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:31:51.360><c> you.
• It puts I'll say less safe situation.

Bills: HF3433, HF3402, HF3412, HF3405, HF3404

Keywords: assault weapons, semi-automatic rifle, military-style firearm, gun ban, firearms regulation, gun control, public safety, BCA, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, background check, transferee permit, private gun sale, waiting period, felony possession, gross misdemeanor, AR-15, AK-47, Uzi, TEC-9, high-capacity magazine

Bills: HB188, HB265, HJR35, HJR47, SB1901, HB188, HB265, HJR35

Keywords: Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts

Transcript Highlights:

• homes or you have to boil the water that comes out of your taps, we forget to appreciate how important safe

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills, often after suspending the rules to move them directly to final passage. Substitute House Bill 2152, “Ryan’s Law,” was described as allowing limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; senators emphasized palliative care and quality-of-life benefits, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails under federal PREA standards, drew debate over proposed amendments that would have required medical professionals or religious accommodations for staff; both amendments failed, and the bill passed 30-19. Second Substitute House Bill 1906, on transparency and consumer protection in water system rates, passed unanimously after a Ways and Means striking amendment was adopted. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, allowing certain registered nurses to staff inter-facility specialty care ambulance transports under specified conditions, also passed unanimously after a clarifying striker was adopted. Second Substitute House Bill 2429, supporting children and youth behavioral health and extending the work group, passed 49-0 after a Human Services striking amendment was adopted despite concerns about added government costs. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after amendments adjusted its effective date and related provisions. The Senate also debated Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 on voter registration challenges and voter list management. An amendment to broaden who could challenge registrations statewide was rejected, with supporters arguing it would preserve free speech and allow valid challenges anywhere in the state, and opponents warning it would open the door to excessive challenges and burden election officials. The underlying bill, which tightens challenge procedures, allows more discretion for county auditors, and aims to reduce administrative burdens, then passed 30-19. Throughout the debate, supporters said the bill would improve confidence in voter rolls and help auditors manage an increase in challenges, while opponents argued the current system already works and that the bill could create more litigation and unnecessary restrictions on voter engagement. At the end of the session, Senator Lovick offered a personal privilege remark praising legislative interns and noting a student’s acceptance to West Point. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, after a brief caucus announcement and no objection to adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transmission of electricity is essential infrastructure for keeping people safe and healthy.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several bills. Engrossed House Bill 2294, which prohibits restrictive covenants that block replacement food or pharmacy uses on real property, drew support from senators citing food deserts and community access concerns, while one senator objected to state preemption of local control; it passed 35-14. House Bill 2554, updating state law to recognize tribal treaty fishing rights and state-tribal co-management of salmon, trout, and steelhead, passed 47-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2557, requiring parents to receive special education evaluation reports within a set timeline, passed unanimously 49-0. House Bill 2632, modernizing state terminology from “alien” to “non-citizen” with limited federal-law exceptions, passed 31-18 after a failed amendment that would have added a sunset clause. The Senate also passed Substitute Senate Bill 6355 to create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority to improve grid reliability and transmission buildout. Supporters emphasized jobs, affordability, clean energy, and reliability; opponents raised concerns about eminent domain, accountability, wildfire risk, and duplication of existing efforts. Two amendments aimed at limiting eminent domain and narrowing the bill’s structure were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19. Other bills approved included Substitute House Bill 2539, raising the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100 and indexing it to inflation, which passed 30-18; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165, creating a separate offense for false identification as a peace officer, which passed 30-18; House Bill 2543, updating county clerk fees, which passed 33-15; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476, expanding theater liquor licensing to larger theaters, which passed 38-10; and Substitute House Bill 2472, adding enforcement tools for licensed fire sprinkler work, which passed 45-3. Additional measures passed with broad support, including Senate Bill 6006 exempting food banks from retail sales tax on certain services, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 prohibiting employers from requiring microchip implantation in employees, Substitute House Bill 2363 allowing temporary supervised practice for music therapy licensure applicants, House Bill 2417 adding victim rights protections under the Washington Code of Military Justice, and House Bill 1526 allowing snack bar liquor licensees to serve wine in addition to beer and hard cider. The chamber also adopted a striking amendment to House Bill 2539 and a committee striking amendment to House Bill 1526, while rejecting amendments to House Bill 2632 and Substitute Senate Bill 6355. The Senate then took up House messages on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5998 and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, voted not to concur in the House amendments, and appointed conferees for both bills before standing at ease for dinner.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 6297, the Secretary will read: An act relating to making temporary staffing services provided
• Senate Bill 6297, the Secretary will read: An act relating to making temporary staffing services provided
• An act relating to making temporary staffing services provided to nonprofit behavioral health entities
• We did exempt temporary staffing in hospital settings.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial business, approved the journal, and then took up a resolution recognizing Nowruz, the Persian New Year and spring celebration. Senator Saldaña sponsored the resolution and described its cultural significance and the importance of solidarity with Washington’s Middle Eastern and Central Asian communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks from several senators. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Michael Charles to the Gambling Commission and Deborah J. Entenman to the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Both confirmations passed by roll call with strong bipartisan support. The Senate also considered and passed Substitute House Bill 2088, joining the Dietitian Licensure Compact, with supporters citing workforce shortages and easier licensure for military spouses. Members then debated Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2219 on child care provider operations, including a failed amendment and a successful committee striker. The bill passed, expanding flexibility for child care settings and clarifying related rules. The Senate also passed House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski area and winter sports terminology, and Engrossed House Bill 1345, which allows detached accessory dwelling units in rural areas; several amendments on water metering and rural/frontier county exemptions were offered but rejected before final passage. Later, the Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 6351, providing targeted sales tax relief for schools, before-and-after school care, and arts and cultural programs, and Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6354, which advances transportation electrification by allowing direct sales of certain electric vehicles under a compromise with dealers. Finally, Senate Bill 6297 passed to exempt temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities from retail sales tax. The Senate then moved at ease for rules and lunch after announcing further floor action would follow.