Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:23.040> I<00:35:23.359> would<00:35:23.520> say<00:35:23.760> in
• 35:26.880> the<00:35:27.119> plan<00:35:27.280> was<00:35:27.440> that that
• 2026.<00:35:30.480> So<00:35:30.560> that<00:35:30.720> was<00:35:30.880> it<
• /c><00:35:31.040> was<00:35:31.119> about<00:35:31.359> 15<00:35:31.760> months
• > over<00:35:34.880> the<00:35:35.119> course<00:35:35.440> of<00:35:35.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, then fast forward a few more years and Interstate 22 comes through and goes right through the middle
• 22 comes through and and Interstate 22 comes through and Interstate<00:06:50.319> 22<00:06:50.880
• 22 goes right through the Interstate 22 goes right through the middle<00:06:52.160> of<00:06:
• Part of it is by one of the main exits on the interstate off of I-22, and Franklin County would like
• So, it is a big the interstate there.

Bills: SB337, HB520, HB75, SB337, HB520, HB75

Keywords: SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, discrimination, immunization, facial coverings, healthcare rights, religious convictions, civil rights, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• Convening our 1:35 p.m. agenda. It's Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, in Conference Room 224.
• So reconvene tomorrow at 1:35 p.m. here as well.
• Convening Conference on Senate Bill 1365, House Draft 1, relating to the Interstate Medical Licensure

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, HB 932 would create an interstate compact for occupational therapists or OTs and occupational therapy
• There are a number of benefits of adopting the interstate compact, including, uh, one, increasing market
• I'm now moving to Texas because it has the interstate and I can actually earn a living.
• It makes sense to me, like even for the economy, if we have this interstate, it would encourage people
• I know I started when I was 12, but um I've also been practicing in Texas for more than 35 years, so

Bills: HB163, HB 296

Keywords: judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Service, conservation service for 35 years. My son farms and ranches in a neighboring county.
• also is About three quarters of these dams are situated within probably 100 miles either way of Interstate
• 35 from South Texas all the way to the Oklahoma border.
• been hurricanes that just marched right up through the state and and I dread one just going right up I-35
• And we cover that for the local sponsor, we pay that 35% with our program.

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• In our dispensaries, we're looking at 35% THC in our raw or...
• In our dispensaries, we're looking at 35% THC in our raw herbal material that's sold at dispensaries.
• In our dispensaries, we're looking at 35% THC in our raw herbal material that's sold at dispensaries.
• allowed to possess up to four ounces of medical marijuana, and you can be recommended 2.5 ounces for a 35
• of the lines and pieces of statute that are being removed from the bill, specifically between lines 35

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:35:37.920> if<00:35:38.160> you<00:35:38.320> have<00:35:38.560> a<00
• they<00:35:43.440> work<00:35:43.680> just<00:35:43.920> like<00:35:44.160><
• 01:35:02.080> of<01:35:02.320> the<01:35:02.480> county<01:35:02.800> from
• ><01:35:07.040> not<01:35:07.199> want<01:35:07.280> to<01:35:07.440> pay
• > continue<01:35:11.280> to<01:35:11.520> be<01:35:11.760> provided<01:35

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have about 35% of all properties, and that also includes the rural areas.
• About 35% of all properties are actually homestead; 65% are non-homestead.
• There's not, I guess, Alpha Foundation is on the interstate.
• There's not, I guess, Alpha Foundation is on the interstate.
• I filed a bill that would have capped insulin at $35 a month.

Summary: The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations. Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times. The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.

Transcript Highlights:

• And doesn't this federal gas tax go to our interstates and highways?
• Our interstates within our state to repair... Our interstates within our state is that correct? Mr.
• Senate Bill 248 has received 35 'aye' votes and 13 'nay' votes.
• The roll hasn't received 35 aye votes and 11 nay votes.
• Having received 35 aye votes and 10 nay votes.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• you who have helped<00:35:03.920> us<00:35:04.720> every<00:35:04.960> one<00:35
• :05.119> of<00:35:05.280> you<00:35:05.520> like<00:35:06.079> like<00:35
• 00:35:17.680> to<00:35:18.400> be<00:35:18.640> able<00:35:18.800> to<00:
• :32.079> all<00:35:32.320> to<00:35:32.480> do<00:35:32.720> over,<00:35:
• <00:35:58.720> It<00:35:58.960> is<00:35:59.119> your<00:35:59.440> house

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it<00:35:01.240> initially<00:35:01.880> and<00:35:02.440> um<00:35:02.720><
• Minnesota<00:35:04.720> in<00:35:05.119> November<00:35:06.119> um<00:35:06.520
• > had<00:35:08.839> I<00:35:08.960> think<00:35:09.119> it's<00:35:09.599
• that's<00:35:17.720> a<00:35:17.839> mix<00:35:18.160> of<00:35:18.880> uh
• :35:20.640> flocks<00:35:21.400> and<00:35:21.520> I<00:35:21.680> believe

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• a harmful<00:35:19.359> uh<00:35:19.680> does<00:35:19.839> indeed<00:35:20.160
• social media<00:35:26.880> platforms<00:35:27.280> has<00:35:27.520> been<00:35:
• <00:35:32.640> Another<00:35:32.960> way<00:35:33.119> that<00:35:33.280>
• /c><00:35:34.400> we<00:35:34.560> have<00:35:34.720> now<00:35:34.960> is
• Simply put, no<00:35:43.680> one<00:35:43.839> likes<00:35:44.079> having<00:35:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Trona<00:35:06.000> supply<00:35:06.400> and<00:35:06.800> basically<00:35:07.200
• <00:35:09.119> So,<00:35:09.599> this<00:35:09.760> is<00:35:09.920> an
• years<00:35:13.359> as<00:35:13.680> we<00:35:13.920> develop<00:35:14.240>
• <00:35:16.880> So,<00:35:17.520> it's<00:35:18.000> uh<00:35:18.240> and<
• that spur<00:35:40.640> the<00:35:40.880> electrical<00:35:41.760> energy<00:35

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > put<00:35:36.160> is<00:35:36.320> what<00:35:36.480> you're<00:35:36.640>
• I<00:35:37.680> I<00:35:38.000> wouldn't<00:35:38.240> say<00:35:38.320> I'm<
• /c><00:35:38.560> the<00:35:38.800> end<00:35:39.040> all<00:35:39.280> say
• <00:35:47.119> So,<00:35:47.599> but<00:35:47.839> I<00:35:48.079> guess<
• 35:49.520> the<00:35:49.760> buck<00:35:50.079> stops<00:35:50.400> with<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:35:21.440> kind<00:35:21.520> of<00:35:21.599> looking<00:35:21.839> at<
• > line<00:35:22.480> item<00:35:22.800> we<00:35:22.960> can<00:35:23.119
• <00:35:24.640> the<00:35:24.880> services<00:35:25.200> we<00:35:25.359>
• And so<00:35:25.760> we<00:35:25.920> appreciate<00:35:26.160> you<00:35:26.320>
• So<00:35:40.240> we're<00:35:40.400> going<00:35:40.480> to<00:35:40.560> do<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Bills: HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Bills: HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's in 35, but both batteries and this technology qualify as an energy storage technology, and
• I think it's in 35, but both batteries and this technology qualify as an energy storage technology and

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays. The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process. Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item four is Senator Trujillo: Senate Bill 35, the substitute for that.
• For Senate Bill 35, and I'll yield to Senator Trujillo. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
• Senators, we were debating Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 35.
• I move that Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 35 do now pass. I'm sorry.
• President, Senator, have you talked to the Interstate Stream?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:07.560> amendment<01:35:07.920> to<01:35:08.119> remove<01:35:08.520> the
• years so<01:35:15.600> the<01:35:15.760> math<01:35:16.400> Works<01:35:17.400><
• c> sure<01:35:18.239> uh<01:35:18.400> well<01:35:18.560> the<01:35:18.719><
• at<01:35:20.920> the<01:35:21.000> end<01:35:21.159> of<01:35:21.239> a
• c><01:35:21.560> year<01:35:22.560> so<01:35:22.800> is<01:35:22.920> it

Keywords: 1191, senate, all