Transcript Highlights:

• We developed ice fishing houses that are wheelchair accessible.
• </c> we developed ice fishing we developed ice fishing houses<00:35:41.359><c> that</c><00:35:41.520>
• </c><00:49:09.760><c> a</c><00:49:09.880><c> turkey</c> fishing to regular fishing to a turkey fishing
• </c> I've have attended two ice fishing I've have attended two ice fishing events<00:57:34.280><c> one
• </c> veterans HHO provides Hunting Fishing veterans HHO provides Hunting Fishing hiking<01:11:09.480>

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:46.919><c> School's</c> published on the Charter School's published on the Charter School's
• </c> statement of assurance that no Charter statement of assurance that no Charter School<00:29:24.840
• </c> reports to be published on the charter reports to be published on the charter schools<00:29:44.919
• </c> procurement policies around charter procurement policies around charter schools<00:30:04.880><c>
• </c> the Star Tribune did into charter the Star Tribune did into charter schools<00:31:36.720><c> in<

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• charter schools that have very unique missions, right?
• charter schools that have very unique missions, right?
• My question was, I noticed that they gave the charter schools an out.
• sure not to give charters special treatment.
• sure not to give charters special treatment.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee heard Senate Bill 1336, a late-session education measure centered on civics, American history, and American government instruction in Idaho public schools. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said it is intended to codify and strengthen civics education ahead of America 250 by requiring instruction in core civic virtues, foundational documents, the principles of the U.S. republican form of government, and selected totalitarian ideologies. It also would require secondary students to take two credits each in American history and American government, add related English language arts instruction when appropriate, encourage patriotic curriculum materials, and allow the State Board of Education to grant exemptions to charter schools with unique missions. Dr. Samuel Lair and Greg Wilson of the State Department of Education testified that the bill largely aligns with recently adopted social studies standards and existing civics requirements, and that the language was developed after extensive stakeholder discussions. They emphasized that the bill is meant to provide statutory durability and broad guardrails rather than micromanage local curriculum. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s detailed requirements, especially the long list of documents and the English language arts component, could be too burdensome for schools and difficult to fit into existing high school schedules. Multiple representatives also objected to the charter-school exemption, arguing that alternative and magnet public schools with similarly unique missions should have access to the same relief. After debate, Representative Marmon moved to send Senate Bill 1336 as amended to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took a roll call vote and the motion passed 8-6. Representatives Nelson, Pickett, Veeley, Matthias, and Galavis voted no, while the bill advanced to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked to the Charter School Association. We've talked to the ISBA.
• are charter schools that have very unique missions, right?
• My question was, I noticed that they gave the charter schools an out.
• sure not to give charters special treatment.
• not to give charters special treatment.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we're going to take up tab number three, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• I'm Director for the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
• To enhance habitat for fish, wildlife, and public use, staff use various techniques highlighted on this
• WMAs can serve fish and wildlife for future generations, ensuring a rich and diverse fish and wildlife
• On our WMAs, people can learn and practice outdoor skills and actively enjoy fish and wildlife resources

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone. The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first of all, when you have a charter school, if you recall, a charter school has an authorizer and
• But for charters, I'm thinking of GEMP Online, which does a phenomenal job.
• So this is available only to brick-and-mortar charter schools, not to virtual charter schools.
• And we have currently nine virtual charter schools in the state.
• We have two operating charter schools and two more opening in fall 2026.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard House Joint Memorial 20, sponsored by Representative Steve Tanner, which asks the federal government to study and account for the cost Idaho says it bears under Plyler v. Doe for educating children of non-citizens. Tanner argued the ruling functions as an unfunded mandate and estimated the annual cost to Idaho taxpayers at roughly $112 million to $220 million. Members debated whether the memorial conflicted with Plyler, whether undocumented status could even be studied, and whether the memorial unfairly targeted a vulnerable population. Supporters said it was simply a statement asking the federal government to make Idaho whole; opponents raised concerns about one-sided framing and the treatment of immigrant children. The committee took a roll call vote and passed the memorial 10-3, sending it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 883, sponsored by Representative Doug Pickett, a school funding flexibility and earned autonomy proposal for both traditional public school districts and public charter schools. Pickett and Idaho Charter School Network representative Emily McClure explained that the bill would allow qualifying schools more discretion over funding and reduce reporting burdens if they meet academic, financial, and governance benchmarks. The bill includes a two-year grace period if a school has a bad year and a 2029 review date. Questions focused on the different standards for districts and charters, how many schools might qualify, how growth and socioeconomic factors are accounted for, and why virtual charter schools were excluded. Supporters said the bill rewards strong performance and innovation while maintaining accountability. Testimony in favor emphasized that high-performing schools need flexibility to allocate funds, hire experienced staff, and reduce compliance work; one charter school leader said a compliance position had become 95% paperwork. Some members praised the bipartisan effort and said the bill could be a useful experiment and a bridge to broader funding reform. Representative Veeley moved to send HB 883 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:23.279><c> Thank</c> for the game of fish, folks? Okay.
• Thank for the game of fish, folks? Okay.
• Fish Commission to set that at 40% at Fish Commission to set that at 40% at least.<00:38:07.040><c> They
• Wyoming Game and Fish has a wonderful donated tag program.
• </c> uh through Wyoming Game and Fish. uh through Wyoming Game and Fish.

Bills: SF0025 , SF0027 , SF0043 , SF0066

Committee: Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• The charter school facility grant program provides annual grants to help offset facility costs to charter
• The charter school facility grant program provides annual grants to help offset facility costs to charter
• charter schools.
• The authorizer provides us certification that the charter is in compliance with the terms of its charter
• The first is for an existing successor charter.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 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
• Answer is a charter school, and single charter schools often do not have huge enrollments that creates
• The way the section of code is written, About what happens for charters going forward.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first disposed of Senate Bill 1291 with a due-pass recommendation to the floor. It then took up House Bill 816, which would adjust Idaho’s career ladder rules for career technical education and pupil service staff so prior relevant experience can count toward movement on the ladder, rather than leaving many employees stuck for years at the same level. The bill’s sponsors and LSO staff explained that the career ladder is an apportionment model, not a salary schedule, and that the change is intended to help recruit and retain educators who come from industry or clinical settings. Testimony in support came from a school psychologist, a school nurse, school administrators, and a CTE representative, all emphasizing shortages, recruitment problems, and the cost of contracting for these services. Despite support, a motion was made and approved to hold HB 816 in committee. The committee then considered House Bill 815, a narrow fix for Answer Charter School’s transportation block grant funding. Sponsor Sonia Galavis and Answer representatives explained that the school began full busing only in 2022-23, but its transportation funding was still being calculated from a small 2010 pilot program, leaving it far below comparable schools despite running multiple buses and transporting students daily. Testifiers, including a parent and the school’s executive director, said the current formula creates an unfair funding gap and limits access for families. The committee heard that the bill would correct an unintended anomaly without affecting newer charter schools, and it voted to send HB 815 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also adopted an RS for House Bill 816, with a technical correction to the language, and sent it to the second reading calendar. Representatives Diger and Galavis were named to carry that measure on the floor. The meeting then adjourned after completing its work for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• school, but was not accessible to the charter school. the charter school, but was not accessible to
• the charter school.
• Isn't that a charter school? That is, in fact, a charter school that we work very closely with.
• Do you have any charter schools in your district? Charter schools are only available in St.
• , especially if those charter schools will come in and close down... ...charter schools, especially if

Summary: The House first approved the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 116-0, and then spent a long portion of the morning recognizing visiting students, homeschool groups, professional associations, veterans, and other guests in the gallery. A moment of silence was held in honor of Conrad Ashcraft after a member introduced his grandmother, who was present to testify on a bill related to his death. The chamber also recognized a birthday page, a 90th birthday for a House staff member, and Chiropractic Physicians Day. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2710, which would create an A-through-F school grading system for public schools and charter schools. Supporters said the bill would give parents a simple, transparent way to understand school performance, while also preserving more detailed underlying data and adding a climate scorecard amendment covering suspension, restraint, and satisfaction measures. The bill sponsor and supporters emphasized that the measure was revised from earlier versions, that the A grade would be based on the top decile rather than a moving target, that literacy and growth measures were important, and that any teacher incentive funding would be handled through appropriations and the teacher retention and recruitment fund rather than direct bonuses. Opponents argued that letter grades would stigmatize schools, destabilize staffing, and oversimplify complex school conditions, especially in districts with high poverty, mobility, or special education populations. Several members questioned the fairness of comparing schools with different funding levels, demographics, and student turnover, and others argued that the bill would not solve concerns about the MAP test or broader school funding. One member objected that the bill applied only to public and charter schools while state dollars are also now going to private-school tuition support. Despite those concerns, the House adopted the amendment offered by the St. Louis member, then adopted the committee substitute and ordered House Bill 2710 perfected and printed. Afterward, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2404 and 2172, a measure to remove deed restrictions on unused public school property and create a right of first refusal for public entities, including charter schools. Supporters said the bill would allow vacant school buildings to be reused for education rather than sit unused or be demolished, and could generate revenue for school districts. The bill was advanced after discussion, with members citing examples from St. Louis and other areas where unused buildings could have been repurposed for charter or other educational use.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that some of you serve as charter advocates, as charter champions, and some of you are more skeptical
• Just to kick things off on charter schools in New Mexico. New Mexico charter schools are different.
• The charter sector in New Mexico is growing.
• Public charter schools of New Mexico's information.
• Yeah, it's a great school, and us as charters are.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the letter submitted on January 6, 2026, by United States Senator John Kennedy to the United States Fish
• the letter submitted on January 6, 2026, by United States Senator John Kennedy to the United States Fish
• the letter submitted on January 6, 2026, by United States Senator John Kennedy to the United States Fish
• the letter submitted on January 6, 2026, by United States Senator John Kennedy to the United States Fish
• Senator Zerang's bill on hunting and fishing licenses.

Bills: SR125 , SCR70 , SCR12 , HB4 , HB251 , HB623 , HB819 , HB944 , HB986 , HB1098 , HB1222 , HB1257 , HB221 , HCR58 , SCR22 , SCR24 , SB29 , SB30 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB47 , SB84 , SB93 , SB113 , SB192 , SB199 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB241 , SB253 , SB255 , SB289 , SB292 , SB306 , SB314 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB14 , SB102 , SB133 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB200 , SB217 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB330 , SB449 , SB489 , SB521 , SB45 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB274 , SB304 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB436 , SB424 , SCR61 , SCR9 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR31 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1239 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB210 , HB220 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB22 , HB28 , HB33 , HB41 , HB47 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB195 , HB214 , HB217 , HB233 , HB283 , HB290 , HB319 , HB324 , HB345 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB636 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1236 , HB1243 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB1250 , HB17 , HB36 , HB73 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB211 , HB226 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB354 , HB399 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759 , HB789 , HB844 , HB850 , HB966 , HB1036 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782

Keywords: SR125, Senate Resolution 125, MUSV, Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, MASC, Modular Attack Surface Craft, Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, Louisiana shipbuilding, U.S. Navy, Department of the Navy, unmanned naval vessels, autonomous ships, defense procurement, military contracting, shipyard jobs, maritime workforce, advanced manufacturing, robotics, software engineering

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an opening prayer from Pastor Elizabeth Ali Frank, and adopted the journal. The chamber then handled a large number of messages, committee reports, resolutions, and House bills, including several ceremonial resolutions and many House measures returned with amendments. Notable resolutions included recognition of World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, commendations for Louisiana sports honorees, and a resolution urging higher reimbursement rates for behavioral health crisis centers, which was adopted. The Senate also concurred in SCR 22 on opioid settlement fund reporting, with Senator Myers explaining the House changes were technical and improved the reporting deadline and detail. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to concurrence or rejection of House amendments on Senate bills. The Senate concurred in several bills involving telehealth, prenatal bereavement care, official journals, ambulance Medicaid coverage, insurance and licensing disclosures, peptide regulation, psychosocial rehabilitation services, university records confidentiality, the Inspector General, religious exercise protections, child care assistance, eye care coverage, teacher retirement, and electronic service of pleadings. The chamber rejected House amendments to SB 42 on AI-created child sexual abuse materials and SB 43 on psychedelic-assisted therapy, and also rejected amendments on SB 29 and SB 32 before later concurring in many other technical or clarifying House changes. Several members explained that the House amendments were mostly technical, clarified effective dates, or adjusted definitions and contact information. The Senate then took up numerous House bills on final passage. Bills passed included measures on inmate workforce development cleanup, jury bond filing by mail, free transcripts for victims testifying before pardon/parole hearings, public awareness on illegal firearm discharge, special masters in complex litigation, paternity acknowledgments in hospitals, juvenile court filing fees in East Baton Rouge Parish, drug-free school zone penalties, criminal history record confidentiality, body brokering/fraudulent patient referrals, bail notice and residence requirements, sex offender registration updates, parish court jurisdictional amounts, court technology fees, deferred retirement options, shared custody standards, women’s policy and research commission membership, sickle cell and uterine fibroids commission membership, child exploitation reporting on online platforms, recreation of the state civil service department, children’s cabinet membership, DCFS employee background checks, AI disclosure in health care visits, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, mental health advisory board updates, foster children’s rights, automatic renewal contract disclosures, Orleans sheriff term alignment, access to death records for financial institutions, insurance referral disclosures, radiologist assistant regulation, plumbing licensure reforms, legislative auditor thresholds, developmental disabilities office renaming, insurer investment rules, Medicare Advantage coverage for integrative care services, and more. Some bills were returned to the calendar for further work, including HB 571, HB 475, HB 750, and HB 1162, and HB 490 was set aside after extensive debate on private-use electrical networks and data-center power arrangements. The most prominent floor action was final passage of HB 636, the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act, which Senator Boudreaux described as a comprehensive response to hazing tragedies on Louisiana campuses. He said the bill was developed by a task force that included the Wilson family and would strengthen education, reporting, accountability, and penalties, including permanent banishment for organizations involved in hazing deaths. After the bill passed 37-0, the Senate recognized the Wilson family and presented flags in Caleb Wilson’s honor. Throughout the day, many bills passed overwhelmingly, though a few drew dissent, including HB 296, HB 538, HB 568, HB 635, and HB 784. The meeting ended with continued consideration of additional House bills and unfinished items returned to the calendar for later action.

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:

• In fact, I worked in the commercial fishing realm and recreational fishing realm for a number of years
• </c><04:57:23.880><c> realm</c> worked in the commercial fishing realm worked in the commercial fishing
• and recreational fishing realm and recreational fishing realm for<04:57:26.760><c> a</c><04:57:26.840
• ><c> predators</c><04:57:48.800><c> that</c> These fish are aggressive predators that These fish are
• </c> First, blue catfish are the only fish First, blue catfish are the only fish inspected<05:02:31.520

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 16, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, county fish and game commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish and
• Game Code to protect fish and wildlife.
• Currently, county fish and game commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish and
• Game Code to protect fish and wildlife.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, 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:

• </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:

• 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.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining me today for our discussion of the Department of Game and Fish, soon to be the Department of
• But as you may know, the Department of Game and Fish is not a general fund agency.
• They're an enterprise agency, predominantly funded through hunting and fishing licenses and also a mixture
• account a higher distribution from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to the Department of Game and Fish
• Mike Sloan, the Director of the Department of Game and Fish.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, 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.