Transcript Highlights:

• watershed development<03:20:38.640><c> act</c><03:20:38.960><c> introduced</c><03:20:39.439><c> by</
• c><03:20:39.680><c> my</c> The Dalles Watershed Development Act, introduced by my colleague from the
• Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 655, the Dalles Watershed Development Act.
• </c> HR655, the Dallas Wershed Development HR655, the Dallas Wershed Development Act.<03:22:09.680><c
• Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as the Oscar J.

Transcript Highlights:

• I invite all of Oklahoma to pray. Lord, trouble is unavoidable, but your peace is promised.
• And through them, bless the great state of Oklahoma, our home, in Jesus' name. Amen.
• return of the Honorable Senate so that we can continue taking up legislation for the good people of Oklahoma

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was present. The chaplain offered a prayer based on John 16:33, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief period for announcements. The Speaker explained that the chamber was meeting to create legislative days so the clerk’s desk could remain open, with plans to meet again on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday while awaiting the Senate’s return to continue legislative business. The Floor Leader announced that Thursday’s meeting would begin at 9:30 a.m., while the House would meet at 1:30 p.m. on the other listed days. No bills were taken up, and no votes were held. The Speaker also noted a birthday in the office and another upcoming birthday on the dais before adjourning the House until the next day at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be focusing mainly on the tax pieces of the OBBBA or 3B Act, or whatever you want to call
• So, in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, they enacted provisions to try and start reigning this back in, and
• One thing I would also say is that the immediate expensing for research and development expenses is an
• One of them is development.
• What we forget many times, Madam Chair, is the economic development component of roads.

Committee: House Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• These bills seem to avoid authority over utility-scale development.
• Less than what's already offered by some other developers.
• , that in some counties, where some developers are developing, there might be maybe one or two properties
• You know, they can negotiate with a developer, and you're correct.
• to develop good policy.

Summary: The House Utilities Committee resumed hearing on House Bills 2402 and 2816, which address utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to keep comments to informational purposes, and testimony focused on setbacks, taxation, land conversion caps, county authority, decommissioning, and impacts on neighboring landowners and rural communities. Several witnesses said they supported solar in limited settings such as rooftops or industrial sites, but opposed or wanted changes to the bills’ treatment of agricultural land, especially the proposed 4% cap on cropland conversion and the 500-foot setback from homes. Testimony from landowners and farm groups emphasized concerns about property rights, viewshed impacts, fire risk, drainage and floodplain issues, and the loss of agricultural tax base and local economic activity. They argued the proposed $2,500 per megawatt tax was too low and suggested higher rates, with some recommending $6,000 per megawatt or more, along with decommissioning requirements and stronger county-level protections. A Renew Missouri representative supported much of the bill but preferred a smaller setback and raised constitutional concerns about changing solar land from agricultural to commercial assessment. Other witnesses, including a county commissioner, described local regulations already in place in some counties and asked for clearer statewide standards. Industry and utility representatives said the legislation was generally workable but needed further discussion on setbacks and property tax treatment. Clean Grid Alliance and related witnesses argued that tax comparisons with other states should account for total tax burden, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes would raise electricity costs for consumers. Ameren Missouri said it was acceptable with most provisions, but cautioned against overly aggressive real-property assessments and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee adjourned after taking testimony on both bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They act as agents of the insurers.
• They act as agents of the insurers.
• Finally, AB 1795 requires appropriate agencies to develop training...
• Mark Williams, Oklahoma, Oklahoma.
• There's no development or course of disease or a disorder manifested in a patient yet.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it shows that economic development wise that the state's open for business. It's here.
• The other part of this would go to, you know, professional development, such as trips to conferences,
• The other part of this would go to, you know, professional development, such as trips to conferences,
• Other states, Oklahoma being one of the biggest, shows a 500% ROI.
• I think some of them are, because I do know that HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2024 session, the Legislature and Congress acted to remove disability income from government housing
• But more importantly, it's the workforce development bill.
• But more importantly, it's the Workforce Development Bill.
• I'm here to present SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Senate Bill 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several veterans-related bills. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services groups, and local officials; there was no opposition, and the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for veterans’ cemetery maintenance endowments, with the state matching private or local deposits up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. It drew support from veterans groups and county representatives and was also approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1407, which would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse military retirement benefits from state income tax. The author and supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the workforce and economy. The bill received broad support from veterans organizations, county officials, and labor representatives, with no opposition, and was moved to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later completed. SB 1034 would streamline access to disabled veteran parking placards for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and other changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and ensure referrals to county veterans service officers. Both bills had support from veterans advocates and food banks, no opposition, and were approved to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, while preserving Title 10 activations and mutual aid arrangements. The author and the California Public Defenders Association framed it as a safeguard for state authority and civil rights; there was no opposition, and it was sent to Public Safety. After the main votes, the committee later completed the held rolls and reported the bills out, then adjourned after thanking veterans and attendees.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2024 session, the Legislature and Congress acted to remove disability income from government housing
• But more importantly, it's the workforce development bill.
• But more importantly, it's the Workforce Development Bill.
• I'm here to present SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Senate Bill 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act.

Summary: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard several veterans-related bills, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services officers, and local government representatives; there was no opposition. The bill was moved to Appropriations and later recorded as passing 4-0. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for maintenance endowments for veterans’ cemeteries, with the state matching private or local contributions up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. Supporters emphasized the need for sustainable perpetual care funding for state and county cemeteries, and there was no opposition. SB 1407, the chair’s bill, would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax; supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the economy, while members noted similar bills had previously stalled in Appropriations. SB 1034 would streamline disabled veteran parking placard eligibility for certain 100% permanent and total veterans, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and related changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and connect applicants to county veterans service officers. All of these bills received support from veterans groups and related organizations, with no opposition heard. SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, with supporters framing it as a safeguard for state authority and civil liberties. The committee asked about legal testing of the proposal, and the author said it had not yet been tested in court. After roll calls and a brief recess to regain members, the committee recorded 4-0 votes to pass the bills and consent calendar items, and the meeting adjourned after thanking veterans for their service.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2024 session, the legislature and Congress acted to remove disability income from government housing
• But more importantly, it's the workforce development bill.
• But more importantly, it's the Workforce Development Bill.
• I'm here to present SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Senate Bill 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it divided up, or is part of it done by the Department of Careers, and part of it done by the Oklahoma
• Where fossils are found here in Oklahoma, one in the panhandle, one in southeast Oklahoma, and a lot

Bills: HB3880 , HB3263 , HB2970

Committee: House Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• Oklahoma is maybe on the cost side, but I think this is...
• Oklahoma is maybe on the cost side, but I think this is the place where it's going to happen.
• So the big beautiful bill kind of started out with the Tax Cut and Jobs Act that was passed in '17. .
• It does note here that approximately $13.8 million has been accessed from the Coal Development Trust
• From the Coal Development Trust Fund for that project.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> act. Is that right? act. Is that right?
• </c> necessary hormone for fetal development. necessary hormone for fetal development.
• Hampshire to a bill that's in Oklahoma.
• I found the one in Oklahoma, which was actually passed.
• </c> some need to to act with expedition. some need to to act with expedition. &gt;&gt; Yes.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Development. Welcome. Please proceed. Development. Welcome. Please proceed.
• None of them have raised any objections. large development with multiple large development with multiple
• The bill does not Disability Act.
• </c> invalidated a bill quote for an act invalidated a bill quote for an act relating<00:43:12.640><c
• But we're committed to continued coordination with DHS and to develop specific guidance as they develop

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now, as I discussed, is the moment to act.
• For example, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma are examples of this.
• But only in Oklahoma is one of those positions elected.
• But only in Oklahoma is one of those positions elected.
• Bilingual programs, language development supports, and qualified bilingual teachers.

Transcript Highlights:

• join the other 21 states, including all of our neighboring border states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma
• Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico don't have the front license plate.
• What, what has happened at the federal level for, for motor carriers to be able to develop a product
• Um, we have had some developments yesterday afternoon, so, um, I wanna tell you about those, but this

Bills: HB408 , HB787 , HB 1029 , HB 1126 , HB 1136 , HB1607

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ACT</c><00:25:37.080><c> offers</c> Superior Solution the ACT offers Superior Solution the ACT offers
• </c> level experience when possible act level experience when possible act develops<00:30:44.600><c>
• ><00:31:13.360><c> strong</c> succeeds act and act has a strong succeeds act and act has a strong partnership
• The first is around the MCAS being developed around our Minnesota standards and, uh, ACT and SAT are
• The state-developed tests.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• bill would allow all state Agencies, boards, commissions, departments, or any entity within the Oklahoma
• This feature is specifically designed to allow individuals to donate to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans
• that we're fully staffed and that we can provide them the best service possible for the state of Oklahoma

Bills: HB3940 , HB3078 , HB3043

Committee: Senate Veterans and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• This act shall become effective June 1, 2026. That's pretty cut and dry.

Bills: HB415 , HB419 , SB219 , SB170 , HB415 , HB419 , SB219 , SB170

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: police abuse registry, law enforcement registry, officer assault, assault on police, resisting arrest, battery on law enforcement, law enforcement injury fund, Back the Blue Act, Attorney General, clemency, pardon, commutation, rehabilitation costs, medical costs, public safety, criminal records, background checks, registry removal fee, privacy, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• There is $40 million in additional funding in the Climate Commitment Act account, we call it the CCA
• I'm signed in others since I'm testifying specifically on Climate Commitment Act revenue, which we need
• , is here today saying thank you and supporting this budget as it relates to the Climate Commitment Act
• PSRC is currently developing a new regional transportation plan, and this fall we spoke with residents
• In their section, they have $12.2 million from the Climate Commitment Act carbon emissions reduction

Bills: SB6225 , SB6005 , SB6354

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation bonds, general obligation bonds, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, highway funding, road construction, infrastructure financing, motor fuel tax, gas tax, vehicle fees, bond authorization, state finance committee, highway bond retirement fund, corridor projects, interstate improvements, right-of-way acquisition, public-private partnerships, transportation capital projects, local matching funds, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• jurisdiction and mobile sources for the purpose of regulating those sources as prescribed by the Clean Air Act
• The amendment outlines duties of the Arizona Corporation Commission in enforcing this act.
• It supports ag and energy development and ensures local governments stay within their legal lane.
• County supervisors appreciate the importance of economic development, and that's why such development
• Communities and energy developers coordinate on large-scale energy infrastructure.

Bills: HB2014 , HB2113 , HB2145 , HB2331 , HB2340 , HB2389 , HB2400 , HB2401 , HB2428 , HB2494 , HB2696 , HB2756 , HB2795 , HB2955 , HCM2008

Committees: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water , House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, energy reliability, electric service providers, reliable resources, public power entity