Video & Transcript : 'Sun Bucks program' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> government aid programs in that process. government aid programs in that process.
- </c> programs that we allocate funding for. programs that we allocate funding for.
- </c> uh any staffing to oversee the program. uh any staffing to oversee the program.
- </c> the bill for 8,500 bucks. the bill for 8,500 bucks. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
- . bucks. bucks.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/01/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is why programs like SNAP are so important.
- It could come out of New York Sun.
- Does it direct that it comes out of New York Sun or some kind of other program funded by taxpayers?
- Funding could come from that, However, the New York Sun program, which we outline in the budget, is on-book
- The grant program, Senator, through you, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar.
The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family.
Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Programs that include priority consideration for community economic development programs, requiring projects
- why we Well, and, you know, further, you might wonder: we have the Clean Peak program, why another program
- And this is just one option the program gives DOER the discretion to create a program that they see fit
- , should they choose to do a program.
- And so we just... ...to create a program that they see fit, should they choose to do a program.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative.
The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs.
Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jul 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a part here around wildfire and making sure that we're getting the bang for the buck.
- It was just making sure we're getting the bang for the buck on our wildfire spending.
- How would these new provisions affect the climate credit within the cap-and-trade program? Yeah.
- This proposal says 100% of that money that electric utilities get from the cap-and-trade program will
- So, again, the whole piece is really around the bang for the buck.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources heard Senator Becker present a broad energy and affordability bill focused on shifting certain utility-related costs out of rates and into a new public power fund structure. The bill’s major elements included using cap-and-trade climate credit revenues to provide larger and better-timed customer credits, especially for low-income customers; creating a fund to help cover wildfire mitigation, care and fairness, and other public-purpose costs; adjusting rate-setting and wildfire spending oversight; and streamlining permitting and CEQA review through programmatic environmental documents for similar projects. Becker said the goal was to reduce regressive costs in rates while still supporting climate and infrastructure goals.
Support came from municipal utilities, community choice advocates, environmental justice and clean energy groups, and the Climate Center, many of whom said they supported the bill and wanted to continue working on amendments. Opposition came from the California Chamber of Commerce, utility companies, business groups, and labor representatives, who argued the bill would shift rather than solve cost pressures, create rate instability, and introduce reliability and investor risks. Several opponents also criticized the proposed funding structure and the inflation-capped rate-setting approach.
Committee members asked Becker about the rationale for the power fund, the change from 85% to 100% of cap-and-trade revenues going to customer credits, the reduced frequency of wildfire mitigation reporting, and the adequacy of streamlined environmental review. Becker said the bill was intended to move wildfire and other public-purpose costs out of rates over time and to speed up review without eliminating project-specific environmental analysis. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill on a due-pass recommendation, with members noting ongoing discussions on permitting and other amendments.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, CPN-EDT, CPN-HOU, CPN-EIG Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm one of the executive officers that helps with the MMA program.
- um I'm sorry could you MMA uh program um I'm sorry could you repeat<00:26:11.480><c> the</c> repeat
- </c><00:26:52.200><c> he</c> actually in charge of this program he actually in charge of this program
- </c><00:27:21.000><c> as</c><00:27:21.120><c> it</c> continuing it as a program as it continuing it as
- a program as it currently<00:27:21.840><c> is</c><00:27:22.840><c> we</c><00:27:23.039><c> would</c>
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation.
The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted.
A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I know initially when the power shutoff program was initially, it was very broad.
- National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, also known as the NEVI program, and ARCHES, California's
- And I see that the industry does receive a lot of support from other various programs.
- Tax credits, bond revenues, and other state housing programs... ...with few options.
- few programs available for people with moderate incomes.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call.
Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call.
The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, Florida law is silent on whether Title I funds may be used specifically for STEM programs
- Some districts interpret the statutory silence to mean Title I funds cannot be used for STEM programs
- STEM programs unless affirmatively permitted, while others interpret the silence to mean that Title I
- Removing science-based programs to make way for religious programs like Turning Point is not a reflection
- Giving parents opt-out control of science-based programs is irresponsible and dangerous.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments.
Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures.
In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their clans are Big Sun and Little Turkey.
- Their clans are Big Sun and Little Turkey.
- She will begin her master's program at New Mexico Highlands University in the fall of 2026.
- This program is about $1.5 billion and has been successfully implemented.
- And right now, it is not Medicaid coverage for this, and UNM has a wonderful program for it.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Many, but not all CPR programs already include AED instruction.
- Not all CPR instruction programs incorporate AEDs.
- And by the way, adding AED to a CPR program is, it takes nothing.
- But this would be part of the actual school program. Okay.
- program.
Bills:
SB1009
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jul 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and variety development program at Aberdeen.
- Those programs are ongoing.
- These are nationally important programs.
- This was a federal program that began in 2022.
- , very well with the IAMP program.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from University of Idaho representatives on the university’s land-grant mission and its role in federalism, followed by detailed overviews of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources. Speakers described the Morrill, Hatch, and Smith-Lever Acts, the university’s history, and examples of research, extension, and workforce training in agriculture, engineering, law, forestry, fire science, and youth programs such as 4-H. They highlighted facilities and programs including research stations, the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, the deep soil ecotron, the Wildland Fire Center, the experimental forest, and the policy analysis group, while also noting the impact of federal and state funding delays and cuts on staffing and research capacity.
Committee members asked about several current issues, including quagga mussels, screw worm, chronic wasting disease, and the effects of funding cuts. University officials said they were not actively researching some of those wildlife and livestock disease issues but were willing to help if capacity and funding allowed. They also said budget reductions had caused real losses, including layoffs and reduced programs, and that federal grant delays had disrupted research timelines. The committee also raised questions about conflicts of interest and university employees’ outside work; the university said it has annual conflict-of-interest and conflict-of-commitment training and review procedures.
The committee then heard from Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse and the Idaho Sheriffs Association on the federal 287(g) immigration partnership program. Hulse argued that participation should remain voluntary and locally controlled, describing the different 287(g) models, the training and liability concerns, and the distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. He said Idaho agencies already cooperate with ICE in other ways and that mandatory participation could create staffing, legal, and community-trust problems. Members asked about costs, liability, detention standards, and whether deputies lose local control under task force arrangements; Hulse said the answer depends on the specific model and operation, and he emphasized the need for local discretion.
Later, the committee took testimony on the long-running bighorn sheep and domestic sheep conflict affecting western Idaho grazing allotments. Idaho Wool Growers representatives and affected ranchers described the history of state legislation, federal litigation, and the closure of grazing areas after bighorn sheep transplants, which they said cut livestock operations in half and caused major financial and personal hardship. They argued that the state and federal agencies had not lived up to assurances that permittees would be held harmless, and they urged continued attention to the issue. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- owner and a program trainer.
- That program owner gets kicked out, but I'm still good to go.
- trainer, as we call it, in the program or the owner attached to a horse.
- encourage passage of this legislation and extension of this program.
- It's called the State Transportation Improvement Program, the STIP.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 251, which would amend the Horse Racing Act to address “program owners” and “program trainers” used as fronts by suspended or unlicensed people in the racing industry. The sponsor and Racing Commission director said the bill is meant to protect the betting public, deter fraud, and give the commission stronger enforcement tools, including suspension, revocation, and fines. After brief questions about how penalties are applied and whether the standards are already reflected in statute and racing rules, the committee voted 9-0 to give the bill a due pass.
Senate Bill 73 followed, requiring driver education schools to teach at least three hours on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, beginning in 2027. Supporters, including local officials and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve public safety and help new drivers understand the rights and responsibilities of people outside vehicles. Committee members discussed existing driver-ed content, the definition of vulnerable road users, and whether the bill would replace any current instruction; sponsors said it would set a statewide minimum without crowding out existing curriculum. The committee approved the bill on a 9-1 due pass vote.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 111, an agency bill to expand confidential personal information under the Motor Vehicle Code to include sex, gender, national origin, and immigration status. The sponsor and Tax and Revenue officials said the change would protect sensitive records in MVD files from disclosure except in limited circumstances. With no public opposition, the committee passed the bill 6-4. Senate Bill 150, creating refundable tax credits to support local newspaper printing operations, drew broad support from newspaper and business representatives who said the credits would help preserve local news and printing capacity amid plant closures and rising costs. Some members raised technical and oversight questions, but the committee voted 9-1 to advance it.
Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 172, a committee substitute extending a gross receipts tax credit tied to national lab technology transfer and commercialization. Supporters from the labs, economic development groups, and chambers of commerce said it helps move research into New Mexico businesses and supports job creation; the committee adopted the committee substitute and advanced it. Senate Bill 76, which would raise the gasoline and special fuel taxes to fund road maintenance, generated extensive debate over infrastructure needs, affordability, and whether a broader transportation funding plan should be developed first. Supporters argued the state’s road backlog and maintenance needs justify the increase, while opponents cited consumer costs and the need for more study; the bill passed 6-4. The final bill, Senate Bill 235, would regulate large microgrids and data centers by requiring renewable energy use, PRC oversight, annual reporting, and limits on rate shifting. Supporters said it would protect air quality, water, and utility customers, while opponents warned it would add burdens and discourage investment; the committee heard extensive testimony but the transcript ends before a final vote is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have money from HUD in the HOME program and money from HUD in the National Housing Trust Fund program
- Um some of them which were programs.
- </c> under existing programs. under existing programs.
- </c> they're they're construction programs they're they're construction programs that'll<00:24:10.240
- </c><00:31:42.120><c> uh</c> of additional money into that program uh of additional money into that program
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- As a western state, it is thought the effect of the rays of the setting sun would be appropriate to the
- Second reading of bills continued: SB 1100, patient rights, health care services; SB 1101, pilot program
- Second reading of bills continued: SB 1100, patient rights, health care services; SB 1101, pilot program
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then completed roll call, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guest groups to the gallery, including CSG West and NCSL visitors, Tucson Electric Power/UniSource Native BRG members, Pascua Yaqui constituents, Marcos de Niza High School students, and guests from Payson. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Senator Hatathlie read a proclamation honoring the life and service of Amaya Curley, a Navajo woman and Navy veteran, and the chamber recessed for presentation of an Arizona state flag flown in her memory, with her family present.
The President Pro Tem announced extended deadlines for opening Senate folders and for Senate bill intro set preparation, and the Senate received House messages regarding adjournment. The chamber voted to accede to the House request to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026. No substantive bill debate occurred; instead, the body moved a large number of measures to second reading, including election, education, health care, firearms, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and various memorial and appropriation bills.
Committee and caucus announcements were made for Thursday, January 15, including Rules Committee and both party caucuses. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Urban Issues Feb 11th, 2026
Special Committee on Urban Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- We're trying to... ...boats, pigs, everything else under the sun.
- It is part of their field training programs via an agency.
- Through our education programming, specifically our violence prevention program, we talk with students
- That's already part of the program. It's already part of what's done with children.
- What I'm saying is, explain to me part of what program? Taking care of children.
Summary:
The Special Committee on Urban Issues held a public hearing on House Bill 2292, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones, which would require cross-reporting and training between child/elder abuse systems and animal welfare personnel. Jones said the bill is intended to help identify abuse earlier by training investigators to recognize signs of abuse in both people and companion animals, and she announced planned amendments to narrow the definition of animal to dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds and to extend training time from one hour to one and a half hours. She emphasized the bill is focused on companion animals, not livestock, and said it would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. The committee heard questions about the definition of companion animal and the scope of the bill.
Supporters included Humane World for Animals, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the Missouri Animal Control Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Wayside Waifs, and the St. Louis County Police Association. They argued that animal abuse is closely linked to child, elder, and domestic abuse, that animal control officers and humane investigators often see warning signs first, and that cross-reporting would improve early intervention and save lives. Several witnesses described cases where animal abuse coincided with child abuse or other violence, and some said current reporting systems are inconsistent or delayed. One witness also said the training could be provided at low cost through existing mechanisms.
Opponents, including the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, and Missouri Animal Husbandry Association, raised concerns about the bill’s wording, possible inclusion of commercial breeders or livestock-related issues, and the role of humane investigators. They argued that animal abuse is already reported to law enforcement, that the bill could create confusion about authority or access to private property, and that it could impose costs and training burdens on agencies already stretched thin. Some rural witnesses said they wanted any investigations to remain with law enforcement and the Department of Agriculture, not animal welfare groups. The hearing ended without a vote or other action on the bill.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Kay Buck said that exploitation only thrives when systems fail.
- We are not against programs, but we are against programs that lack complete transparency, accountability
- These programs are one of the most effective public safety tools we have.
- mental health diversion programs do work.
- are still in place because mental health diversion programs do work.
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on several bills and one resolution, with testimony largely focused on public safety, criminal justice, and victim/survivor protections. SB 936 by Senator Blakespear would restrict retail sale of larger nitrous oxide canisters to curb youth misuse and impaired driving; supporters included prosecutors, local officials, cities, counties, and environmental groups, while the ACLU opposed the bill unless amended to rely on regulation rather than criminal penalties. Members raised concerns about overbreadth and possible amendments, but the author said the bill would be narrowed and emphasized it would not create jail time, only escalating fines. SB 941 by Senator Padilla would cap commissary markups in private federal immigration detention facilities, mirroring a prior prison commissary law; it drew strong support from immigrant justice advocates and civil rights groups, with no opposition heard, and members expressed support for the measure.
SCR 118 by Senator Gonzalez urged release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files and greater transparency for survivors. The author and CAST testified in support, emphasizing survivor trauma and accountability; one committee member voiced concern that the resolution could imply facts not yet established and said he would likely abstain, while others supported the resolution as part of broader anti-trafficking efforts. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require clear and convincing evidence before detaining youth in juvenile hall and would favor less restrictive alternatives; supporters included youth defenders, former system-involved youth, and many advocacy organizations, while probation and district attorneys opposed it, arguing it would limit judicial discretion, strain resources, and could jeopardize public safety. Members were split, with some emphasizing the harms of detention and others warning about home-environment risks and implementation challenges.
AB 46 by Assembly Member Nguyen would revise mental health diversion law to give judges clearer authority to deny diversion when public safety is at risk. Support came from prosecutors, probation, and crime survivors who described cases where diverted defendants later committed serious violence; opposition from public defenders and civil rights groups argued that judges already have discretion, diversion is rarely granted, and the bill would reduce access to treatment and worsen outcomes. The author said the bill was a balanced compromise developed with stakeholders. Finally, SB 948 by Senator Aegean would require more comprehensive firearm safety training for firearm safety certificates and require new California residents to register firearms and obtain a certificate within 60 days; supporters from Brady and youth gun-violence prevention groups cited accidental shootings and child deaths, and the author noted possible future amendments on timing for new residents. Throughout the hearing, the chair repeatedly noted the committee lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken during the transcript.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the option to apply for the ESA program the option to apply for the ESA program specified<00:02:
- They worked harder in school, and now that's become a program.
- They worked harder in school, and now that's become a program.
- They worked harder in school, and now that's become a program.
- And and the whole idea become a program.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> only 200 bucks. That's it for 10 years. only 200 bucks. That's it for 10 years.
- 01:44:25.840><c> where</c> there are apprenticeship programs where there are apprenticeship programs
- </c> >> And did an hourlong program. >> And did an hourlong program.
- </c><03:54:46.399><c> Um,</c> broadcast morning show program. Um, broadcast morning show program.
- </c> participate in this program. participate in this program. >> Fascinating.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> prepayment screening program, prepayment screening program, accuracy<00:13:20.720><c> and</c><00
- In that program, we have found the most success of any program of his life.
- We believe we may have found that program with this individualized home support with training program
- We believe we may have found that program with this individualized home support with training program
- </c> where does the buck stop? where does the buck stop?
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He later founded the Oklahoma Lawyers for America's heroes program through which he and several other
- The program has really done a good job, but this will also make it available to pay for non-graduates
- Is that not a similar to a voucher program where they are reimbursed with taxpayer dollars?
- So with the grow your own program, are these students that will be eligible for these funds?
- I mean, I know that there are some I can't remember what the grow your own program. Do you have to?
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He later founded the Oklahoma Lawyers for America's Heroes Program, through which he and several other
- We have our Grow Your Own education program, which has really done a good job, but this will also make
- Is that not similar to a voucher program where they are reimbursed taxpayer dollars?
- That's the way the program is working presently.
- So with the Grow Your Own program, are these students that will be eligible for these funds?
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Colonel Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma City Young Professionals, state contest winners for America’s 250th anniversary, and a long series of page introductions. The chamber then moved into floor action on a large number of measures, many of them Senate bills and House joint resolutions dealing with administrative rules and agency oversight, public safety, education, health, agriculture, business, and tax policy.
Among the major bills discussed were SB 1543 on aggregating multiple DUI charges within one year into a single felony case, HB 1933 on nitrous oxide violations, SB 1859 creating an OSBI Cybercrimes and Fraud Unit, SB 237 on ad valorem tax NAICS code changes, SB 2065 designating pollinator-related state symbols, SB 44 extending nonprofit sales tax exemptions to contractors, SB 2030 updating automated expungement procedures, SB 2045 expanding the Grow Your Own education program, and several water and agriculture measures including SB 1509, SB 1314, and SB 2071. Members also considered multiple joint resolutions approving permanent administrative rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, health agencies, and building code rules, with Kendricks explaining that some major rules were separated out for transparency and, in one case, a cost mitigation agreement had been reached.
Testimony and debate were generally brief and focused on clarifying amendments. Several authors explained that amendments were added to address constitutionality, remove outdated or incorrect language, or reflect negotiated changes with agencies and stakeholders. Notable discussion included concerns about forum shopping in SB 1543, questions about the scope of the Grow Your Own program in SB 2045, and clarification that SB 1618’s pretrial report language had been changed to a public safety report agreed to by sheriffs and district attorneys. The House adopted numerous amendments without objection and passed the bills by wide margins, including some unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few measures drew more opposition, such as SB 1403, SB 1509, SB 2071, and SB 1618. The House also adopted HCR 1027 setting sine die adjournment for Thursday, May 14, and adjourned until the next day, May 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.