Transcript Highlights:

• The Water Trust Board has taken a number of steps to increase access to the fund for small systems in
• So Madam Chair, it's a two-step answer.
• So, it eliminates the authorization step. The rest of it stays in place. It stays in place.
• Russell, the authorization step is the step that we went through the legislature today.
• That was the biggest first step possible.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for stepping up to volunteer for the state.
• And thank you for stepping up to volunteer for the state.
• So he has a fantastic background, and we are very lucky that someone of this caliber is willing to step
• up and has stepped up, and so I turn it over to God.
• And so I'm saying, do you think it would be for the legislature to step in and say, we know you can't

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Probably not right away in the way that we need it to, but it sure is a step in the right direction to
• Probably not right away in the way that we need it to, but it sure is a step in the right direction to
• And it could have been much, much worse had we not taken the steps from before.
• 00:19:28.559> the much much worse had we not taken the much much worse had we not taken the steps
• And so I'm here to steps from before.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Republican legislative leaders in Minnesota held a budget-focused press availability after the November forecast, thanking Minnesota Management and Budget staff while arguing the updated numbers show a much worse deficit outlook than expected. They said the state faces a structural spending problem, cited projected gaps in the 2028-29 biennium and over the four-year outlook, and blamed recent deficits on higher spending, tax increases, mandates, and what they described as fraud in state programs. They also criticized Governor Walz for focusing on federal issues and for not doing enough to control spending or address fraud. Speaker Lisa Demuth, House Republican Leader Harry Niska, and Senate Finance lead Eric Pratt all said the forecast underscores the need for spending restraint, pro-growth policies, and stronger fraud prevention. They pointed to health care, long-term care, Medicaid-related programs, and local government mandates as major cost drivers, and said the legislature should examine those areas in the upcoming session. Demuth said the state should not ignore fraud and noted that the legislature had added staff to the Office of the Legislative Auditor and whistleblower protections, but had not passed an independent inspector general office. A substantial portion of the exchange centered on fraud investigations and comments by President Trump about Somali Minnesotans. The Republican leaders said they disagreed with condemning any community as a whole, but also said they shared frustration over fraud and corruption and wanted accountability for those responsible. They said the state’s fraud problem is not about any one community, but about failures in administration and oversight. The lawmakers said they would return to session on February 17 and continue working on budget and fraud-related issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• I forgot to mention that I'm stepping in while we wait for our Chairperson, who is running a little bit
• Some tribes will step up and say, 'Those are our materials,' and some will step back and say, 'You know
• We had a lot of questions, a lot of communication, and a lot of next steps were planned.
• So those types of things of having that stair step. Okay, thank you, Madam Chair.
• So just figuring out how to relate on terms and on steps that our people already taught.

Transcript Highlights:

• body takes the fundamental step of acknowledging the harm committed and states its intentions to...
• This is a long overdue first step toward healing.
• But recognizing this harm is the essential first step that is 100% necessary.
• But recognizing this harm is the essential first step that is 100% necessary.
• However, it had never impaired her ability to step up and serve her community.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, adopted the previous day’s journal, and handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee notices and moving some bills and items on and off the file. Members also introduced a number of guests and fellows on the floor, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth visitors, interns, local officials, and community representatives. On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (TK-12 omnibus education technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), and adopted ACR 103 declaring July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week. The body also adopted AJR 18, a resolution calling for an official legislative apology to California Native Americans for historic injustices and affirming support for healing and reconciliation, and ACR 71 designating a portion of State Route 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway. Each of these measures drew supportive remarks from multiple members, and co-author rolls were opened before final adoption. The Assembly also adopted SCR 66 proclaiming Law Day, after a lengthy partisan debate over the rule of law, executive power, and recent federal and state actions; the resolution was ultimately adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added. Members then adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts and protect CalFresh benefits, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, work requirements, and the impact on low-income Californians; the resolution passed with 69 ayes and no noes after 70 co-authors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect abatement costs, also passed 68-0, and ACR 94 on anti-microbial resistance was adopted on the consent calendar. The session concluded with adjournments in memory honoring Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the schedule for the next floor session. The Assembly adjourned until Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And last night, we were together on the West Steps where over a thousand Native American people came
• Recognizing this month is a vital step toward confronting the silence.
• But California is taking steps to change that.
• But California is taking steps to change that. In 2022, thanks to the leadership...
• California is taking steps to change that.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved routine procedural motions, and recognized several guest groups, including First Five California, a fourth-grade class from Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, visitors from Modoc and Lassen counties, and representatives from the Port of Long Beach. The chamber then moved through second reading and concurrence items, with most bills and resolutions being read, deemed adopted, or passed on file without debate. The main floor action centered on ACR 39, designating May 2025 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. Assembly Member Ramos and many caucus members spoke in strong support, describing the crisis as a state of emergency and emphasizing violence against Native women, girls, and two-spirit people, the need for better data collection, agency coordination, tribal sovereignty, and continued action beyond symbolic recognition. The resolution passed concurrence with 67 ayes and 0 noes. The Assembly also passed a series of bills on topics including classified school employee pay stubs (AB 374), allowing voucher preferences in housing (AB 282), authorizing nurse practitioners to sign death certificates (AB 583), student health insurance protections (AB 594), local housing pre-approval programs (AB 1206), veterans education program administration (AB 1509), expanding the Family Urgent Response System (AB 898), Star Wars Day (H.R. 33), local news sale notice requirements (AB 611), mask-wearing protections in public spaces (AB 1326), a Chula Vista university land-use measure (AB 76), undercover officer record protections (AB 1178), and preservation of Clover Valley in Rocklin (AB 1152). Most passed with broad support, though AB 282 and AB 611 drew some opposition. A major debate occurred on AJR 10, which urged the President to reverse cuts to the U.S. Forest Service. Members from both parties discussed wildfire prevention, forest health, staffing, and federal-state responsibility, with some criticizing the administration and others emphasizing forest management and the need for bipartisan cooperation. The resolution was adopted after a co-author roll and final roll vote of 67 ayes and 0 noes. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, heard an adjournment in memory for Giovanni “Johnny” of East Side Italian Deli, and adjourned until Monday, May 12, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, we took a critical step forward to raise wages and protect ride share drivers.
• group of testifiers that can speak to why collective bargaining is a natural and an important next step
• > share<00:03:38.959> drivers<00:03:39.360> as<00:03:39.680> this next step
• for ride share drivers as this next step for ride share drivers as this bill<00:03:40.319> gives<
• It also frees the legislature from having to step in every few years to mediate between billion-dollar

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a critical step forward.
• And I remember as you stepped, you go through that breezeway, if it's still there.
• House Bill 3618 is a step in restoring dignity and encouraging programming for female inmates.
• And yet that's the reality many face the moment they step out of a prison gate.
• It's a fundamental first step in breaking the cycle of incarceration.

Bills: HB1826, HB1969, HB2708, HB2729, HB3618, HB4515, HB4764, SB1021, SB1610

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay

Summary: The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• dispatchers with the tools to guide callers through CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and other critical steps
• Studies show that when dispatchers provide step-by-step instructions over the phone, bystanders are significantly
• This bill is an essential step forward in creating more consistent, effective, and equitable emergency
• This bill is an essential step forward in creating a more consistent, effective, inequitable emergency
• Supporting this bill is a critical step in strengthening California's ability to rebuild communities

Summary: The committee first took up a consent calendar of multiple bills, moving them forward mostly to Appropriations, with AB 1531 sent to Insurance. It then heard AB 645, requiring emergency medical dispatch training for public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls. Supporters said standardized dispatcher training would improve CPR and other pre-arrival instructions, especially in rural areas with long response times; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations. AB 716, on statewide hydrogen fire safety standards and a State Fire Marshal hydrogen expert, also drew support and was sent to Utilities and Energy. AB 783, aimed at lowering disaster rebuilding costs by allowing state contracting for construction materials in declared disaster areas, was supported by housing and building groups and moved to Appropriations. AB 591, creating a public works mutual aid plan for disasters, and AB 1200, expanding disaster preparedness through tabletop exercises, a State Lifelines Council, and CERT training, both received supportive testimony and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 300, which would require regular updates to fire hazard severity zone maps; witnesses from fire agencies and cities supported moving the review schedule to every five years, and the bill was sent to Appropriations as amended. AB 986 would add landslides and climate-change-exacerbated conditions to the definition of state and local emergencies; supporters from Rancho Palos Verdes and the League of California Cities described severe land movement and major costs, while members raised concerns about overbroad emergency declarations. The bill nonetheless advanced to Appropriations. AB 478, requiring local emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures and longer holding periods for rescued animals, was supported by the author, a mayor, and animal advocacy groups; members suggested revisiting the 90-day reclamation period and transfer rules, but the bill moved to Appropriations. Later, AB 598 proposed school mapping technology for K-12 campuses so first responders can access accurate layouts during emergencies. The sponsor and dispatch representatives said the maps could reduce response times and improve coordination, while committee members asked about costs, vendor neutrality, rural school funding, and coordination with the 911 Advisory Board; the bill was moved to Appropriations with members noting possible follow-up amendments. Throughout the meeting, several votes were left open for later addition, and the committee eventually recorded additional aye votes and one no vote on AB 783 and a not-voting position on AB 986 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• He stepped down. I got long-winded. I'm not. I wish I had been.
• He stepped down. her husband, Bill. They just retired back to Texas.
• He stepped down about two years ago. But I got long-winded. I'm not. I wish I had been.
• The state has stepped up.
• With that, you can step down. Thank you, ma'am.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing. The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer. Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, she is stepping forward to serve our nation at the highest level of diplomatic engagement
• Around the world right now, China is stepping in as we are stepping back, sadly.
• Beijing is stepping up military exercises over the Taiwan Strait.
• I think by reaching and stepping forward in the area of trade to address some of the questions that you
• China has now pumped the brakes on that. stepping in and claiming that this would mess with antitrust

Keywords: committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.

Transcript Highlights:

• These will be the steps we would be taking normally, so I'll walk through the task force bill and then
• time that's okay these will be the steps time that's okay these will be the steps we<00:01:06.680
• This bill is a step forward in addressing that call to prepare our state to promote healthy aging and
• <00:03:23.440> forward<00:03:23.879> in this bill is a step forward in this bill is
• a step forward in addressing<00:03:24.519> that<00:03:24.720> call<00:03:25.000> to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• as we talk about the background screening, once a person has the background check, what's the next step
• , and so what we're seeking to do is take that step forward to sort of put some safeguards into place
• And then we need to take a bold step to help our public schools right-size.
• But to have to go through these steps and this entire process for...
• But to have to go through these steps and this entire process for a student who may not enroll in our

Summary: The committee first heard the proposed Pre-K-12 education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, totaling $34.7 billion. The chair highlighted major increases for the FEFP, including $29.6 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $984 million year-over-year increase, along with higher per-FTE funding, $4 billion for the Family Empowerment Scholarship, $431.4 million for VPK, funding for school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. With no public comment, the committee adopted a motion for staff technical corrections and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then considered SB 1402 on dropout retrieval programs. The bill expands eligibility so any individual who has withdrawn from high school may enroll in dropout retrieval services and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer those services. An amendment clarifying the grading calculation was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up SPB 7030 on educational scholarship programs, a broad measure addressing school choice funding and administration. The bill would fund the Family Empowerment Scholarship as a separate categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, standardize payment timing to monthly installments, require continued eligibility verification, and add Level 2 background checks for providers receiving state funds. Members raised questions about background-check enforcement, payment timing, data sharing, and the impact on homeschool and private-school families. Public testimony included support from school-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about added regulatory burdens and deadlines. The committee adopted the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no. Finally, the committee considered SB 508 on the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which requires private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide to students with existing plans such as IEPs, EEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would give parents needed information for informed choice, while private-school representatives said the language could be burdensome and vague. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Finance Committee has an arduous nomination process, and once the nominee completes all the steps
• And so then if confirmed, give me concrete steps that you would take to put an end to this retaliation
• Falklander, thank you for stepping up to do this again.
• So I appreciate you stepping back in again on this.
• And I am extraordinarily afraid that we are going to take a giant step.

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• Step up. Mr. Minot. Thank you. Step up. Yep. Mr. Minot. You guys all know where Minot is.
• Chairman took a step out, it looks like, but Mr. Vice Chairman, my name and... Mr.
• Chairman took a step out, it looks like, but Mr.
• When I stepped foot into office, the delegation of authority conversations were already underway.
• And yes, I received several notices that I might want to step in here. And so...

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment right here is providing a step of equity.
• I have to tell you, this is the first time I've been in step with my church in years.
• Restricting health care would be a step backward, and that's not who we are as a state.
• For helping me every step of the way, it was amazing.
• That is the thing that we all could have done in this chamber: stepped up.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to have backward steps, and the system needs to be able to allow that movement and allow
• They're going to have backward steps, and the system needs to be able to allow that movement and allow
• that we're taking Miss Bailey steps that we're taking Miss Bailey welcome<00:27:46.399> again
• But then above that it says three key next steps that are sort of called out, and I'm just trying to
• But if you just talk about what the specific next steps are coming out of the task force's work, Miss

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the next step in a decades-long effort to lower taxes for our citizens.
• For reference, we could take this step toward solving our state's infant and maternal death crisis 13
• We could step in. We chose not to. Let's talk about agriculture. Our farmers are in crisis.
• This is the same debate that happens every time we take another step in this process of lowering our
• It is the latest measured and responsible step in a long list of measured and responsible income tax

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established, then recognized guests including Arkansas State Police and Game and Fish officers, a doctor of the day, and several nurses in honor of National Nurses Week. Members also granted leave requests and approved dispensing with the reading of the previous day’s journal. The main item of business was House Bill 1001, which would reduce the top individual income tax rate to 3.7 percent and the corporate rate to 4.1 percent. Representative Eaves presented the bill as a continuation of Arkansas’s long-term tax reduction strategy, arguing it would provide broad relief to working families and improve competitiveness. Representative Hudson spoke against it, saying the benefits would be small for many taxpayers and that the state should instead use the revenue for priorities such as postpartum Medicaid, food insecurity, child care, rural hospitals, and agriculture. Representative Ray spoke in favor, emphasizing cumulative tax savings, economic growth, and the state’s recent investments in education, teacher pay, highways, paid maternity leave, and other programs. The House passed HB 1001 by a vote of 79 yeas to 17 nays. Afterward, the chamber adopted a motion to adjourn until 9:30 a.m. the next day. Members announced upcoming committee meetings, including Girl State, Boy State, Joint Budget, and Revenue and Tax, and the Speaker noted the House would return to consider Senate Bill 1 if it clears committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Irwin was the first to sign up, step up to the plate, and you are presenting AB 1977.
• If there's anyone in the hearing room who'd like to state their position on the bill, please step up
• Anyone in the hearing room who'd like to state their position on the bill, please step up to the mic.
• If there's anyone in the hearing room who'd like to state their position on the bill, please step up
• to the mic. anyone in the hearing room who'd like to state their position on the bill please step up

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures. The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended. During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I'm going to step in here for just one second. I grew up...
• Okay, I'm going to step in here for just one second.
• So I'm just wondering what are the steps to access the money if it's held in that local account versus
• This would just again kind of take what they're doing now and then move them forward to take the step
• What they're doing now and then move them forward to take the step that they're already taking.

Bills: HB2398, HB4363, HB3557, HB3701, HB2210

Keywords: credential of value, education, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, higher education, Oklahoma State University, Board of Trustees, presidential selection, college governance, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, academic programs, low-producing programs, Oklahoma State Board of Regents, program review, curriculum quality