Transcript Highlights:

• we talk about people staying in Oklahoma.
• Site selectors who haven't done business with Oklahoma don't Really know about what Oklahoma has to offer
• Oklahoma and central Oklahoma, we actually do have some maintenance and repair operations for small aircraft
• So we do at your will, which is the best for Oklahoma. We want the best for Oklahoma.
• We care about Oklahoma.

Committee: House Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mortgage who can speak to the impact of federal housing policies and also Edward Glazer, a respected academic
• opportunities to reduce the cost embedded in obtaining a mortgage that do not involve lower credit standards
• homes that will withstand storms, obviously without exposing or imposing excessive environmental standards
• benefit from being, you know, for being more affordable so to speak than California, but, you know, Oklahoma

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• I invite all of Oklahoma to pray.
• She's a lifelong resident of eastern Oklahoma County.
• , Northeastern State University, Oklahoma City University, the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa Community
• They are from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
• They are from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from a South African refugee program, Weatherford Middle School students, international students, and the 2025 Aviation State Teacher of the Year, Sam Madewell. Representative Ranson also presented remarks for International Student Recognition Day, highlighting the economic and cultural contributions of international students in Oklahoma. The chamber then took up House Bill 4329 on dental insurance claims, with Pro Tem Moore arguing it would restore fairness by preventing insurers from controlling prices for services they do not cover; the bill drew questions about free-market effects, rural dentistry, and premiums, but Moore said it should not raise costs and noted similar laws in other states. HB 4329 passed 91-5. The House also passed House Bill 2730, which ties the interest rate on taxpayer underpayments to market rates rather than a fixed statutory rate, after brief questions about how the rate would fluctuate; it passed 87-11. House Bill 3465, extending the sunset on the emission tax credit program from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029, passed 82-16. House Bill 4426, extending the sunset on the strategic industrial development enhancement sales tax credit from December 31, 2027 to December 31, 2032, passed 76-20. During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings, a rural caucus with OSU President Hess, a devotional, and a lunch event tied to International Student Recognition Day. The House then recessed until the next day, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• University, as well as a master's of social work from the University of Oklahoma.
• The way I work with that is I build rotations at these places in Oklahoma.
• Samuel Holbrick is a home inspector from Lawton, Oklahoma.
• He is a fixture of southwest Oklahoma.
• He is one of very few neurologists surveying in the state of Oklahoma.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• current federal standard deduction.
• So for married filing jointly, the standard deduction in New Mexico is equal to the federal standard
• So for married filing jointly, the standard deduction in New Mexico is equal to the federal standard
• I worked in Oklahoma. Oklahoma had a good secretary, and she was turning that department around.
• Oklahoma did try it and abandon it.

Bills: HB70 , HB93 , HB95 , HB139 , HB140 , HJR4

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Keywords: Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup

Transcript Highlights:

• 5% on the Invest in Oklahoma plan.
• 5% on the Invest in Oklahoma plan.
• to Oklahoma School for the death.
• My senator. to the Oklahoma School for the blind, and 93,000 to Oklahoma School for the death.
• It'll be here in the state of Oklahoma. Specifically, where in the state of Oklahoma? Follow-up.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of appropriations and budget bills, with most of the early action focused on retirement cost-of-living adjustments. Senate Bills 1144, 1145, 1146, 1148, and 1149 all advanced, covering COLAs for retired teachers, public employees, police, judges, and a special “tweener” group of police and fire retirees. Members questioned the actuarial impacts, funded ratios, and timing of the apportionment changes, and the author explained that the retirement bills were based on TRS or system actuarial estimates and that the 2036 apportionment cutoff could be revisited by future legislatures. SB 1149 was described as a one-time $25,000 payment for a limited group of older retirees, with estimated costs of $3.5 million for police and $5.8 million for fire. Most of these retirement measures passed on votes of 23-24 ayes with one nay. The committee also considered House Bill 4071, creating the Oklahoma Dream Accounts Investment Program to match the federal “Trump accounts” with up to $250 per eligible child, capped at $12.5 million. Democrats criticized it as a poor use of funds and objected to the federal program’s uncertainty and the emergency clause; the bill passed 17-8. House Bill 4072 created a taxpayer endowment trust fund by moving $200 million from the Revenue Stabilization Fund and redirecting a portion of future gross production tax overages into the new fund until it reaches $1 billion, after which it would generate future revenue streams. Members raised concerns about investment risk, oversight, and whether the fund was a “shell game,” but it passed 18-6. Several agency budget and limit bills were also approved, including HB 4057 for $25 million to expand the Bureau of Narcotics headquarters, SB 1158 for $252,000 to fund medication for minors in custody, SB 1164 for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse with $1.2 million in new appropriations plus $5.97 million for the 988 revolving fund, and HB 4040 for the Department of Health rural health transformation cash-flow needs tied to federal reimbursement. The committee also passed HB 4051 on FMAP preservation, SB 1161 for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, SB 1162 for the State Department of Health, and SB 1163 for DHS, where the largest discussion centered on avoiding an Advantage waiver waitlist, SNAP administrative costs, and child abuse multidisciplinary care centers. Most of these bills passed with little or no debate, though some drew questions about federal matching dollars and reporting requirements. Education-related items were also approved, including HB 4030, the State Department of Education budget limits bill, which maintained prior-year funding for textbooks, early intervention, literacy coaching, school security, and other line items; HB 4044 for OEQA’s growth-based teacher compensation and NBCT stipends; HB 4065 for school security funding at the School of Science and Math; HB 4067 for the School for the Blind and School for the Deaf; and HB 4038 directing $5 million of ODOT FY27 appropriations to the eight-year work plan. The committee also advanced HB 4046, which directs funding to the Military Readiness, Innovation, Education, Aviation Revolving Fund for projects including McAlester, Fort Sill, Altus, and Enid, with members questioning why additional money was needed so soon after prior appropriations. Throughout the meeting, most measures were reported as passed by wide margins, with a few dissenting votes on bills viewed as controversial or as reallocating funds away from other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were proud of each of the 25 projects and excited about the future of Oklahoma.
• We were proud of each of the 25 projects and excited about the future of Oklahoma.
• of Human Services to provide funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma. Second.
• We also appreciate the efforts of Care Providers of Oklahoma.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding met for what leaders described as likely its final meeting, with a quorum present from both chambers. Chairs reviewed the ARPA/SLFRF process, noting the large volume of requests received, the need to meet Treasury’s December 31, 2026 paperwork deadline, and the committee’s role in reallocating excess or at-risk funds to projects that can be completed in time. Working groups reported on progress across education/economic development, transportation/rural development, government transformation, and health and human services, with most projects on track but some funds needing to be reclassified or redirected. The committee approved a series of motions, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, to reclassify excess funds and appropriate interest earnings to existing obligated projects. Actions included reallocations from the Department of Commerce and the Office of Emergency Management, and interest-fund appropriations for wastewater and water infrastructure, Boys & Girls Clubs, the YWCA, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Department of Human Services. Members also authorized the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission to reallocate remaining funds to existing projects. In the health and human services portion, the committee approved funding for the Oklahoma Healthcare Workforce Training Commission, the OSU Medical Authority’s Human Performance Project and Pharmaceutical Expansion Program, the University Hospitals Trust Authority’s Child Behavioral Health Project, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial bed replacement, and the State Department of Health for the Rural Hospital Rebuild Program. Members asked questions about whether funds were going to new or existing projects and about broadband progress, and staff explained that the reallocations were intended to fill gaps in already obligated projects. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking members and staff for their work and noting the measures would continue through the appropriations process before final action by the full chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have Lou Ann Moody from Henrietta, Oklahoma.
• And Oklahoma, as we know, population is really centered into two cities: Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and
• Oklahoma City has over a $2 billion annual budget.
• I was privy to some conversations between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City, as far as I'm concerned
• For you and what you do in southwest Oklahoma City.

Bills: HB3045

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: accident response, motor vehicle, law enforcement, fire department, fee prohibition

Summary: The Public Safety Committee first considered several gubernatorial nominations. Brent Black of Bixby was renominated to the Forensic Review Board, with Senator Guthrie noting the board’s seven-member makeup and the need for mental health professionals; the nomination was advanced 8-0. Lou Ann Moody of Henrietta was then presented for the Forensic Review Board. Moody described her long legal career, her work as city attorney and in juvenile/dependency matters, and her decision to avoid criminal defense work to avoid ethical conflicts. Members asked about the board’s caseload and meeting schedule, and the nomination was advanced 8-0. The committee also heard the nomination of a retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer, Mr. McCoy, to the OSBI Commission. He emphasized his decades of law enforcement and emergency-management experience, and the nomination was advanced 8-0. The committee then took up House Bill 3045, with an amendment offered by Senator Reinhart. The amendment would allow certain fire departments, rural fire districts, and fire protection districts in municipalities under 200,000 population to recover accident response fees, while preventing those fees from going into general revenue or funding non-fire services. Reinhart explained the bill was intended to address fire departments’ ability to recover costs while limiting the impact on the state’s two largest cities. Senator Brooks questioned why the exemption would apply only to the largest municipalities, and Reinhart responded that Tulsa and Oklahoma City would see the greatest fiscal impact and that rural departments lacked comparable revenue sources. Senator Murdoch raised a point that the bill had an unescorted fiscal impact on municipalities and asked for a ruling under the Municipal Fiscal Impact Act. The chair took the matter under advisement and, at the sponsor’s request, laid the bill over rather than proceeding further. The meeting concluded with members offering extended personal remarks thanking the chair and vice chair for their leadership and service, and the chair adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• minimize the risk of exposure to the agency, but if they do come up to ethical, moral, and legal standards
• It brings the agency up to moral standards, New Mexico legal standards, and complies with due process
• They cited Oklahoma, which didn't do this at all, and I'll let Dr. Salih speak to that.
• That was a very different situation in Oklahoma.
• Salih, I'm curious about Oklahoma. What did they try?

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to continue serving the state of Oklahoma.
• And Oklahoma, as we know, population is really centered in the two cities, Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
• You look at the overall operating budgets of Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
• So, I I guess Oklahoma City doesn't do this. Is that correct?
• I don't believe that Oklahoma City currently does this.

Bills: HB3045

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: accident response, motor vehicle, law enforcement, fire department, fee prohibition, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a standard fee? Yes, sir. I don't know if I would use the word standard.
• It's a standard fee? Yes, sir. I don't know if I would use the word standard.
• Clarksville, Arkansas, is somehow a different cost than getting it in Tupelo, Mississippi, or prior Oklahoma
• In Oklahoma, it's $14,567.20. In Tennessee, it's $13,618.60. In Mississippi, $11,618.60.
• It's almost the same in Arkansas as it is in Oklahoma as it is in Mississippi.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used. The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so. Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> out in Oklahoma. out in Oklahoma.
• c> is</c> federal standard.
• That FLSA standard is federal standard.
• </c> So I think that uh this is a standard So I think that uh this is a standard that<00:48:10.000><c
• standards and then states can enhance those standards if they wish.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stronger regulations as it relates to license suspension and revoking if kennels don't meet the high standards
• stronger regulations as it relates to license suspension and revoking if kennels don't meet the high standards
• Ellen Hefner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Rep. Stephen Nesker from Greenridge, Connecticut.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble. During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1. The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• stronger regulations as it relates to license suspension and revoking if kennels don't meet the high standards
• stronger regulations as it relates to license suspension and revoking if kennels don't meet the high standards
• Ellen Hefner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Rep.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're proud of the progress made in several projects, including the Oklahoma aviation academy.
• We are proud. of each of the 25 projects and excited about the future of Oklahoma.
• We'd like to make a motion to accept $22,195,000.45 in excess funds from appropriated to the Oklahoma
• The mobile dinner program has been providing much-needed dental care for citizens across Oklahoma.
• We also appreciate the efforts of care providers of Oklahoma.

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding

Keywords: 914, all

Bills: HB44 , HB400 , HB444 , HB487 , SB249 , SB252 , SB58 , HB44 , HB400 , HB444 , HB487 , SB249 , SB252 , SB58

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: teachers retirement, credit purchase, St. Clair County, DAY Program, pension reform, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization

Transcript Highlights:

• Aziz is an active member of both the Oklahoma County Medical Society and the Oklahoma State Medical Association
• Paul, Minnesota, and a church was attacked in Creek County, Oklahoma.
• The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has completed their investigation.
• Senator, Senator, this bill has been in Oklahoma law for over 115 years.
• Senator, this bill has been in Oklahoma law for over 115 years.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized a doctor of the day, interns, and student groups in the galleries. The main item of business was House amendments to Senate Bill 743, a measure described by the author as a worship protection bill updating an old Oklahoma law. The bill was presented as protecting religious worship services from disruption and obstruction, especially in light of incidents the author said occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Creek County, Oklahoma. Much of the floor discussion focused on whether the bill would affect protest and speech rights on public property, with the author repeatedly saying it would not restrict speech generally, but would create an eight-foot buffer around unwilling listeners and a 100-foot zone near entrances to prevent obstruction of people entering worship services. Several senators questioned the bill’s constitutional basis and practical effect, especially its reliance on Hill v. Colorado and whether the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn that precedent. Opponents argued the measure could chill peaceful protest, sidewalk counseling, and other First Amendment activity near churches or other religious gatherings, while supporters said it was narrowly aimed at preventing trespass, harassment, and disruption of worship. The author emphasized that the bill was intended to protect congregants, including elderly worshippers, and to preserve access to services without interference. Debate also touched on the distinction between public and private property and whether the bill could apply to religious gatherings at the Capitol or other public places. After questions concluded, the Senate adopted the House amendments to Senate Bill 743 and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 31-15. The emergency clause also passed, 36-9. The chamber then moved to announcements, including a notice that the Energy Committee would meet the next morning, and adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I invite all of Oklahoma to pray. Lord, our hope is in you.
• She's the current president of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians.
• State Medical Association and the Oklahoma County Medical Society.
• This is the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Leadership Class Number 3.
• performance metrics with what's happening in rural Oklahoma.

Summary: The House convened, took the roll, heard an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recognized Dr. Rachel Franklin as Doctor of the Day. Members also held a special presentation honoring the Christian Heritage Academy varsity cheer team for winning national titles in two divisions and grand champion honors. On the floor, House Bill 3044 was presented by Leader West. The bill renews the tax checkoff allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs equipment and capital improvement program. The House advanced the bill from general order and passed it 95-0. House Resolution 1032, designating February 17, 2026, as Oklahoma Aggregates Day at the Capitol, was also presented and adopted without objection. The remainder of the session consisted largely of announcements and introductions, including recognition of visitors from the aggregates industry, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Leadership Class, ALS advocates, and several constituent and guest groups. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, and the House adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We live over at the office at the Oklahoma Bar Association.
• Many programs like Firstep in Oklahoma City.
• Luckily, Oklahoma County's done that work.
• That is not that is not an uncommon deal in western Oklahoma.
• And if an inmate that was convicted in Oklahoma and was from Oklahoma, but they're in...

Committee: House A&B Judiciary Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are some child care centers that are saying that if we don't get that, if the state of Oklahoma
• I believe that the state of Oklahoma does have five aviation assets across multiple agencies.
• Banking Commission, thank you, Turner, partnering with the Oklahoma Banking Commission and essentially
• But essentially, it raises the floor, the state minimum for all teachers in the state of Oklahoma, by
• The creation of the Oklahoma Dream Accounts Investment Program Act...

Bills: SB1177

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget

Summary: The Joint Appropriations and Budget Committee took up Senate Bill 1177, the main budget bill, and first adopted the committee substitute as the working version. Chairman Caldwell presented the bill as the measure funding state government and answered a series of questions about major budget items, including CareerTech funding, child care, school security, teacher pay raises, the state plane purchase, Medicaid, mental health, veterans’ homes, and higher education projects. He said CareerTech received increased funding, child care funding was increased by roughly $12 million over last year, school security funding was continued at $50 million, and teacher pay raises were included through a mechanism that would raise the state minimum by $2,000. He also explained the $3 million state plane item as a restructuring of state aviation assets, and said the budget did not cut law enforcement funding tied to 287(g) agreements.