Transcript Highlights:

• So, this resolution, if the Department of War and the federal government take the recommendations of
• So, this resolution, if the Department of War and the federal government take the recommendations of
• But although they admitted, the Department of War, previously the Department of Defense, said to Congress
• ><00:05:27.120> the<00:05:27.240> Department<00:05:27.720> of<00:05:27.840> War
• , they admitted the Department of War, they admitted the Department of War, previously<00:05:29.160

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs considered two resolutions related to Red Hill and PFAS contamination. HCR 186 urged the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee health care authorization for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve access to care. Testimony from Moira Flanary and Board of Water Supply’s Ernie Lau supported the measure, emphasizing lasting health impacts, the need for continuity of care, and National Academies recommendations for continued eligibility and access to treatment. The second measure, HCR 200, urged the U.S. Department of Defense to reassess prior determinations and closure decisions under CERCLA in light of evolving scientific understanding of PFAS and recent federal hazardous substance designations. Mr. Lau testified in support, arguing that military investigations should not rely only on old records or AFFF documentation and should instead use current testing methods to identify contamination. He said PFAS is persistent, mobile in groundwater, and likely to require long-term remediation, and he also answered questions about cleanup challenges and the Board of Water Supply’s ongoing litigation against the Navy over Red Hill-related costs. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted to pass both HCR 186 and HCR 200 unamended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on both measures. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not have quorum, so its votes were deferred until April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 225.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was close to where it was in 2022 with the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
• They're up a lot, but not close to that initial spike during the outbreak of war. ...but not close to
• that initial spike during the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
• These particular forecasts were generated before war broke out with Iran, but I don't think they would
• First of all, war in the Middle East is back on the radar.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: At the April meeting of the Finance Advisory Committee, staff presented an updated state revenue forecast that was more cautious than January’s because of heightened economic uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and broader national risks. The general fund’s available resources were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in the April forecast, with the lower estimate driven by reduced revenue projections while spending assumptions were unchanged. Staff said the outlook depends heavily on how long the Middle East conflict lasts and noted that a prolonged disruption could weaken the forecast further, while a quick resolution could improve conditions. George Hammond of the University of Arizona gave a broad economic overview, highlighting geopolitical risk, elevated oil and gasoline prices, sticky inflation, weak Arizona job growth, and uncertainty around federal policy, tariffs, immigration, and AI-related investment. He said Arizona’s recent job growth has been very weak and concentrated mainly in health services, while most other sectors lost jobs, and he attributed much of the slowdown to low hiring rather than layoffs. He also discussed population growth, noting that Arizona remains above the national average but is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows, and he warned that housing affordability remains strained even as Phoenix inflation has moderated. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook but pointed to some offsets. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenues could benefit from tourism tied to spring training and the Final Four, though higher fuel costs could dampen discretionary spending. Other panelists noted that the federal policy environment, tariffs, and immigration changes are likely to restrain growth, while productivity gains, especially from technology and AI, may help businesses maintain output. Several members also discussed housing, saying single-family permits have fallen while rental supply has improved affordability, and they raised concerns about labor-force growth, wage disparities, and the reliability of recent employment data revisions. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Father, where we are with the war, we just pray for our soldiers.
• And, Father, where we are with the war, we just pray for our soldiers and our military staff that is
• And whereas the regime unleashed weapons of war against civilians, hunting them down through streets,
• They have left pieces of them on battlefields, as we will see in this upcoming war. Thank you.
• As we will see in this upcoming war. So men and women have a right to have something like this.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, heard the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed several guests and a Doctor of the Day. Members also adopted a proclamation honoring the people of Iran and heard a brief disturbance in the gallery that led to the sergeant-at-arms escorting a person out. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, SB 1166 received a do pass recommendation without debate. SB 1184, a bill concerning flags that homeowners and condominium associations may not prohibit, drew debate over a proposed floor amendment by Rep. Villegas to add the pride flag to the protected list; the amendment was defeated 21-32 after division, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation. SB 1252 also received a do pass recommendation. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, placing SB 1166, SB 1184, and SB 1252 on third reading. An additional Committee of the Whole was then used to amend SB 1092, which was reported out as amended and deferred to engrossing. On third reading, SB 1020, a special license plate bill supporting the Arizona Space Commission and space-related education/workforce efforts, passed 35-21 with several members explaining votes in favor and against, including objections that a community college scholarship plate had not been heard. SB 1247, an emergency measure relating to health care institutions, passed 55-1 and met the two-thirds threshold. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2307, and later passed HB 2307 on final reading with the required emergency vote. The chamber also passed HB 2072 on final reading by a two-thirds margin after extensive debate over repealing Cesar Chavez Day in light of allegations of abuse and whether the day should instead be replaced with a farm worker recognition day. The House adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• indirect ownership, do you believe that a terrorist, first off, a terrorist organization, we're at war
• We just entered into a war with the worst terrorist country in the United States, and I can tell you
• But there are multiple problems with the bill, so In war, when you are at war with a country where you
• That's what a conventional war is. A nonconventional war is when you cowardly commit terrorism.

Bills: HB1016, HB1453, HB1992, HB2015, HB2940, HB2959, HB2997, HB3037, HB3045, HB3053, HB3087, HB3267, HB3301, HB3453, HB3495, HB3521, HB3581, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3662, HB3691, HB3695, HB3697, HB3742, HB3743, HB3845, HB4058, HB4125, HB4198, HB4227, HB4425

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• War. Johnson. Wharton. Woo. Sweenor.
• A refugee from Ukraine, which we have, and that war has been going on for over three years, and they've
• It is impossible for you to declare the United States as your domicile.
• So that in World War II, while we rounded up about 10,000 German nationals and Italian nationals, we

Bills: SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127, SB906, SB1229, SB855, SB703, SB1025, SB888, SB1119, SB1080, SB929, SB1355, SB2231, SB1877, SB1998, SB552, SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB2697, HB3801, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3469, HB2594, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB 1181, HB3963, HB5111, HB2785, HB1661, HB200, HB1803, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB 1128, HB1904, HB30, HB1916, HB541, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB175, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4730, HB4743, HB4463, HB4139, HB4752, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2266, HB2229, HB2189, HB5224, HB5195, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB3745, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HB4944, HB2284, HB4506, HB3317, HB4166, HB3913, HB1768, HB4603, HB2494, HB3099, HJR138, HB133, HB3832, HB1988, HCR34, HB3421, HB3892, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting

Transcript Highlights:

• Lawson II Declare the vote. I with 14, I one nay.
• Sherman Sneedi Declared the vote. 111 nay. We would declare your bill to the floor. Thank you.
• Men's is declare the vote. I nay with 12 for nay, we would declare your bill out of committee.
• Banning, declare the vote with five nay. Declare your bill out of committee.
• Declare the vote: 160 nay, six aye, zero nay. We would declare your bill out of committee.

Bills: HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• And Lord, I pray for those soldiers, men and women, that are overseas that are involved in the war.
• If you think you got a headache, this man... war. I pray that you'll protect them, war.
• Listening to the adjourning memories, I'm reminded us at this point in time we've lost six Americans in the war
• we've lost six Americans we've lost six Americans in<00:19:19.919> the<00:19:20.000> war

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The body also heard introductions of guests, including DeSoto County Superintendent Cory Uselton and Dr. Becky Roberts, an OBGYN from Hattiesburg and clinical faculty at William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine, along with seven medical students. On the calendar, Senate Bill 68, House Bill 1758, the Foster Youth Earned Benefits Protection for Success Act, was taken up. Senator Blackwell explained that the bill would place survivor benefits for foster youth into a special account for their direct needs rather than sending the money into CPS’s general operating budget. The Senate adopted the strike-all amendment, then passed the bill by the use of the morning roll call, and immediate release was granted. During announcements, senators noted upcoming committee meetings, including Judiciary B, Insurance, Marine Resources and Ports, Energy, Government Structure, AET, Appropriations, and Judiciary A. Senator Chassaniol announced a legislative reception on March 4 with an Elvis impersonator, and several senators offered adjourning memories for deceased constituents and family members, including Shirley May, Tripp Jones, George Watson II, Jakolby and Jordan Long, and Representative Earl Banks’ mother. Senator Brumfield also reported that Senator Warren Barnett was recovering at home. The Senate then moved into recess until later in the day or the next morning, as specified in the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code to advance the victory in the Pacific theater of World War II.
• Our language, the Navajo language, was used to end the war in World War II, and I believe that our language
• If you haven't been to the New Orleans World War II Museum, go. That was privately funded.
• My grandfather was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II.

Transcript Highlights:

• I call it the silent war.
• I call it the silent war.
• I call it the silent war.
• through the public sector, our children, our veterans, and those people that are fighting the silent war
• the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park, the site of the first clash in the Mexican-American War

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of pending resolutions, bills, and the local uncontested calendar. The committee first reported HCR 80 favorably and placed it on the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. It then heard and approved several commemorative resolutions, including HCR 12 designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for 10 years, HCR 55 reaffirming Poteet as the Strawberry Capital of Texas, HCR 56 designating May as NEC and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and HB 3096 creating Profound Autism Awareness Day on March 17. Each of these measures was reported favorably to the full Senate, with no opposition in testimony except HB 3096, which included supportive testimony from Tara Duval describing the needs of individuals with profound autism and their families. The committee also approved HCR 58 redesignating Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas, SB 2959 designating August as Firearm Safety Month, HCR 74 naming Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas, HCR 78 establishing Lone Star Santa’s Charities Day, HCR 116 redesignating Brownsville as the Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley, and HCR 117 designating Port Aransas as the Fishing Capital of Texas. SB 2959 drew supportive testimony from Stephen Price, who emphasized gun safety, suicide prevention, and public awareness, while other measures received no public testimony. All were reported favorably and recommended for the May 9 local and uncontested calendar. Later, the committee approved HCR 6 naming Galveston the Juneteenth Capital of Texas, HCR 50 naming Galveston the Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, HCR 107 making the Texas Almanac the official State Book of Texas, HCR 70 designating Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas, HCR 71 recognizing LaSalle County for wild hog hunting and related traditions, and HCR 29 designating April as Counseling Awareness Month. HCR 6 received testimony from a Galveston city representative in support of the Juneteenth designation, and HCR 29 received testimony from the Texas Counseling Association supporting recognition of counselors. Finally, the committee certified the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar after removing 32 bills for reasons including penalties, fiscal notes, or opposition, specifically noting SB 317 was removed due to criminal and civil penalties, and then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The very next day I graduated, and our nation awoke to the reality of war.
• From the battlefields of World War II to the jungles of Vietnam, we have recognized those who gave their
• that the same retirement credit given to past warriors is extended to those who served in more recent wars
• A fraction of that 1% serves in the FRS, and even fewer are combat veterans, those who have faced war
• I mean, you have—we go all the way back to the Spanish-American War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, but everything

Summary: The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I declare the same two have advanced. Mr. Leader, thank you, Mr. President.
• I declare the same two have advanced. Mr. Leader, thank you, Mr. President.
• That will be the order to declare the bill to be advanced.
• I declare the same to have passed. Mr. Leader, thank you, Mr. President.
• I declare the bill to be advanced.

Bills: SB843, SB1733, SB1476, SB1237, SB1410, SB1894, SB1272, SB1204, SB1721, SB1725, SB1735, SB1337, SB1339, SB1461, SB1975, SB1450, SB1458, SB1232, SB1238, SB1325, SB1209, SB1362, SB2072, SB1451, SB1540, SB1581, SB1535, SB1266, SB1927, SB1460, SB2084, SB2182, SB392, SB985, SB1265, SB1283, SB1441, SB1307, SB1425, SB1826, SB1365, SB1696, SB1870, SB1722, SB1639, SB715, SB716, SB182, SB609, SB169, SB134, SB1611, SB432, SB1407, SB2039, SB1356, SB1288, SB2019, SB1705, SB1878, SB2118

Keywords: school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, land office, land exchange, investment, education funding, real estate management, Teachers' Bill of Rights, education, teachers' rights

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:12.120> an regulated substances and declaring an regulated substances and declaring
• House Bill 619 declaring an emergency.
• Declaring an emergency.
• <00:16:41.920> an to county roads and declaring an to county roads and declaring an emergency
• pollution and declaring an emergency. pollution and declaring an emergency.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our mission is to keep alive the story of the Nisei soldiers of World War II, and we strongly support
• alive the story of the NIS soldiers of alive the story of the NIS soldiers of World<00:01:59.680> War
• c> and<00:02:00.960> we<00:02:01.200> strongly<00:02:01.799> support World War
• II and we strongly support World War II and we strongly support SCR24<00:02:04.240> and<00:02

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met on March 28, 2025, to hear testimony on SCR 24, with a proposed SD1 that would also change the title to urge the U.S. Department of Defense to keep all references to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its public website. Testimony was unanimously in support from veterans’ groups, civil rights organizations, and individual supporters, including Nisei Veterans Legacy, the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, the Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights, and the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club. A senator also voiced strong support, saying the resolution addressed fairness and recognition of nonwhite service members. The committee then discussed STR 96 and SR 79, which urge Maui County, the Maui Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Transportation, and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to develop and implement an evacuation route signage program for Maui. There was no testimony on these measures. Members indicated that, consistent with committee practice, the measures would be deferred because of the lack of testimony. For SCR 24, the committee recommended passage with amendments, adopting the proposed SD1 and adding references to the 100th Infantry Battalion after each mention of the 442nd. The committee then took votes and adopted the recommendation. For STR 96 and SR 79, the committees deferred decision-making, with the Public Safety and Military Affairs committee agreeing to the deferral.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, will the clerk declare the vote? 14-0-0, nay.
• Seeing none, will the clerk declare the vote. 13-2, nay.
• Any members wishing to declare the vote? Seeing none, will the clerk declare the vote? 13-1-6-0?
• Seeing none, will the clerk declare the vote? Seeing none, will the clerk declare the vote?
• Seeing none, we'll declare the vote. 13 aye, 4 nay.

Bills: HB1268, HB3041, HB3075, HB3378, HB3463, HB3619, HB3620, HB3624, HB3722, HB4335

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of his declaration
• with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the government of the Russian Federation, declared
• <00:07:09.360> The anniversary date of his declaration.
• The anniversary date of his declaration.
• an executive order 14024 of declared an executive order 14024 of April<00:07:36.960> 15,<00:07

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Having received 48 'aye' votes and zero 'nay' votes, I declare Senate Bill 1395 to have passed.
• I declare the bill of Senate Bill 1456 is before you on third reading and final passage.
• I declare Senate Bill 1456 to have passed.
• Seeing none, I declare Senate Bill 1456 to have passed as an emergency measure.
• I declare the bill advanced. Senate Bill 1562 is before you on third reading and final passage.

Bills: SB1323, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1970, SB1599, SB1312, SB1776, SB1858, SB1985, SB1302, SB1809, SB1401, SB2053, SB1503, SB1553, SB1427, SB1642, SB1421, SB1837, SB1566, SB1567, SB1794, SB1484, SB1557, SB1564, SB1591, SB1395, SB1456, SB1562, SB1613, SB1983, SB1550, SB2065, SB2152, SB2159, SB2172, SB2110, SB2111, SB2114

Keywords: memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing, legal representation, corporate liability, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes, memorial, highway designation

Transcript Highlights:

• Having received nine ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1327 to have passed.
• Having received ten ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1403 to have passed.
• Having received 8 ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 277 to have advanced.
• Having received 8 ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1749 to have passed.
• Having received six ayes and two nays, I declare Senate Bill 1931 to have passed.

Bills: SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155

Keywords: tourism, recreation, economic development, Oklahoma Commission, executive director, probation, credits, educational advancement, Oklahoma Statutes, criminal justice reform, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, labor organization, incentives, employer practices, union neutrality, worker rights

Transcript Highlights:

• So, look, the Governor has authority to declare an emergency.
• It’s actually eight federally declared disasters.
• We did Broward flooding number two, which did not get a federal declaration.
• Roughly, our minimum threshold to request funding back for a federal declaration, a presidential declaration
• Because at the time, it wasn't, had never been declared.

Summary: The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability. Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Having received eight ayes and two nays, I declare Senate Bill 1432 to have passed.
• I declare Senate Bill 206 to have passed. Thank you.
• I declare Senate Bill 1644 to have passed.
• Senate Bill 1561 is declared passed. Thank you, Senator Howard.
• Having received 10 ayes and two nays, Senate Bill 1813 is declared passed.

Bills: SB1806, SB1430, SB206, SB1547, SB1849, SB1428, SB1653, SB1984, SB1644, SB1561, SB1813, SB1570, SB1796

Keywords: foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, mental health, substance abuse, commissioner appointment, governor's authority, legislative consent, SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Declared passed.
• constitutional majority are declared constitutional majority are declared passed.<02:20:38.160><
• declared passed. declared passed.
• constitutional majority is declared constitutional majority is declared passed.<02:35:10.960>
• constitutional majority, is declared constitutional majority, is declared passed.<02:45:57.920><

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.