Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2956, Title 59, Appraisers Board.
• seeks to correct that original, what I believe was an oversight, in increasing the membership of the board

Bills: HB3239, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3832, HB3673, HB3783, HB3800, HB2956, HB3960, HB2471, HB3338

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2956, Title 59, Appraisers Board.
• House Bill 2956, Title 59, Appraisers Board.
• seeks to correct that original, what I believe was, an oversight, in increasing the membership of the board

Bills: HB3239, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3832, HB3673, HB3783, HB3800, HB2956, HB3960, HB2471, HB3338

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of occupational licensing, workforce, and regulatory bills, often after adopting proposed committee substitutes (PCSs) and, in some cases, live amendments. House Bill 437 updated CPA licensure pathways to align with the 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4321 added a restriction on the Department of Labor retroactively applying new rules to existing structures absent written findings of obvious safety hazards, and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4322 removed the requirement that a funeral director in charge also hold an embalmer license, with supporters saying it would help rural funeral homes and opponents raising concerns about embalming coverage; it passed 7-1-1. House Bill 3783, a constituent-request bill for career tech/CIB testing changes in the plumbing field, was discussed as a work in progress to clarify experience-hour requirements and passed 8-0-2. House Bill 2956 made cleanup changes related to the Appraisers Board after a federal audit and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 2471 expanded and adjusted the Oklahoma Workforce Commission’s membership and quorum rules and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3239 updated the Veterinary Practice Act and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3673 allowed journeymen and contractors to renew expired licenses without reexamination if they meet fee, education, and disciplinary requirements, and passed 9-0-0-8. House Bill 3338, a constituent-request bill regulating the pool industry to address bad actors, also passed after adoption of a PCS, with the Attorney General reviewing the issue. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 3960, which would have required larger grocery stores and drugstores to employ more workers relative to self-checkout kiosks in an effort to increase staffing and reduce retail theft. Supporters framed it as a workforce and anti-theft measure, but the bill failed on a 2-6 vote. House Bill 3832 drew substantial discussion about human trafficking in exotic entertainment establishments; the sponsor explained that the bill was intended to require photo identification rather than lower the age threshold, so law enforcement could more quickly identify workers and shut down trafficking operations. Members asked about the practical effect of the proposal and related enforcement concerns, and the bill passed after the sponsor clarified the PCS was still being finalized. The committee then adjourned after the final bill was handled.

Bills: SB1333, SB1191, SB1439, SB1314, SB1509, SB1319, SB1346, SB1613

Keywords: water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels

Transcript Highlights:

• But it has been requested By the Energy Secretary, that this board is not needed.
• The information provided to me is that this board was never developed.
• Julie Cunningham, the director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
• The board shall approve that permit.
• I thank the water board for bringing this up. I live 12 miles from New Mexico.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Transcript Highlights:

• by saying it is doubtful that the board did any sort of work in that area.
• The board, as Senator Daniel stated, the board was never founded, so there was never any research collected
• Julie Kenningham, the Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
• But Oklahoma groundwater law says the Water Board is required to...
• Then you are entitled and the board shall approve that permit.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Summary: The Senate Energy Committee met and first laid over a couple of items before taking up a series of energy and water-related bills. Senate Bill 1333, presented by Sen. Hall, was framed as a symbolic reflection of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s budget request and the state’s estimated $24 billion water infrastructure need through 2030. Members asked about project prioritization, emergency needs, long-term funding, federal matching dollars, and whether some proposed spending would go to outreach or new programs rather than direct infrastructure. Supporters emphasized the statewide water crisis, rural and municipal needs, and the goal of building a comprehensive water package; the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1191, presented by Sen. Daniels, would eliminate an unused board tied to the Low Carbon Energy Initiative; the deputy secretary testified the board was never actually founded and collected no research, and the bill passed 11-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, also by Sen. Daniels, which would shield fossil fuel companies operating lawfully and within permits from certain climate-change and emissions-based lawsuits. Questions focused on why the bill applied only to fossil fuels, whether it could affect landowners’ rights or environmental standards, and whether it would create a lower regulatory bar in Oklahoma. The author said it was aimed at a specific category of litigation seen in other states and would not protect unlawful conduct; the bill passed 10-1. Senate Bill 1314, by Sen. Yek, would raise the cap on the well drillers and pump installers indemnity fund from $50,000 to $100,000 and increase the per-well cap from $10,000 to $25,000; members discussed how the fund works and its limited size, and it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1509, also by Sen. Yek, would update groundwater well spacing rules so the Water Resources Board could apply spacing requirements across all groundwater basins, not just those with maximum annual yield studies. The board said the bill is meant to protect existing commercial wells from encroachment, with exceptions if water cannot be found elsewhere on the property; it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1319, presented by Sen. Hall, would allow the Corporation Commission to use plugging funds in rare cases where homes are affected by historic oil and gas activity or orphan wells; members raised concerns about caps, proof of contamination, remediation versus plugging, and whether landowners could present expert evidence. The author said the language was still being refined with the Commission, and the bill passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1346, by Vice Chair Woods, would direct the Water Resources Board to establish a water and wastewater infrastructure program with competitive loans for eligible entities; it was described as part of a broader effort to consolidate water measures into a comprehensive package and passed 9-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1613, which would let the LP Gas Administration buy, lease, and own its own vehicles instead of using the OMES fleet and would rename a miscellaneous permit as a food truck permit; it passed without debate. The meeting ended with adjournment and notice that there would be no committee meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I understand with the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence that that's been a board that
• So I understand with the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence that that's been a board that
• And so I understand on board... Last question. Last question. Thank you, sir.
• This particular board is a much-needed bit of government oversight.
• And I think that this board will go to great lengths to accomplish those ends.

Bills: SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, SB1456, Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, sunset extension, sunset law, breath alcohol testing, DUI, DWI, drunk driving, drug testing, chemical testing, field sobriety, roadside screening, blood test, saliva test

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1226 by Senator Rader, which would add property damage to the state’s leaving-the-scene statute so a driver who damages property and leaves would be treated similarly to a vehicle accident. After brief questions about whether the driver would need to wait for law enforcement or the property owner, the bill advanced unanimously, 6-0. Several sunset-extension bills from Senator Burstrom were then considered. Senate Bill 1456 would extend the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence to 2036 and passed 6-1. Senate Bill 1462 would extend the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force to 2036; members questioned whether a task force created in 2023 needed such a long extension, but it still passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1463 would extend the Polygraph Examiners Board to 2036 and passed 8-1, with some members again objecting to the 10-year sunset length. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1980 by Senator Logan, which updates larceny and forgery language to cover gift cards, gift certificates, and redemption information when possessed or used with intent to defraud. Members pressed the author on whether the offense would be a misdemeanor or felony and on the bill’s scope, but the measure passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1479 by Senator Stewart, dealing with release of crime- and collision-scene information by first responders, was amended to strike the title after concerns about scope and private entities; it then passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1608 by Senator Frick, as amended, would make school location and employer information searchable in sex offender and violent offender registries, and it passed 6-2. Finally, Senate Bill 1923 by Senator Murdoch would prohibit inmates from accessing social media, prompted by a constituent’s concerns about inmates contacting victims’ families through contraband cell phones. Members questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing DOC policies and whether it should address tablets as well; an amendment was withdrawn, and the bill passed 7-1. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 1612 and concluded its Public Safety agenda for the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Hearing and Speech is the disciplining authority.
• Turning to the bill before you, the bill directs the board to apply rules for fitting and dispensing
• And seeing none, I'd like to invite the prime sponsor, who's busy signing the boards.
• Licensing boards are essential to maintaining high-quality audiology and hearing health services.
• I was also honored to serve on the Board of Pharmacy.

Bills: SB6226, SB6305, SB5924, SB5990, SB5185, SB5845, SB6071, SB6258

Keywords: SB 6226, Washington, audiology, audiologist, hearing aid specialist, speech-language pathologist, telehealth, teleaudiology, clinical autonomy, clinical judgment, in-person care, remote care, Board of Hearing and Speech, hearing instruments, hearing aids, dispensing hearing aids, standards of care, professional licensure, health professions regulation, patient-centered care

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee met on January 30 and first moved through executive session on five bills. The committee adopted proposed substitutes and advanced Senate Bills 5999, 5185, 5845, 6071, and 6258 to the Rules Committee, all by voice vote and subject to signatures. SB 5999 would let smaller rural counties appoint an APRN or PA as an acting local health officer; SB 5185 creates a pilot pathway for international medical graduates toward physician licensure; SB 5845 revises timely payment rules for health carriers; SB 6071 standardizes overpayment recovery timelines; and SB 6258 creates a non-disciplinary pathway for relinquishing certain medical licenses. Several sponsors noted that SBs 5845 and 6071 were still being worked on with stakeholders. The committee then held a hearing on SB 6226, which would protect the clinical autonomy of audiologists and require the Board of Hearing and Speech to apply hearing-instrument rules consistently across care modalities, including telehealth. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with witnesses emphasizing teleaudiology’s role in expanding access, especially for rural residents, older adults, and people with mobility challenges. One association witness supported the bill’s goals but warned it could be read too broadly and affect other regulatory standards. The hearing closed with 54 people signed in pro, none opposed, and two other. Next, the committee heard SB 6305, the Truth in Mental Health Coverage Act, which would require carriers to submit standardized annual data to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on behavioral health coverage, access, reimbursement, utilization, and network participation, with public posting in raw files and dashboards. Supporters said the bill would make parity and access problems visible and help consumers compare plans; the OIC said it supported the transparency approach and was already engaged in parity oversight. Opponents argued the bill was premature given implementation of recent parity legislation and could add burdens without addressing workforce or network adequacy. The hearing closed with 396 signed in pro, two con, and zero other. Finally, the committee heard SB 5924, a proposed substitute expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and limited diagnostic authority for certain drugs and conditions, consistent with a Department of Health sunrise review. Supporters from pharmacy, health care, retail, and rural access perspectives said it would reduce administrative barriers, improve access in underserved areas, and better use pharmacists’ training; some cited examples such as immunizations, contraception, opioid use disorder treatment, and minor illnesses. The Washington State Medical Association opposed the bill, saying it moved away from collaborative practice and needed more time to resolve concerns about coordination, pediatrics, and complex patients. A few testifiers raised objections to psychiatric prescribing or specific drugs, while others asked about reporting back to primary care. The hearing closed with 279 signed in pro, six con, and four other, and the committee adjourned after concluding its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Board Johnson? I'm sorry, Board Johnson. Pardon me.
• You know, our board members, like the board members for the other systems, have varying responsibilities
• relevant governing board.
• So when you say elevate, do you mean... to the board there's more board attention, and there'll be more
• I had a question regarding governing boards.

Bills: HB2476, HB2893, HB4848, HB5062, SB37, SB60, HB2860, HB4930, SB646, SB 37

Keywords: living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council

Transcript Highlights:

• And our board, Dr.
• The board is clear.
• And the board is clear.
• The board is clear.
• The board is clear.

Bills: HCR47, HB628, HB737, HB1008, HB1062, HB1079, HB1112

Keywords: mandatory reporter, child abuse training, online training, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Education, educator requirements, early childhood education, microcenter, school board, cooperative endeavor, economic disadvantage, vaccination, meningococcal disease, school entry, immunization requirements, public health, academic freedom, free speech, retaliation, faculty rights

Transcript Highlights:

• But within the bill, it was the oversight board.
• So renaming the board from the Oversight Board to the Accountability Board.
• From the Oversight Board to the Accountability Board.
• So renaming the board from the Oversight Board to the Accountability Board.
• Board.

Bills: HB2455, HB2468, HB2529

Keywords: housing assistance, youth, foster care, pilot program, social services, terminology correction, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, Washington, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, accountability board, oversight board, child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, juvenile justice, early learning, family preservation, children and families

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2468 would update the Revised Code of Washington to match DSHS’s 2025 reorganization, replacing references to eliminated administrations with current names or broader agency references. The bill also removes the 2028 sunset on the Dementia Action Collaborative, adjusts DSHS membership on the Permanent Supportive Housing advisory committee, and eliminates a requirement to hire two full-time employees for the no-paid-services caseload. The sponsor and DSHS testified in support, describing the bill as technical cleanup tied to the department’s “Reimagined DSHS” initiative, while members raised questions about possible amendments and the policy choice to extend the dementia collaborative. DSHS indicated it was open to changes, including correcting remaining outdated statutory references. House Bill 2529 would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board, move it to the Office of Financial Management for administrative purposes, broaden some membership qualifications, and reduce reporting from annual to every other year starting in 2027. The prime sponsor said the changes were intended to make the board less political, improve attendance and flexibility, and focus on a concise, useful report. A union representative supported the restructuring but asked for language ensuring the DCYF caseworker board member can attend meetings as part of the job without being forced to use personal leave, saying the issue had raised retaliation concerns. Members also discussed whether the report should remain annual and whether it should include stronger recommendations. House Bill 2455 would create a two-year pilot program providing rental assistance and housing fees for 50 youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, beginning in 2027. The bill limits assistance to 24 months and requires DCYF to report on the pilot by June 30, 2029, while also adding transition planning for youth approaching age 21. The sponsor and multiple youth advocates testified that stable housing is essential for education, employment, mental health, and safety, and described personal experiences with homelessness and instability while in or after foster care. Some testimony urged the pilot to be expanded beyond 50 youth, and members questioned whether the timeline should include an interim review or be adjusted so the report can inform future decisions. The hearing concluded with no votes taken, and the committee then made housekeeping announcements about upcoming meeting times and amendment deadlines before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• administer a tourism assessment program, the TAP, which will be governed by a ratepayer oversight board
• The members of the Authority's Board of Directors are modified to increase the number of members and
• Third, House Bill 2325 creates a 10-member ratepayer oversight board, the ROB.
• The ratepayer oversight board prepares the assessment and submits it to the affected businesses, and
• The response continued that the ratepayer oversight board then directs the allocation of the funding,

Bills: HB2278, HB2325, HB2481, HB2503

Keywords: tourism, promotion areas, state funding, economic development, community engagement, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2325, which would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program under the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority. Staff explained the bill would let tourism-related businesses vote on and fund a new assessment program, overseen by a ratepayer board, with a new public records exemption for business financial information. The prime sponsor and supporters from State of Washington Tourism, hospitality, breweries, wine, and the Port of Seattle said the bill would provide sustainable, industry-led tourism funding and help Washington compete with other states. Opponents argued it would amount to another tax on businesses and raised concerns about unelected bodies having taxing authority. The hearing on HB 2325 was then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2481, which would prohibit surveillance-based pricing, surge pricing, and certain electronic shelf label uses in grocery stores, while requiring price transparency and a Commerce study on electronic shelf labels. The sponsor said the bill is intended to stop individualized, data-driven pricing that could charge different customers different amounts for the same item. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill, saying it would protect shoppers and workers from unfair pricing and confusion. Grocery and retail groups opposed the bill as drafted, warning that the definitions could unintentionally restrict loyalty programs, discounts, inventory management, markdowns, and electronic shelf labels that improve efficiency. Members and the sponsor discussed possible amendments, and the hearing was closed. House Bill 2503, regulating artificial intelligence training data, was then heard. Staff said the bill would require developers of generative AI systems to post high-level documentation about training data, including sources, size, and whether copyrighted or licensed data was used, with violations treated as Consumer Protection Act violations. The sponsor said the bill is meant to provide a basic “ingredients label” for AI and build public trust. Tech industry witnesses generally supported the transparency goal but asked for clearer alignment with California’s law and raised concerns about enforcement and private rights of action. Some other testimony supported stronger enforcement and transparency. The committee closed the hearing on HB 2503 and then opened House Bill 2278, which would remove the July 1, 2027 sunset on the additional $3 per room per night lodging charge in tourism promotion areas. The sponsor said the charge has produced a strong return on investment and supports local tourism promotion; one opponent argued tourism taxes and broader state tax burdens make Washington less attractive to visitors. The hearing on HB 2278 continued with additional testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know if we have our board? >> There are no vacancies.
• We're in the process of recruiting new board members for the chief board vacancies.
• board members for the chief board new board members for the chief board vacancies.<00:22:29.280><c>
• the ABA board as an independent<00:22:56.480><c> board.
• </c> independent board. independent board.

Bills: SB78, SB103, SB113, SB180, SB78, SB103, SB113, SB180

Keywords: inhalants, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, possession, sale, misdemeanor, felony, criminal penalties, public health, public works, sealed bids, bid advertisement, procurement, government contracting, construction bids, municipal bidding, county bidding, state bidding, Department of Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• A photo with their application, which particular board unless po on page nine.
• some amendments there, and it goes to the Board of Psychology.
• The staff forgot to change it to the Board of Psychology, so it actually goes to the Board of Psychology
• and not the Osteopathic Board.
• We would put the Board Certified Assistant Behavioral Analyst and wehaus under the Board of Psychology

Bills: SB206, SB904, SB933, SB1436, SB1500, SB1553, SB1557, SB1567, SB1644, SB1645, SB1651, SB1794, SB1833, SB1849, SB1984

Keywords: SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health, health care facility, municipality, county, ambulance service district, tribal entity, public entity, contract ambulance service, Oklahoma, 63 O.S. 2021 Section 1-2502, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• She thanked everyone and said the board is clear.
• So, again, I would leave it to the school boards.
• The board is clear.
• I see two questions on the board.
• The board is clear. So Rep.

Bills: HB28, HB50, HB196, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB316, HB649, HB807

Keywords: teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board, Louisiana teachers, Department of Education, statutory entities, re-creation, termination date

Bills: HB130, HB190, HB123, HB250, HB130, HB190, HB123, HB250

Keywords: HB130, Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, Sunset Law, sunset review, licensure board, professional geologists, geology, geologist licensing, board appointments, congressional district representation, gubernatorial appointments, state boards and commissions, professional licensing, regulatory board, Alabama Code 34-41-4, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, mining industry, petroleum industry, geological sciences

Transcript Highlights:

• And you never know what's in the head of a board member.
• We're talking Forest Practices Board versus the Board of Natural Resources. I get the two confused.
• . ...to solicit and nominate people who are represented on this board.
• We support an east side and west side tribe being on the board.
• We support an east side and west side tribe being on the board.

Bills: SB5838, SB5960, SB6097

Keywords: tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability, Indian tribes, conservation futures program, federal recognition, environmental protection, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources beginning in 2026. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal affairs director supported the bill, saying a board seat would add a vote and direct participation in decisions affecting trust lands, while not replacing existing tribal consultation. Senator Kaufman, the prime sponsor, said the measure is about inclusion and equity and suggested she would be open to an amendment adding both an east-side and west-side tribal representative. Supporters from the Colville and Yakama tribes emphasized tribal forest management expertise and the importance of tribal voice in state land stewardship. Counties and some economic interests did not oppose tribal participation in principle but raised concerns about fiduciary duties to county trust beneficiaries and said they had not been consulted. The hearing closed with written testimony totals reported as 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate certain ungulate populations as at risk when they fall 25% below a 10-year average and to begin predator mitigation, including possible wolf removals and translocation, along with annual reporting and renewed deer counts. Senator Short said the bill responds to declining deer herds and a lack of management balance, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters, including hunters, ranchers, and some conservation advocates, argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and respond to local declines. Opponents, including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Kettle Range Conservation Group, Washington Wildlife First, Sierra Club, Humane World for Animals, and others, said state and university research shows wolves are not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, drought, disease, and vehicle collisions; they warned predator control would have limited value and could worsen conflicts. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it supports the intent of the bill but has concerns about feasibility, cost, and the need for legislative approval for some actions. Written testimony totals were reported as 1,197 pro, 352 con, and 2 other. In a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation, Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Tribal fisheries director Jason Schaffler described efforts to reduce invasive and predatory fish in the Lake Washington system, including walleye, rock bass, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, American shad, and northern pike. They said these species are heavily impacting sockeye and Chinook smolts and that targeted suppression has already improved understanding and may improve salmon survival further. They asked for continued and modest sustained funding to expand removal efforts, noting prior state support and a recent King County emergency appropriation. Senators asked about the methods for suppression, invasive species prevention, and the effect of prior budget cuts; the presenters said larger fish are being selectively removed and that more programmatic funding would help scale the work. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1697, which would add federally recognized tribes as eligible participants in the conservation futures program. Staff explained the program allows counties to levy a property tax for open space, timber, and farmland conservation, and the bill would extend eligibility to tribes with an estimated Department of Revenue fiscal note of about $273,000. The Washington Farmland Trust and Tulalip Tribe supported the bill, saying it would improve partnerships, allow tribes to access county conservation funds, and help preserve farmland, salmon habitat, and other lands for long-term stewardship. Tulalip described current collaborative conservation projects and said the change would be voluntary for counties, landowners, and tribes. Senator Short asked about county approval processes, and Tulalip explained that each county sets its own criteria and priorities for conservation futures projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• It means the board of education.
• So the state superintendent or the state board would... superintendent or the state board would give
• It's just requiring your boards... floor.
• It's just requiring your boards of education to adopt the policies.
• The first one changes to 16-52 regarding the composition of the board.

Bills: SB278, HB459, HB61

Keywords: University of South Alabama, board of trustees, education governance, state appointments, governance reforms, membership changes, home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Transparency of board meetings.
• The board has a park that has a pavilion outside. We've met there.
• And they brought that to the MUD board.
• The MUD board did actually begin meeting on a quarterly rotation basis.
• I'm the Gulf Coast Regional Trustee for the Association of Water Board Directors.

Bills: HB1835, HB2561, HB3630

Keywords: manufactured housing, HUD-code, zoning, local government regulations, installation permits, municipal utility district, board meetings, public access, meeting location, transparency, fire prevention, agriculture, local government, fire safety, regulations, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the Board of Pardons and Paroles; it simply changes the confirmation dates. >> Move favorable. >
• I How many people are currently on the board? >> Right now there are two because there's a vacancy.
• </c> people are currently on the board? people are currently on the board?
• Uh Daryl Littleton was just a vacancy.
• Uh, I'm ready to do this today, but um, uh, the attorney for the appraisers board has called and wants

Bills: SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, HB132, HB37, HB13, HB54, HB126, HB7, SB30, HB188, HB189, HB26, HB264, HB288, HB248, HB249, HB227, HB228

Keywords: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is working on what is called the Oklahoma Health Care Cost Transparency Board, establishing
• a board.
• To do is have another board.
• The board will analyze that, make recommendations to the insurance commissioner, and he will help make
• Members, basically, we just got everybody on board with all this. It's still the same.

Bills: HB3147, HB4453, HB3369, HB3660, HB3498, HB3260, HB3081, HB3127, HB3673, HB2293, HB3545, HB3546, HB2035

Keywords: special license plates, Route 66, Oklahoma, funding, community support, health care, transparency, primary care, cost analysis, insurance, all payer claims database, spending benchmarks, HB3369, food truck, food truck fire suppression, mobile food establishment, mobile food preparation vehicle, mobile food vendor, automatic fire extinguishing system, fire suppression