Transcript Highlights:

• It strengthens public safety, protects dignity, and recognizes that real safety is both physical and
• It strengthens public safety, protects dignity, and recognizes that real safety is both physical and
• We appreciate and share the aim to bolster protections for patients in health care settings and to take
• of both human rights and international laws that protect them.
• these amendments will save lives and protect victims and keep communities safe in a responsible way.

Bills: SB5925 , SB5906 , SB6070 , SB6002

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• Disease, our Bureau of Public Health Statistics and Informatics, and our Bureau of Public Health Protection
• We send the tests out to the family, to the individuals and the homeowners, and they use it.
• We send the tests out to the family, to the individuals and the homeowners, and they use it.
• </c> towards efficiency over time and with towards efficiency over time and with those<00:49:36.799><
• For our P, um, testing, and this does testing for PAS testing in drinking water for homeowners and for

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Effective and efficient. So with that, I have two testifiers and then I'll be ready for questions.
• Building HVAC needs are unique, and decisions on HVAC system upgrades to increase efficiency and reduce
• And they're much more efficient, both in terms of electricity usage and natural gas.
• So if I have a home and it only needs 100 units of energy, And I'm powering it by even a very high-efficiency
• efficiency, and encourage grid modernization through energy storage and load control.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• took away the buffer that protected our communities from storm surges and hurricanes.
• And so we have a great responsibility to protect that and conserve it in a way that works for people.
• And the marine protected area process actually was the result of a lot of private philanthropy.
• And one of the key parts of this has been the relationships with tribes and the marine protected areas
• protecting the people, property, and lands of the state. as your director?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider a series of gubernatorial appointments, bill referrals, and two Senate Rule 26 authorship-change requests. The committee first approved, on 4-0 votes held open for absent members, a slate of appointments not required to appear, including J. Bradshaw to the Transportation Commission, Kylie Bolser to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and several appointments to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, as well as Monique Moyer to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority Board. The committee also approved bill referrals and, after a clarification that only authorship changes were before the committee, approved the Rule 26 requests involving former Assembly Member James Gallagher’s bills AB 2676 and AB 2700. After absent members arrived, those earlier actions were confirmed by 5-0 votes. The main hearing was on Megan Hurdle’s appointment as Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hurdle emphasized a science-based, collaborative approach balancing conservation with the needs of farmers, ranchers, local governments, tribes, and communities. Senators focused on human-wildlife conflict, including wolves and mountain lions, the Western Joshua tree program and its costs for homeowners and local projects, invasive golden mussels, staffing shortages among wildlife officers, marine protected areas and 30x30, tribal co-management and land return, and oil spill prevention and response. Hurdle said the department is using data sharing, less-lethal tools, task forces, public education, and partnerships to address these issues, while also trying to improve permitting and reduce burdens where possible. The committee then heard from Caroline Thomas Jacobs, nominated to lead the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Jacobs highlighted her prior leadership roles in wildfire safety and her earlier service at Cal OES, and said her priorities include statewide preparedness, next-generation 911, recovery from the Los Angeles fires, and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Senators questioned her about disaster debris clearance, public safety power shutoffs, governance for the 911 rollout, earthquake preparedness, mutual-aid equipment, and how Cal OES coordinates with local and out-of-state law enforcement for major events. Jacobs said Cal OES should show up quickly, coordinate clearly, and use lessons from past disasters to reduce delays and improve response. Both nominees received broad support from public witnesses, and each was advanced to the Senate floor by committee vote; Hurdle’s appointment was later confirmed 5-0, and Jacobs’s appointment was confirmed 5-0 after the committee reconvened.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, and I think when you talk about the landowner and the homeowner, you know, they also have their precious
• protect the public and Louisianians from our foreign adversaries.
• The bill updates and expands definitions to better identify protected materials and the industries impacted
• The bill updates and expands definitions to better identify protected materials and the industries impacted
• schedule could still protect the public and lower the costs.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It destroyed habitat for animals like sea turtles and ultimately took away the buffer that protected
• And so we have a great responsibility to protect that and conserve it in a way that works for people.
• And the marine protected area process actually was the result of a lot of private philanthropy.
• And one of the key parts of this has been the relationships with tribes and the marine protected areas
• mission of protecting the people, property, and lands of the state.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, which protects consumers and businesses
• We have the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, which protects consumers and businesses
• I was raised to protect, defend, took an oath, so did you, about protecting and defending.
• I was raised to protect, defend, took an oath, so did you, about protecting and defending.
• in an efficient and timely manner.

Bills: S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of bills, many of them retained from the prior week. The most debated measure was CS for SB 706, which would preempt naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designate Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and a trademark agreement. Amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to prevent private financial benefit from the naming. Several senators spoke in opposition, citing concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and the trademark/licensing arrangement; supporters argued there was no cost to the airport and that the bill simply set a state naming policy. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements, CS for CS for SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, CS for SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, SB 962 on excluding farms from certain zoning definitions, and CS for SB 820 on problem-solving court reporting requirements. The committee then approved several bills from Senator DiCeglie and Senator Arrington. SB 840, addressing land-use regulations for local governments affected by natural disasters, was supported by local-government and environmental advocates who said it would restore local control after SB 180’s hurricane-related restrictions; the sponsor said it was intended to correct unintended consequences of last year’s law. CS for SB 856, requiring online listing platforms to show estimated ad valorem taxes on residential listings, was amended to exclude social media platforms and broaden liability protections; the sponsor and a county property appraiser described it as a consumer-transparency measure. CS for SB 110, clarifying homestead exemption treatment for long-term leases that end at death, was also reported favorably. The committee took up a controversial strike-all amendment to SB 212, which focused on public swimming pools and added residency and related restrictions for certain sex offenders and offenders on community control or probation. The amendment drew strong opposition from advocates and affected families, who argued it would worsen homelessness, impose broad geographic restrictions, and lack evidence of improving child safety; supporters said it was a targeted public-safety measure. Despite the objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, SB 434 on property tax assessment treatment for wind-hardening improvements, CS for CS for SBs 658 and 608 on water-safety requirements for rental properties with pools or nearby water, SB 748 on adding voting-rights restoration information to sentencing score sheets, and CS for SB 824 requiring school districts to inventory unimproved real property. The meeting ended while the committee was beginning SB 848 on stormwater treatment, with an amendment being introduced as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• , disabled, homeowners, and families.
• Good union jobs that provide... ...to expand and protect.
• It must be protected and defended, especially in moments of tension, division, and uncertainty.
• and every American over the last 250 years, and that we recommit ourselves to protecting democracy,
• And I want to thank our budget subcommittee chair and our On the federal cuts to protect health care.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son. On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction. The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• over 18, and those protections don't lapse for lack of a better word until they become 19.
• It also protects students and businesses by guarding CDL schools and...
• We got to protect people, and it's statute that they have to do these inspections.
• I understand that you need some level of safety and some level of protections.
• to the Oklahoma Capital Assets Maintenance and Protection Fund (OCAMP) instead of the Maintenance of

Bills: SB1521 , SB372 , SB1232 , SB1307 , SB1338 , SB1390 , SB1451 , SB1463 , SB1558 , SB1567 , SB1595 , SB1621 , SB1734 , SB1749 , SB1827 , SB1833 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB63 , SB2063 , SB2180 , SB1198 , SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Transcript Highlights:

• But for those others and many others, and there's many consumer protections remain, the AG can come in
• But for those others and many others, and there's many consumer protections remain, the AG can come in
• And number three, it will strengthen policyholder protection as clearinghouses verify eligibility and
• and provide additional protections for them.
• and provide additional protections for them.

Bills: S0266 , S0394 , S0540 , S0632 , S0642 , S0832 , S0834 , S1028

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, we are dedicated to continuing to build the safest, most durable, and energy-efficient homes
• Homeowners know how large they want their garage to be, how many trees they want in their yard, and whether
• of housing, I can tell you every development goes in with the homeowners association, and in my area
• </c> given and that you're not getting and given and that you're not getting and and<01:04:55.480><c>
• He said policies are needed that promote land-use efficiency and open up new areas for development.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It offers affordable financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
• So this project offers a more effective and cost-efficient solution to the state.
• So 70 homeowners will eventually become homeowners and will have an opportunity to redevelop the park
• And time is of the essence to protect this land. So thank you very much for your consideration.
• It came out of the House unanimously, and it is a good government efficiency bill.

Bills: SB6003 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB1983

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:37.520><c> I</c> protect my friends and classmates. I protect my friends and classmates.
• He is and protect American workers.
• , Mr. speaker and to protect Donald Trump, Mr. speaker and to protect<02:50:05.359><c> themselves</c>
• protect and defend the oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution.<06:13:01.040><c> Mr.
• > protects</c><07:29:15.360><c> their</c> And the UAW rightfully protects their And the UAW rightfully

Bills: HB1526 , HR300 , HR293 , HR294 , HR164

Keywords: injunctive relief, court authority, legal proceedings, federal law, separation of powers, committee appointments, House of Representatives, membership, standing committees, legislative process, pairs, voting procedure, Congress, financial protection, overdraft lending, digital payments, consumer protection, voter registration, remote voting, proxy voting

Transcript Highlights:

• Simply put, this bill will help the university build this housing faster and more efficiently and stretch
• AB 2231 preserves the important environmental protections while providing a clear and efficient pathway
• delays for local and state agencies, and better protect our vulnerable communities from catastrophic
• wildfires. ...and better protect our vulnerable communities from catastrophic wildfires.
• And I just ask for an aye vote in the spirit of protecting our community all the time.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a reasonable step in the protection of these fish, and I hope you'll adopt it.
• How it is implemented, they are the most efficient and accurate methods of take should be used.
• How it is implemented, they are the most efficient and accurate methods of take should be used.
• If it is, and in those instances where we find that it is, we ask usually always the homeowner to please
• If that does not apply to this bill, maybe the U.S. and Hawaii constitutions' equal protection clause

Summary: The committee heard several water, land, and natural resources measures. SB 5 would narrow the definition of historic property to properties eligible for the Hawaii Register of Historic Places or with important Native Hawaiian or ethnic cultural value. The State Historic Preservation Division said the bill would tighten the definition and could reduce or streamline reviews, while one testifier warned it could add another layer of review and delay. Support and opposition were both noted. SB 19 would appropriate funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources to establish positions, and it drew strong support from DLNR and multiple ocean and reef advocates. SB 145, concerning declarations of water shortage and emergency, was supported by the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Board of Water Supply, which said rulemaking would improve transparency and public input. The chair also noted broader public concern about water use and pricing, especially on Maui. SB 44 would prohibit commercial sale of parrotfish caught by spearing and ban spearing them at night; DLNR supported the measure, while several fishers and gathering-rights advocates opposed it, arguing it would restrict traditional gathering and that resource management should focus on fish populations rather than methods. The committee noted 26 communications in support and opposition combined. SB 427 would bar the state from leasing or extending public land leases to parties in arrears, out of compliance with environmental obligations, or convicted of a crime, and would require gubernatorial certification for certain federal leases. DLNR said existing law and BLNR procedures already address compliance and cure periods, while supporters argued the bill would help ensure accountability for contaminated or poorly managed lands. The committee also began SB 457, dealing with submerged land reclamation and leasing of submerged/tidal lands; DLNR again said current statutes and BLNR protocols were already adequate, describing existing review and enforcement practices for shoreline structures and easements. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• With over eight years of experience protecting Texas homeowner rights, I am here in support of SB600
• In my experience representing low-income homeowners in San Antonio, El Paso, and other areas of South
• Partition of Heirs Property Act to protect heir owners' property rights and prevent the loss of homes
• It does deal with better notice, better process, better valuation, and protection of individual rights
• With the passage of Dodd-Frank in 2010 and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,

Bills: SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• efficient and more reliable for Florida businesses.
• And and that's what we're doing. >> And I love to have that discussion with you. Just one.
• breeding and by creating statutory framework that protects and promotes the Florida thoroughbred industry
• I specifically excluding thoroughbred racing from decouple Lee and retained other protective measures
• a partnership with the thoroughbred horsemen's and carefully crafted and the statutes to promote, protect

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Constitution and laws of this state, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and
• Father, there are earthquakes going around Louisiana; protect our people and our infrastructure.
• And while our fiscal responsibility program is complete, our commitment to efficiency is not.
• Now, lowering insurance costs protects families, but families also need safe, reliable roads and bridges
• House Bill by Representative Hilfordi, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority, East and West

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received and processed multiple resignation notices and special-election proclamations for vacant seats. The chamber later recognized and swore in newly elected members Doyle Boudreaux, Reese Broussard, Chassity Verrett-Martinez, and Edwin Murray after no objections were raised to their qualifications. The House also appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was ready to conduct business for the 2026 regular session, and it adopted the proposed standing committee meeting schedule and referred prefiled bills to committee without objection. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the introduction and reading of a very large number of House bills and resolutions across many subject areas. Measures included the annual appropriations bill, a proposed constitutional convention, carbon dioxide sequestration and pipeline permitting, retirement-system changes, criminal justice and public safety proposals, education and workforce measures, local government and district creation bills, insurance and liability reforms, and numerous commemorative resolutions. Several prefiled bills were withdrawn, and many introduced measures were assigned to committees or allowed to lie over under the rules. The House then entered a joint session with the Senate for the governor’s address. Governor Jeff Landry outlined his administration’s priorities and praised recent legislative actions on taxes, insurance reform, transportation, education, and fiscal discipline. He urged support for Amendment 3 on teacher pay and retirement, called for further workforce and health initiatives, defended insurance and transportation reforms, and pressed for judicial reform, especially in Orleans Parish, citing the death of Jacob Carter and failures in electronic monitoring as examples. He also promoted replacing the vehicle inspection sticker with a QR code system and highlighted economic growth, lower taxes, and infrastructure investments. The joint session also included a presentation of the colors by the Louisiana National Guard and a Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony for Technical Sergeant Adam W. Brister, recognizing his 2018 rescue mission in Alaska. After the governor’s remarks and the military honor presentation, the joint session concluded and the House resumed introducing additional bills, continuing to file measures on topics such as health care, education, ethics, elections, local districts, and constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Manufactured homeowners must pay the 3.25% motor vehicle excise tax levy, while brick-and-mortar homes
• This just levels the playing field for all homeowners. And with that, I appreciate a yes vote.
• So they get the rights to develop that and then charge a fee to the homeowners who are in that MDD.
• of efficiency, missions, and orientation.
• efficiency and missions and orientation.

Bills: SB683 , SB1579 , SB1389 , SB1387 , SB1390 , SB1391 , SB2063 , SB1829 , SB2060 , SB1842 , SB1398 , SB1212 , SB2158 , SB102

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee considered a long series of bills, many dealing with tax credits, property taxes, and tax administration. Early action included Senate Bill 1579, which creates a taxpayer bill of rights for ad valorem tax assessments by sending taxpayers a plain-language notice of existing rights; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 683, as amended, expanded the parental choice tax credit to cover certain supplemental educational services for private-school students, including tutoring and summer learning programs, but drew concerns about broad language and unequal treatment of public-school students; it passed 8-3 with one member not voting. Senate Bill 1389 proposed a $25 million increase in the parental choice tax credit cap; supporters said the program is nearing its limit and should grow gradually, while opponents cited lack of outcomes data and benefits flowing disproportionately to higher-income families and metro counties. It passed 10-2. The committee also advanced several tax and property-related measures. Senate Bill 1387 would allow a sales tax refund when a vehicle is sold within six months of a purchase, even without a trade-in, and passed 10-2. Senate Bill 1390 extended and removed a cap on funding for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and related agencies, passing unanimously. Senate Bill 2063 would require the State Treasurer to publish more information about unclaimed property online; the Treasurer’s office opposed it over privacy and burden concerns, but the bill passed 7-3. Senate Bill 1829 reduced the motor vehicle excise tax on manufactured homes to align more closely with the tax burden on traditional homes, and passed 8-2. Senate Bill 1842 would let county treasurers offer a 12-month installment prepayment plan for ad valorem taxes; it passed 9-1. Several other bills were debated on policy and accountability grounds. Senate Bill 1391 would require private schools participating in the parental choice tax credit to administer state tests and report results; supporters framed it as accountability for public tax dollars, while opponents argued it would undermine private-school autonomy and school-choice goals. It failed 5-7. Senate Bill 1398 created a capped tax credit for donations to certain nonprofits serving foster care, pregnancy resource centers, therapeutic care, and anti-trafficking efforts; members asked for clearer outcome measures, but it passed 8-2. Senate Bill 1212, addressing selective property appraisals in some counties, passed 9-1. Senate Bill 2158 would extend favorable tax treatment to health care sharing ministry contributions, and passed 8-2. Senate Bill 102 clarified when remote workers and certain short-term workers owe Oklahoma income tax, with discussion focused on athletes, entertainers, public figures, and contract workers; it passed 10-0. Finally, Senate Bill 2060, a governor-requested housing infrastructure bill creating master development districts, was still being refined but passed 6-4 to keep it moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• “That is seismic protected, the best vault you could ever imagine, where this is stored on site, and
• there’s thousands of acres that they have there, and it is protected in this vault, and there’s much,
• I think this bill is protective of the veterinarian and agriculture community, but I fully support it
• I think this bill is protective of the veterinarian and agriculture community, but I fully support it
• This is absolutely necessary for our elderly and to give them proper protection through the rest of their

Summary: The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the House Journal by roll call vote (112-2), and numerous introductions of special guests, including former Rep. Bill Kidd, students, educators, pharmacy students, labor representatives, and community groups. Members also made a few personal announcements, including a birthday recognition. The chamber then moved into floor business on bills for perfection and printing. The main debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, the Missouri Nuclear Clean Power Act. Supporters argued the bill would remove Missouri’s ban on construction work in progress for nuclear plants, lower long-term electricity costs, support baseload power, attract industry and data centers, and help Missouri keep pace with small modular reactor development in other states and countries. Opponents said the measure would shift construction risk and potential cost overruns to ratepayers, cited past nuclear cost overruns and safety/waste concerns, and argued Missouri voters had already rejected this approach. After extended debate and several inquiries, the House adopted the committee substitute and then perfected and printed the bill. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 1881, which would classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. Supporters said the drug is being misused in fentanyl mixtures, causing severe harm and deaths, while preserving legitimate veterinary and agricultural uses. Members from veterinary and law enforcement backgrounds backed the bill, and no opposition was voiced before passage. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2292, a cross-reporting bill for child, elder, and companion animal abuse. The sponsor said the measure would require agencies already involved in abuse reporting to cross-report related abuse and train accordingly, while exempting agricultural animals. Members discussed amendments to criminalize knowingly starving an animal and to allow POST-certified state investigators to assist in elder abuse cases; both amendments were adopted. Debate also focused on concerns about training sources and whether animal-rights groups could misuse the bill, but the sponsor said the measure would not expand access to farms or animal control authority. The committee substitute was advanced after discussion.