Transcript Highlights:

• I know several of them personally, and they know our family, and they're wonderful young ladies up here
• Representative Kennedy is one of my several House members, and so he's got a special guest here.
• I know several of them personally, and they know our family, and they're wonderful young ladies up here
• Representative Candidee is one of my several House members, and so he's got a special guest here.
• So what this is, there were several other regulations that Wildlife had doubled up on on oil and gas.

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076 , HB2299 , HB3852 , HB3244 , HB3345 , HB3114 , HB3764 , HB4144 , HB3304 , HB2939 , HB4227 , HB3262 , HB2941 , HB3498 , HB4343 , HB4425 , HB3386 , HB3087 , HB3062 , HB3431 , HB4141 , HB3581 , HB4237 , HB2960 , HB3645 , HB3648 , HB3974 , HB3045 , SCR18 , HCR1024 , SJR39 , SJR49 , HB4486 , SB1130 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1142 , HB1823 , HB4476 , HB3378 , HB3880 , HB3031 , HB3369 , HB3429 , HB3657 , HB4215 , HB3624 , HB1170

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the daily prayer, and recognized a series of guests and special introductions, including Langston University Day, Moore Public Schools cheer and pom squads, a student shadow, former Senator Connie Johnson, Brazilian missionaries, and a long-serving mental health employee. The chamber also heard introductions from the day’s pages. The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, recognizing April 21, 2026, as National Lineman Appreciation Day, and House Concurrent Resolution 1024, designating Route 66 Day at the Capitol and honoring the highway’s centennial. Senators then advanced Senate Joint Resolution 49, which revokes a Wildlife Department rule requiring oil and gas companies to post a surety bond, after discussion clarified the measure was intended to eliminate duplicative regulation; the resolution advanced on a 42-3 vote. The Senate also passed House Bill 4486, authorizing the State Capitol Preservation Commission to arrange a privately funded Gold Star Family Monument near the Capitol Square Arch, and approved several appropriations measures tied to ARPA interest or excess funds. These included Senate Bill 1130 for the University of Oklahoma Hospital Trust Authority’s Child Behavioral Health Project, Senate Bill 1131 for the Office of Juvenile Affairs’ Youth Services Program, Senate Bill 1132 for the Rural Hospital Rebuild Program, Senate Bill 1133 for Griffin Memorial Hospital replacement capacity, Senate Bill 1134 for the Human Performance Project and Pharmaceutical Expansion Project, and Senate Bill 1142 for grants to the Boys & Girls Club and YWCA. Most of these bills were adopted with emergency clauses after roll-call votes, with some members changing votes before final emergency passage. The Senate then announced committee meetings and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

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

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

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Rachel Franklin, along with several student pages and visiting groups in the galleries, including Catholic home educators, Leadership Moore, and ALS advocates. The ALS introduction highlighted the disease’s effects and the need for awareness and support. The chamber then took up several bills. Senate Bill 392 reestablished the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission through 2030 to support military installations and related planning, and it passed 47-0 with emergency status. Senate Bill 985 codified the local food for schools program and gave the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry more flexibility to administer it; members discussed its benefits for school nutrition and local producers, and it also passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1265 extended the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days due to the decline of daily and weekly newspapers, and it passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1283 updated probate law so out-of-state executors, administrators, or guardians must appoint an agent in Oklahoma rather than in the county where the case is heard, and it passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1441 made it unlawful to knowingly fly a drone over critical infrastructure below 400 feet or into the structure, with penalties aligned to physical trespass, and it also passed 47-0. The Senate then made several committee and devotional announcements before adjourning until Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Bills: SR29 , SB667 , SB1466 , SB1942 , SB1989 , SB1670 , SB1716 , SB1521 , SB1273 , SB1433 , HJR1032 , SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364

Keywords: Black History Month, Black Oklahomans, civil rights, Tulsa Race Massacre, Greenwood, Jim Crow, segregation, all-Black towns, Boley, Langston University, Clara Luper, NAACP Youth Council, Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail, Black history, African American history, racial justice, commemorative resolution, Black excellence, state history, heritage month

Bills: SR29 , SB667 , SB1466 , SB1942 , SB1989 , SB1670 , SB1716 , SB1521 , SB1273 , SB1433 , HJR1032 , SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364

Keywords: Black History Month, Black Oklahomans, civil rights, Tulsa Race Massacre, Greenwood, Jim Crow, segregation, all-Black towns, Boley, Langston University, Clara Luper, NAACP Youth Council, Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail, Black history, African American history, racial justice, commemorative resolution, Black excellence, state history, heritage month

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and then spent much of the session on recognitions and floor introductions. The chamber honored the undefeated Jones High School Longhorns football team for winning the Class 2A-I state championship, recognized Miss Oklahoma 2025 Tessa Darrell, and celebrated the Murray State College bass fishing team for winning its second consecutive national title. The Senate also adopted SR-29, a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month and highlighting Black Oklahomans’ history, civil rights contributions, and achievements; the resolution passed without opposition. The Senate then took up several bills. SB 667, requested by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, updates chiropractic licensure language, moves to an online licensure portal, and repeals an obsolete consultant position; it passed 45-0. SB 1466 extends the sunset date for the advisory committee on midwifery to 2036; it passed 41-4 and was advanced as an emergency measure. SB 1942, dealing with dental insurance and provider pricing for services not reimbursed by insurance, prompted extended debate over free-market principles, patient costs, and insurance contract limits; it passed 40-3. SB 1989 modernizes the Oklahoma College Savings Plan by allowing contributions through digital payment platforms such as Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, and digital wallets; it passed 44-0. The Senate also heard gallery introductions for FCCLA students, including the Bristow chapter and Adair High School students, and welcomed former Senator Judy Easton McIntyre for Black History Month events. Committee and floor announcements followed, including upcoming meetings of Business and Insurance, Administrative Rules, and Technology and Telecommunications. The chamber then adjourned until Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 4 , SB 5 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 14 , SB 15 , SB 16 , SB 17 , SB 18 , SB 34

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, redistricting, election

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that several are tired because they've spent early, early hours yesterday.
• George to provide relative to the allocation and exercise of certain municipal taxing authority.
• This just defines insurance premium taxes and municipal license tax imposed on insurers based on premiums
• prohibits the city of Baton Rouge or East Baton Rouge Parish from levying or collecting insurance premium tax
• Several of the owners that have called me said, you know, we even let them pay us on a monthly basis.

Bills: SR116 , SR117 , SR118 , SR119 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR12 , HB682 , HB766 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB824 , HB926 , HB1186 , HB1201 , HB1223 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1258 , HB221 , HCR53 , HCR62 , HCR72 , HCR58 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1194 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB1250 , SB29 , SB30 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB47 , SB84 , SB93 , SB113 , SB192 , SB199 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB241 , SB253 , SB255 , SB289 , SB292 , SB306 , SB314 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB14 , SB102 , SB133 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB200 , SB217 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB330 , SB449 , SB489 , SB521 , SB424 , SCR9 , SB25 , SB250 , SB348 , SB405 , SB444 , SB485 , SB35 , SB65 , SB132 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HCR61 , HCR77 , HCR31 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB17 , HB21 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1239 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB210 , HB220 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB36 , HB73 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB166 , HB211 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB354 , HB399 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759 , HB789 , HB850 , HB956 , HB966 , HB1036 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441 , HB258 , HB842

Keywords: SR116, Senate Resolution 116, Louisiana Senate, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, Tyler Marie Grezaffi, law enforcement, corrections officer, deputy sheriff, master sergeant, investigator, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Pointe Coupee Parish, Iberville Parish, public service, bereavement, sympathy, SR117, Senate Resolution 117

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long calendar of House and Senate measures. Early business included adoption of a large batch of Bureau reports and numerous committee reports, along with several personal privilege recognitions for guests and observances, including Aviation Day at the Capitol, Safe Boating Week, and recognition of a student’s educational achievements. The chamber also received messages from the House on several Senate concurrent resolutions and conference committee reports, including House Bill 842, the omnibus election bill, which was taken up and adopted after discussion of changes to Louisiana election procedures, congressional primary timing, ballot order, and related qualifying and public-records provisions. The Senate also adopted or concurred in several resolutions, including measures on community action, early education, condolences, and a blockchain and digital innovation task force. A major portion of the meeting focused on floor debate and final passage of several bills. Senate Bill 250, dealing with comprehensive weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits, was amended to remove GLP-1 and compounded-therapy provisions and then passed. Senate Bill 348 authorizing local law enforcement to contract for administrative and logistical support for motor vehicle regulatory enforcement passed, as did Senate Bill 405 creating a statewide quality oversight initiative for nursing facilities. Senate Bill 444 and Senate Bill 485, both relating to the new city of St. George’s expropriation and taxing authority, passed after amendments and questions about their local impact. Senate Bill 25, on compensation for registrars of voters and staff, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 132, requiring exterior master key boxes and school mapping integration for public schools, passed as a school safety measure. The Senate then considered a series of House bills, many of them local or regulatory in nature. These included HB 649 on dual enrollment, HB 665 on hoop nets in North Pass and Manchac Pass, HB 681 on the Lakeview Crime Prevention District, HB 721 on night shrimping in parts of Vermilion Bay, HB 746 on statewide oversized vehicle permits, HB 781 on fleet vehicle registration, HB 835 on charter guide wildlife management area access permits, HB 857 on commingled seafood labeling, HB 872 and HB 886 on menhaden fishing radios and harvest reporting, HB 889 on bulk oyster tagging, HB 892 creating the West End Economic Development District, HB 982 naming memorial highways, HB 987 consolidating LSU energy-related programs, HB 1037 and HB 1072 on DOTD operational reforms, HB 1068 on garbage collection contracting authority, HB 1078 on tuition and fees for distance education, HB 1085 repealing private vehicle inspection sticker requirements, HB 1132 on lab school funding under the University of Louisiana system, HB 1137 limiting adverse employment action against state employees over pronoun use, HB 1167 naming memorial roadways, and HB 1174 recreating DOTD through 2031. Most of these measures passed, often after brief debate and occasional amendments; HB 1085 drew opposition over the loss of inspection-related jobs and concerns about unsafe vehicles, but it still passed. One notable bill, Senate Bill 500 on medical malpractice and the Patient Compensation Fund, was not brought to a vote; after extensive debate about the medical review panel system, claims costs, and proposed certificate-of-merit changes, the author said he would turn it into a study resolution instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• and cutting our corporate taxes.
• Do you see the similarity in terms of cutting taxes and personal income tax and corporate taxes, and
• The people back home have no choice whether or not to pay their taxes.
• No income tax and then also have tax credits. So at some point, this desire is gonna hit a crash.
• to the way we write our tax policy in the state.

Bills: HB3418 , HB3985 , HB3463 , HB3002 , HB4303 , HB3919 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3415 , HB2206 , HB3414 , HB3265 , HB3310 , HB3413 , HB4486 , HB1219 , SR39 , SB1177 , HB3298 , HB2696 , HB3941 , HB3970 , HB3264 , HB3321 , HB2650 , HB3497 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB4421 , HB3177 , HB3322 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3845 , HB3742 , HB3622 , HB1250 , HB2710 , HB3831 , HB4408 , HB1002 , HB3008 , HB3086 , HB3595 , HB3678 , HB4107 , HB3695 , HB3315 , HB3590 , HB3006 , HB3151 , HB2959 , HB2398 , HB3026 , HB3467 , HB4268 , HB3372 , HB2210 , HB4359 , HB4427

Keywords: public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education

Transcript Highlights:

• cuts that we've seen, and most recently the largest tax cut in state history related to... ...tax cuts
• of the sales tax on groceries.
• President, do you see the similarity in terms of cutting taxes and personal income tax, corporate taxes
• , and that we are out of first... ...taxes and personal income tax, corporate taxes, and that we are
• You can't have no income tax and then also have tax credits.

Bills: HB3418 , HB3985 , HB3463 , HB3002 , HB4303 , HB3919 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3415 , HB2206 , HB3414 , HB3265 , HB3310 , HB3413 , HB4486 , HB1219 , SR39 , SB1177 , HB3298 , HB2696 , HB3941 , HB3970 , HB3264 , HB3321 , HB2650 , HB3497 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB4421 , HB3177 , HB3322 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3845 , HB3742 , HB3622 , HB1250 , HB2710 , HB3831 , HB4408 , HB1002 , HB3008 , HB3086 , HB3595 , HB3678 , HB4107 , HB3695 , HB3315 , HB3590 , HB3006 , HB3151 , HB2959 , HB2398 , HB3026 , HB3467 , HB4268 , HB3372 , HB2210 , HB4359 , HB4427

Keywords: public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer, and recognized the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, along with several visiting groups in the galleries, including the Goldsby Volunteer Fire Department and families honoring fallen firefighters Todd Pendleton and Brian Jenkins, the Sapulpa Elks Antlers, the Grove Chamber of Commerce, and northeastern Oklahoma cattlemen. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 39, celebrating the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 70 and its economic importance to southern Oklahoma communities. The main item of business was the Joint Committee Report for Senate Bill 1177, the General Appropriation Bill for the State of Oklahoma. Senators questioned the budget’s overall size, the use of gross production tax revenues, the new sovereign/endowment trust fund, Medicaid and Health Care Authority funding, mental health appropriations, child care subsidy funding, school security, career tech, tourism, the Commissioners of the Land Office, textbook allocations, and several other agency lines. The chair explained that the budget included about $1.5 billion in cash and sweeps, a $250 million base appropriation for the Health Care Authority, $200 million for the endowment trust fund, $31 million for PREP projects, $25 million for the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, and other agency-specific appropriations and supplements. Several members debated the report before adoption. Supporters argued the budget addressed agency needs and future savings, while opponents criticized it as a flat or spending-heavy budget that favored special projects and well-connected interests over core services such as child care, mental health, water infrastructure, and county needs. After debate, the Joint Committee Report for SB 1177 was adopted, and the Senate moved through the budget discussion with no recorded roll-call vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several of you also have libraries represented from your district.

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Transcript Highlights:

• Several of you also have libraries represented from your district.

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Summary: The House met in quorum call and then took up a long series of Senate bills, most of them passing with little or no debate. Early action included SB 1475, renaming the I-35 bridge at Indian Hills in Norman as the Toby Keith Memorial Interchange, which passed 77-5. SB 1447, modifying the RFP process for the state employees’ prescription drug plan, passed 87-0. The chamber also adopted Senate amendments to HB 2288 on the Teacher Retirement System, shortening the return-to-work waiting period for teachers from three years to six months, and both the bill and its emergency clause passed 90-0. Other education-related measures included SB 1521 on conversational AI child protections, SB 1276 making the “bell-to-bell, no-cell” school cellphone restriction permanent, SB 201 raising the minimum teacher salary schedule by $2,000, and SB 1721 extending and restructuring the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education; all advanced, with SB 201 drawing the most debate over teacher pay, local control, and whether the increase was enough. The House also passed bills on veterans, public safety, and state operations. SB 1533 would allow the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to bury Oklahoma resident veterans who die out of state. SB 1232 updated penalties for copper theft, SB 1255 shifted medical pardon review from the DOC director to the medical director, SB 1327 restored more authority to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission board, and SB 1525 authorized up to $75,000 for the state’s annual tourism conference; the tourism bill also received emergency passage. Additional measures included SB 667 clarifying chiropractic education language, SB 1436 requiring hospitals to provide information after fetal death, SB 1317 allowing career teacher status to transfer to a new district with approval, SB 604 resolving motor vehicle statutory conflicts, SB 1325 protecting domestic abuse victims, SB 1496 updating OSBI authority, SB 2007 requiring PBMs to honor appealed reimbursement rates going forward, SB 1567 clarifying nursing language, SB 2112 cleaning up open pasture road law, SB 1980 creating gift card protections, SB 1735 aligning career tech oversight, SB 1558 clarifying child-care licensing rules for certain group homes, SB 1491 clarifying replacement presidential electors’ oath requirements, SB 1287 allowing the Abstractors Board to deny licenses to people not legally working in the U.S., and SB 1378 creating an Olympics in Oklahoma revolving fund. Most of these passed by wide margins, and several emergency clauses were adopted. The chamber also rejected a motion to vacate the temporary presiding officer, and later voted to reject Senate amendments to HB 3403 and request further conference, while also requesting a second conference committee report on HB 1851. The session included multiple gallery introductions, including visitors, ag students, and a large page presentation. The House adjourned until Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's also a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of School
• And you passed a bill freshman term that Mark McCullough hadn't got done in several attempts.
• There's several other provisions that they can be removed from the program for.
• There's several other provisions that they can be removed from the program for.
• And so this seems like a lot of resources, a lot of potential tax dollars, and really tax time, which

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Nurse of the Day and several student and athletic groups, including Career Tech students, charter school students, Meridian Tech students, and Carl Albert championship teams. A lengthy personal privilege/farewell-style speech was delivered by Representative Lepak, reflecting on his service, family, staff, and legislative colleagues, and offering general advice about public service and the legislative process. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 1369, creating a 988 revolving fund to support Oklahoma’s mental health lifeline, passed 85-7. SB 1441, clarifying penalties for drones contacting critical infrastructure, passed 80-2. SB 137, adding DUI/GBI to electronic monitoring ineligibility and clarifying Department of Corrections language, passed 72-18 after questions about retroactivity and administrative authority. SB 843, raising the minimum ADA threshold from 400 to 550 for school districts to hire relatives of board members, passed 77-4, and its emergency clause also received the required two-thirds vote. The most extensive debate centered on SB 483, which would have authorized county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program for people seeking to move to supportive housing or services. Members raised concerns about homelessness policy, county capacity, public-private partnerships, safeguards, and possible misuse or “bussing” of people between communities. The bill ultimately failed 35-52, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. Later, SB 1433, requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and note they lack the force of law, passed unanimously; SB 1257, updating THC-related language in controlled substances law, passed 68-13; and SB 1365, updating promotional fund language for state retail outlets, lodges, gift shops, and golf courses, failed 43-42, with notice of reconsideration also given. The House then moved to recess until 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several years ago, we put in place a procedure where you could get electronic search warrants, but we

Bills: HB2936 , HB2937 , HB2951 , HB2960 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3062 , HB3082 , HB3087 , HB3148 , HB3152 , HB3262 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3299 , HB3544 , HB3606 , HB3678 , HB3790 , HB3903 , HB3996 , HB4139 , HB4140 , HB4142 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB4260 , HB4272 , HB4296 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4341 , HB4342

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: HB2936, children, child protection, adoption, Oklahoma Adoption Code, gestational carrier, gestational agreement, surrogacy, intended parent, preplacement home study, home study, prospective adoptive parent, foster placement, child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, lewd molestation, sex offender registry, Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act

Transcript Highlights:

• Several years ago, we put in place a procedure where you could get electronic search warrants, but we

Bills: HB2936 , HB2937 , HB2951 , HB2960 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3062 , HB3082 , HB3087 , HB3148 , HB3152 , HB3262 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3299 , HB3544 , HB3606 , HB3678 , HB3790 , HB3903 , HB3996 , HB4139 , HB4140 , HB4142 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB4260 , HB4272 , HB4296 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4341 , HB4342

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: HB2936, children, child protection, adoption, Oklahoma Adoption Code, gestational carrier, gestational agreement, surrogacy, intended parent, preplacement home study, home study, prospective adoptive parent, foster placement, child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, lewd molestation, sex offender registry, Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, mostly on criminal justice, public safety, transportation, and administrative procedures. Measures included lowering school-zone speed issues on certain highways (HB 2979), allowing DMV staff to accept physical proof of insurance (HB 2980), barring people convicted of pedophilia from adopting children (HB 2936), allowing lawful weapon carry on boats (HB 2937), and restricting fire departments from hiring people required to register as sex offenders (HB 382). Other bills addressed warrant fee increases for counties (HB 3262), making strangulation in domestic violence cases an 85% crime (HB 3264), creating offenses for reckless driving tied to racing and collisions (HB 3266), criminalizing knowingly making or displaying fictitious license plates (HB 3268), and allowing electronic arrest warrants (HB 3269). The committee also advanced bills on Open Meetings Act enforcement, OCC port-of-entry arrest authority, expanding protections for municipal officials and notaries, creating vessel titling, and modernizing vehicle inspection/title procedures. Several members raised questions about costs, enforcement authority, and whether new penalties would shift burdens to consumers or local governments. For example, HB 3262 drew concern about passing warrant-fee costs to the public, and HB 3268 prompted questions about existing law and the need for a new felony for fake tags. The OCC port-of-entry bill generated extended discussion about whether a regulatory agency should have arrest authority, with supporters arguing it would free up Highway Patrol and sheriff resources and opponents questioning the expansion of quasi-law-enforcement powers. Other bills were presented as request bills from agencies or constituents, including the Attorney General, Oklahoma City police, the Bomb Squad, the Corporation Commission, and local residents. The committee also approved a number of bills with little or no opposition, including a domestic violence strangulation measure, a bill on Open Meetings Act remedies, a bill allowing sentence modification requests by district attorneys, and a bill requiring domestic violence incident reports and judicial training. Later, the committee considered additional public safety and criminal procedure bills such as making firearm theft a felony, increasing the damage threshold for police response in property-damage crashes, and requiring the state to pay expert witness costs in capital appeals. Most measures were reported out do pass, with several unanimous votes and a few split votes, including HB 3262 and the OCC port-of-entry bill. The meeting ended after laying over a few bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• tax revenues remitted to parishes in which the severance occurs.
• And by the way, we just agreed to reduce the severance tax.
• Our association agreed to reduce the amount of severance tax moving forward.
• So we put a number in there of 20% of the severance tax can go to local government.
• That portion of the severance tax.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 16, 2026, and heard several bills dealing mainly with tax checkoffs, severance tax revenue, and estimated tax administration. The first major item was HB 156 by Rep. Bagley, a proposed constitutional amendment to remove the cap on the 20% share of severance tax revenues remitted to parishes where production occurs. Supporters from local government and the Police Jury Association argued that the cap prevents parishes from receiving the full share intended to help repair roads, bridges, drainage, and other infrastructure damaged by oil and gas activity. Members raised concerns about the bill’s roughly $42 million fiscal note and the state budget outlook, and the author ultimately agreed to voluntarily defer the bill after discussion of possible phase-ins and other compromises. The committee then took up HB 602 by Rep. Bamberg, another severance-tax-related constitutional amendment that would phase in a higher parish cap over five years, with a separate amendment tying the increase to parishes that exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxes. After questions about how it would interact with the pending inventory-tax amendment and its fiscal impact, the committee adopted the amendment and voluntarily deferred the bill pending a fiscal note. The committee also heard HB 852 by Rep. Lyons, which restores the income tax checkoff for donations to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence by lowering the performance threshold from $10,000 to $5,000; members discussed the number of checkoffs on the return and the need to keep the form manageable, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, the committee considered HB 474 by Rep. Young, creating an individual income tax checkoff for the Grambling University National Alumni Association. Members again debated whether tax-return checkoffs amount to government-facilitated fundraising and whether they crowd the return, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 633 by Chairman Bacala, a cleanup bill adjusting estimated tax penalty timing and calculations to match current tax law; an amendment set was adopted to replace references to personal exemptions with the standard deduction, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an increase in the severance tax, a little bit of an increase, not much, about $13 million.
• I have an increase in the severance tax, a little bit of an increase, not much, about $13 million.
• Basically, we have not seen this severance tax remittance response to these higher prices yet.
• One reason I've got good severance in severance taxes and royalties is because I know we're very likely
• Therefore, I do not have this big jump in severance tax. Same story for the royalties.

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time. The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the same oil and gas severance tax.
• We use severance taxes, which are highly volatile.
• severance tax dollars that were not used for capital outlay projects.
• Tax Fund, which is pretty remarkable considering how new one fund is versus the Severance Tax Fund, which
• It's the Land Grant, Severance Tax, and Water Trust Fund. Thank you.

Committee: House Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• more in consumer sales tax and severance taxes.
• We see some upside on the severance tax side, and then the three decliners. Thank you.
• Severance tax. Severance tax is the most difficult...
• Severance tax is the most difficult one to predict.
• And natural gas is now the leading source of severance tax right now. It's moving on up.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the January 15 morning meeting. The main agenda item was the Department of Revenue’s budget and revenue presentation from Secretary Eric Nelson, Deputy Secretary Peter Shirley, and Deputy Secretary Mark Mucco. Nelson said the state remains double-A rated with a positive outlook, the budget includes a 5% personal income tax reduction, and the 2027 general revenue estimate is $5.493 billion, up $170 million from the prior year. Shirley gave an economic overview, saying West Virginia is forecast to see continued but slowing employment growth, continued wage growth, gains in private education/health services and business services, declines in some sectors, improving labor force participation relative to the nation, and strong recent net in-migration. He also noted continued growth in natural gas production and a modest rebound in coal production, though coal faces longer-term demand pressure. Mucco reviewed revenue trends and said 2025 collections were about $5.5 billion, below the prior year but above estimate, with personal income tax and sales tax driving the surplus. He explained that the forecast incorporates the 5% PIT cut and annual conformity to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including changes such as Section 179 expensing, bonus depreciation, R&D expensing, business interest deductions, and a new manufacturing facility expensing provision. He also discussed the effects of tax credits, severance tax volatility, declining tobacco revenues, and health care provider tax changes tied to federal Medicaid rules. He said road fund revenues are largely flat absent policy changes, and county commission revenues are growing faster than state revenues. Members asked about when new economic development projects like NewCore would appear in the projections, how much 20,000 new jobs would matter, whether the department had a calculator for job-growth impacts, the status of recent tax cuts, road fund growth, tobacco/vape taxation, and whether migration data could be broken down by county. The witnesses said major projects are not yet in the S&P-based forecast but would likely add jobs, wages, and tax revenue over time; they estimated 20,000 jobs would be a significant increase. They also said the state is unlikely to hit the current personal income tax trigger in the near term. No substantive votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee adjourned after a motion carried by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an increase in the severance tax, a little bit of an increase, not much, about $13 million.
• When we get to severance tax, I've got the Moody's forecast on oil prices for the current year is...
• Basically, we have not seen this severance tax remittance response to these higher prices yet.
• One reason I've got good severance in severance taxes and royalties is because I know we're very likely
• Therefore, I do not have this big jump in the severance tax. Same story for the royalties.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast. The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted. Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.