Video & Transcript Research : 'Oklahoma Census'

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OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 17th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Franklin is a family physician and current president of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians.
  • My name is Lauren Jackson, and I'm a senior at Oklahoma Union High School in Nowata, Oklahoma.
  • I am paging for Senator Pugh, and my plans... a union high school in Nowada, Oklahoma.
  • Members, this is the Catholic home educators of eastern Oklahoma.
  • Senate Bill 1265 is a request of Oklahoma Cities and Towns and the Oklahoma Municipal League.
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.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education 2ND REVISED Apr 14th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill proposes to require all of our colleges and universities in Oklahoma to adopt a policy that
  • College already has such a policy in place, and the recommendation for this legislation came from our Oklahoma
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education 2ND REVISED Apr 14th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill proposes to require all of our colleges and universities in Oklahoma to adopt a policy that
  • College already has such a policy in place, and the recommendation for this legislation came from our Oklahoma
Summary: The Senate Education Committee met and first recognized visiting students and staff from Putnam City North and Edmond Public Schools. The committee then took up several House bills, beginning with HB 3312, which would require annual age-appropriate firearm safety instruction in public schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year, with CLEET and the Department of Education developing the curriculum. The bill was advanced on a 9-2 vote after the author described it as a safety measure and cited a personal tragedy involving children and a firearm. The committee also passed HB 3700, requiring colleges and universities to adopt policies ensuring grades are based only on academic performance, and HB 2981, requiring school districts to post school board meeting minutes within two weeks of approval. HB 2961, creating the Tech Sergeant Marshall Dakota Roberts Gold Star Surviving Act to provide tuition, fees, and room and board for spouses and children of Gold Star recipients at state public universities or career tech schools, passed unanimously after discussion of a possible fiscal impact. HB 3016, establishing a two-year pilot vision screening program for about 12 schools to identify convergence insufficiency disorders linked to literacy, also passed. Later, HB 4478 passed to raise the daily deposit threshold for school districts and sites from $100 to $500 while still requiring weekly deposits. HB 4326, a cleanup bill related to Oklahoma’s Promise deadlines, certified teacher definitions, and a contingent T-SET-related provision, passed after debate about its unfinished status and funding concerns. HB 3025 passed with a change excluding donations from general fund collections for carryover balance purposes for one year, and HB 3710 passed to make a new higher education program cohort-based, requiring students to begin eligibility as freshmen. The chair closed by noting the committee had moved quickly, and announced upcoming executive nominee meetings and another committee meeting the following week.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Taxation Apr 6th, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill involves updates to the Oklahoma tax code related to donations made via tax returns.
  • In my district, the correct prison in southwestern Oklahoma.
  • But this will come from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Did I hear $195,000 to $600,000?
  • But this will come from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
  • It was an act of the state of Oklahoma in furtherance of a compelling state interest that.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Taxation Apr 6th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill involves updates to the Oklahoma Tax Code related to donations made via tax returns.
  • We are creating the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Equipment and Capital Improvement Program.
  • Prison in southwestern Oklahoma. Senator Jett. I draw some comfort that I heard accurately.
  • $318,000 to $595,000, but this will come from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
  • But this will come from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Senator Jett.
Summary: The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee considered several House bills dealing with tax credits, fee changes, school funding, and investment authority. House Bill 4426 extended the sunset on the SIDE tax credit to December 31, 2032, and passed 7-2. House Bill 3704 elected Oklahoma into the federal income tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and passed 9-2. House Bill 4311 raised the unclaimed property division’s administrative fee from 4% to 6% to cover increased duties and costs; it passed 8-3 after debate over whether the increase was justified. House Bill 3044 reauthorized the veterans income tax checkoff and the associated capital improvement fund, and passed 10-0. House Bill 4191 revised the Smaller Employer Quality Jobs Act by lowering job thresholds, expanding qualifying locations and industries, and changing other eligibility rules; it passed 6-4. House Bill 3465 extended the emission tax credit sunset from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029 and passed 6-4, with opponents arguing it subsidized compliance with federal mandates. House Bill 3972, a title-off bill addressing ad valorem reimbursement issues tied to the state purchase of a prison, drew extensive debate over precedent and scope; an amendment to add a sunset failed 5-5, and the bill then passed 8-2 as amended.
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Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Energy REVISED: Links Added Apr 1st, 2026

Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And what this bill does, it's a bill request from the Oklahoma Energy Producers Association. ...that
  • These companies are the backbone of Oklahoma.
  • In Oklahoma? These lawsuits are happening right now in Oklahoma? Not to my knowledge yet.
  • We're not going to waste Oklahoma judicial economy or our taxpayer dollars with such things here.
  • And we're going to protect that in Oklahoma. Chairman Lepak, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
Summary: The committee took up several energy and environmental bills, most of them mirror measures or agency-related changes. SB 1976, a mirror of HB 3469, would provide a three-year phase-in for new surety bond requirements adopted in HB 1369 and was reported out do pass on a 10-0 vote. SB 1314 would increase the well drillers fund limits for plugging bad wells that could contaminate aquifers, raising the per-well amount to $25,000 and the fund cap from $50,000 to $100,000; it also passed 10-0. SB 1191 repeals the law creating the Oklahoma Energy Low Carbon Initiative Board, which had never been appointed or met, and it passed 10-0. SB 1613, a mirror of HB 3142, was also reported do pass 10-0 after members noted prior questions had been resolved. SB 1246, from the Department of Environmental Quality, was described as streamlining services while keeping information online and preserving public comment time; it passed 11-0. The committee then spent the most time on SB 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, which would bar certain causes of action related to greenhouse gas emissions and alleged climate-change effects. Supporters argued it would protect Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry from costly, speculative lawsuits and preserve the state’s economy, while opponents questioned whether it would shield an industry from accountability and compared it to past tobacco litigation. The bill’s author said it would not affect other pollution claims or federal enforcement, only climate-related civil actions. After extended discussion, SB 1439 was reported out do pass on a 9-3 vote. Finally, SB 1930, the mirror bill to the Brine Development Act, was presented as a measure to speed up development of iodine and other mineral recovery from oilfield wastewater while avoiding conflicts with existing oil and gas operations and Corporation Commission rules. Members discussed Oklahoma’s role in iodine production, possible market growth, and concerns about creating unintended causes of action for surface owners or class-action claims. The author said amendments were still being negotiated, but the bill was nevertheless reported out do pass on an 11-0 vote. The chair closed by noting this was expected to be the committee’s only scheduled meeting, absent any reassignments.
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Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 29th, 2026

Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Bills: HB1851
Summary: In the Conference Committee for Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight, Reverend Shriver presented House Bill 1851. He described it as a consumer protection measure that would give consumers rights regarding auto-renewal on subscriptions. After the bill was introduced, the chair asked for questions, but none were raised. There was no debate on the measure. The committee then moved to open the bill for signature, with no further discussion or recorded vote in the transcript.
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Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 15th, 2026

Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Bills: HB1851
Summary: The Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight met to take up Conference Committee Report No. 2 on House Bill 1851. Representative Shriver explained that the bill is a consumer protection measure aimed at giving consumers notice before annual subscriptions automatically renew, so they are reminded of upcoming charges and are aware they agreed to an annual subscription. Shriver also said the bill includes additional consumer protections to ensure people understand what they are agreeing to when signing up for such subscriptions. No questions or debate were raised during the meeting. After discussion, the chair opened the report for signatures, and the committee then adjourned.
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Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

State Powers Apr 8th, 2026 at 09:00 am

State Powers

Transcript Highlights:
  • may be a foreign company that organizes as a corporation like in Delaware and then buys land in Oklahoma
Bills: SB1287
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Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture and Wildlife Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Agriculture and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe that native is very important in Oklahoma.
  • So, wheat is grown all across Oklahoma.
  • Senate Bill 2172 is actually a request bill from the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary located in Lindsay, Oklahoma
  • I'm the executive director of Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary.
  • What an Oklahoma policy council can also assist with.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture and Wildlife Feb 16th, 2026

Agriculture and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so native is very big in Oklahoma. We have a big native culture and native pollinators.
  • And I believe that native is very important in Oklahoma.
  • So wheat has grown all across Oklahoma.
  • Oklahoma.
  • I'm the executive director of Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary.
Summary: The committee took up several agriculture and wildlife-related bills. Senate Bill 1550, presented by Senator Axson, would give county commissioners more authority to issue burn bans during drought conditions and provide liability protection for those decisions; it passed 13-0. Senate Bill 2065, presented by Senator Bullard with help from Lucille Morehouse, would designate several native pollinators and recognize the importance of pollinators to agriculture and food production; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 2152, by Senator Kern, would allow the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to move black bear muzzleloader and archery season earlier, starting no earlier than September 1; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 2159, by Senator Peterson, would designate wheat as the state crop; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 2172, also by Senator Peterson, would prohibit future ownership, sale, trade, or breeding of primates while allowing existing lawful owners to register and comply with rules, with exceptions for sanctuaries, research, veterinary, law enforcement, and zoo settings; it passed 11-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2110 from Senator Murdoch, which would allow farmers to sell ungraded eggs. Members raised concerns about the low egg limit and asked about sales to restaurants and urban farms; the author said he would work on the number and other details. The bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 2111, also by Senator Murdoch, would remove the orange-clothing requirement for hunters on private hunt reserves or private hunt facilities; it passed 12-0. Finally, Senator Guthrie presented Senate Bill 2114, as amended by committee substitute, to make it unlawful to knowingly, recklessly, or negligently allow a dog to harass wildlife on property without permission, while excluding lawful hunting, livestock protection dogs, and brief accidental crossings. Members discussed dog hunting, property rights, and possible GPS or collar language; the chairman struck the title to allow further work on the bill. The measure passed 12-1. The meeting then adjourned after the chair noted the committee would continue with more bills in future meetings.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Apr 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We think this is going to help healthcare in rural Oklahoma, especially with the workforce.
  • So one of the things that was really attractive to me in this bill is for rural Oklahoma, a lot of times
  • She's a pediatric nurse, and it's not good in the state of Oklahoma.
  • Advance Directive Act and the Oklahoma Healthcare Agent Act, with a single unified framework modeled
  • Now, this is the same exact exemption the Oklahoma Blood Institute has.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Apr 8th, 2026

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We think this is going to help health care in rural Oklahoma, especially with workforce.
  • So one of the things that was really attractive to me in this bill is rural Oklahoma.
  • She's a pediatric nurse, and it's not good in the state of Oklahoma.
  • Oklahoma. Further debate? Seeing none, for Senator Frick, would you like to close debate?
  • This is the same exact exemption the Oklahoma Blood Institute has.
Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met to consider several House bills, beginning with a series of sunset extensions for professional licensing and review boards. House Bill 3000 extended the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to 2031 after brief questions about prior executive-branch efforts to improve board transparency; House Bill 3001 extended the Child Death Review Board to 2031; House Bill 3003 extended the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to 2031; and House Bill 3004 extended the Board of Examiners in Optometry to 2031. Each of these bills advanced on unanimous 9-0 votes. The committee also advanced House Bill 366, which creates a revolving fund at the Health Care Workforce Training Commission to receive rural health transformation funds. Members asked about the timing and distribution of the funds, but no timeline was available. House Bill 3904 changed prenatal delivery and postpartum services from a global payment model to individualized payments, with supporters saying it would improve access to local and rural prenatal care and could help hospitals qualify for birth-friendly designations and related funding. That bill also passed 9-0. Two health-related policy bills were amended in committee and advanced. House Bill 3644, the Blake Burgess Act, requires certain hospitals to adopt policies to prevent venous thromboembolism; members asked whether the required report would be public, and the author said that was the intent. House Bill 1687, the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act, replaces older advance directive and health care agent laws with a single framework for end-of-life decision-making, with committee substitute changes adding safeguards and clarifying surrogate authority. House Bill 3920 created a sales tax exemption for LifeShare Network, matching an exemption already given to the Oklahoma Blood Institute, and it also passed after supportive testimony. All measures considered were reported out favorably, and the committee adjourned after announcing it would meet again the following week.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 25th, 2026 at 01:12 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, if you would turn your direction the other way, it is Oklahoma Day here at the capitol.
  • This bill was brought to me by the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma, and my understanding
  • I get a little concerned about, you know, there was a couple of towns west of Oklahoma City that got
  • to better connect our local farmers with Oklahoma consumers, promotes, and expands the reach of Oklahoma
  • Food is medicine Is a big deal in Oklahoma, and I think this could very easily tie into some of that.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And right now, about 27% of Oklahoma third graders are reading at grade level.
  • I think all of us are concerned about children in Oklahoma. I think every single person is.
  • Rebranded, reconfigured, came back, still doing business in the state of Oklahoma.
  • And they get to build the state of Oklahoma for that.
  • families than any other in the state of Oklahoma.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 25th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and Oklahoma State University.
  • And in Felt, Oklahoma, there's a shortage of getting people to want to move to Felt, Oklahoma.
  • Oklahoma, there's a shortage of getting people to want to move to Felt, Oklahoma.
  • I just am worried about Oklahoma and our mental health here in Oklahoma.
  • here in the state of Oklahoma.
Summary: The Senate first handled several gallery introductions recognizing visiting groups, including Muskogee Day, domestic violence advocates, Wagner High School leadership students, the Bixby Chamber and football team, and the Heartland Home Educators co-op. The chamber also adopted a motion to suspend debate rules for the remainder of the day so third-reading bills could be debated under shortened time limits. Senate Bill 134, which shortens the waiting period for Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System retirees to return to public employment from one year to six months, drew questions about “double dipping,” actuarial impact, and workforce shortages. The author said the bill was requested by the Association of County Commissioners to help counties retain experienced workers, noted an actuarial estimate that the system would drop from 107% to 105% funded, and explained there were no special safeguards beyond existing limits. The bill advanced and then passed 47-0. Senate Bill 196, a measure naming multiple bridges, highways, and interchanges for veterans, law enforcement officers, and other honorees, was presented as a personal bill by the author, including a bridge named for his grandfather. After brief questions, it advanced and passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1636, which allows immediate family members or similar individuals to request OSBI review of cold homicide cases after a local law enforcement case-file review, also advanced after questions about eligibility, timing, and workload; supporters said it would give families a path to seek answers in long-unsolved cases. It passed 47-0. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 1725, which addresses expressive activity on higher-education campuses by allowing content-neutral security fees, limiting discipline to narrowly defined harassment, and requiring free speech training for first-year students. Debate centered on campus free speech, university accountability, and whether the bill would add costs or sufficient enforcement; it passed 40-17 and was advanced as an emergency measure. Senate Bill 1726, a companion bill requiring training for graduate assistants who teach, emphasizing classroom management, academic integrity, and viewpoint neutrality, passed 41-7 and was also advanced as an emergency measure. Finally, Senate Bill 259, a long-debated water bill requiring metering or approved measuring devices for groundwater use, drew extensive discussion over costs, property rights, regional differences, and regulation of irrigators; the bill was advanced to final passage after a 34-8 vote, with debate continuing at the end of the transcript.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a Union High School senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • And as Cyrus Stevens Avery from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was appointed chairman of the Oklahoma Highway Commission
  • And whereas in 2023, the Oklahoma legislature created the Oklahoma Route 66 Mission to provide grants
  • That the Oklahoma House and Senate offer sincere thanks to the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Mission and
  • the Oklahoma Route 66 Mission and their partner agencies.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 21st, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas the Oklahoma State Legislature... ...the workforce of Oklahoma.
  • Oklahoma City campus.
  • And whereas Cyrus Stevens Avery from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was appointed chairman of the Oklahoma Highway
  • And whereas, in 2023, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission to provide grants
  • thanks to the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and their
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.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I invite all of Oklahoma to pray.
  • Bless each and through them, bless the great state of Oklahoma, our home. In Jesus' name. Amen.
  • the floor today again and again the state championship fast pitch softball team from Longgrove, Oklahoma
  • Speaker, members, direct attention to the South Gallery to introduce my good friend from Alva, Oklahoma
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I invite all of Oklahoma to pray.
  • Bless each and through them bless the great state of Oklahoma, our home. In Jesus' name, amen.
  • today again and again and again the state championship fast-pitch softball team from Long Grove, Oklahoma
  • I'm introduced by good friend from Spavana, or Spavana, Oklahoma, Rusty Henson.
Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and the chamber proceeded with the day’s order of business. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, using a personal story about hiking the Manitou Incline to reflect on perseverance and the idea of being “not far from the kingdom of God” from Mark 12. The House then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After floor reassignment notices, Representative Cantrell introduced the Long Grove, Oklahoma state championship fast-pitch softball team, noting their back-to-back titles, six straight state tournament appearances, and strong academic and team traditions. Several announcements followed, including committee meeting notices, a birthday acknowledgment for the presiding speaker, and a reminder about the Farm City Festival lunch on the second floor. No bills were debated or voted on in the portion provided. The only formal action at the end of the session was a motion by the floor leader to adjourn, and the House adjourned until Monday, February 16th at 1:30 p.m.