Bills: SB378, SB985, SB1246, HB3720, SB1500, SB1984, HB4118, SB1644, SB1546, SB483

Keywords: bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would, Senate Bill 1644, create a reporting mechanism for cases of suspected alpha-gal syndrome
• As many of y'all might not know, I'm not afraid of much, but that alpha gal just scares the heck out
• Representative Roe, wouldn't you agree that the alpha gal in his household is his wife, who's the Speaker

Bills: SB378, SB985, SB1246, HB3720, SB1500, SB1984, HB4118, SB1644, SB1546, SB483

Keywords: bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and heard an invocation focused on “leading with the farewell,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a series of floor recognitions honoring guests and student groups. Presentations included the nurse of the day, Susan Hollingsworth, and multiple student champions and visitors, including the Clinton High School 4A hip hop state champions, Pryor High School’s Life Smarts state champions, the Elgin High School wrestling team, the Fort Gibson FFA livestock judging team, Putnam City North’s girls basketball champions, visiting students from Douglas, OSU environmental science graduate students, and Oklahoma Energy Resource Board teachers of the year. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 378, updating bail bondsman regulations, passed 77-3. SB 985, codifying the local food for school program in statute, passed 79-0. SB 1246, which would update and speed up DEQ permitting while preserving transparency, drew questions about agency outreach and environmental impacts; after a division vote on advancing the bill passed 30-28, the bill itself passed 81-0. Later, SB 1500 on pharmacy benefit managers passed 81-0, SB 1984 on osteopathic medicine passed 74-0, and SB 1644 creating a reporting mechanism for suspected alpha-gal syndrome passed 82-0. The House also adopted Senate amendments to HB 3720, the local food freedom bill, and passed it 81-0. HB 4118, the family caregiver credit, also passed 81-0 after the Senate amendment restored the title “Caring for Caregivers Act.” A motion was made to reject Senate amendments to HB 2992 and request conference. House Joint Resolution 1100, relating to OMES proposed major rule changes, was read on second reading and referred to administrative rules. A lengthy debate centered on an amendment to SB 1546, a teacher-related bill, which would expand the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Fund tax credit to support the Strong Readers Act, the Oklahoma Math Proficiency Act, and certain capital projects for scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters said it would encourage private investment in education and add instructional capacity; opponents argued it would favor wealthy private schools, do little for rural or high-poverty districts, and divert scholarship resources. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was advanced to final passage, with debate continuing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 1644 simply requires the alpha gal syndrome to be added to the published list of
• Can you tell me what alpha gal is. Thank you for that question, Mr. Chair.
• my attention when we sometimes diagnose diseases like Lyme's from tick bites. sometimes those are alpha
• gal syndrome bites, and there are many people that suffer from that disease.
• au syndrome, so thank you.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 1644 simply requires alpha-gal syndrome to be added to the published list of reportable
• Can you tell me what alpha-gal is? Thank you for that question, Mr. Chair.
• When we sometimes diagnose diseases like Lyme's disease from tick bites, sometimes those are alpha-gal
• syndrome bites.

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

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

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced a series of health, licensing, and child welfare measures. Senate Bill 1806 would allow eligible individuals receiving Oklahoma Department of Human Services services to voluntarily remain in those services until age 21; the author said the title was struck while fiscal estimates were being revised, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1430 would shift authority over hiring, supervising, and removing the commissioner of mental health from the governor to the governing board; it passed 8-2 after questions about removal provisions. Senate Bill 206, as amended, added tribal entities to EMS-related essential services to help draw down federal funding, and passed 10-0, while Senate Bill 1849 made a cleanup change allowing the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners to approve medical marijuana education for continuing education credit and passed 11-0. The committee also approved Senate Bill 1428, creating an Office of Alzheimer’s and dementia-related services within the Department of Health; the author said outside funding would cover the first two years and the bill would have no state budget impact, and it passed 9-2. Senate Bill 1653 created the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and passed 9-2 after discussion of closed meetings and compact operations. Senate Bill 1984 updated and clarified the Osteopathic Medicine Act and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1644 required alpha-gal syndrome to be added to the reportable diseases list and passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1561, requested by regional EMS, added disciplinary steps for ambulance and EMT personnel to avoid automatic disqualification and passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1813 enacted the athletic trainer compact and passed 10-2. The committee then took up major child welfare restructuring. Senate Bill 1570 would create a Department of Child Safety and Well-Being by consolidating DHS Child Welfare Services and the Office of Juvenile Affairs, with a phased implementation timeline and a future board and interim commissioner; members discussed protecting ongoing cases and adding lived-experience representation on the board. The bill passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1796 shortened the period for informal foster care arrangements from seven days to 72 hours and added guardrails for temporary foster care placements; the author said it was intended to prevent harm when children are left with unvetted caregivers, and it also passed 12-0. The committee adjourned after distributing a handout related to the foster care/respite care changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're proud members of the South Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
• Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority...
• Graves, who was the 18th international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
• Kappa Alpha.
• Kappa Alpha.

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a CDC map of suspected alpha-gal syndrome cases.
• So we are actively applying for grants to study alpha-gal syndrome.
• So we are actively applying for grants to study alpha-gal syndrome.
• track alpha-gal syndrome.
• Over half of the respondents did share that they had alpha-gal syndrome.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2309, Representative Jones’ Oregon Harvesting bill, “do pass” by a roll call vote of 13 ayes and no nays. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 1881, which would schedule xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. Representative Bill Allen said the bill is intended to address the growing illicit use of xylazine mixed with fentanyl, improve tracking and surveillance, and give law enforcement tools, while preserving legitimate veterinary use. A veterinarian from the University of Missouri supported the bill, emphasizing xylazine’s long-standing and safe use in large-animal medicine and the need to avoid burdensome restrictions on veterinarians. No opposition was presented, and testimony on HB 1881 concluded. The committee then heard House Bill 1855, Representative Overcast’s alpha-gal reporting bill. Overcast explained that the bill was revised from the prior year to shift reporting from providers to private labs, create a standalone non-communicable disease reporting section, and keep Lyme disease language already in law. Supporters, including a lobbyist for the AlphaGal Alliance, a University of Missouri researcher, public health and agricultural representatives, and multiple patients and family members, argued that reporting is needed to establish prevalence, support federal grant applications, improve education, and guide prevention and treatment. Several witnesses described major impacts on daily life, school meals, mental health, and medical costs. Opposition focused on the bill’s language giving DHSS authority to designate and enforce rules for non-communicable diseases, warning it could broaden state power beyond alpha-gal; the opponent suggested narrowing the bill and using opt-in language. The committee also heard informational testimony from a University of Missouri dermatologist and an extension specialist, who discussed prevalence data, test accuracy, research efforts, and survey findings showing high awareness but limited information, significant anxiety/depression, and inconsistent prevention practices. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2355, Representative Jones’ “food is medicine” bill. Jones framed the measure as a public health and cost-saving strategy to use medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition counseling to prevent and manage chronic disease. In early questioning, members asked how the proposal would interact with existing food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other federal supports, and whether it would create a new entitlement or supplement current benefits. Jones responded that the program would begin with education and then provide financial assistance for food support, but the transcript cuts off before the hearing concluded or any action was taken on HB 2355.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a CDC map of suspected alpha-gal syndrome cases.
• So we are actively applying for grants to study alpha-gal syndrome.
• So we are actively applying for grants to study alpha-gal syndrome.
• track alpha-gal syndrome.
• First, awareness of alpha-gal syndrome in our health services... ...First, awareness of alpha-gal syndrome

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2309, Representative Jones’ Oregon Harvesting bill, do pass by a vote of 13 ayes and no nays. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 1881, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. Representative Bill Allen said the bill is intended to address xylazine’s role in fentanyl-related overdoses, improve tracking and enforcement, and preserve legitimate veterinary use through carve-outs. A veterinarian from the University of Missouri testified in support, emphasizing xylazine’s long-standing and safe veterinary use and the need to protect agricultural practice while targeting illicit diversion. No opposition was presented, and testimony on the bill concluded. The committee then heard House Bill 1855, which would add alpha-gal syndrome to Missouri’s reportable conditions and create a reporting/surveillance framework. Sponsor Representative Matthew Overcast said the bill was revised to shift reporting from providers to private labs, create a standalone non-communicable disease reporting section, and support data collection for prevalence, education, and federal funding opportunities. Supporters included a lobbyist for the AlphaGal Alliance, a University of Missouri dermatologist/researcher, Extension staff, cattle industry representatives, and multiple patients and family members who described severe dietary restrictions, anxiety, school and work impacts, and the need for better public awareness and treatment research. Opponents argued the bill’s language would expand DHSS authority too broadly, especially the provision allowing the department to designate and enforce rules for noncommunicable diseases, and suggested narrowing the bill and adding opt-in protections. No vote was taken. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2355, Representative Holly Jones’ “food as medicine” bill. Jones argued that nutrition should be treated as a public health intervention and described medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition counseling as tools that can improve outcomes and reduce costs. In questions, members raised concerns about how the proposal would interact with existing food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other federal nutrition benefits, and whether the bill would create a new entitlement or duplicate existing aid. The hearing on HB 2355 was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds Alpha-Gal syndrome to the list of Missouri's reportable condition framework.
• Unlike a lot of classic food allergies, Alpha-Gal syndrome reactions are often delayed.
• Amendment .01H to House Bill 1855 concerns the reporting of alpha-gal syndrome cases.
• Alpha-gal syndrome is a significant health concern impacting many residents.
• Alpha-gal syndrome is real. It really affects people.

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and welcomed special guests including the Freedom of the Road Riders and students from Warsaw High School. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1855, a reporting bill on alpha-gal syndrome. The sponsor described alpha-gal as a serious tick-borne condition affecting many Missourians, especially rural and outdoor workers, and argued that mandatory reporting would help the state track prevalence, identify hotspots, support physician education, and strengthen requests for funding. Supporters from both parties said the bill would improve public health data and help families who have struggled for years to get a diagnosis; one member raised concerns about cost and whether the data would be useful, but the bill sponsor said the fiscal impact was justified by the medical and economic burden of missed diagnoses. House Amendment 1, changing the department’s follow-up language from “may” to “shall,” was adopted, while House Amendment 2, which would have required patient consent before reporting, failed on a 41-10 vote. The committee substitute for HB 1855 was then adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2230 and 2978, a measure on school screen time and cursive/handwriting instruction. The sponsor said the bill was revised from a more prescriptive version into a research-based framework that creates a state-level focus group to study screen time’s effect on learning and to make recommendations, while also asking school districts to review policies and provide parents information about screen time. Supporters said excessive screen use has hurt literacy, behavior, and mental health, and that the bill gives local districts flexibility while moving schools toward evidence-based practices. Members raised questions about carve-outs for special education students and English language learners who rely on technology, and the sponsor said those concerns could be handled locally. An amendment to exclude the virtual school program was adopted, and the committee substitute for HB 2230 and 2978 was then adopted and ordered perfected and printed. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2355, the Food Is Medicine Initiative for Missouri. The sponsor said the bill would allow Missouri to use federal 1115 waiver funds for pilot programs that provide medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and related supports, arguing that food access is a preventive health tool that can reduce chronic disease and lower Medicaid costs. Supporters described food deserts and said the program could improve health outcomes and help families access healthier foods. An amendment adding cleanup language and allowing certain vitamin therapies was offered, but discussion focused on concerns about supplement quality and whether the amendment language was too broad. The transcript ends during debate on that amendment, before final action on HB 2355 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds Alpha-Gal syndrome to the list of Missouri's reportable condition framework.
• Alpha-Gal syndrome is a significant health concern impacting many residents.
• Many individuals suffer from Alpha-Gal syndrome. And informing research efforts.
• Alpha-gal syndrome is a real syndrome. It really affects people.
• I do have numerous constituents who suffer from this alpha-gal syndrome.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first established a quorum, welcomed special guests, and then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1855, a reporting bill on Alpha-Gal syndrome. The bill sponsor described Alpha-Gal as a serious tick-borne condition causing delayed allergic reactions and argued Missouri should track it through mandatory lab reporting to the Department of Health and Senior Services, with aggregated annual reporting to the CDC. Supporters said the measure would improve surveillance, identify hotspots, guide public health outreach, and help rural and agricultural communities that are heavily affected. An amendment changing the department’s follow-up language from “may” to “shall” was adopted after members said it would ensure accountability if the legislature funds the work. A second amendment seeking patient consent before reporting was debated at length over privacy and data concerns but failed 41-85, 10 present. The underlying bill then passed perfection and printing. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2230 and 2978, a school policy bill focused on reducing K-5 screen time and encouraging handwriting and cursive instruction. The sponsor said the measure was revised to be less prescriptive, instead requiring school districts to review screen-time policies and creating a state-level “focus group” of educators, parents, and health professionals to study the issue and make recommendations. Supporters argued excessive screen use is linked to weaker literacy, behavior, and mental health outcomes, while some members raised concerns about technology use for special education students and English language learners. An amendment was adopted to exclude the virtual school program from the bill. The House then adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2355, the “Food is Medicine” initiative. The sponsor said the bill would let Missouri use federal 1115 waiver funds for pilot programs that provide medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and related nutrition supports for health care purposes. Supporters said the program could improve health outcomes, reduce Medicaid spending, and help address food deserts, while one amendment added vitamin therapies and updated a date in the bill. Members discussed concerns about supplement quality and the scope of covered therapies, but the bill advanced after the amendment debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alpha gal is becoming a health issue, a health problem.
• from a Physician or a provider's office or a lab that has confirmation that an individual may have alpha
• gal.
• there are apparently federal dollars that are being Looked at that state can be used to do research on alpha
• gal.

Bills: SB667, SB904, SB1344, SB1380, SB1423, SB1425, SB1484, SB1500, SB1502, SB1503, SB1555, SB1561, SB1562, SB1565, SB1572, SB1644, SB1749, SB1833, SB2007, SB2044, SB2074

Keywords: chiropractic, licensure, animal chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, licensing requirements, gender transition, gender-affirming care, transgender, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, hormone therapy, sex reassignment, transition surgery, Medicaid, public funds, state facilities, state hospital, Oklahoma, intersex, DSD

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 1644 was a request bill, Members, Senate Bill 1644 was a request bill from the Alpha-Gal
• Alpha-gal is becoming a health issue, a health problem.
• from a physician or a provider's office or a lab that has confirmation that an individual may have alpha-gal
• The issue is Individual may have alpha-gal.
• that there are apparently federal dollars being looked at that the state can use to do research on alpha-gal

Bills: SB667, SB904, SB1344, SB1380, SB1423, SB1425, SB1484, SB1500, SB1502, SB1503, SB1555, SB1561, SB1562, SB1565, SB1572, SB1644, SB1749, SB1833, SB2007, SB2044, SB2074

Keywords: chiropractic, licensure, animal chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, licensing requirements, gender transition, gender-affirming care, transgender, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, hormone therapy, sex reassignment, transition surgery, Medicaid, public funds, state facilities, state hospital, Oklahoma, intersex, DSD

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large number of health-related bills, with much of the agenda focused on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation, Medicaid administration, and health-system cleanup measures. Bills passed included HB 1344 on insulin affordability and state support for low-cost biosimilar insulin manufacturing; HB 1380 requiring the Health Care Authority to check death records to disenroll deceased Medicaid recipients; SB 2007 and SB 2074, both PBM-related measures addressing pharmacist reimbursement, dispensing fees, appeals, and penalties; SB 1572 creating a feasibility study on reorganizing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and temporarily allowing the Health Commissioner to serve in a dual role; and SB 1555 updating the definition of intellectual disability to match the federal definition. Members also approved several bills eliminating or repealing outdated councils and programs, including SB 1423 ending the Hospital Advisory Council, SB 1425 repealing the Health Care Workers and Educators’ Assistance Program and Health Care Workforce Resources Center, and SB 1502 eliminating the Alzheimer Dementia Disclosure Act Advisory Council. Other measures passed included SB 1561 changing EMS discipline to a progressive system, SB 244 and SB 667 making chiropractic language and training cleanup changes, SB 1749 on LP gas inspections for food trailers, SB 1484 requiring more detailed medical information for infant and child death investigations, SB 1562 clarifying hospice patient protections, and SB 1644 creating reporting related to alpha-gal to support possible research funding. The most debated bill was SB 1503, which would expand the Choosing Childbirth Act so nonprofits without an Oklahoma physical address could receive grants to connect women seeking abortions with pregnancy resources. Members questioned whether grant dollars and salaries would stay in Oklahoma, whether reporting and accountability would be sufficient, and whether Oklahoma-based providers could do the work instead. The bill passed 5-2 after the sponsor said he was open to amendments and oversight. SB 1833, codifying a SNAP waiver restricting candy and soft drink purchases, and SB 904, modifying the use of certain state funds and facilities for medical procedures, also drew questions and passed on divided votes. The meeting ended after all listed bills were heard and voted on, with most measures passing unanimously or by wide margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially life-threatening allergic condition, most often caused by
• syndrome cases in recent years; and whereas individuals with alpha-gal syndrome experience varying sensitivities
• And whereas public health officials and researchers have reported a notable rise in alpha-gal syndrome
• And whereas individuals with alpha-gal syndrome experience varying sensitivities and reactions, often
• into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of alpha-gal syndrome and other tick-borne diseases

Bills: SR28, SB201, SB1379, SB1525, SB1966, SB2112, SB2170, HB2749, HB3262, HB3265, HB3673, HB3781, HB3040, HB3076, HB3369, HB3982, HB3462, HB3465, HB3521, HB3796, HB3800, HB4095, HB4298, HB4316, HB4338, HB4408, HB4454

Keywords: alpha-gal syndrome, alpha gal, tick-borne illness, tick bite allergy, red meat allergy, meat allergy, dairy allergy, anaphylaxis, Lyme disease, public health, tick prevention, vector-borne disease, allergy awareness, May awareness month, Oklahoma Department of Health, outdoor safety, health education, research funding, minimum salary, education funding

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special family recitation of the Declaration of Independence by Senator Hamilton’s children. The chamber then adopted SR 28, recognizing May as Alpha-Gal Awareness and Prevention Month in Oklahoma and encouraging awareness, prevention, and research on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergic condition. Senator Seifried also introduced constituents affected by alpha-gal. Later, the Senate heard a gallery introduction from advocates for victims of impaired driving, highlighting the toll of DUI-related crashes in Oklahoma. The Senate then took up several House amendments and final-passage votes on bills. SB 201, clarifying that a teacher pay raise applies to certified classroom teachers, passed 47-0 and was advanced as an emergency. SB 1379, SB 1525, SB 1966, SB 2112, and SB 2170 also passed after adoption of House amendments, with SB 1525 and SB 1379 advanced as emergency measures. SB 1525 raised the threshold for contracting to host a conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and SB 1966 served as the annual omnibus highway, memorial highway, and bridge designation bill. Among the House bills considered, HB 3262 increased the sheriff fee for service of process from $50 to $100 and passed 37-8. HB 3265 allowed a psychologist to make PTSD determinations for the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System and passed 47-0. HB 3781, a major insurance modernization bill changing rate-filing procedures for homeowners insurance and expanding the insurance commissioner’s review authority, passed 39-6 after extended debate over transparency, regulation, and market impact. HB 3040 expanded sex-offender loitering restrictions around businesses serving minors and passed 40-4, while HB 3076 authorized alternative teacher certification providers under OEQA oversight and passed 38-6 as an emergency measure. The chamber also passed HB 3369, a deregulation and efficiency bill affecting fire suppression and LP gas inspections, HB 2749, which shifted an intergenerational education program toward a Medicaid state plan amendment, HB 3982 on fleet vehicle titling, HB 3462 creating a shorter residential-only plumbing licensure pathway, HB 3465 extending the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program to 2029, HB 3521 modernizing money transmission law, HB 3796 as an Oklahoma Insurance Department omnibus bill, HB 3800 as a roofing-industry cleanup bill, and HB 4095 modernizing the 211 hotline advisory council. Several of these measures drew debate over regulation, workforce needs, public safety, or fiscal and policy impacts, but all of the listed bills ultimately passed by recorded vote.

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

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

Bills: SR28, SB201, SB1379, SB1525, SB1966, SB2112, SB2170, HB2749, HB3262, HB3265, HB3673, HB3781, HB3040, HB3076, HB3369, HB3982, HB3462, HB3465, HB3521, HB3796, HB3800, HB4095, HB4298, HB4316, HB4338, HB4408, HB4454

Keywords: alpha-gal syndrome, alpha gal, tick-borne illness, tick bite allergy, red meat allergy, meat allergy, dairy allergy, anaphylaxis, Lyme disease, public health, tick prevention, vector-borne disease, allergy awareness, May awareness month, Oklahoma Department of Health, outdoor safety, health education, research funding, minimum salary, education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• So today I rise to go ahead and third read House Bill 1855, which has to do with Alpha-Gal Syndrome and
• All this bill does is add alpha-gal syndrome to Missouri's reportable condition framework.
• follow up with an appropriate random sampling method to ensure that they meet the case definition for alpha-gal
• You know, as you mentioned, I have had the unfortunate pleasure to be the face of alpha-gal syndrome,
• I think there's still work that needs to be done on alpha-gal and our state's response to it and our

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So today, I rise to go ahead and third read House Bill 1855, which has to do with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
• All this bill does is add Alpha-Gal Syndrome to Missouri's reportable condition framework.
• follow up with an appropriate random sampling method to ensure that they meet the case definition for Alpha-Gal
• You know, as you mentioned, I have had the unfortunate pleasure to be the face of Alpha-Gal Syndrome
• I think there's still work that needs to be done on Alpha-Gal and our state's response to it and our

Summary: The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 124-1 vote, and multiple introductions of student groups, Rotary and Interact clubs, pediatric advocates, and other guests. Committee reports were then read, recommending passage of several deferred bills, including HB 1740, HB 2366/2511, HB 3113, HB 2760, HB 2641, HB 2409, and HB 2423. The chamber then took up a series of appropriations and capital-improvements bills. HB 2017 (reappropriations, about $2.9 billion) passed 137-9; HB 2018 (maintenance and repair, about $638 million) passed 127-21; HB 2019 (new capital projects, about $123 million) passed 98-48; and HB 2020 (ARPA and related federal pandemic funds, about $1.6 billion) passed 127-24. Members emphasized that these bills largely extended previously approved spending, while some raised concerns about the use of general revenue for one-time infrastructure projects. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate-amended HB 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, with discussion focused on privacy being changed from opt-out to opt-in, worker organizing language, an effective date of November 12, 2026, and age-21 limits for certain products; the Senate substitute was adopted 125-21 and finally passed 126-23. HB 2423, a Department of Finance bill, was adopted 148-0 and finally passed 152-0. Other measures passed included HB 1919 (aligning Department of Revenue electronic filing thresholds with IRS rules, 149-1), HB 1768/2060 (short-term rental property tax classification, 110-35), HB 1855 (Alpha-Gal Syndrome reporting, 125-25), HB 2355 (Food is Medicine/health waiver pilot, 121-18), HB 1717/1643 (psilocybin therapy pilot for veterans and first responders, 137-11), HB 2372 (comprehensive health care package, 129 yeas and 1 present), HB 2408 (deaf-blind fund changes, 145-2), HB 3000 (state auditor/signature-collection related changes, 149-1), HB 2898 (land bank authority, 139-9), and HB 1740 (DWI penalties and ignition interlock provisions, 141-5). HB 3113, which would require naloxone in public buildings with AEDs and designate October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, passed 134-15-1. One notable bill defeated on the floor was HB 3239, which would have stabilized the workforce diploma program and tied it to the K-12 funding formula; it failed 55-95 after debate over cost, vendor qualifications, and use of foundation formula money. The day also included a lengthy personal privilege speech from a St. Louis County member about a fatal school-track-meet shooting and gun access, and later a discussion on HB 2760 (the “Praise Act”) about emergency orders and religious worship, with supporters arguing for equal treatment of houses of worship and opponents warning about public-health and constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, members, Senate Bill 1794 was a request bill from the Alpha-Gal Alliance group that is seeking to
• I have 1644 as the alpha-gal. Okay, I'm sorry. Let me start over. That would be great.
• Now you can talk about the alpha-gals. And this is the last one. Okay.
• The problem with alpha-gal is there's no specific one test that diagnoses it.
• Representative, do you realize this is my biggest fear in life is getting the alpha-gal?

Bills: SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555

Keywords: SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention, private child-placing agency, Title 10A, Oklahoma

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and then heard a long series of Senate bills, many of them agency request or cleanup measures. Early bills included SB 1983, directing DHS to provide foster care data to resource family partners to better identify foster family needs; SB 444, allowing hospice personnel to control or destroy controlled substances after a patient’s death; and SB 1503, a PCS related to pregnancy resource center outreach and in-state referrals, which drew discussion about virtual versus face-to-face support and was reported out after members agreed to continue working on the language. Other measures advanced included SB 1561 on progressive discipline for certain M.T.M.S. personnel, SB 592 and SB 1946 on alcohol-related licensing/sales issues, SB 1501 and SB 1567 as cleanup or implementation bills, and SB 1833 codifying a SNAP waiver barring candy and soft drinks purchases. The committee also considered several health and human services bills. SB 2026 expanded access to military discharge papers to grandchildren; SB 904 addressed public funds and state facilities, with members raising concerns about legislative interference in medical decision-making and liability; SB 2178 modified alcohol licensing insurance requirements; SB 1651 updated Oklahoma Medical Board license language; SB 1558 clarified the definition of a child for level E group homes; SB 1565 promoted Food is Medicine efforts to improve maternal and infant outcomes; and SB 1553 required psychologist review of appealed adverse determinations involving mental health claims. SB 1257, with a policy recommendation, expanded THC/controlled substance language to align with federal guidelines, and SB 1749 made a cleanup change related to food trailers and LP gas inspections. Later in the meeting, the committee advanced SB 65 with a policy amendment adding fentanyl and xylazine test strips; SB 1242, which included OMMA education and abandoned grow cleanup provisions; SB 1642, allowing shorter acute prescriptions to help reduce addiction risk; SB 640, treating abandoned grow facilities as public nuisances so local governments can abate them; SB 667, clarifying accreditation language for chiropractic programs; SB 1436, requiring hospitals to provide information on obtaining records after stillbirth or miscarriage; SB 1484, codifying medical examiner practices in infant or child deaths; SB 1562, addressing hospice patient solicitation; SB 1794, creating a mental health bed-availability database; SB 1644, seeking data on alpha-gal syndrome to support federal research funding; SB 1533, ensuring burial assistance for Oklahoma veterans who die out of state; SB 933, creating a right-to-try pathway for individualized treatments; and SB 1555, aligning the definition of intellectual disability with federal law. Most bills were reported out do pass, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to a few nays on some measures. SB 1304 was laid over, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's only focuses on alpha-gal. Does that answer your questions? Okay.
• So we also changed it so that it makes it easier because alpha-gal will not be a list of all of those
• I do agree with getting that alpha-gal listed on that two-page list.
• Week, all the labs will be required to report the positive results for alpha-gal.
• I do agree with getting that alpha gal listed on that two page.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bills 1881, 3010 (after adopting a committee substitute that removed a subsection allowing payers to remove gold-card status based on procedure volume), 2355 (after adopting a committee amendment and substitute to align terminology in the “Food is Medicine” bill), and 1855 (after adopting a substitute and amendment that narrowed the bill to alpha-gal reporting, removed Lyme disease because it is already reportable, made the department’s case-review activity permissive rather than mandatory, and delayed reporting implementation). All of those measures passed by unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes. The committee then heard House Bill 2034, which would require insurance coverage for activity-based prostheses, orthoses, and high-performance or mobility-supportive wheelchairs. Representative Caton said the bill is intended to ensure medically necessary devices for physical activity and daily living are covered, while preserving prior authorization and medical-necessity review. Supporters, including clinicians, amputees, and prosthetists, testified that insurance often covers only basic devices and that access to more appropriate equipment improves health, independence, mental health, and participation in school, work, and sports. Several witnesses described personal experiences with charity-funded devices, water-friendly prostheses, running blades, and wheelchair repairs, and argued the bill would reduce long-term health costs and improve quality of life. Opponents from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans said the bill is too broad and difficult to analyze, raised concerns about drafting clarity, federal preemption for Medicare supplemental coverage, and the use of undefined terms such as “perceived disability.” They emphasized the fiscal note, including projected Medicaid costs, and warned that a pending federal rule on ACA essential health benefits could shift costs to the state or insurers. Committee members questioned both sides about coverage gaps, cost savings, and whether the bill could be refined, and several members expressed support for the underlying goal while noting concerns about cost and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• geneticist that specializes in connective tissue disease, I had my reason: hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• comorbidities that usually accompany this, along with autonomic dysfunction and mast cell activation syndrome

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on miscellaneous bills, including H. 5286, which would require DCF to consult a medical professional when a parent presents evidence of a pre-existing diagnosis that could explain symptoms mistaken for abuse or neglect. Representative Brian Mario said the bill would give DCF another tool in difficult cases. Jennifer Fernandes testified about her family’s experience with her grandson being removed after doctors initially suspected a skull fracture that later proved unfounded, saying the bill could help prevent similar outcomes. Committee members expressed sympathy and indicated interest in further discussion. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H. 5085/S. 3095, the omnibus “An Act Significantly Alleviating Poverty.” Supporters described the bill as a comprehensive anti-poverty package built from the Poverty Commission’s work, combining higher cash assistance grants, matched savings, baby bonds, a guaranteed stipend for youth aging out of foster care, expanded tax credits, language access, clean slate record sealing, and worker protections. Senator Eldridge, Senator Miranda, Representative Decker, and many advocates argued that poverty is tied to housing instability, child welfare involvement, health harms, and racial and gender inequities, and that the bill would help families meet basic needs, build wealth, and reduce the benefits cliff. Witnesses from social service, legal aid, labor, immigrant advocacy, and public health groups strongly supported the bill’s provisions. Several focused on specific sections: child support pass-through and a broader good-cause exception for TAFDC recipients; extending the state EITC to ITIN filers; creating baby bonds and matched savings programs; automating criminal record sealing; improving language access at state agencies; and ending the subminimum wage for farm workers. Former foster youth and service providers said the guaranteed stipend would help young adults avoid homelessness and transition more safely into adulthood. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly noted the limited time and encouraged written testimony and follow-up conversations.