Transcript Highlights:

• This supplemental funding is necessary to prevent a lapse in funding and to ensure continued statewide
• Why not go to a private funder and get those supplemental funds they may need?
• I don't know that it could be simply privately funded.
• Why not go to a private funder and get those supplemental funds they may need?
• I don't know that it could be simply privately funded.

Bills: HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 2786, with Representative Stinson presenting a PCS as the working draft. He explained the bill as supplemental funding for the Department of Mental Health to close out its 2025 budget and pay obligations the department had fallen short on. The committee moved quickly to a do pass vote, and the bill was reported out 31-0 with no nays. The committee then took up House Bill 2787, with Representative West presenting a PCS as the working draft. She described the bill as a one-time $2 million supplemental for previously established costs tied to the Choosing Childbirth Program, saying the funding was needed to avoid a lapse in services for nearly 4,000 mothers and babies until the Oklahoma Pregnancy Care Network can re-enter bidding in 2028. She emphasized oversight and transparency measures, including provider vetting, invoice review, annual evaluations, and a reported 97% of expenses going to client services. Members raised concerns about accountability, transparency, and why the funding should come from state general revenue rather than private sources, noting prior audits and news reports. Representative West said the network is a 501(c)(3), uses private dollars as well, and that the program is a public-private partnership already established by law. She also said she would share the 2025 tax return information with the committee. The committee then voted to report HB 2787 out do pass by a vote of 26-5, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This, so if you remember in 2024, we did a new program and kind of souped up the funding, and we did
• This is a supplemental funding to finish that legacy piece.
• the new program potentially significantly more funding right now.
• We've requested that the supervising entity use some monies they have, as well as philanthropic funds
• And I'm just concerned that why this rises to the top when we already are funding it At a significant

Bills: HB2786, HB2787, HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 2786 is supplemental funding for the Department of Mental Health to close out their
• This supplemental funding is necessary to prevent a lapse in funding and to ensure continued statewide
• Why not go to a private funder and get those supplemental funds they may need?
• I don't know that it could be simply privately funded. ...statewide, and the needs are great.
• I don't know that it could be simply privately funded.

Bills: HB2786, HB2787, HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Emergency Tony Martin.
• <00:08:14.760><c> model</c> funding model funding model for<00:08:16.040><c> the</c><00:08:16.200><c>
• Thank you. focus on long-term funding focus on long-term funding and<00:12:06.560><c> sustainability<
• </c><00:13:14.839><c> towards</c> substantial funding towards substantial funding towards this<00:13:
• The funding supports the quickly.

Bills: HF4810, HF4597, HF1082, HF3230

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, 911, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, this is money and ways that we actually get funding right out to our communities.
• Um, has this been affected by federal funds at all? Federal fund cuts at all. Representative Meyer.
• </c> piece and looking at the um emergency piece and looking at the um emergency food<00:04:56.560><c
• </c> been affected by federal funds at all? been affected by federal funds at all?
• </c> Federal fund cuts at all. Federal fund cuts at all. Representative<00:05:04.800><c> Meyer.

Bills: SF2077, HF2439, HF841

Keywords: environmental protection, natural resources, wildlife management, public funding, community grants, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, food support, emergency funding, shelf programs, Minnesota statutes, appropriation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• coordinates the improved service delivery, addresses gaps in access, and builds a platform for better funding
• and emergency responsiveness to all Oklahomans.

Bills: SB169, SB201, SB1290, SB1377, SB1991, SB2060

Keywords: longevity pay, state employees, Oklahoma government, salary increase, emergency declaration, minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, foster care, duffel bags, personal belongings, children's welfare

Summary: The committee took up several Senate bills and adopted multiple amendments, including a contested amendment process on Senate Bill 201. An objection was raised that an amendment had not been filed by the prior-day deadline under Rule 76C, but the chair ruled the objection not well taken, citing the chair’s authority to waive the timing requirement. The amendment to the amendment, offered by Speaker Hilbert, deleted Section 2 of the bill, removing statutory language that tied the teacher-pay measure to House Bill 3705 and the broader budget agreement. Members discussed that the underlying agreement still linked the measures politically, including a $25 million increase to the Parental Choice Tax Credit and a $2,000 increase to the minimum salary schedule for teachers. After clarification that the bill applied to certified personnel except for positions listed in the amendment, SB 201 passed the committee 29-0. The committee then approved Senate Bill 1290, which strengthens the 211 hotline system by clarifying oversight, improving coordination and service delivery, addressing access gaps, and supporting better funding and emergency responsiveness. Senate Bill 169 also passed after amendment; it increases longevity pay for state employees by 50% for designated years of service beginning in fiscal year 2027. Senate Bill 1377, which requires DHS to provide duffel bags to children in foster care as part of the budget, passed after members asked whether the bags would remain the child’s property and whether the bags would be standardized; the sponsor said the bags would belong to the child but did not know the procurement details. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1991, described as an OMES/Oklahoma cleanup bill that consolidates existing functionality and revenues under a common umbrella without changing the substantive sources or purposes of the funds. After a question confirming it was only a cleanup measure, the bill passed 29-0. Senate Bill 2060 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer recognizing Black History Month, reflecting on sacrifice, justice, and the responsibility of legislators to serve with humility, courage, and dignity. The body then approved the previous day’s minutes and adopted House Resolution 4701 honoring Black History Month without objection. After the resolution, both Democratic and Republican caucuses were called, and the House briefly went at ease. The chamber then handled routine business: first-reading referral of bills, memorials, and resolutions from the introduction sheet, referral of bills from committee reports, and placement of Engrossed Senate Bill 5272 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 onto the second reading calendar after the Rules Committee was relieved of them. No floor debate or recorded votes on substantive legislation occurred in this segment. The House announced that floor action had concluded for the day and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 26th.

Transcript Highlights:

• between existing projects, and including administrative costs to cover funding gaps.
• These are ARP funds that we're moving around.
• This bill reappropriates the ARPA funds from projects in danger.
• So, 4440 didn't the emergency fail in the Senate twice? Is this correct?
• House 4077 appropriates up to $10,582,005.96 in interest funds to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142, HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Transcript Highlights:

• You had the ability to spend these funds faster, mitigating the risk of funds being called back.
• So HWTC has done a great job of being the conduit of getting these funds out, making sure the funds are
• of Emergency Management for the...
• . $34,692 in administrative funds to LSB section two, $213,308 in interest funds to LSB.
• With the recruitment of these funds, these are basically placing them back into the recovery fund.

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Transcript Highlights:

• UHAD has the ability to spend these funds faster, mitigating the risk of funds being called back.
• So HWTC has done a great job of being the conduit of getting these funds out, making sure the funds are
• : $34,692 in ARPA funds to LSP, Section 2, $213,308 in interest funds to LSB, $8,006,060 in ARPA funds
• ARPA funds to OMES, and then Section 4 appropriates $1,612,120 in ARPA interest funds to OMES.
• So, with the recoupment of these funds, these are basically placing them back into the recovery fund.

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Summary: The Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget met and first took up House Bill 4063, adopting a committee substitute over objection by a 17-4 roll call vote. The bill, as explained by the Pro Tem, moves the election dates for House Bill 4440 and Joint Resolution 1024 to August 25, 2026. Members debated whether the measure violated the single-subject rule or was an attempt to revisit proposals that had previously failed, but the committee advanced it and it passed 16-6 after debate. The committee then considered a series of appropriations and reappropriations, largely involving ARPA and interest funds. These included Senate Bills 1130 through 1134 and 1142, which redirected funds to the University Hospital Authority and Trust, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the State Department of Health for rural hospital rebuild efforts, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial Hospital capacity, and DHS-related projects including Boys & Girls Club and YWCA funding. All of these bills passed, with most receiving broad support and only a few dissenting votes. Members also advanced several House bills: HB 4029 appropriated funds to the State Department of Health and the ALS fund; HB 4074 gave the Health Care Workforce Training Commission flexibility to close out ARPA projects and transfer funds among nursing-related programs; HB 4075 reappropriated water and wastewater funds within OWRB; HB 476 provided rural economic impact grant funding for water, wastewater, sewer, air park, industrial park, and broadband-related projects; HB 477 funded emergency response and relief grants with standard administrative language; HB 478 covered ARPA closeout costs for consultants and the grants management office; HB 428 extended a qualified equity investment tax deduction sunset; and HB 473 and HB 4073 pulled back ARPA funds for reappropriation and closeout. Most measures passed on strong roll-call votes, and the committee adjourned after HB 4073 passed 21-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill reappropriates the ARPA funds from projects in danger.
• There are five funds that are allowed under this program, right, across the state.
• So, 1440 didn't the emergency fail in the Senate twice, is this correct?
• House Bill 4073 is an accounting bill in regards to former pandemic relief funds.
• Department of Emergency Management for the emergency response and relief grant program to address gaps

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Summary: The committee considered a series of bills largely focused on reappropriating and closing out ARPA-related funds, transferring interest earnings, and filling funding gaps in existing state projects. Measures included funding for the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, juvenile services in Rogers County, rural hospital rebuild projects, DHS-related projects for Boys and Girls Clubs and the YWCA, water and wastewater projects through the OWRB, ALS grant limits for OSDH, pandemic relief accounting, administrative costs for ARPA projects, pediatric cardiology and OSU-related projects, rural industrial park and port water/wastewater gaps, and emergency response grants through the Department of Emergency Management. Most of these bills were presented by Rep. Newton, Chairman Caldwell, Speaker Hilbert, Rep. Osborne, Rep. Hill, and others, with committee substitutes adopted without objection where noted. One bill, House Bill 4028, drew the most discussion. It would extend the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments. Members questioned the lack of program-specific evaluation data, including return on investment, jobs created, and how much of the tax deduction had actually been used. The sponsor said the program had helped grow Oklahoma venture capital and that he would seek better data, but argued the sunset should be extended for now. The bill passed 23-6. Another extended exchange centered on House Bill 4063, which combined measures related to placing state questions on the August ballot, including HJR 1024 and a bill tied to House Bill 1440. Members raised concerns about single-subject issues, ballot timing, voter turnout, and whether combining the measures limited legislators’ options. The Speaker defended the approach as election-related and noted prior precedent. The bill passed 23-6. The remaining bills were approved overwhelmingly, generally by votes of 27-0, 28-0, or 29-0, and were reported out with due pass recommendations before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• following bills will be under consideration House Bill 1 by Darby related to youth camp and campgrounds emergency

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 10

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting

Bills: SB2, SB5, SB10

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting

Bills: SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting

Transcript Highlights:

• Service delivery dresses gaps in the access and builds a platform for better funding and emergency responsiveness

Bills: SB169, SB201, SB1290, SB1377, SB1991, SB2060

Keywords: longevity pay, state employees, Oklahoma government, salary increase, emergency declaration, minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, foster care, duffel bags, personal belongings, children's welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• We consider the vote in the emergency without objection.
• Declare the emergency to pass. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• I declare the emergency to have passed. 0 L. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• SB 1142 appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services.
• There's an emergency on the bill.

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• There is emergency on the bill.
• There is emergency on the bill.
• I declare the emergency to pass.
• There is emergency on the bill.
• There is emergency on the bill.

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Summary: The House reconvened after a quorum call and took up several Senate bills with joint committee reports, mostly involving health and human services funding. SB 1130, relating to University Hospitals authority, passed 74-12 and its emergency clause also passed. SB 1134, funding the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority, passed 75-14 with the emergency clause approved. SB 1131, appropriating ARP interest funds to address a Rogers County gap for the Office of Juvenile Affairs, passed 81-10 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1132, reappropriating ARPA funds for rural hospital rebuild programs under the State Department of Health to avoid federal clawback, passed 82-10 with emergency approval. SB 1133, involving the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and repurposing interest funds for a Norman building project, passed 68-24 and its emergency clause also passed. SB 1142, appropriating ARPA funds to the Department of Human Services consistent with pandemic relief recommendations, passed 68-21 and the emergency clause was adopted. The House also considered H.R. 1049, a resolution designating May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Representative Newton summarized asthma’s impact in Oklahoma and nationally, including child health effects and recent deaths in the state, and moved adoption by unanimous consent. The transcript ends with announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions and presentations. Members honored Vice Admiral Jeff Trusler as Veteran of the Week, recognized the Prague Kolache Festival royalty and candidates, unveiled an artwork for the Capitol’s Hall of Heroes, and introduced the Doctor, Psychologist, and Nurse of the Day, along with the OSBI cold case team. The House also adopted HCR 1026, a resolution tied to Earth Day and “Lights Out Day” in Oklahoma, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds. A major portion of the meeting consisted of farewell remarks from Representatives Mike Osborne and Kevin West. Both reflected on their years of service, thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, and emphasized themes of public service, hard work, conviction, and working across differences. Osborne’s remarks focused on freedom, immigration, service, and doing good in public life, while West stressed standing on principle, listening to others, and choosing courage over convenience. After the presentations and personal privilege speeches, the House moved into consideration of legislation. Chairman Caldwell presented the joint committee report on Senate Bill 1130, relating to the University Hospitals Authority, saying it would help ensure Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma have one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiology units. The transcript ends as members begin considering the bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill fully funds the Foundation School Program, appropriating $75.6 billion in all funds.
• It funds contracts that are awarded on the basis of race.
• These funds are to be distributed to school districts.
• Additional funding. All right. Members, any questions? Thank you.
• But it not only speeds the fund toward solvency, but it also... So as Mr.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1184, house, all