Votes at a glance: multiple tech and education bills advance from Senate committee
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Summary
The Senate Technology and Telecommunications Committee advanced several bills by recorded votes on the same day: HB 31 76 (7–1), HB 35 44 (8–0), HB 36 19 (6–2), HB 35 46 (8–0), HB 17 82 (8–0), HB 22 93 (8–0) and HB 43 58 (8–0).
The Senate Technology and Telecommunications Committee recorded multiple roll-call outcomes today on a set of technology- and education-related House bills.
Key committee actions and vote counts
- House Bill 31 76 (Oklahoma Gas Artificial Intelligence and Space Research Hub): Passed 7–1. Sponsor discussed creating a Commerce-run hub and estimated recurring staffing and operating costs.
- House Bill 35 44 (AI social companions — minors): Passed 8–0. Sponsor framed the bill as a safety measure and authorized civil penalties enforceable by the attorney general; sponsor cited research and recent youth incidents.
- House Bill 36 19 (Geographic data standards): Passed 6–2. Sponsor described the bill as data-governance to standardize mapping for census accuracy and emergency services; the Conservation Commission provided a fiscal estimate of $1,500,000 for aerial imagery.
- House Bill 35 46 (No AI personhood): Passed 8–0. The bill clarifies that AI and nonhuman systems cannot be granted legal personhood under state law.
- House Bill 17 82 (AI Education Innovation Act): Advanced 8–0. Creates an advisory council and a fund for pursuing federal grants; questions about percentage allocations and administrative fees remain.
- House Bill 22 93 (Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset extension): Advanced 8–0. Includes a requirement for a termination/wind-down plan and a backstop termination date (06/30/2028) if a plan is rejected.
- House Bill 43 58 (K–5 screen-time limits): Passed 8–0. Caps classroom screen time for pre-K through grade 5 at one hour per day; sponsor agreed to further refine definitions and exemptions.
All bills that were passed or advanced in committee will move to subsequent legislative steps where appropriations, implementing language, and stakeholder consultation are expected to be resolved.