Committee approves two nominees and moves several short bills in final meeting

In its closing meeting the committee confirmed two gubernatorial nominees and advanced multiple short House bills with limited debate.

Appointments: The committee approved Russell Isaac to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (committee vote recorded 10 ayes, 0 nays). Isaac, introduced by the sponsor, said he looks forward to serving and described ongoing on‑farm conservation testing. The committee also approved Steve Mason to the Environmental Quality Board after a brief introduction and a roll call vote recorded as 8 ayes, 0 nays.

Short bills: The panel passed HB 43 16, removing an outdated 1988 deadline so nonprofits can convert to water districts (8–0); HB 44 84, allowing discretionary use of state vehicles to reduce mileage costs (9–0); HB 34 69, a mirror bill adjusting producer surety requirements (9–0); and HB 39 89/HB 3989, technical corrections clarifying a prior 1‑megawatt load standard (9–0). Each bill was given a due pass and recorded on roll call.

The chair thanked committee members and staff and adjourned the meeting.