Transcript Highlights:

• facility or reuse facility or transfer station to get the waste to a landfill or a waste-to-energy facility
• A household hazardous waste facility or recycling facility is a 50/50.
• facility or reuse facility or transfer station to get the waste to a landfill or a waste-to-energy facility
• A household hazardous waste facility or recycling facility is a 50/50.
• various stages of feasibility studies various stages of feasibility studies and<01:10:35.640>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not asking for funds for a study. We're not asking for an academic exercise.
• So in our WAA food study, we assess household food security through an 18-item questionnaire.
• And do kind of a case study for cherries. Because this isn't all doom and gloom.
• Representative Dolio is leading on food waste, recycling, and donation efforts.
• Representative Dolio is leading on food waste, recycling, and donation efforts.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel focused on household food security and data. Marie Spiker of the University of Washington explained what food insecurity means, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable measurement, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that there is no true replacement. She described Washington’s WaFOOD surveys as a useful complement, not a substitute, and noted that they show food insecurity affects households at a range of income levels. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, the need for shared data and dashboards, and the role of agriculture in both food production and the hunger safety net. Committee members asked about the $2.2 million state food assistance allocation, the scale of the SNAP gap, and how household size, housing costs, and other factors intersect with food insecurity. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond on the history of SNAP and its relationship to agriculture. She traced the program from Depression-era commodity distribution through the modern farm bill, emphasizing that food assistance has long functioned both as anti-hunger policy and as an agricultural and economic stabilizer. She highlighted how SNAP expands during recessions, supports retailers and farmers, and has become more important since the Great Recession because participation stayed high even as the economy recovered. Roof also noted that Washington has relatively high SNAP participation and low payment error rates, but that recent federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. Members asked how Washington compares to other states and why the program is structured as it is. A later panel featured the Washington State Food Policy Forum and a joint systems presentation from the Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Food Industry Association. The Food Policy Forum described its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional food infrastructure, farmland protection, and farm viability, including more support for producer purchasing, water planning, and farmland conservation. The industry groups presented a systems map showing how agriculture, processing, retail, and transportation are interconnected, and argued that rising costs, regulations, labor and fuel expenses, retail theft, and thin margins make it harder to keep farms and stores viable. They said food security depends on store viability and local agricultural profitability, and promised to provide a more detailed list of policy recommendations. The final panel included state agency staff from DSHS, DOH, and WSDA. Bryce Montgomery said the Basic Food program serves about 920,000 Washingtonians monthly and warned that H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits, broaden work requirements, and restrict immigrant eligibility. Karen Mullen described DOH nutrition programs, including WIC, farmers market nutrition benefits, fruit and vegetable incentives, and a fruit-and-vegetable prescription program, while noting funding instability and the end of SNAP-Ed. WSDA’s Katie Raines began describing ongoing food assistance and farmer support challenges, including farmer mental health and the need to address food insecurity across both producers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a research study that's currently in progress regarding computer science credentialing,
• especially in the STEM fields and and I am just wondering I don't have I haven't seen any data or any studies
• There was a study a number of years back that was able to correlate third grade reading. compare those
• with information like this so I appreciate and can acknowledge perhaps maybe some I don't want to characterize
• And these options... frequently lead to additional studies at community college and or universities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, they looked at many states depending on the studies you look at.
• I can I don't the studies you look at.
• ,<02:11:57.360> the tell you that most of the studies, the tell you that most of the studies
• <02:11:59.119> showed the the majority of the studies showed the the majority of the studies
• I don't know of the studies off once.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Historically, institutions and facilities were characterized by poor care and education, segregation,
• Historically, institutions and facilities were characterized by poor care and education, segregation,
• In addition, we are seeking a legislative task force to study the problems, and this task force will
• In addition, we are seeking a legislative task force to study the problems, and this task force will
• outcomes of what are found in the study outcomes of what are found in the study have<00:54:03.839

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a study committee, Senate Bill 236, uh, which I was the staff member of that study committee
• There was a study committee, Senate Bill 236, uh, which I was the staff member of that study committee
• uh last summer in Fall there was a study uh last summer in Fall there was a study committee<00:43
• He said these are people that have been characterized as foreign actors, and he did not think it was
• Have we done a study how much and who is going to take care of the additional that this bill...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 733-FN, a bill concerning third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors funding lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, increases litigation abuse, and contributes to higher insurance and consumer costs. He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with guardrails and reporting requirements on specified pages of the bill. He also noted a couple of drafting fixes, including adding the word “knowingly” and incorporating a missing section later. Members raised questions about the bill’s foreign-entity language, especially the provision allowing a governor or the Department of Safety to designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure. Representative Cole said he would have lawyers review that issue. Another member asked whether the bill would prohibit a party from obtaining outside funding for a lawsuit; Cole clarified that the bill is intended as a reporting measure, not a ban, and that disclosure would be required. He also said the bill is aimed at American citizens rather than foreign-backed financing, and that some states had considered caps on such arrangements, though this bill does not. Brandon Gratz of the Attorney General’s office testified that the enforcement language appears too limited, because it would allow only civil penalties and not broader Consumer Protection Act remedies such as injunctions or restitution. He suggested the Attorney General may not have meaningful authority under the bill as written and raised possible insurance-law issues. Commissioner D.J. Benton-Court of the Insurance Department said the disclosure could help insurers better assess risk and potentially soften the hard insurance market by improving transparency, competition, underwriting, innovation, and claims management. He also said the bill likely needs further work on jurisdiction and enforcement, and that the committee may need to coordinate with the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and possibly banking regulators. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've done housing studies; we know where there are needs.
• The landfills in our state are at capacity, and this is a very large portion of the waste stream, so
• Right, as Senator May knows, about half of all waste produced in New York is construction and demolition
• Is there a study or anything we can point to that says that once we go through the effort of doing this
• There have been studies, and there are growing markets, and also Cornell University, with a very broad

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation. The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes. The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot waste another moment. Thank you. I yield back. The gentleman yields.
• We cannot waste<02:03:36.960> another<02:03:37.440> moment.
• <02:03:38.400> I<02:03:38.560> yield waste another moment. Thank you.
• I yield waste another moment. Thank you. I yield back. back. back.
• The organization is the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment changes the bill's title to waste management.
• means of solid waste disposal.
• means of solid waste disposal.
• Waste to energy is critical infrastructure for Florida.
• Joe Kilsheimer, Executive Director of the Florida Waste to Energy Coalition, continued: “Waste is critical

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1730, a Live Local Act bill on affordable housing. The sponsor described it as a set of technical and policy adjustments to strengthen implementation, including changes to zoning, height, parking, moratoriums, attorney fees, and related land-use rules. An amendment by Senator Claudio was adopted, adding provisions such as a 10-story height limit near single-family neighborhoods, exclusions for certain protected areas, and changes to fee and use definitions. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 1674 on unrated bonds for Israel bonds, with a clarifying amendment adopted to make clear the bill applied only to Israel bonds. CS/SB 140 on charter schools was also approved after debate over parent-led conversion of public schools, municipal job-engine charter schools, and surplus school property; opponents warned about local control and impacts on teachers and communities, while the sponsor said the bill preserved district authority and created new school-choice and economic-development options. The committee also passed SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and CS/SB 954 on recovery residences, after strike-all amendments that addressed zoning, ADA concerns, bed caps, staffing ratios, and limits on operation in certain multifamily settings. Senators expressed support for expanding treatment housing but also raised neighborhood and staffing concerns. The committee then approved CS/SB 1714 on local housing assistance plans, which would allow SHIP funds for limited lot-rental assistance for mobile-home owners and require local plans to address mobile-home park closures. SB 658 on standardized construction lien release forms was reported favorably despite testimony from contractors and lawyers warning about possible effects on lien rights and the separate House proposal. The committee also reconsidered and then approved CS/SB 482 after a late-filed amendment addressing local government art fees and a key issue over defining “extraordinary circumstances,” with counties and cities saying more work remained. Finally, the committee passed SB 24 and CS/SB 4, both local claims bills, CS/SB 712 on synthetic turf and related construction rules, SB 952 repealing the emergency firearms/ammunition restriction, CS/SB 1164 allowing email notice delivery in landlord-tenant matters with opt-in safeguards, and SB 202 on municipal water and sewer rates, which drew extensive opposition from North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens officials over utility surcharges and revenue impacts. The meeting ended with SB 202 still under heavy questioning and testimony about the fairness and financial consequences of the surcharge structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 226FN, suspending the application of new landfills and establishing a committee to study the feasibility
• of incinerating solid waste. >> Discussion. >> All in favor?
• establishing a new landfills and establishing a committee<00:12:44.160> to<00:12:44.399> study
• /c> conservation commission to the site conservation commission to the site solid<00:24:00.159> waste
• site evaluation committee, solid waste site evaluation committee, which<00:25:40.159> will<00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• management facilities. in Texas, which is solid waste.
• The adopted rules enhance the agency's oversight of waste management facilities.
• We'll review waste management facility reports and inspections, and we're asking for IT to make sure
• Our Office of Waste... sees waste authorizations.
• This includes from solid and hazardous waste, um, as well as registration. for a variety of activities

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fellow of the Global Food and Water Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
• Livestock contribute 13 times as much waste as the entire U.S. population, and their waste is stored
• In this study called Swap Meat, researchers placed participants on contrasting diets, In this study called
• , Many of these studies focus on Southern California sushi restaurants, but the issues of mislabeling
• I want to do graduate studies in this topic. There's not a lot of options for that to happen.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• around her neck, she cried because she would need a C-section, but she also cried because she had wasted
• section but I also cried because<00:08:56.000> I<00:08:56.080> had<00:08:56.279> wasted
• <00:18:07.159> to<00:18:07.440> nine filled with these studies to nine filled with
• these studies to nine committees<00:18:08.400> in<00:18:08.880> 2023<00:18:09.880> as
• That's what the actuarial study said last year, so it's exactly where we thought it was going to be,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so 3% in the last study, you know, I made it...
• According to a comprehensive study commissioned by the U.S.
• Studies have shown measles kills up to three children per 1,000.
• I've been reading the Cleveland Clinic study that just recently came out.
• We should follow the studies and do things that are based off of the studies.

Bills: SB227, SB269, SB407, SB463, SB527, SB547, SB1283, SB1380, SB1383, SB1511, SB1640, SB1784, SB2069

Keywords: school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that we're going to be doing a study, an in-depth study on RSAs dealing with cats, dogs,
• > dealing<00:12:12.840> with in-depth study on RSAs dealing with in-depth study on RSAs
• <00:19:24.800> management water issues, a waste management water issues, a waste management
• solid waste management funds by solid waste management<01:18:10.080> districts.
• with is Waste Management in Rochester. with is Waste Management in Rochester.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if your characterization of the first Trump term is correct.
• Her dream is to go to college to study art.
• Her dreams to go to college to study art.
• I don't know what she will end up doing, whether an illustrator, story, to study art.
• I am a rising junior at UMass Amherst studying political science and economics.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes. The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further. Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 5198 by Dean relates to the study of title insurance rates in Texas and other states and is referred
• HB 5198 by Dean relates to the study of title insurance rates in Texas and other states and is referred
• HB 5198 by Dean relates to the study of title insurance rates in Texas and other states and is referred
• wasting disease and is referred to the Committee on Culture and Tourism.
• AG5573 by Bohac relates to the prevention of fraud and waste for the Committee on State Affairs.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of times that's how it's treated on the solid waste side.
• <00:07:50.639> any<00:07:51.039> solid<00:07:51.360> waste the solid waste side
• . any solid waste the solid waste side. any solid waste found<00:07:51.919> on<00:07:52.160>
• >> Um we regulate the solid waste >> Um we regulate the solid waste essentially.<00:
• It is also solid waste.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I was wondering if you knew what the study covered and what the results of the study were.
• In 2020, no study was even going to be done, so legislation was passed to make sure they did the study
• going to do any more studies.
• going to do any more studies.
• China doesn't want our waste... China doesn't want our waste anymore.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met and heard several bills on boating, anchoring, plastics, coastal resilience, and permitting. HB 735, expanding the Boating Improvement Program to fund boat-trailer parking at public ramps and offering a submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best practices, drew no opposition and was reported favorably. HB 371, a nature-based coastal resilience bill, was amended with a strike-all and then reported favorably with committee substitute. HB 287, allowing building or plumbing permits to move forward while septic system permits are still under review, also passed favorably after testimony from the onsite wastewater industry and a brief debate about construction delays and final occupancy certification. The committee also took up HB 565 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of items like bags, cups, and bottles and maintain statewide uniformity. The sponsor argued it protects consumer choice and business consistency, while environmental groups, PTA representatives, and others warned it would worsen plastic pollution, microplastics, and local cleanup burdens. Despite opposition and a 13-5 vote with several members opposed, the bill was reported favorably. Members also discussed HB 565’s policy background, including prior DEP studies and the tension between state preemption and local environmental regulation. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 565 in the transcript’s boating context, actually HB 565 on anchoring limitations in Biscayne Bay and other heavily impacted areas. Supporters from Miami Beach and North Bay Village said derelict and anchored vessels are harming waterways, seagrass, public safety, and enforcement efforts, while cruisers and boating groups argued the bill would displace responsible boaters and fail to solve derelict-vessel problems. The committee adopted an amendment, then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by an 18-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.
• wasting Americans' taxpayer money, and House Republicans are going to stop wasting your tax dollars.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1012, house, all