Transcript Highlights:

• Ninety-nine percent of the time, this is just a function of the market where somebody loses wages and
• :05:01.360><c> where</c><00:05:02.000><c> somebody</c><00:05:02.400><c> loses</c><00:05:02.800><c> wages
• </c> the market where somebody loses wages the market where somebody loses wages and<00:05:03.360><c>
• inability to pay, and six out of 10 low-income Kentuckians are already spending more than 50% of their wages
• the justice system, including<00:40:09.520><c> a</c><00:40:09.760><c> high</c><00:40:10.079><c> prevailence

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:05 25 RS HB 534 - AN ACT relating to actions for forcible entry and detainer: 00:01:45 25 RS SB 111 - AN ACT relating to juvenile justice: 00:23:46 Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky: 01:13:26 Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment in State and County Correctional Facilities: 01:25:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September 18 minutes and then heard testimony on House Bill 534, which would automatically seal dismissed eviction filings and protect youth from public disclosure in forcible detainer cases. Rep. Susan Tyler Whitten and George Ecklan of the Coalition for the Homeless said the bill is aimed at reducing housing barriers for Kentuckians, especially those with dismissed cases, while preserving landlords’ rights to pursue rent, collections, damages, and other legal remedies. They said the proposal was developed with input from landlords, clerks, judges, AOC, and service providers, and noted that similar laws exist in other states. Several members, including Sen. Neimes, Rep. Deetsz, Rep. Cole Carney, and Sen. Thomas, expressed support while emphasizing that the bill is narrowly tailored to dismissed cases and should not affect legitimate landlord claims; Sen. Wheeler raised concerns about cases involving settlements or delays and whether future landlords should know about them. The sponsors responded that the bill only covers dismissed actions, that dismissals require a judge’s order, and that the goal is to remove barriers created by records that remain publicly visible even when a case is resolved. The committee then took up Senate Bill 111 on juvenile justice. Commissioner Randy White, Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvanny, and Dr. Clark Lester of the University of Kentucky said the bill would require a secure state-run facility for youth with high-acuity mental health needs in detention and, until that is built, create a process with incentives for private hospitals to provide inpatient treatment with safeguards and increased compensation. They argued that detention is not an appropriate setting for severely mentally ill, violent youth and that private psychiatric hospitals often refuse these referrals or discharge them early. Dr. Lester cited recent referral data showing high denial rates for juvenile justice youth in private hospitals in August and September, often due to aggression, and described a case in which repeated placement attempts failed because of violent and self-harming behavior. The presenters said the bill is intended to fill a service gap and improve safety and outcomes for youth, staff, and hospitals, but no vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. Members, we have four bills that are in front of us this morning.
• requirements of the BCA will be, not only today but into the future, to address insurance fraud crimes, wage
• requirements of the BCA will be, not only today but into the future, to address insurance fraud crimes, wage
• requirements of the BCA will be, not only today but into the future, to address insurance fraud crimes, wage
• reports of state program fraud along with all the other requirements they do from insurance fraud to wage

Bills: HF2335, HF2400, HF2401, HF2522

Keywords: Medicare, health insurance, supplement policies, preexisting conditions, medical assistance, premium classification, real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, continuing education, out-of-state, licensing, commerce, fraud prevention, automobile theft, law enforcement, insurance crimes, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the wages of course will outdated.
• So, this was an wage and hour division.
• I supervised the wage and hour division for the last 15 years of my career.
• The contractor paid the back wages and The contractor paid the back wages and duct<01:14:24.800><c> deducted
• </c><01:15:55.679><c> and</c> questions concerning Kucky's wage and questions concerning Kucky's wage

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:29 Approval of Minutes: 00:01:50 Kentucky Buy American Act: 00:02:08 Earn As You Learn: KY Building Trades Apprenticeship: 00:30:42 Worker Misclassification in the Construction Industry: 01:02:00 Investing in KY’s Future Workforce Through the Good Business Initiative: 01:20:44 Adjournment: 01:28:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September minutes, and heard testimony on a proposed “Kentucky by America” procurement preference bill. Representative Patrick Flannery described the concept as giving preference in public construction and public works contracts to iron, steel, aluminum, and other manufactured goods made in the United States, while emphasizing he wanted to avoid excessive taxpayer costs and was open to changes. Chad Connley of the United Steelworkers and Dustin Reinsteller of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO supported the idea, arguing it would strengthen domestic manufacturing, keep tax dollars in the local economy, and support jobs; Connley said the bill would include waivers for items not made domestically and noted Kentucky has opted out of the GPA trade agreement. Mike Buckington of Metals Innovation Initiative, testifying virtually, also supported the concept and said Kentucky’s metals sector has seen significant investment and can supply most construction needs, while stressing supply-chain reliability and national security concerns. Members generally expressed support but raised questions about implementation. Representative Branscum asked who would grant waivers and how contractors would know the rules during bidding; Flannery said he was open to revising the language and process. Representative Gentry supported the concept but said the bill would likely need editing to avoid harming businesses or markets. Senator Nun suggested aligning the bill’s definition of a U.S. good with industry country-of-origin standards to make compliance easier. Representative KC Carney asked for data on the impact of similar laws in other states, and Connley said he could provide numbers later but did not have them on hand. Senator Boswell supported the concept and asked about the cost threshold for waivers; Connley said the federal standard is a 25% cost increase, while the prior Kentucky version used 10%, and that the threshold is a key detail. The committee then shifted to an informational presentation on building trade apprenticeships. Eric Elie of the Kentucky State Pipe Trades Association, Nick Brown of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 502, and retired IBEW training director Steve Willinghurst explained how union apprenticeship programs work. Brown described earn-while-you-learn training, with apprentices placed on jobs by signatory contractors and attending classes two nights a week for five years. He outlined the work of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR technicians, emphasizing that these trades support construction, industrial facilities, distilleries, and other critical infrastructure. No votes or formal actions were taken on the policy topics beyond approval of the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• that came out of NorthstarPolicy.org, and they say conservatively an estimated $106 million in lost wages
• There are 10 ayes and nine nays. >> There being 10 ayes and nine nays, the motion does not prevail. no
• I's and nine nays, the motion<01:07:15.640><c> does</c><01:07:15.880><c> not</c><01:07:16.120><c> prevail

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• taxes its high-wage earners.
• proud to work with all of you last year, proud to work with the legislature, to raise the minimum wage
• The highest minimum wage in the United States of America, working with you at $25 an hour.
• It hasn't been raised in nearly two decades, the federal minimum wage.
• Allowing eligible workers, this is important, just went in effect, to receive up to 90% of their wages

Summary: The joint convention convened to receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address, with legislative leaders introducing the Governor and welcoming constitutional officers, judges, and other guests. The proceedings opened with a moment of silence honoring Renee Nicole Good and other immigrants affected by detention and due process concerns. After introductory remarks from the Speaker, Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on his administration and California’s response to recent crises. The Governor highlighted California’s economic performance, tax structure, minimum wage increases, education funding, child care and school meal investments, housing reforms, apprenticeships, infrastructure projects, clean energy progress, and efforts on homelessness, mental health, and public safety. He also discussed state action on artificial intelligence regulation, climate resilience, insurance reform, and wildfire recovery, while sharply criticizing the federal government and President Trump on immigration, health care, food aid, disaster response, and other issues. He announced that his upcoming budget would include major education spending, a five-year extension of the CalCompete tax credit, additional community school funding, a rebuilding fund for fire survivors, and other policy proposals. At the close of the address, the Legislature formally ordered the Governor’s State of the State speech printed in the journal as a special appendix. The joint convention then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 11 states in the United States of America that tax their middle-wage earners more than the
• taxes its high-wage earners.
• proud to work with all of you last year, proud to work with the Legislature, to raise the minimum wage
• The highest minimum wage in the United States of America, working with you at $25 an hour.
• It hasn't been raised in nearly two decades, the federal minimum wage.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The motion prevails. That can be put into the squad or into the vehicles.
• >> The motion prevails. is for Mr. Hansen. Um, as you were is for Mr. Hansen.
• &gt;&gt; The<00:15:35.199><c> motion</c><00:15:35.600><c> prevails.
• </c> &gt;&gt; The motion prevails. &gt;&gt; The motion prevails. &gt;&gt; Everybody

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, many workers are afraid to speak up, even when they're subjected to wage theft, unsafe working
• As a result, many workers are afraid to speak up, even when they're subjected to wage theft, unsafe
• One flag: the bill calls for a living wage, that was mentioned.
• This is an approach the Legislature has had success with for wage and hour cases.
• This is an approach the legislature has had success with for wage and hour cases.

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on worker protections, AI, workplace safety, and employment access. AB 1697 would delay implementation of AB 692 on employer debt traps by one year to allow more time to address collective bargaining concerns; it drew support from the NFL and no opposition. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on immigration-related threats used by employers to intimidate workers, with strong support from immigrant-rights, labor, and legal aid groups describing coercion and fear among undocumented and new-arrival workers; it advanced on a divided roll with some members voting no or not voting. AB 2511 would require DIR to study pay disparities between behavioral health and medical-surgical providers, with supporters arguing low reimbursement drives provider shortages and opponents warning of duplicative reporting, proprietary-data concerns, and added administrative burden; it was moved forward to the Health Committee. AB 2157 would make permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund Pilot Program, with displaced refinery workers and labor/environmental groups supporting the bill as a needed transition tool; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2530 would require 60-day notice for public-employer layoffs, relocations, and closures, narrowed by amendment to public agencies; supporters said public workers deserve the same notice protections as private-sector workers, while some opposition sought clarification, and the bill passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 2488, which would direct DIR and UC to study Cal/OSHA inspector vacancies and recruitment pathways. Supporters, including a laid-off refinery worker and WorkSafe, said chronic understaffing has weakened enforcement and that experienced workers could fill the gap; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2545 would create an EDD study of AI-related workforce displacement and safety-net impacts, with labor and tech-policy supporters warning of large-scale job loss and the need for data to plan for unemployment and other public programs; business groups opposed the reporting and task-force structure but acknowledged the issue, and the bill passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2027 would restrict employers and vendors from using worker data to train or deploy AI systems that replace workers, while limiting collection to what is necessary for employment administration; supporters framed it as a privacy and anti-displacement measure, and opponents argued the definitions were too broad and could hinder useful workplace technologies. The bill advanced to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 2095, the Fair Chance Act bill, was presented to clarify and strengthen rules limiting conviction-history screening in hiring, including written explanations and protections for applicants seeking promotions or new roles with current employers. Supporters described ongoing discrimination against people with records and the need for a real second chance, while opponents said the bill was too broad, added burdens, and could conflict with existing statewide rules. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on AB 2095, but the discussion centered on balancing reentry opportunities with employer concerns about individualized assessments and safety-based hiring decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody's excited because they're cheaper than a million-dollar house, but a local wage earner cannot
• Everybody's excited because they're cheaper than a million-dollar house, but a local wage earner cannot
• </c><00:21:53.720><c> earner</c> dollar house but a local wage earner dollar house but a local wage earner
• Wages will determine appreciation.
• </c><00:42:16.720><c> will</c> whole term or forever wages will whole term or forever wages will determine

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a series of housing bills. HB 1432 and HB 1428 drew support from HHFDC, and HB 1428 also received testimony from Hawaiian Community Assets, which said housing counseling funding is needed to meet demand for financial education tied to affordable housing, and that such counseling can help reduce evictions, prevent foreclosure, and stabilize households. HB 833 on community land trusts received broad support from HHFDC, county housing officials, community land trust representatives, and a local developer; testimony emphasized keeping housing affordable in perpetuity, but also asked for clearer access to financing, longer repayment terms, and inclusion of additional land trusts in the bill. Peter Savio argued that community land trusts are the best way to control demand and keep housing tied to local incomes. The committee also heard HB 19 on the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, which HHFDC said should be made permanent because the pilot has been successful, with 81 units in the program and $7.4 million of the $10 million allocation already committed. HHFDC said the fund helps stalled for-sale projects by providing state equity that revolved back when homes are sold. HB 529 and HB 432 were also heard; HB 432 would create a subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund for projects above 60% AMI, and HHFDC said this would help finance housing for households at 65% and 80% AMI. The bill drew support from several housing, business, and industry groups. Several other housing measures were discussed with mixed testimony. HB 419 had HHFDC support, Limby Hawaiʻi opposition, and support from the Grassroot Institute and others; members asked about whether councils approve these projects in one or multiple readings. HB 527 and HB 416 also drew a mix of support and opposition, with questions focused on county approval timelines and whether state-financed projects would still go through normal local review. HB 417 on the rental housing revolving fund prompted questions about how it differs from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund and whether it should be more flexible for mixed rental and for-sale projects. HB 418’s proposed working group was noted as potentially unnecessary because HHFDC said a public working group was already being formed. HB 1411 on housing preference raised questions about what happens if a recipient changes jobs, and HB 374 drew an Attorney General’s Office recommendation to remove a duration requirement to avoid possible constitutional travel issues. HB 373 and HB 1492 were also heard, with strong testimony from Peter Savio in favor of a broader trust-based model for affordable housing. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails, and the amendment is adopted.
• The motion prevails, and the amendment is adopted.
• The motion prevails, and the A1 amendment is adopted.
• </c> I I those oppose nay the motion prevails I I those oppose nay the motion prevails in<00:37:14.920
• The motion prevails, and House File 16007 is referred to the Education Finance Committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. The bill will be referred to that committee.
• The motion prevails, and the amendment is adopted.
• </c><00:58:53.799><c> the</c> opposed say no the motion prevails the opposed say no the motion prevails
• The motion prevails, and the bill will be referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
• The motion prevails; the amendment is adopted. Senate File 1498 is before us.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’ll show you a slide in a moment about the great story of wage growth, but that wage growth also affects
• I’ll show you a slide in a moment about the great story of wage growth, but that wage growth also affects
• I’ll show you a slide in a moment about the great story of wage growth, but that wage growth also affects
• had wage growth that outpaced that rent growth.
• </c><01:01:44.160><c> that</c> wage growth and wage growth that wage growth and wage growth that outpaced

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. A quorum is present. Madam President, Madam President.
• The motion prevails, and I declare the joint convention adjourned. >> The House will come to order.
• The motion prevails. Representative Niska moves that the House do now adjourn.
• The motion prevails, and the House stands adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30th, 2026.
• <c> the</c><01:11:20.520><c> house</c> The motion prevails, and the house The motion prevails, and the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Those opposed, the<00:03:11.040><c> motion</c><00:03:11.440><c> does</c><00:03:11.680><c> prevail.
• </c><00:03:12.239><c> The</c><00:03:12.480><c> amendment</c> the motion does prevail.
• The amendment the motion does prevail. The amendment is<00:03:13.840><c> adopted.
• The motion does prevail and as &gt;&gt; Nay.
• The motion does prevail and as amended amended amended is<00:22:46.159><c> recommended</c><00:22:46.880

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibits a county assessor from reclassifying agricultural property for four years if an owner prevails
• But basically you prevail on your appeal, you're good to go until the fourth year, when the assessor
• So when a rancher prevails on appeal at the State Board of Equalization—say your ag land is designated
• Once they prevail on that appeal, you would imagine perhaps that you might be secure for that four-year
• It applies only when a property owner prevails on appeal, so this is not going to lock in property that

Bills: HB2016, HB2104, HB2105, HB2288, HB2289

Keywords: tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. The President appoints the following Senators. The motion prevails.
• Motion prevails.
• The motion prevails. Senator... Senator Klein. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay.
• The motion prevails. Senator Klein. Mr.
• The motion prevails. The Senate will stand adjourned until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• payments under protest and the litigated claims fund to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails
• “Litigated claims fund to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails.
• cases if the be paid in non- taxation cases if the claim<00:29:24.200><c> it</c><00:29:24.399><c> prevails
• c><00:29:24.840><c> establish</c><00:29:25.200><c> a</c><00:29:25.519><c> procedure</c> claim it prevails
• establish a procedure claim it prevails establish a procedure for<00:29:26.039><c> the</c><00:29:26.159

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee continued hearing several bills. HB 399 would create an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit; it drew support from the Judiciary, Public Defender, State Bar, Financial Services Association, and others, and there was no opposition. HB 560 would appropriate funds for Judiciary contracts with community-based organizations; many service providers and coalition representatives testified in support, emphasizing the growing gap between contract payments and the actual cost of services, especially for domestic violence, youth, legal aid, and other vulnerable populations. HB 648 would establish a two-year pilot program in the First Circuit probate and family court for guardianship and conservatorship-related resources; the Office of the Public Guardian and disability advocates supported it, while suggesting amendments to clarify that the bill refers to professional evaluations, including psychological, neurocognitive, or functional evaluations, rather than just physicians’ letters. The committee also heard HB 990, which appropriates funds for claims against the state, with the Attorney General noting 21 claims totaling about $6.5 million plus two additional resolved claims and requesting corrections to identify two matters as judgments rather than settlements. HB 991 would clarify that the Attorney General may conduct FBI fingerprint-based background checks on contractors and employees; it was supported by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and others, with an amendment to include subcontractors. HB 998 would provide that omissions or errors in citations do not require dismissal or reversal if they do not prejudice the defendant; the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and members discussed whether the language adequately protects due process and how it would apply when identifying information is unavailable. Finally, HB 1174 would address payment-under-protest lawsuits by allowing interest earned on certain funds to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails and by setting procedures for premature filings. After testimony, the committee moved into decision-making and recommended passage of HB 399, HB 560, HB 648, HB 990, HB 991, HB 998, and HB 1174, generally with amendments where noted, including effective-date changes and the requested clarifications. The measures were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average wages of their new hires has been reported at $755,000.
• The average wages of their new hires has been reported at $755,000.
• The average wages of their new hires has been reported at $755,000.
• , for an average weekly wage of over $1,300.
• , for an average weekly wage of over $1,300.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , law enforcement use of force, tactics and appointment, Keep Washington Working Act requirements, wage
• don't have the same tools to investigate possible violations of the law against discrimination or wage
• Wage theft is the largest form of theft in this country.
• In our experience, a majority of wage theft is often, in our members' experience, more systemic rather
• of workers were owed $700,000 in stolen wages.

Bills: SB5925, SB5906, SB6070, SB6002

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows us to meet critical workforce demand in high-demand, high-wage areas. Forward.
• So they're coming in prepared to make family-wage jobs and help our industry.
• necessary for our economy but lead to solid family-wage jobs.
• These are both pathways that lead directly to family-wage jobs.
• That credential means a job, higher wages, and self-sufficiency right now.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills related to higher education, workforce training, student protections, campus encampments, and EMT recertification. HB 2427 would require tattoo artists to complete annual human trafficking awareness training through the Department of Licensing; the prime sponsor and supporters said tattoo artists may be among the few people trafficked survivors encounter and could help identify and refer victims, while one opponent argued the bill imposes compelled speech and burdens small businesses. HB 2458 would expand Washington College Grant eligibility to approved non-degree credential programs; supporters from community and technical colleges, workforce organizations, and employers said it would help low-income students access short-term training tied to high-demand jobs, while one member raised concerns about short-term credentials and their long-term value. The committee also heard HB 2474, which would strengthen consumer protections when a private institution or program closes by expanding use of the Student Achievement Council tuition recovery trust fund, requiring teach-out or transfer options, and voiding certain student debts if closure rules are violated. The sponsor and agency witnesses said the bill responds to recent closures and gaps in federal oversight, while Independent Colleges of Washington opposed the bill as overly broad and potentially harmful to program innovation, and asked that private nonprofit campuses be excluded. Testifiers from student groups and a national higher-education advocacy organization supported the measure and argued that protections should also apply to public institutions. HB 2589 would regulate campus encampments at institutions of higher education by requiring advance notice, limiting authorization to registered student organizations or recognized bargaining units, and allowing institutions to impose content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions to protect safety and access. The sponsor said it codifies existing practice and does not ban protest, but several testifiers described recent encampments as disruptive or unsafe, while others warned the bill could chill student expression and should not apply to private nonprofit campuses. Finally, HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals from every three years to every six years for EMTs certified in Washington for at least 10 years; firefighters and EMS supporters said it would reduce administrative burden without changing training requirements. The committee took no votes and adjourned after hearing all testimony, with a reminder about amendment deadlines for upcoming bills.