Transcript Highlights:

• All of us have input.
• The people have had no input. And Mr.
• in the data used by the data tool, and it doesn't say may; it says shall.
• And what this makes clear is that we must include indigenous data in that data tool.
• This data from these entities, because they have their own data sovereignty as well, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• Data shows that year over year in managed care, quality has improved.
• This is done in a variety of fashions, but mostly through a digital analysis of information that is input
• We also have now published data that show that these patients leave earlier.
• And I think it will take, again, partnership between us, continuing to demonstrate through data what
• And hoping that the data, while the data shows that 50% of people end up practicing in the area with

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion focused on how Florida health care organizations are working to improve access, quality, and affordability. Panelists from Florida Community Care/Independent Living Systems, Sunshine Health, AdventHealth, UF Health, and Nemours described their approaches, including Medicaid managed care, value-based contracting, community partnerships, mobile screening units, smart-room technology, telehealth, and specialized programs for maternal health, children, and complex chronic conditions. Several speakers emphasized that managed care and coordinated care can improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary utilization and costs. Members asked about the impact of Medicare’s V28 changes, mobile cancer screening, urgent care versus emergency room billing, pediatric specialty access, complaint resolution, Black maternal mortality, provider shortages, network adequacy, and the use of AI in prior authorization. Witnesses said V28 has affected providers and revenue, UF Health’s mobile screening program is expanding beyond a few cancer types, and its urgent care model bills patients at the appropriate level rather than both urgent care and ER rates. Nemours said it reduced specialty wait times through scheduling changes, telemedicine, and registry tools, while AdventHealth described postpartum coordination and maternal heart programs to reduce maternal complications and mortality. On complaints and access problems, panelists said their organizations use patient/member advocates, care managers, call centers, and escalation processes to resolve issues, and Sunshine Health specifically discussed a transportation complaint that was addressed with its vendor and the family. Sunshine Health also said it is not using AI for prior authorization, though it is exploring responsible uses elsewhere, and Florida Community Care said it is not using AI in utilization management. In closing, panelists identified workforce shortages, provider burnout, and high-cost drugs as the biggest ongoing challenges. The meeting ended with thanks to the panel and adjournment after Representative Brackett moved to rise, without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the loss of the incentive at the federal level reflected in the data?
• Do you see that in the data?
• Fortunately, we have really good data that suggests this does change behavior.
• So we look forward to getting public input on what that sweet spot is.
• Transportation regulations. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• I specifically asked the question, why are we doing this without voter, direct voter input?
• A democracy uses layered public input and decision-making.
• An authoritarian regime public input and decision-making.
• I'm not even getting the data on how much fraud you are talking about.
• They are regulated burdens on small businesses and hinder growth. That is the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Agriculture has a variety of responsibilities related to the regulation of fertilizers
• I'm sure some folks from the Tree Fruit Association have data on that.
• The data requirements have remained the same.
• It is the same career scientists who continue to review the data that has been submitted to them.
• Representative Reeves, Ranking Member Dent, thank you for taking the time to listen to our input.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to create a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that are entering soil, water, wildlife, and people, and said Washington should begin acting now rather than waiting for federal action. WSDA said the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; it also noted the bill should be clarified to address all pesticides, not just new ones. Agricultural and industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of EPA review and warned it could reduce product availability and put Washington farmers at a competitive disadvantage, while environmental advocates supported it as a needed food-safety and environmental measure. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2463, which would expand the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a Farm to Food Pantry Program to help hunger-relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill is part of a broader state response to reduced federal food-security support and is intended to keep families fed by strengthening local food purchasing. Testimony was largely supportive from food banks, food hubs, farmers, AARP, and hunger-relief groups, who said the programs help move surplus produce, dairy, protein, and other products to people in need while supporting local farms and reducing waste. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns about language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” function for food sourcing, saying it could exclude many existing regional organizations and reduce resilience; one tribal representative also requested an amendment to include tribally owned small-scale farms. No action was taken on HB 2463 during the hearing. After the hearings, the committee went into caucus and then held executive session only on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations for collective processing, handling, and marketing. Supporters said it would help smaller cannabis producers cooperate and prepare for possible federal changes, while opponents argued it was premature given marijuana’s federal status and too broad in scope. The committee approved HB 1941 on a 6-5 vote and reported it out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2238 was deferred to the following day for further review of amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm just wondering about the data for nursing school, if that data exists or if it's more anecdotal
• Data, you all are one of the boards that collect a lot of workforce data, and I know my colleague just
• data, you all are one of the boards that collect a lot of workforce data, and I know my colleague just
• The malpractice data, the licensing complaint data on dry needling, is nonexistent.
• Because chiropractors are not regulated by the veterinary board, because we are regulated by our chiropractic

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd love to have the data you have in front of you, but we don't.
• I couldn't find any data on that.
• Page six, regarding the regulation of licensure. Department.
• This, the Regulation of License Department. Was this also part of their request?
• Madam Chair, Representative, I don't have the data in front of me.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think the industry itself is taking care of self-regulation that way.
• </c> are we going to regulate these things. are we going to regulate these things.
• </c><00:40:29.200><c> And</c> regulations we might want to put on.
• And regulations we might want to put on.
• Okay, get that inputted.

Transcript Highlights:

• staff to this committee, by way of background, the Washington Medical Commission, or Commission, regulates
• The Washington Medical Commission, or Commission, regulates the competency and quality of professional
• process presents due process and fairness challenges by triggering mandatory reporting to national data
• responsible for the licensee, and an individual can reactivate the license at any time with minimal input
• According to the SBCTC's 2024 to 2025 data, these colleges collectively enroll approximately 300,000

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6258, which would authorize the Washington Medical Commission to adopt rules allowing physicians and certain other licensees to voluntarily relinquish their licenses outside of a disciplinary process. Staff and the bill sponsor explained that the current system only allows relinquishment through a disciplinary or quasi-disciplinary path, which can trigger reporting to national databases even when there is no misconduct. Testimony from the Medical Commission and the Washington Physicians Health Program supported the bill as a non-disciplinary, permanent, and more dignified way for providers to exit practice while preserving patient safety by excluding those under investigation or discipline. The chair said the committee would executive the bill the next day and asked that amendments be submitted by 6 p.m. that day. The committee then held a work session on part-time/adjunct faculty in the community and technical college system. State Board of Community and Technical Colleges staff described the system’s 34 colleges, the role of local bargaining, and the differences in duties and pay between full-time and part-time faculty. They noted that adjunct pay has historically lagged and cited a 2024 report estimating it would cost about $75.1 million to raise average adjunct compensation to 85% of full-time faculty pay. American Federation of Teachers Washington representatives and contingent faculty testified in support of HB 2538, arguing that contingent faculty are underpaid, often lack stable employment and compensation for work outside class time, and that higher pay would improve retention, student support, and equity. Members asked about bargaining structures, health benefits, workload, and comparisons to other faculty roles. In executive session, the committee considered Substitute Senate Bill 5931, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board, including removing a public dashboard requirement and adjusting election timing. The bill passed 14-1 and was reported out with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also approved Senate Bill 5963, which automatically makes Passport to Careers participants income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and aligns need calculations with the federal formula; it also directs Passport funds into the state financial aid account. That bill passed unanimously, 15-0, and was likewise reported out with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can submit public input; we will be taking public input on that until August 22nd, at which point
• They decide to change data for whatever outcomes you're wanting versus what the data shows.
• And every year, there are more rules and regulations.
• The data component that we have for more. And the data that we have followed suit with Dr.
• So the data does show.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> upon completion with the regulations upon completion with the regulations will<01:12:39.040><c>
• Obviously, it doesn't have regulation.
• Just to give of that regulation.
• </c><01:26:08.560><c> When</c> we do not directly regulate. When we do not directly regulate.
• </c> noticed it and uh we we have some data noticed it and uh we we have some data to<01:35:40.800><c

Committee: Joint Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, obviously the issue with the data center bill is concerning for us.
• I mean, obviously the issue with the data center bill is concerning for us.
• I mean, obviously the issue with the data center bill is concerning for us.
• I mean, obviously the issue with the data center bill is concerning for us.
• It has the risk of driving off data centers.

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders held a media availability in Olympia as the 2026 session entered its final full week, focusing heavily on affordability, taxes, and the state operating budget. Senators Braun and Gildon, along with House Republicans Connors and Abbarno, criticized the House and Senate budget proposals as spending billions more than forecast revenue, relying on one-time money, the rainy day fund, and what they called unrealistic assumptions. They argued the budgets would worsen a future deficit and said Democrats were prioritizing special interests over fiscal restraint. A major topic was the proposed income tax on high earners, which Republicans said would likely expand over time and drive businesses and wealthy residents out of Washington. They also discussed other tax proposals they said would hurt affordability, including changes affecting data centers, nicotine products, prescription drug warehousing, retail bags, and bottles. House Republicans said they were working with some Democrats to oppose the income tax and urged the governor to veto it if it reaches his desk. They also said the budget process has excluded Republican input and relied on closed-door negotiations. Republicans also raised several policy issues they said were stalled or killed this session, including juvenile rehabilitation reform, child endangerment and fatality reporting, tort reform, and housing and energy policy. They criticized the House for not advancing measures they said would help with child safety, juvenile justice, housing supply, and energy diversity, and they opposed a data center tax/clawback bill they said could discourage investment and jobs, especially in rural communities. In response to questions, Braun said he planned to raise the income tax, the budget, juvenile rehabilitation, child endangerment, and tort reform in an upcoming meeting with the governor. No votes were taken during the availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've seen a lot of data, and I think when you look at the data, it screams out that we have a supply
• and I think when you look at lot of data and I think when you look at the<00:12:26.680><c> data</c><
• </c><00:16:12.199><c> is</c> about you know are the the the data is about you know are the the the data
• Local governments create comp plans, which provide local input.
• </c><01:41:49.400><c> on</c> properties and they don't have input on properties and they don't have input

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And my last question, it pertains to data also.
• We've done a great deal of work over the past two years when it came to data and data sharing.
• Thank you for your input. It means a lot that you came. Thank you for your input.
• Hey, this is a process and we appreciate that input, sir.
• Hey, this is a process and we appreciate that input, sir.

Summary: The committee first heard the Pre-K-12 education budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 and voted to adopt it as the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposed $34.7 billion budget includes increases for the FEFP, Family Empowerment Scholarships, VPK, school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. Members asked no questions on the budget before it was advanced, and staff was authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then passed CS/SB 1402, which expands eligibility for dropout retrieval services to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer only dropout retrieval services. An amendment to clarify the grading calculation was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also took up SPB 7030, a comprehensive scholarship-program bill sponsored by Senator Gates, which would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding as its own categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, change payments to a monthly schedule, require background checks for paid instructional providers, mandate annual FTE audits by the Auditor General, and standardize reimbursement and eligibility procedures. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the bill was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 508, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide for students with existing plans such as IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services, and the bill was reported favorably. Public testimony included support from parent-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about administrative burden and the scope of the required disclosures. The meeting concluded after the final roll call votes and adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds that annual reporting by the owner of a data center to the... related intent language.
• Finally, the department may require manufacturers to provide data on lead levels in products.
• Finally, the department may require manufacturers to provide data on lead levels in products.
• To the extent practicable, that data must be made publicly available.
• I think this will still need a lot of input.

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee took executive action on 11 bills. It advanced SB 624 on an Appliance Affordability Index study with an amendment excluding consumer electronics, and SB 6284 on artificial intelligence systems with a proposed substitute adding definitions, developer requirements, exemptions for some entities, and clarifying enforcement. The committee also moved forward SB 5609 on cultural resource protection under SEPA after rejecting an amendment to the proposed substitute, and SB 6172 on coal plant treatment under cap-and-invest after adopting an amendment related to emergency federal orders. Several energy and climate bills were also approved, including SB 6246 on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities, SB 5932 on alternative jet fuel production, SB 6269 on the definition of motor fuel, and SB 6223 on community-scaled weatherization projects. On SB 5975 concerning lead in cookware, the committee rejected one proposed substitute and adopted another that bans intentionally added lead in cookware beginning in 2027 and directs future regulation through the Safer Products program. The committee then considered SB 5466 on electric transmission reliability and capacity, taking up multiple amendments to a proposed second substitute. Amendments addressing wildfire risk, corridor identification, landowner consultation, eminent domain, and wildfire liability were all rejected, and the bill was advanced on a due pass recommendation. In each case, the committee’s final action was to pass the bills or substitutes subject to signatures, with several measures referred onward to Ways and Means or Rules as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm just wondering about the data for nursing school, if that data exists or if it's more anecdotal
• I was looking at some of the amazing data.
• I was looking at some of the amazing data.
• The malpractice data, the licensing complaint data on dry needling, is nonexistent.
• Because chiropractors are not regulated by the veterinary board, because we are regulated by our chiropractic

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and the need to evaluate whether licensing boards are functioning efficiently. BRN leadership reported major process improvements since the last sunset review, including faster license processing, streamlined enforcement, improved consumer satisfaction, and growth in nursing education enrollment. Members questioned the board extensively about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international licensure, online nursing programs and clinical placements, military pathways, the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option, workforce shortages, diversity in nursing, and retention of new graduates. The board explained California’s tiered APRN system, the NCLEX and national certification requirements, clinical hour standards, and its role in approving programs and assigning nursing education consultants. Public testimony on the BRN was mixed: nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist groups largely supported the sunset report and especially the proposed APRN-to-RN delegation language, while physician and hospital stakeholders raised concerns about out-of-state NP practice, specialty delegation, ratios, and the need for regulatory parity and clearer standards. Higher education representatives urged reduced duplication in documentation, more flexible clinical placement rules, and better coordination to address bottlenecks in placements and faculty hiring. The committee did not take a vote during the excerpted BRN discussion. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California, where the board’s president began an overview of the board’s mission, structure, vacancies, and public-protection role under the Physical Therapy Practice Act. The transcript excerpt ends before substantive questioning, testimony, or any action on the physical therapy item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:19:36.480><c> place</c> secure critical assets and data place secure critical assets and data
• </c> well as manage a lot of sensitive data well as manage a lot of sensitive data uh<01:21:13.320><c
• We're seeing more data breaches, more attacks, and more unauthorized access.
• We're seeing more data breaches, more attacks, and more unauthorized access.
• We're seeing more data breaches, more attacks, and more unauthorized access.

Bills: HF550 , HF412 , HF796 , HF140

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's pretty scary the scope to which this data can be released.
• When the government collects data and stores this data, privacy is compromised and the threat of misuse
• Public health decisions depend on accurate, aggregate data.
• The data that you're accessing, which is better and more timely data, is coming through two main sources
• The first is that this report doesn't actually contain that data.

Bills: HB99 , HB49 , HB164 , SB30 , SB43 , SB50 , SB136

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: Senate Judiciary began by announcing that Senate Bill 136 would be rolled over because the sponsor was unavailable. The chair then addressed criticism from the floor over how a prior bill had been handled, defending the committee’s practice of using committee substitutes and amendments without waiting for a new version from council, and emphasizing his authority to set hard stops and limit debate when he believes discussion is repetitive or dilatory. Several members responded, with some supporting the chair’s approach and others arguing that contentious bills deserve more time and fuller committee vetting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 30, which would repeal New Mexico’s requirement that induced abortions be reported to the state registrar. The sponsors argued the reporting law is outdated, unnecessary for public health, and potentially dangerous because provider information can be disclosed under broader vital statistics statutes; supporters from the ACLU, League of Women Voters, Bold Futures, and NOW echoed privacy and safety concerns. Opponents argued the reporting requirement provides transparency and public health data. After debate, the committee approved SB 30 on a roll call vote. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 43, a bipartisan measure to modernize the Adult Parole Board statute after a prior veto. The bill would update parole factors for life-sentenced inmates, authorize per diem and closed hearings, and prevent parole hearings from being scheduled on victims’ birth or death dates. It received support from corrections officials and victims’ advocates, and the committee passed it without objection. The final major item was Senate Bill 50, which would remove several statutory in-service training mandates for law enforcement and give the Standards and Training Council more flexibility to set curriculum. Supporters said the current requirements are outdated and too rigid; opponents warned the bill could weaken recurring training in domestic violence, sexual assault, crisis intervention, and other high-risk areas. A motion to table failed, and the committee ultimately passed SB 50 on a roll call vote, despite divided member views.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:24:56.000><c> and</c> think I would welcome your input and think I would welcome your input and
• However, we view this as regulation.
• </c><01:40:26.480><c> AI</c> indicated that states that regulate AI indicated that states that regulate
• </c> again to oppose any and all regulation again to oppose any and all regulation or<01:51:18.880><c
• </c><01:52:23.920><c> AI</c> attempt to regulate AI attempt to regulate AI period<01:52:26.719><c> and

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• data.
• </c> threshold for sensitive data. threshold for sensitive data.
• </c> regulating in this bill. regulating in this bill.
• data? data? Uh,<00:20:11.760><c> yes.
• correct data that is inaccurate, and delete data in certain circumstances.