Transcript Highlights:

• My name, for the record, is Senator Matt Benke, 8th Legislative District, from Benton County, as well
• My name is Cassie Losey for the record, and I'm here on behalf of the Port of Benton and the Director
• It's a $1.5 billion facility planned on the Port of Benton property, and we're really proud of that.
• So, on behalf of the Port of Benton, we appreciate your time and urge you to support this bill.
• So, on behalf of the Port of Benton, we appreciate your time and urge you to support this bill.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs. The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Named after the American forester who envisioned the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail, or
• ><c> nearly</c><02:55:32.640><c> 300</c> Benton McCay Trail spans nearly 300 Benton McCay Trail spans
• Um, the Benton MacKaye Trail is a beautiful trail and a long trail.
• Um, the Benton MacKaye Trail is a beautiful trail and a long trail.
• Um, the Benton MacKaye Trail is a beautiful trail and a long trail.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been a child support officer for Benton County for the last four years.
• 08:22.680><c> for</c> have been a Child Support Officer for have been a Child Support Officer for Benton
• County for the last four years Benton County for the last four years I'm<00:08:25.360><c> a</c><00:08
• Would I be able to get a rebate on my lake property taxes?
• Would I be able to get a rebate on my lake property taxes?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I'm right next door to Benton County, a kind of medium-sized county.
• In 2021, a former sheriff for Benton County was recalled.
• Weeks later, he was unfortunately found in Lake Washington. This bill fixes that.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate took up Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which would modernize and strengthen laws governing sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, and other law enforcement agencies, particularly by setting certification and background-check standards and addressing what happens if an elected sheriff is decertified. The chamber first considered several amendments focused on preserving voter control over sheriffs, limiting the bill’s reach, and shifting costs to the state. Amendment 632, which would have required a recall-style vote if a sheriff were found uncertified, failed. Amendment 628, which would have excluded foreign convictions from consideration, failed. Amendment 633, which would have made the state pay background-check costs, failed. Amendment 634, which would have exempted current sheriffs from the bill’s five-year uninterrupted employment requirement, failed on a roll call vote of 21 yeas to 28 nays. Members then rejected additional amendments: Amendment 631, which would have carved out an exception for Capitol security personnel, failed; Amendment 629, which would have prevented a vacancy if a sheriff was acting consistently with the state and U.S. constitutions, failed; Amendment 630, which would have created a private right of action for removed sheriffs, failed; and Amendment 627, which would have retained language barring men and women from being confined in the same cell when removing an old “police matron” provision, failed on a roll call vote of 19 yeas to 30 nays. Supporters of the bill argued it was about accountability, integrity, and aligning sheriffs with certification standards already applied to other law enforcement officers. Opponents argued it would override voter choice, create unfunded mandates, and let an unelected state body remove elected sheriffs. After amendments were disposed of, the Senate suspended the rules and advanced the bill to third reading and final passage. In final debate, supporters emphasized public safety, professional standards, and the need for clear decertification rules when a sheriff loses certification. Opponents repeatedly framed the bill as an unconstitutional intrusion on local democracy and a solution in search of a problem, warning it would disenfranchise voters and set a dangerous precedent. The transcript ends during final-passage debate, with no final vote on the bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alvarado, Benton, Court, Board, Will Blanco. House amendments to Senate Bill 40.
• Alvarado, Benton, Court, Burdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Craigon.
• Alvarado, Benton, Cardwell, Blanco, Campbell, Crayton.
• Jose Vidalgo, Sparks, and Benton Court. Thank you.
• Alvarado, Benton, Ward. 31 ayes. Rule suspended.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Senator West, approved the previous day’s journal, and then adopted several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 625 honoring the McLennan Community College Dance Team for winning two 2025 National Dance Alliance national titles. The chamber also recognized University of Texas Rio Grande Valley interns, the doctor of the day, and the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families. The governor’s withdrawal of a Texas Lottery Commission nomination was received and the nomination was returned, and the Senate appointed numerous conference committees on pending bills. The body then took up and passed several measures, often by suspending the rules and the constitutional three-day rule. Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 23 were concurred in House amendments as part of property tax relief, with supporters emphasizing homeowner savings. House Bill 20 creating the Applied Sciences Pathway Program passed after a floor amendment and was described as a way to expand career and technical education and help students earn industry certificates in high-demand trades. House Bill 2594 passed to expand venue options for prosecuting certain theft and cybercrime cases, and House Concurrent Resolution 167 was adopted to correct a typo in House Bill 1314. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 40, Senate Joint Resolution 5, and Senate Bill 6. SB 9 and SJR 5 were presented as major bail-reform measures, with supporters saying they would strengthen public safety, clarify appeal procedures, and give judges and prosecutors more tools in serious cases; the debate included questions about records, counsel, and the standards for denying bail. SB 40 dealt with nonprofit bail-bond funding, and SB 6 addressed electricity and data-center growth. The chamber also passed House Bill 423 on digital asset service provider reporting and auditing, with amendments adding protections for cryptocurrency kiosks and a technical correction. Additional bills passed included House Bill 4690 on motor fuel standards, House Bill 1094 on transportation protection agreements, Committee Substitute for House Bill 2731 on roadside vendors and solicitors in certain border counties, Committee Substitute for House Bill 127 on protecting higher education from foreign adversaries and trade secret theft, and House Bill 549 on airway clearance devices at public school campuses. The Senate granted or requested conference committees on a long list of other measures, including HB 4, HB 145, HB 493, HB 2974, HB 3071, HB 3372, HB 3556, and multiple Senate bills. The session ended with adjournment until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We stretch from Moses Lake to Nespelem.
• Agencies in Benton and Mason County took about eight months. King County agencies like mine...
• Agencies in Benton and Mason County took about eight months. King County agencies like mine...
• Agencies in Benton and Mason County took about eight months. King County agencies like mine...
• My name is Sharon Hanna, and I'm from the Bonney Lake area.

Bills: HB2675, HB2681, HB2714, HB2688, HB2481, HB2116, HB1408

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2675 would eliminate a number of dedicated state accounts, transfer the remaining balances from two accounts to the general fund, and redirect future revenues from the salary insurance contribution increase revolving account to the general fund; OFM testified in support and there was no public opposition. Substitute HB 1903 would create a statewide Department of Commerce energy assistance program for low-income households, funded by the general fund and Climate Commitment Act revenues, phased in by utility and fuel type with reporting and an advisory group; supporters said it would provide more reliable monthly bill help, while utilities and rural co-ops raised concerns about cost, utility burden, reporting requirements, and conflicts with existing utility regulation. Fiscal staff estimated significant startup costs for Commerce if funded at the illustrative level discussed. Substitute HB 2384 would require actuarial reviews for certain continuing care retirement communities offering life care contracts, with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner reviewing the analyses and DSHS posting results; residents and transparency advocates supported the measure, while providers opposed it mainly over cost and the likelihood that fees would be passed on to residents. Substitute HB 1982 would expand the ability to vacate convictions tied to treaty Indian rights from fishing-only cases to fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing, remove the pre-1975 limitation, add local ordinances, and authorize OPD representation; after an amendment removed a proposed tribal liaison position, OPD said the fiscal impact would be zero and tribal and public defense witnesses supported the bill. Substitute HB 2389 would change juvenile sentencing and review procedures by expanding eligibility for suspended dispositions and behavioral health alternatives, adding midpoint review hearings, reducing some robbery ranges, and addressing juvenile rehabilitation capacity; supporters argued it would reduce disparities and favor community-based rehabilitation, while prosecutors, sheriffs, counties, judges, cities, victim advocates, and some law enforcement and tribal representatives warned it would weaken accountability, increase local costs, and create public safety risks. Substitute HB 2439 would overhaul tobacco and vapor product regulation by raising license fees and penalties, creating a responsible vendor program, adding manufacturer certification and testing requirements, restricting certain products and pricing practices, and redirecting tobacco tax revenue to public health and prevention accounts; public health groups supported the bill, while retailers and industry representatives opposed the fee increases and new mandates. The committee also heard HB 2681, which would sharply increase cannabis license fees and add CPI indexing; OFM supported it as a fee alignment measure, while cannabis businesses opposed the size of the increase and the inflation adjustment. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , I represent the 14th Legislative District, which is mostly Yakima County, grabs a little bit of Benton
• Jeremie Dufault, Yakima County, Benton County, 15th District. Happy to be here, thanks.
• And Representative Connors, a little late, but Representative Connors out of the 8th District, Benton

Bills: HB2269

Keywords: middle housing, zoning, unincorporated areas, affordable housing, land use, density, 904, all

Summary: The Housing Committee opened its 2026 session with member introductions and brief remarks about a light workload and interest in middle housing, especially in rural areas. Chair Peterson noted the committee would be looking for bills and possible work sessions if the agenda stays light. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2269, a trailer bill to last session’s middle housing legislation. Staff explained that HB 2269 would limit the authority for middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development to rural counties, expand eligible wastewater systems to include large on-site sewage systems, and clarify that the sewer system serving such development must be publicly owned. Representative Bernbaum said the bill was intended to clarify ambiguities from last year’s law so small counties could confidently plan for middle housing, and noted a technical amendment would remove an unintended restriction on urban counties. Testimony from Anthony Mixer, Curtis Steinhauer, Ken Short, Andrea Smiley, and Bryce Yadon was generally supportive, emphasizing housing supply, local flexibility, and the need for infrastructure and oversight. Committee members asked several questions about the difference between standard septic systems and large on-site sewage systems, state versus local oversight, flood-zone concerns, and how the bill interacts with rural ADU legislation. Witnesses explained that large on-site systems typically serve multiple units and involve more monitoring and state Department of Health oversight. No votes were taken; the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2269 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Zohar Blakhani, and I'm a senior at Lake Washington High School who worked on the Purple Alert
• I'm part of the group of students at Lake Washington High School who originally proposed this bill, and
• My name is Benjamin Milstein, and I am from Lake Washington High School.
• My name is Julie Chee, and I am currently a high school senior at Lake Washington High School.
• of is Sheriff Hatcher, and he was decertified after he was recalled and removed by the citizens of Benton

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on February 23, 2026, with a compressed schedule and limited testimony time. Members first heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which would set eligibility standards for sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals, require background checks for sheriff candidates through the Washington State Patrol, regulate volunteers and youth cadets, and create a vacancy in office if an elected law enforcement official is finally decertified or fails statutory eligibility requirements. Supporters, including Senator Lovick and several advocacy groups, said the bill promotes accountability and professionalism. Opponents, including the sheriffs of Walla Walla and Spokane counties, argued it imposes unfunded mandates, conflicts with voter sovereignty and recall procedures, and could create problems for rural counties and volunteer use. The committee later took executive action and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation, 6-2 with one excused. In executive session, the committee also acted on Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, which expands law enforcement hiring eligibility to people legally authorized to work in the United States. A striking amendment clarified that agencies are not liable for employment discrimination claims if hiring is impracticable, allowed applicants who cannot yet possess weapons to apply if they can possess them when hired, and made technical changes. Representative Burnett raised concerns about background investigations, foreign-country vetting, oath of office, and firearm issues, but the committee adopted the striker and then reported the bill out as amended on a 6-2 vote with one excused. The committee also considered Substitute Senate Bill 5855, which prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public except in specified circumstances and creates a civil cause of action. Amendments added an intent section, expanded exceptions for health and safety equipment under OSHA/WISHA, and proposed stronger prosecutorial language, though two amendments were rejected. The bill was then reported out as amended on a 6-2 vote with one excused. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. Engrossed Senate Bill 5890 would expand reckless driving to include driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and 20 miles per hour over in active construction zones when workers are present; law enforcement, prosecutors, traffic safety officials, and construction industry representatives testified in support. Substitute Senate Bill 5936, a Uniform Law Commission proposal on human trafficking, would allow prosecution of businesses that knowingly engage in or profit from trafficking, strengthen victim confidentiality, and improve U and T visa certification procedures; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with one witness urging caution about unintended consequences for businesses that report trafficking. Finally, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6070 would expand missing-person response tools by allowing certain surveillance devices to be used for community caretaking to locate missing endangered persons, create Ebony and Purple Alerts, transfer the missing persons website to the State Patrol, and add a public records exemption. Testimony strongly supported the alert provisions, especially for people with disabilities, while one privacy advocate objected to the surveillance provisions as an overreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• collect a civil penalty the violation blah blah blah right okay right so my question to use Senator Benton
• I'm a 45-year resident of the Clear Lake area and Bay Area, Houston. I'm a NASA retiree.
• I represent as a community activist the Clear Lake area, which is the very southern tip of Houston and
• local control and wanted to talk for a few minutes today about the network of communities in the Clear Lake
• Basically, The network of communities in the Clear Lake area, basically from La Porte down to Seabrook

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee reconvened on SB 2722, as substituted by Senator Bettencourt, which would redirect a portion of Harris County Toll Road Authority surplus revenues to the City of Houston and impose audit and tax-rate penalty provisions. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Fire Chief Thomas Munoz testified in support, arguing that Houston bears a large share of toll-road public safety burdens, citing thousands of police and fire responses on toll-road property and the need for compensation for emergency services. Bill King, testifying neutrally, said the toll authority generates large excess revenues and urged stronger oversight and clearer controls on how the money is spent. Opponents, including Harris County officials, business and neighborhood representatives, and toll-road critics, argued the bill would divert transportation dollars, create a precedent for taking toll revenues for general municipal use, and could worsen project delivery and incentives; several also questioned the accuracy and interpretation of the revenue figures and the lack of comparable audit requirements for the city. The committee took extensive testimony but left SB 2722 pending without a vote. The committee then heard SB 2129, which would increase fines for motorists who disregard railroad crossing gates or flaggers, and SB 2323, which would redact railroad crew members’ personal information from public accident reports. Both bills were presented as safety measures, with railroad labor testimony in support, and both were left pending after brief public testimony. The committee also heard SB 2141, a Zaffirini bill concerning specialty license plates for judges, with the substitute aimed at reducing security risks by changing how judges are identified on plates; it too was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2439, another Zaffirini bill, described as a TDLR cleanup measure related to ATV and off-highway vehicle safety certification. The bill would abolish the current training and certification program, which supporters said was burdensome and underused given the small number of approved instructors statewide. With no significant opposition on the record, the committee closed testimony and left SB 2439 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB3034 by Benton relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 249 in Grimes and Montgomery
• SB3034 by Benton relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 249 in Grimes and Montgomery
• SB3034 by Benton relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 249 in Grimes and Montgomery
• SB3034 by Benton relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 249 in Grimes and Montgomery
• SB3034 by Benton relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 249 in Grimes and Montgomery

Bills: HJR98, HJR8, HJR133, HB23, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB1686, HB2217, HB2156, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB3773, HB421, HB2584, HB2615, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB3747, HB2775, HB2886, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3506, HB1638, HB3376, HB3826, HB3628, HB1349, HB3770, HB1831, HB1762, HB2614, HB3113, HB267, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1201, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2290, HB2341, HB2436, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB2954, HCR56, HCR102, HB 107, HB1587, HB3684, HB658, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HJR2, HJR6, HJR31, HB1971, SJR3, HB1775, HJR72, HB502, HB3109, HJR98, HJR8, HJR133, HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB23, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB1686, HB2217, HB2156, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB3773, HB421, HB2584, HB2615, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB3747, HB2775, HB2886, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3506, HB1638, HB3376, HB3826, HB3628, HB1349, HB3770, HB1831, HB1762, HB2614, HB3113, HB267, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1201, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2290, HB2341, HB2436, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB2954, HCR56, HCR102

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, nuclear energy, electric generation, funding, Texas nuclear development fund, advanced reactors, HJR 133, Texas constitutional amendment, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, homestead exemption, surviving spouse, veteran, veterans benefits, service-connected death, presumed service-connected condition

Transcript Highlights:

• , I represent the 14th Legislative District, which is mostly Yakima County, grabs a little bit of Benton
• Jeremy Dufault, Yakima County, Benton County, 15th District. Happy to be here. Thanks. Great.
• And Representative Connors, a little late, but Representative Connors out of the 8th District, Benton

Summary: The Housing Committee opened its 2026 session with introductions and brief remarks from members, with Chair Peterson noting a light workload and inviting members to submit bills and ideas for future work sessions. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2269, which would narrow last year’s middle-housing authority in limited areas of more intensive rural development to rural counties, while leaving urban growth area authority unchanged. The bill also clarifies that these developments may be served by publicly owned sanitary sewer systems and expands allowable wastewater systems to include large on-site sewage systems; the sponsor said a technical amendment would remove an unintended restriction on urban counties. Representative Bernbaum said the bill was developed over the interim with Representative Engell, Futurewise, and WASAC to address ambiguity from last year’s middle-housing law, especially for small counties like Jefferson County that may need large on-site septic systems. Testimony in support came from Anthony Mixer, the Washington State Association of County Regional Planning Directors, the Association of Washington Business, the Building Industry Association of Washington, and Futurewise, all of whom said the bill would add housing flexibility, support local planning, and help address affordability and supply shortages. Futurewise and committee members discussed the difference between individual septic systems and large on-site systems, with questions about state versus local oversight and flood-prone areas. Members also asked how the bill relates to prior middle-housing legislation, including House Bill 1110 and last year’s engrossed substitute 5471, and whether it would work alongside a separate rural ADU bill. The hearing closed without a vote or other action taken on the bill, and the committee adjourned after the testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Commissioner Benton Coffer, I'm going to ask you to wait till last because there are three people
• So we'll go to Commissioner Benton. they're more financially stable.
• </c><00:20:52.400><c> And</c><00:20:52.559><c> so</c><00:20:52.799><c> given</c> Commissioner Benton
• I'm sure your aide can draft that email to Commissioner Benton Corp and whatever. All right. Okay.
• </c> Benton Corp and whatever. All right. Benton Corp and whatever. All right.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Benton, for what purpose? Discussion on House Concurrent Resolution 23.
• The gentleman from Benton, for what purpose do you rise? Thank you, Mr.
• The gentleman from Benton, for what purpose do you rise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May I inquire.
• The gentleman from Benton, for what purpose do you rise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Does the lady from Carroll yield to the gentleman from Benton? I do. You may proceed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 117-1 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning introducing guests, including students, civic groups, fraternity and sorority members, county officials, and visitors from various districts. The Speaker also suspended business several times to sign enrolled bills, including Senate substitute for House Bill 261, House Bill 2641, Senate substitute for House Bill 2423, and House Bill 2934. The chamber then debated House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges Congress to pass the SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while opponents said it would create burdens, function like a poll tax, and disenfranchise eligible voters, especially women, rural residents, students, military members, and people who move or change names. After a motion for the previous question passed 93-42, the House adopted HCR 48 by a vote of 92-43. The House also passed House Concurrent Resolution 23, a federalism resolution affirming state control over elections, by a unanimous 137-0 vote after committee leaders said it had broad bipartisan support. The House then perfected and printed House Bill 2855, which adjusts workers’ compensation fund tax increments from 0.5% to 0.1% to better match receipts with expenditures; an amendment allowing replacement of attorneys in long-running permanent total cases was adopted first. Members also perfected and printed House Bill 1906, a short bill allowing township counties to authorize annual, semiannual, or quarterly payment of real and personal property taxes by ordinance. The session ended with announcements and a motion to recess until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2023 audit report for the Benton County District contained one finding relating to segregation of
• The Benton County District responded that certain procedures were changed and compensating procedures
• For the Benton County District, finding number one, the Benton County District did not establish an electronic
• Finding number one: the Benton County District did not establish an electronic funds payment system with

Summary: The committee approved the February 12 minutes and received updates on delinquent municipal water and sewer reports for 2022 and 2023, noting continued progress toward compliance and reinstatement of turnback funds for several cities. It also deferred several matters to the June 4 meeting, including Fargo’s municipal accounting noncompliance report, Jericho’s street-fund misuse issue, Biggers and Holly Grove deferred reports, and a group of private water and sewer reports lacking proper responses. Members then heard and filed a detailed report on the City of Strong, which involved repeat findings on undeposited receipts, improper use of solid waste funds, unsupported spending, late payroll tax payments, accounting control problems, and fund balance issues. Mayor Darrell Howell described corrective steps, including new internal controls, outside CPA assistance, repayment of misapplied funds, budget amendments, and efforts to address the findings; the committee commended the city’s efforts and filed the report. The committee also filed reports on Thornton Waterworks, Calhoun County, Salem, Briarcliffe, Compton Water Association, Montgomery County Regional Public Water Authority, Camden, Johnson County, and Sparkman, while deferring several private water reports and other unresolved items. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District and other regional solid waste districts. The audit found issues in Pulaski County involving unapproved payroll items, missing credit card documentation, unapproved contracts, vehicle and cell phone documentation problems, lack of competitive bidding, and weak internal controls; members questioned the district’s practices and deferred the report to June while requesting district representatives appear. The committee also reviewed a statewide report on six regional solid waste management districts, with findings in Pulaski, Faulkner, and Benton counties and no findings in three others; that report was likewise deferred for Pulaski County questions. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion with Cross County Rural Water System about overdue audit posting, water quality problems, grant-funded improvements, board notice practices, and the broader challenges facing rural water systems, after which the committee filed the report and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staying on that same order of business, I ask that you recognize the gentleman from Benton for a motion
• Gentleman from Benton County, for what purpose does the gentleman rise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Benton, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing none, the gentleman from Benton County is recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The gentleman from Benton County has renewed his motion for the third reading and passage of the House

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 35th day by a 115-1 roll call vote. Members spent much of the opening portion introducing a large number of special guests and visiting groups, including university alumni and students, ambulance and first responder personnel, hospice and behavioral health advocates, public administrators, educators, transportation stakeholders, and other community leaders recognized for service or advocacy work. The chamber then received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bills 1625, 2383, 3035, 3205, and Senate Bill 888, along with committee substitutes for some of those bills. The House proceeded to third reading and passage on a long series of bills. Among the major measures were HB 2774, a fuel-source bill limiting state and local governments from dictating bids or purchases based solely on fuel source, which passed 138-5; HB 2383, addressing copper theft and related telecommunications equipment crimes, which passed 130-5; and HB 3205, regulating litigation funding and requiring disclosures, which passed 144-1. Several bills drew extended debate. A combined bill on statutes of limitation and child sexual abuse claims, House Committee Substitute for HBs 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, passed 98-12 with 39 present after members debated both the abuse-related provisions and a separate reduction in the personal injury statute of limitations. HB 3146, dealing with ballot summary statements and the initiative petition process, passed 90-55 after sharp disagreement over whether it protected voters or undermined judicial review. Other measures passed with broad support, including HB 2146 on hospital investment options (143-1), HB 1756 establishing June’s Week to recognize rare pediatric diseases and families affected by them, HB 1783 on public health contracting (138-6), HB 2099 on expedited removal of squatters (136-1), HB 2896 loosening residency restrictions for university board appointments (111-17), HB 2505/2044 giving grandparents priority in certain custody cases (144-0), HB 1625 increasing penalties for drug trafficking (137-2), HB 2302 removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration (142-0), HB 3035 setting depreciation rules for vehicle tax valuation (100-43), HB 1870 updating debt collection and garnishment laws (137-9), HB 2335 giving school districts more flexibility over teacher training schedules (146-2), and HB 1827 allowing occupational therapists to certify disabled parking credentials (145-0).

Transcript Highlights:

• Staying on that same order of business, I ask that you recognize the gentleman from Benton for a motion
• The chair now recognizes the gentleman from Benton County.
• Gentleman from Benton, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing none, the gentleman from Benton County is recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The gentleman from Benton County has renewed his motion for the third reading and passage of the House

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 115-1 vote, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing community groups, first responders, educators, health advocates, students, and local leaders visiting the Capitol. Members also marked several awareness days and advocacy events, including colorectal cancer awareness, public administrator day, hospice day, suicide prevention advocacy, and transportation advocacy day. The chamber then moved to committee reports and third reading of bills. Bills passed included House Bill 2774 on fuel-source neutrality in state and local purchasing (138-5), House Bill 2383 on copper theft and critical infrastructure protections (130-5), House Bill 3205 regulating litigation funding and disclosure requirements (144-1), House Bill 2146 expanding hospital investment options (143-1), House Bill 1756 establishing June’s Week to recognize rare pediatric diseases (147-0), House Bill 1783 allowing the health department to contract with public health organizations (138-6), House Bill 2099 on squatter removal procedures (136-1), House Bill 2896 loosening residency restrictions for university governing boards (111-17), House Bill 2505/2044 giving grandparents priority in certain custody cases (144-0), House Bill 1625 increasing penalties for drug trafficking (137-2), House Bill 2302 removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration (142-0), House Bill 1870 updating garnishment and debt-collection laws (137-9), and House Bill 2335 giving school districts more flexibility over teacher training schedules (146-2). Several bills drew notable debate. House Bill 1664/1610/1645/2182 combined an increase in the statute of limitations for adult survivors of child sexual abuse with a reduction in the personal injury statute of limitations; supporters emphasized victim access and alignment with other states, while opponents argued the personal injury change would harm other victims and benefit insurers. It passed 95-12 with 39 present. House Bill 3146, a ballot-summary and initiative-petition process bill tied to prior Senate Bill 22 litigation, prompted sharp arguments over ballot language, judicial review, and the initiative process before passing 90-55. House Bill 3035, setting depreciation rules for vehicle tax assessments, passed 100-43 after concerns about how it fit with other tax proposals. The day ended with House Bill 1827 being called up for third reading, but the transcript cuts off before its debate or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• to reach because it's a lot of individuals that are scattered all over the Yakima Valley and even Benton
• My name, for the record, is Senator Matt Benke, 8th Legislative District, from Benton County, as well
• My name is Cassie Losey for the record, and I'm here on behalf of the Port of Benton and the Director
• It's a $1.5 billion facility planned on the Port of Benton property, and we're really proud of that.
• So, on behalf of the Port of Benton, we appreciate your time, and we urge you to support this bill.

Bills: SB5816, SB5971

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, green fertilizer, low-carbon, sustainability, incentive program, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act so grape producers could form an accredited association to negotiate with processors. Staff explained the bill’s negotiation timelines and a modest fiscal note. Senator Torres said the measure was intended to help juice grape growers obtain fairer prices, and the sole testifier, a third-generation grower, described large price gaps between Washington and New York, limited buyer options, and little ability to negotiate before harvest. The public hearing closed with 47 people signed in pro and one con. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill’s 80 percent emissions-reduction standard, rulemaking timeline, and fiscal note. Senator Benke and supporters from the Tri-Cities, Atlas Agro, NRDC, labor, ports, and agricultural groups argued the program could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices, support jobs, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the bill was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, while noting rulemaking costs. Testimony also included support from the League of Women Voters, the Washington State Potato Commission, and a potato farmer. The public hearing closed with 202 pro, 737 con, and one other comment. The work session focused on commercial shellfish fee increases adopted by the Department of Health. The department explained that fees had not been raised for many years, that general fund support had declined, and that the new structure is intended to move toward full cost recovery in phases, with the first year set at 50 percent of the increase and further rulemaking underway to examine impacts on small businesses. Shellfish growers and industry representatives strongly opposed the increases, saying the fee calculations were confusing, the increases were extreme for small farms and processors, and the department had not fully implemented recommendations from the Green Economics report, including possible efficiencies and shifting biotoxin testing costs to the state. Several testified that the new fees could force closures, consolidation, or reduced operations. Committee members questioned the size of the increases, the fee methodology, and whether the legislature had contributed to the problem by relying on general fund backfill in prior years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Klicker, 16th District, represents Walla Walla County, mostly a large part of Franklin County and Benton
• For example, there's the North Lake annexation near Snohomish, Washington, the south annexation area
• That's been a barrier to Bonney Lake, for instance, annexing.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Klicker, 16th District, represents Walla Walla County, mostly a large part of Franklin County and Benton
• For example, there's the North Lake annexation near Snohomish, Washington, the south annexation area
• That's been a barrier to Bonney Lake, for instance, annexing.

Summary: The committee held a work session on local government issues, beginning with an update from the State Building Code Council on four legislatively mandated code amendments now in CR-102 rulemaking: temporary emergency shelters, reduced minimum dwelling unit size, multiplex housing up to three stories and six units, and single-exit apartment buildings up to six stories. Council staff also described a separate embodied-carbon appendix proposal that remains under public review, with testimony both supporting and opposing it. Members asked about the rationale for some of the code limits, including the restriction on connecting multiplex buildings. The committee then heard a panel on annexations from MRSC, Pierce County, and the Association of Washington Cities. Witnesses reviewed annexation methods, including petition, election, and interlocal agreement approaches, and said larger annexations are increasingly using interlocal agreements because they can address infrastructure, revenue sharing, and public process concerns. They described barriers such as inconsistent local standards, the cost of infrastructure, referendum risk, census requirements, and the difficulty of persuading residents and local officials to support annexation. Members asked about the five-year restriction on residential zoning changes in one annexation method and whether a hearing examiner could reduce political pressure on local decision-makers. A second panel discussed subdivision reform. The Master Builders Association urged raising the short-plat threshold within urban growth areas to 30 lots as a simpler first step, citing permitting delays and added housing costs. The City of Spokane described implementation problems with recent housing laws, including uncertainty about how to review plats under HB 1110, lot-splitting administration, and added notice requirements for unit lot subdivisions. AWC said there was broad agreement that subdivision decisions should be more administrative, but public hearings remained a point of disagreement. The committee also heard from FutureWise, the Washington State Association of Counties, and Lewis County on county development regulation and enforcement, with witnesses emphasizing underfunded code enforcement, inconsistent standards between counties and cities, and the need for better coordination, incentives, and possibly stronger enforcement tools. No votes were taken; the chair said the committee would continue working on possible solutions in future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Schmidt from the 4th Legislative District, which is Eastern Washington, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake
• Representative Mark Klicker, 16th District, Walla Walla, Franklin, and Benton Counties, which consists
• electrification, but one of the struggles has been the long-distance routes, specifically from Leavenworth to Lake

Keywords: 904, all