Transcript Highlights:

• Now 7,000 IRS employees have already been fired.
• Around 1,000 of those employees are veterans, so they have been hammered twice over.
• Have I been briefed on any plan to cut the number of employees at the IRS by half?
• One is a Treasury employee.
• Only people who are authorized Treasury employees to have access to the information.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> speech language pathology assistants. speech language pathology assistants.
• We currently um license speech forward.
• We currently um license speech language<01:51:54.880><c> pathologists</c><01:51:56.200><c> and</c><01
• Section 17 is to be the section regarding speech-language pathologists.
• removes and employees of small employers. employers. employers.

Transcript Highlights:

• resource projects, including flood control measures; issuance of local bonds and debt service payments; employee
• property appraisers, our tax collectors' office, the retirement benefits for our county and city employees—a
• And I heard it earlier today, as if somebody was in my speech, airport names too.
• I promised all of my employees at the time, no one will go without a paycheck, whether we have business
• And you all know that I come from local government, both as an employee, a firefighter, and as a city

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment on property tax reform. The measure would increase the homestead exemption in stages, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses such as public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee benefits, and certain administrative costs. Supporters, led by Senator Avila, argued the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief and push local governments to rein in spending, while opponents warned it would shift costs to fees, reduce local flexibility, and threaten funding for core services. Several amendments were offered and rejected. Senator Sharief proposed an income-based circuit breaker for property tax relief; Senator Smith offered a sunset clause; and Senator Berman proposed revising the ballot statement to better match the amended proposal and remove outdated references. Each amendment failed on recorded votes. During questioning and debate, senators pressed Avila on the ballot language, the effect on local services, whether the legislature could later restrict local spending by statute, and whether renters would benefit. Avila said the ballot language was not his and repeatedly stated he was presenting the governor’s proposal, while also saying local governments would need to prioritize budgets and that future legislatures could address implementation details. After the amendment votes, the joint resolution was read a third time and moved into final debate. Supporters said the proposal would give homeowners relief and force fiscal discipline at the local level. Opponents, including Senators Nathan, Bracey Davis, Smith, Polsky, and Errington, argued the measure was rushed, lacked a completed fiscal analysis or replacement revenue, and could harm police, fire, libraries, parks, housing, and other local services. They also criticized the ballot summary as misleading, especially regarding the staged homestead exemption increase. The transcript ends during debate, before any final vote on the joint resolution itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• As local governments, payroll, health insurance, and retirement benefits for employees, and significant
• property appraisers, our tax collector's office, the retirement benefits for our county and city employees
• , And I heard it earlier today, as if somebody was in my speech, airport names too.
• I promised all of my employees at the time, no one will go without a paycheck, whether we have business
• I promised all of my employees at the time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last eight years, I have heard seniors give their farewell speeches on this floor.
• the directors B.J., Steven, Sean, and especially Sherry, with regional teams, and the most notable employee
• Hesitant speech, short, simple sentences, making mistakes in sentence building, trouble walking—these
• But that seems to be based on estimated incomes earned and the estimated taxes earned by those employees
• It's on the net new employees that are gained. I think you're talking about the Modessa zones.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by a vote of 118-1. The bulk of the meeting consisted of lengthy points of personal privilege, including farewell remarks from several outgoing members who thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, reflected on their service, and spoke about issues such as law enforcement, veterans, rural schools, unborn life, kindness, and the influence of money and lobbyists in the legislative process. The chamber also recognized several special guests, including schoolchildren, interns, a law school graduate, family members, and a former representative. The House then took up committee reports and several bills. It granted further conference on Senate Bill 1020. Senate Bill 1019, dealing with hospital finance and related health-care provisions, was amended and passed 110-31 after debate over an amendment on prior authorization reform, physician licensure, telehealth, workplace violence language, and Lyme disease fixes. Senate Bill 1572, a pensions measure affecting MOSERS, EMPERS, the St. Louis police retirement system, and Kansas City police retirement timing, was amended on several technical and policy points and passed 129-14 after discussion of overpayment recoupment rules and retirement system compliance concerns. The House also passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1196, which removed the sunset from the workforce diploma program, expanded Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grants, added workforce Pell Grant language, and established a future higher-education funding model subject to later legislative approval. It passed 115-20-4, but the emergency clause failed 2-132-2 after the sponsor said it was included only to speed Pell Grant implementation and was being handled “tongue in cheek.” Finally, the House began consideration of House Bill 2508 with Senate amendments, an LLC-related bill addressing certificates of good standing, court dissolution of LLCs in limited cases, and a St. Louis County property-management affidavit requirement for unresolved ordinance violations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've listened to the speeches.
• I've listened to the speeches.
• I wrote this Got to watch my speech.
• It was a funny moment. endless floor speeches I could say. endless floor speeches I could say.
• And at the end of the speech, he said, "Folks, this speech was written by ChatGPT."

Transcript Highlights:

• than happy to put that all in an account that'll be more than sufficient to pay for hundreds of employees
• And I'm not, you know, I'll skip my 25 minute speech that I had prepared.
• not you know, I'll I'll skip my 25 I'm not you know, I'll I'll skip my 25 minute<01:04:52.800><c> speech
• </c> minute speech that I had prepared. minute speech that I had prepared.
• That's— [laughter] —I'm going to have a really good speech on Saturday. I can tell you that much.

Bills: HF4338

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This relates to a one-time general fund appropriation for some cost to implement the speech-language
• This relates to a one-time general fund appropriation for some cost to implement the speech-language
• language pathology assistance the speech language pathology assistance uh<00:38:28.560><c> licensing
• On the workforce side, these systems require county employees to navigate green screens and manually
• On the workforce side, these systems require county employees to navigate green screens and manually

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• As I pointed out in my original speech, one of the main changes that we saw with this fund balance was
• As I pointed out in my original speech, one of the main changes that we saw with this fund balance was
• As I pointed out in my original speech, one of the main changes that we saw with this fund balance was
• c><01:36:05.680><c> in</c><01:36:05.800><c> my</c><01:36:06.160><c> original</c><01:36:06.880><c> speech
• ,</c><01:36:07.880><c> one</c> pointed out in my original speech, one pointed out in my original speech

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a nonpartisan nonprofit that defends the free speech rights of all Americans.
• This bill instead requires the government's message to be embedded in the speech itself.
• This bill instead requires the government's message to be embedded in the speech itself.
• We're a nonpartisan nonprofit that defends the free speech rights of all Americans.
• Building that same dynamic in AI systems will chill speech on a far larger scale.

Bills: HB1170 , HB2157 , HB2225

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, AI-generated content, deepfake, synthetic media, content provenance, provenance data, metadata, watermarking, disclosure, transparency, consumer protection, unfair or deceptive acts, unfair competition, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, platform regulation, AI detection tool, media authenticity

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a nonpartisan nonprofit that defends the free speech rights of all Americans.
• This bill instead requires the government's message to be embedded in the speech itself.
• This bill instead requires the government's message to be embedded in the speech itself.
• We're a nonpartisan nonprofit that defends the free speech rights of all Americans.
• Building that same dynamic in AI systems will chill speech on a far larger scale.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three AI-related bills. HB 1170 would require large generative AI providers to offer provenance detection tools and include latent and manifest disclosures in AI-generated or altered content; supporters said it is needed to combat deepfakes and disinformation, while opponents raised First Amendment, technical feasibility, and compliance concerns, and the Attorney General’s Office said the bill needs clearer provider definitions and enforcement language. HB 2157 would regulate high-risk AI systems used in consequential decisions such as employment, housing, health care, and parole by requiring risk management, impact assessments, disclosures, and a private right of action; the sponsor said it is needed to address algorithmic discrimination and consumer protection, while industry and civil liberties groups warned it is overbroad, burdensome, and constitutionally problematic, and the AG’s Office supported the concept but asked for changes to enforcement and the right-to-cure provisions. HB 2225 would regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring disclosures, limits on manipulative engagement, and safeguards for minors and self-harm; the sponsor, governor’s office, AG’s Office, researchers, and several families testified in support, citing harms to youth and real-world suicides, while industry groups supported narrower protections but objected to the private right of action and scope. No votes were taken during the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• , along with the almost 100 years of federally protected union status for roughly around 200,000 employees
• Municipal employees, folks who want to age in place.
• I just have to quickly rewrite all my speech because we did a compromise just now, which I am supporting

Summary: The Senate considered a large number of amendments to an economic development bill and adopted them one by one, with repeated brief recesses as members finalized language. Early amendments made permanent the option for hybrid public meetings and added procedures for alleged open meeting law violations, authorized speed camera enforcement in school and construction safety zones, and created a retirement credit option for part-time teachers who reduced hours to care for children. Other adopted amendments updated gateway municipality designations every three years, capped ticket resale prices and banned speculative “ghost tickets,” and addressed vulnerable road users, crumbling concrete, and a fund for seasonal communities housing. Members also approved amendments to create a new framework for responding to crimes against women, including better investigation of staged suicides and adding sex and gender to the hate crimes statute; to establish a trigger law protecting private-sector labor organizing rights if federal labor law is weakened; to create a bottom-up “Enough Act” fund to fight poverty; to allow airport restaurants and bars at Logan to operate during flight hours; and to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial scams by allowing temporary delays of suspicious transactions and reporting to protective agencies. Additional housing-related amendments were adopted for rural communities, residential PACE financing, and a five-community tenant opportunity to purchase pilot program. A Senate Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, the substitute draft was applied to the underlying bill, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The chamber also adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. The Senate then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I'm not going to say a speech at every meeting because this is the first meeting.
• that's an ancillary business to them, maybe committing less time to training staff, to training employees
• , and having a higher percentage of infraction versus Staff to training employees and having a higher

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• States, including but not limited to due process, equal protection, freedom of religion, freedom of speech
• I guess the Department of Revenue shows that they might need an additional employee, which I don't know
• for whatever reason, I guess the Department of Revenue shows that they might need an additional employee

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• States, including but not limited to due process, equal protection, freedom of religion, freedom of speech
• with an additional FTE, and that the Department of Revenue appears to think it may need another employee
• for whatever reason, I guess the Department of Revenue shows that they might need an additional employee

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 2809 do pass by an 11-0 vote, with two members present. The committee then moved to public hearings after noting House Bill 3108 would not be heard that day. Senator Nick Schroer presented Senate Bills 977 and 1011, which were described as “American law for American courts” measures restating that the U.S. Constitution, the Missouri Constitution, and state law cannot be superseded by foreign laws, foreign treaties, or outside organizations, except in narrow circumstances such as voluntary business agreements and certain Hague-related matters. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent courts or local governments from relying on foreign or religious law in ways that could override fundamental rights, while opponents and questioners raised concerns about private arbitration, family-law contracts, tribal jurisdiction, and whether the bills were unnecessary or targeted specific religions or organizations. A witness from Liberty Link Missouri testified in favor, saying the law should be restated even if it is technically unnecessary. No vote was taken on the Senate bills during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2589, which would require only a rear license plate on vehicles. The sponsor argued the change would save money and align Missouri with many other states, while noting he had consulted a sheriff who did not object. Members raised concerns about law enforcement, camera enforcement, stalking victims, and whether some vehicles or commercial categories would still need two plates. Supporters cited fiscal savings and convenience, while opponents emphasized public-safety and identification concerns. No vote was taken on House Bill 2589, and the hearing was closed after no additional witnesses came forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• But certainly, there was a great speech about flooding, wasn't it?
• I'm also the president of the Washington Federation of State Employees, which represents public employees

Bills: HB2185 , HB2200 , HB2230 , HB2319

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: homelessness, youth programs, advisory committee, prevention, protection, developmental disabilities, residential settings, data access, safety, stability, community oversight, residential services, regulation, service providers, monitoring, HB 2319, residential habilitation center, state school renaming, Rainier School, Firecrest School

Transcript Highlights:

• But certainly, there was a great speech about flooding, wasn't it?
• I'm also the president of the Washington Federation of State Employees, who represents public employees

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee opened its 2026 session with member and staff introductions, then took up four bills. HB 2185 would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more members with lived experience of homelessness or involvement in public systems, broaden youth representation up to age 25, and allow members who turn 25 to finish their terms. The prime sponsor and testifiers from homeless youth advocacy organizations supported the bill, saying it would improve representation and the quality of advice to the Office of Homeless Youth. The hearing on HB 2185 was then closed. The committee next heard HB 2319, which renames Washington’s residential habilitation centers by removing the word “school” from their titles and updating related statutory references. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect current services and reduce confusion, and advocates from The Arc of Washington, Disability Rights Washington, and self-advocates supported the bill as a needed terminology update that would better describe the facilities and avoid misleading the public. No opposition was heard. HB 2230 would limit DSHS to one annual routine review in specified subject areas for community residential service providers and require more document-sharing across divisions to reduce duplicate oversight. The sponsor and provider witnesses said the bill is intended to cut redundant audits and site visits so staff can spend more time on client care, while still preserving investigations and required oversight. HB 2200 would direct JLARC to review safety and stability outcomes across developmental disability residential settings and require a public dashboard comparing data such as 911 calls, ER boarding, placement terminations, and staff retention. The sponsor and several witnesses supported greater transparency, while provider representatives raised concerns about raw data being misleading without per-client or percentage-based context and about possible fiscal impacts. The committee did not take final votes on the bills in the transcript and adjourned after public hearings and caucus time were announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding has decreased and continues to decrease, we need to find Methodology is to get to those employees
• Most of the money we get from you goes into salaries and benefits for our employees.
• We have therapists who specialize in substance use disorder, and speech therapists who specialize in

Transcript Highlights:

• If you already have a prepared speech, look at it and see if you can work on it and reduce it.
• My former boss would always say, better trained employees make better decisions, and if this is going
• inhibition has always been troublesome, it is exacerbated by hybrid work schedules that require employees

Bills: HB1647 , HB2612 , HB3125 , HB3158 , HB3240 , HB3506 , HB3516 , HB3707

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process

Transcript Highlights:

• First and foremost, those bills, a lot of them require age verification on the outset, and so speech
• and conduct on the part of the user to produce speech to the social media platform.
• And the Ninth Circuit held that, you know, display of personal metrics like that is content-based speech
• However, House Bill 542... ...to change the speech that will be displayed, there is a preference that
• And so the court has found many times that teenagers have the... ...to access lawful speech.

Committee: House State Affairs