Transcript Highlights:

• Nick Cahan with Professional Arts Pharmacy present in support, do not wish to speak.
• And I understand patients want those compounded drugs. They are less expensive.
• So compounding hormones, whether it's progesterone, intestinal...
• So compounding hormones, whether it's progesterone, intestinal, intestines.
• So compounding hormones, whether it's progesterone, testosterone, you know, bias.

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported SB 255, which expands eligibility for psychosocial rehabilitation services by adding health sciences and therapeutic recreation degrees to the list of acceptable educational backgrounds. Supporters said the change would help address workforce shortages and improve access in rural areas. SB 314 was then reported favorably; it cleans up prior law so a limited scope certified social worker license can still be used for community psychiatric support and treatment services even if the application is filed after the CSW license has expired, rather than being barred by a timing restriction. The committee next took up several bills by Chairman McMath. SB 26, which repeals facility need review requirements for opioid treatment programs, was reported favorably after members and witnesses said Louisiana has too few OTPs and that removing the review would improve access, especially in rural areas. SB 29, requiring review and reporting of a child’s immunization records in certain unexpected death autopsies, was reported favorably despite questions about whether the bill should refer more broadly to medical records; supporters said the data could help evaluate vaccine-related concerns, while opponents raised concerns about singling out immunizations. SB 30, dealing with telehealth for obesity/weight management, was amended and reported favorably; the committee adopted technical amendments and a conceptual amendment replacing “metabolic condition” with “weight management services,” while witnesses debated patient safety, board authority, and whether the bill should limit agencies’ ability to restrict telehealth in the future. The committee also reported favorably SB 219, which creates an Office of Health and Nutrition within LDH. Supporters from the department, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Pennington Biomedical said the office would strengthen coordination on nutrition, physical activity, and brain health, and cited high Alzheimer’s costs and prevalence in Louisiana. SB 222, which streamlines Medicaid behavioral health administrative requirements and expands telehealth for psychosocial rehabilitation, was reported favorably with amendments after supporters described workforce and rural access barriers. SB 195, the “Danny’s Dose EMS Treatment Act,” was reported favorably; it would allow EMS personnel to administer a patient’s own prescribed time-critical medication in emergencies, and testimony from a parent and physician described life-threatening delays under current practice. The committee also adopted SCR 2, updating hospital architectural standards to the most recent Facility Guidelines Institute edition, and SCR 22, requesting a more detailed legislative auditor report on opioid settlement expenditures; members said they wanted clearer outcome data and planned to refine the language before floor debate. Finally, HB 1093 on naturopathic medicine was introduced and heavily amended, with the bill shifted under LSBME oversight and a large set of changes discussed, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, members, we have two green cards: Nick Waltz with Galleria Medical Pharmacy.
• And I understand patients want those compounded drugs. They are less expensive.
• So compounding hormones, whether it's progesterone, testosterone, you know, bias.
• So compounding hormones, whether it's progesterone, intestinal, intestines.
• So compounding hormones, whether it's progesterone, testosterone, you know, biased.

Bills: HB946, HB1093, SB26, SB29, SB30, SB195, SB219, SB222, SB255, SB314, SCR2, SCR22

Keywords: healthcare transparency, hospital pricing, consumer protection, collection actions, fines, naturopathic medicine, Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine, licensing, healthcare, prescriptive authority, natural therapies, opioid treatment, regulation, addiction recovery, state law, SB 29, Act 732, coroner, autopsy, child death

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor's budget is projected to save $7.5 million annually moving Medicaid pharmacy benefit from
• We ask the legislature to maintain the Medicaid pharmacy benefit and managed care. Thank you.
• The reductions to FPS in the proposed budget compound the reductions adopted last year.
• Anything that happens at the state level will further compound those.
• important academic programs and essential services are being cut, including closure of the Yakima-based pharmacy

Bills: HB2289

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on HB 2289, the supplemental operating budget. Testimony focused heavily on the governor’s proposal to redirect or supplant Climate Commitment Act revenue, with environmental and public health advocates arguing that the $569 million diversion would undermine climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, affordability programs, and long-term climate investments. Several speakers also urged restoration of full wildfire funding under HB 1168, warning that underfunding would increase future costs and risks to communities and ecosystems. A large share of testimony opposed proposed Medicaid and long-term care changes, including freezing or delaying rate rebasing for nursing homes, shifting pharmacy benefit financing, and reducing support for caregiver staffing. Providers said the cuts would destabilize facilities, reduce access for Medicaid residents, and worsen workforce shortages. Other speakers urged continued funding for public health services, the Working Families Tax Credit, food assistance, housing and homelessness programs, right-to-counsel for tenants, disability services, and public defense, arguing that reductions would increase emergency-system costs and harm vulnerable residents. Education-related testimony supported the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, homeless student supports, and K-12 funding, while school and university representatives opposed higher education cuts and called for new progressive revenue. Child care advocates warned that proposed subsidy caps and rate reductions would reduce access and harm the workforce. The committee also heard support for public works infrastructure funding, land conservation and youth outdoor programs, a tribal liaison position at a museum, and continued support for dental access and immigrant legal services. No votes were taken; after public testimony ended, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor's budget is projected to save $7.5 million annually moving Medicaid pharmacy benefit from
• We ask the legislature to maintain the Medicaid pharmacy benefit and managed care. Thank you.
• The reductions to FPS in the proposed budget compound the reductions adopted last year.
• Anything that happens at the state level will further compound those.
• important academic programs and essential services are being cut, including closure of the Yakima-based pharmacy

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing. Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account. Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.

Bills: SB2169, SB2263, SB2360, SB2359, SB2031, SB2796, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2120, SB2593, SB2751, SB2135, SB2024, SB2872, SB3179, SB2308, SB2392, SB2470, SB2398, SB2902, SB2841, SB2436, SB2806, SB2691, SB2824, SB2645, SB2384, SB2697, SB3153, SB3156, SB888, SB2423, SB2746

Keywords: business competitiveness, economic development, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, business climate, regulatory reform, permitting, economic ranking, state ranking, top 10 states, business climate improvement working group, business revitalization task force, CNBC America’s Top States for Business, Hawaii business climate, workforce development, infrastructure, cost of doing business, tax competitiveness, labor unions, private sector

Transcript Highlights:

• Confirmed as a member of the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
• Barton, is confirmed as a member of the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
• I move that Huey U, Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9094, be confirmed as a member of the Pharmacy
• Huey earned an Associate of Science from Shoreline Community College and a doctorate in pharmacy from
• Additionally, Huey serves as a pharmacy preceptor for the University of Washington and Washington State

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine living in fear of the man behind you at the pharmacy. of the delivery driver, even of your own
• That bystander can file a lawsuit for $100,000 against the pharmacist. assist and the pharmacy.
• And how do the pharmacist and the pharmacy defend themselves?
• That means providers and pharmacies. outside Texas can be sued in Texas courts for lawful conduct in
• What's going to happen to the insurance rates for pharmacies?

Bills: SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• We entered an era of unprecedented mergers of insurers, of providers, and of pharmacies.
• We entered an era of unprecedented mergers of insurers, of providers, and of pharmacies.
• We entered an era of unprecedented mergers of insurers, of providers, and of pharmacies.
• Insurers, of providers, and of pharmacies.
• Leading to closures and leading many communities to be pharmacy deserts.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Certain compounds now classified with interventional psychiatry date back to the 1950s and the '60s.
• When combined with psychological support, psychedelic compounds... ...strides.
• It's compounding. Post-traumatic stress. It's acute. It's chronic. It's compounding.
• And that constant repeated exposure compounds.
• And that compounding, consistent, repeated exposure is killing our people.

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Access to Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies held an informational hearing focused on psychedelic-assisted treatments for PTSD, depression, addiction, and related conditions, especially for veterans, first responders, and firefighters. The chair framed the issue as a response to long-standing barriers created by Schedule I restrictions and stigma, emphasizing that the committee was looking at supervised clinical use rather than take-home drugs. Members discussed the growing number of state psychedelic policy proposals, the federal breakthrough therapy pathway, and the idea of Arizona preparing for FDA approval and possibly sending correspondence to federal officials in support of expanded access and Right to Try implementation. Witnesses included retired Army Special Forces Master Sgt. Alan Mullen, who described participating in an ibogaine study for PTSD/TBI and said the treatment, combined with preparation and integration support, helped him confront trauma and showed promise under strict medical monitoring. Dr. Sue Sisley of Scottsdale Research Institute testified that her team is conducting FDA-controlled psychedelic trials, including psilocybin research funded by Arizona, and argued that these therapies can produce major symptom relief with limited doses when delivered in controlled settings. She also urged the legislature to help remove barriers to research and access, including support for Right to Try and possible federal action to allow controlled-substance access. Dan Freiberg of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona said firefighters face chronic mental health exposure and often lack effective options beyond traditional therapy or, in some cases, ketamine, and he supported any safe, effective treatment that could help members return to work and reduce suicide risk. Dr. Chung Trin, a mental health physician and trial investigator, explained the FDA breakthrough designation process, said several psychedelic treatments are in late-stage review, and stressed the need for Arizona to build clinical infrastructure so patients can access approved therapies quickly and safely once federal approval occurs. Committee members asked about safety, addiction potential, suicide risk, costs, patents, and whether natural versus synthetic versions of compounds like psilocybin would be available; the hearing ended with general support for continued research, possible legislative correspondence to federal officials, and no formal vote or bill action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:31.280><c> and</c> pharmacist working in one pharmacy and pharmacist working in one pharmacy
• </c><00:12:30.079><c> Uh</c> the clinical aspects of pharmacy. Uh the clinical aspects of pharmacy.
• So if you look at the pharmacy.
• </c> practice is or the practice of pharmacy practice is or the practice of pharmacy is.<00:17:40.720
• of pharmacy change dramatically.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the pharmacy is actually owed, often for reasons that have nothing to do with pharmacy.
• Tennessee's recent audit found that PBMs reimbursed their own affiliate pharmacies, the pharmacies they
• Tennessee's recent audit found that the PBM has reimbursed their own affiliate pharmacies, the pharmacies
• and the community pharmacies.
• they do to a community pharmacy.

Bills: SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Summary: The Senate first considered Senate Bill 1623, a measure updating the state charter for state-regulated credit unions to make them more competitive with federal credit unions. Two amendments were adopted: one changing certain board authority language from “shall” to “may,” and another restoring the title. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of negotiation with bankers and credit unions and would not affect national banks; after questions about membership expansion and census-tract service areas, the bill passed 44-0. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 39, which would send to voters a constitutional amendment lowering annual caps on assessed-value growth for homestead and agricultural property from 3% to 1%, and for other property from 5% to 3%. Proponents argued it would slow property-tax growth, help seniors and fixed-income homeowners stay in their homes, and not reduce government revenue but only slow future growth; opponents warned it would reduce local revenue growth for schools, counties, infrastructure, and bonding capacity, and would disproportionately benefit higher-value property owners. The resolution passed 38-8, and the special-election referral also passed 38-8. Senate Joint Resolution 47, which would place current voter ID requirements into the Constitution, also advanced and passed 39-8, with the special-election provision passing by the same margin. Supporters said it simply constitutionalized existing law requiring proof of identity and would preserve election security; critics said Oklahoma already has voter ID rules, the measure was unnecessary, and the language could create uncertainty for absentee voters and future changes. Debate also touched on provisional ballots, military and overseas voting, and whether the measure would make future adjustments harder. Later, Senate Bill 2084 passed 35-7 and as an emergency measure. The bill limits wrongful-termination settlements for faculty members at higher education institutions to two times annual salary, including pay and accrued benefits. Supporters said it would provide certainty for universities and regents; questions focused on tenure, free-speech claims, and how the cap would interact with existing tort limits. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1655 unanimously to allow Oklahoma Complete Health’s Children’s Specialty Program to contact adoptive parents and offer continued voluntary services for post-adoption children, and Senate Bill 1679 was introduced as the “Preserving Oklahoma Values Act,” aimed at codifying adherence to the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions and rejecting foreign law, with debate beginning over its enforcement and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certain compounds now classified with interventional psychiatry date back to the 1950s and the '60s.
• When combined with psychological support, psychedelic compounds... ...strides.
• It's compounding.
• And that compounding, consistent, repeated exposure is killing our people.
• We have to have the opportunity to test new variations of these synthetic compounds. Thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Access to Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies met to discuss psychedelic-assisted treatments for serious mental health conditions, with a focus on psilocybin, ibogaine, MDMA, and related compounds. The chair framed the issue as a clinical and access problem for veterans, first responders, and others with PTSD, depression, TBI, addiction, and suicidal ideation, emphasizing that these therapies are intended for supervised medical settings rather than take-home use. Members reviewed research claims and policy trends, including FDA breakthrough therapy designations, state-level psychedelic legislation, and the role of Arizona’s right-to-try law in expanding access once federal approval is in place. Testimony came from Alan Mullen, a retired Army Special Forces veteran, who described his PTSD/TBI history and said ibogaine treatment helped him confront trauma and showed promise in reducing symptoms under strict medical monitoring. Dr. Sue Cisley of Scottsdale Research Institute described ongoing FDA-controlled trials in Arizona, said current medications often fail high-need patients, and urged removal of research barriers and preparation for right-to-try and expanded access. Dan Freiberg of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona said firefighters face chronic exposure to trauma, often rely on alcohol or other coping mechanisms, and need effective alternatives beyond traditional therapy. Dr. Chung Trin discussed late-stage psychedelic trials, the FDA breakthrough pathway, safety oversight, and the need for state readiness when approvals occur. Committee members asked about how the treatments work, whether they require psychotherapy support, safety concerns including suicidality and black-market abuse, patenting and synthetic versus natural versions, and costs compared with ketamine and other treatments. Witnesses said the therapies are administered with extensive screening, monitoring, and integration support, and argued that addiction potential appears low under medical supervision. The discussion ended with interest in sending correspondence to federal officials to support right-to-try cooperation and in continuing the research and policy work; no formal vote or action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we operate a 503A pharmacy in Kent that provides customized patient-specific compounded
• Additionally, we operate a 503A pharmacy in Kent that provides customized patient-specific compounded
• including information regarding drug costs, payment amounts received for 340B drugs, payments made to pharmacies

Bills: HB2384, HB2402, HB2505, HB1904, HB2145, HB2182, HB2211, HB2242, HB2247, HB2329, HB2339

Keywords: continuing care retirement community, CCRC, life plan community, senior housing, retirement community, long-term care, assisted living, nursing home, actuarial analysis, solvency, financial oversight, resident contracts, entrance fee, disclosure statement, registration, insurance commissioner, DSHS, consumer protection, elder care, aging services

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2384 would require continuing care retirement communities that offer life care contracts to submit actuarial analyses every other registration cycle for review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with results sent to DSHS for registration decisions and an appeal process through DSHS. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect residents’ financial security; LeadingAge Washington supported transparency but raised cost and implementation concerns. HB 2505 would exempt certain foster parents and child-specific foster care providers from adult family home licensure when former foster youth remain in the home as adults and other conditions are met. The sponsor and DSHS said the bill would help vulnerable young adults stay with caregivers and avoid unnecessary licensure barriers. HB 2402 would phase out DEHP in IV solution containers and later IV tubing, with exemptions for certain blood and cell therapy products; testimony largely supported removing phthalates for health and environmental reasons, while manufacturers, hospitals, and AdvaMed raised supply chain, timing, and implementation concerns and requested later phase-out dates and exemptions. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. HB 1904, prohibiting cat declawing, was amended to remove recordkeeping, reporting, fines, and disciplinary references tied to declawing and was reported out with a do pass recommendation. HB 2145 on the 340B drug pricing program was advanced as a proposed substitute after a lengthy discussion about transparency, reporting, and concerns over authority and litigation. HB 2182, concerning abortion medications held and distributed by the Department of Corrections, was amended to require appropriations for purchases, restore cost-based distribution language, prioritize Indian health providers, add annual reporting, and remove the emergency clause; the substitute bill then passed out of committee. HB 2211 on medically tailored meals also passed out, with one member opposing due to concerns about limiting participation to certain nonprofits. The committee also passed out HB 2247 on veterinarian-client-patient relationships and telehealth after adopting a substitute that clarified recordkeeping, telehealth prescribing, clinical practice requirements, and the effective date. HB 2329 on supervision of medical assistants and lactation consultants by licensed midwives passed after a cleanup amendment clarified that midwives are not prohibited from coordinating with lactation consultants. HB 2339 on nurse licensing passed after a technical amendment updated definitions and terminology for nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist credentials. The meeting concluded with all of these measures reported from committee, mostly on strong bipartisan votes, though several bills drew mixed votes or dissent over scope, costs, or implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• with third-party retail pharmacies to dispense the drugs.
• Second, a manufacturer or third party... ...entity or their contract pharmacy.
• that would be used by the Uniform Medical Plan, it might limit pharmacy-rebate-eligible pharmacy claims
• Lack of transparency and runaway contract pharmacy costs are.
• This bill will line the pockets of PBMs and large pharmacy chains.

Bills: HB1316, HB2401, HB2557, HB2720, HB1073, HB2685, HB2640, HB2403

Keywords: postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings, public testimony, and no final votes on a series of bills. On Substitute House Bill 1128, staff described a proposed second substitute creating a Child Care Workforce Standards Board at L&I with an advisory role only, along with estimated staffing and board costs; supporters said child care workers need a forum to address understaffing and wages, while opponents called the bill duplicative and costly. The committee also heard support for Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would have OSPI and ESDs develop a technical assistance and training framework for school behavioral health supports, and Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies for JLARC review; staff outlined fiscal impacts for both, and no one testified on 2636. Members then heard House Bill 1316 on expanding the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so multiple campuses within an institution could apply, with testimony that the current language unintentionally limits access to already appropriated funds. Substitute House Bill 2474 would expand use of the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to cover consumer protection violations tied to private college closures and teach-out obligations, with staff noting no expected fiscal impact from the fund itself. Substitute House Bill 2365 would broaden the State Broadband Office’s digital equity duties and rename the grant program, with supporters emphasizing rural access and the loss of federal digital equity funding; staff said Commerce would bear most ongoing costs. The committee also heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission contingent on non-state funding, with supporters saying boys and men face worsening mental health, education, and social outcomes. Substitute House Bill 2475 would require the Office of Equity to develop statewide language-access guidelines and a plan to address interpreter shortages, with staff saying the office could absorb the work but other agencies’ costs were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517 would give regional transit authorities more flexibility to seek permits before acquiring property for high-capacity transit projects, and Substitute House Bill 2145 would restrict manufacturers from blocking 340B drug access through contract pharmacies and add reporting requirements; testimony was sharply divided over whether the bill protects safety-net providers or increases health care costs. Finally, Second Substitute House Bill 1420 would require a textile and apparel coordinating organization and a needs assessment for a future producer responsibility program, with supporters urging a careful first step and opponents warning it presumes the outcome and adds complexity and cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• eliminate critical funding that health centers receive from the 340B program, forcing many patient and pharmacy
• I ask that the legislature reject that change by maintaining the Medicaid pharmacy benefit in managed
• Please protect 340B funding for our state's health care safety net, retaining the Medicaid pharmacy benefit
• This is compounded by more than $30 million in federal funding cuts that reduce our ability to meet students
• reduces payments to our hospital clinics by at least 10 million per year and changes to the Medicaid pharmacy

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not some chemical compound.
• This is not some chemical compound.
• benefit manager from paying its affiliated pharmacies more than non-affiliated pharmacies.
• Local pharmacies are However, PBMs don't treat all of their in-network pharmacies the same.
• I own White Mountain Pharmacy in Show Low and another remote dispensing pharmacy in Overgaard.

Bills: SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821

Keywords: assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what uncertainty looks like on the ground, and ongoing federal instability compounds existing
• I currently live an hour and 15 minutes away from the nearest pharmacy. From the nearest pharmacy.
• These pressures are compounded by the impacts community safety net providers are facing.
• These pressures are compounded by the impacts community safety net providers are facing, and our health
• Pre-ACA, Tulare County operated two federally qualified health clinics, a pharmacy, and had contracts

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the cost of uncertainty in California health care, especially the effects of federal policy changes on coverage, access, and affordability. Opening remarks from committee leaders and members emphasized that California’s uninsured rate had fallen to historic lows under the Affordable Care Act and state policies, but that the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, H.R. 1, and other federal regulatory changes could reverse those gains. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the strain on low-wage workers, families, clinics, hospitals, and public programs. The first panel reviewed the federal landscape and state response. A federal policy analyst described the ACA’s coverage gains and consumer protections, then outlined current threats: H.R. 1’s Medicaid and marketplace cuts, the end of enhanced premium tax credits, shorter open enrollment, more verification requirements, and changes affecting preventive services and vaccines. Covered California reported that the loss of subsidies is expected to nearly double average monthly premiums, reduce enrollment, and push more consumers into bronze plans with higher deductibles; it also noted that California’s $190 million affordability fund is helping the lowest-income enrollees. HCAI’s Office of Health Care Affordability explained its work on spending targets, market consolidation review, and primary care investment, saying the goal is to slow spending growth rather than impose price caps. Committee members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of bronze plans, administrative burdens, immigration-related disenrollment, provider taxes, uncompensated care, and whether California can sustain current coverage levels without new revenue. Witnesses said bronze plans preserve essential benefits but shift more costs to consumers, and that H.R. 1’s verification and auto-renewal changes will likely reduce enrollment. They also said provider tax reductions could significantly weaken state financing over time, and that higher uninsured rates may increase uncompensated care and pressure premiums elsewhere in the system. The second panel, featuring UC Berkeley Labor Center and California Health Care Foundation experts, highlighted broader affordability problems across job-based coverage and Medi-Cal, citing medical debt, skipped care, and the role of underlying system costs, administrative waste, and lack of competition. They pointed to medical debt relief efforts such as Los Angeles County’s program as a short-term mitigation strategy while the Legislature considers longer-term policy and budget responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• eliminate critical funding that health centers receive from the 340B program, forcing many patient and pharmacy
• I ask that the legislature reject that change by maintaining the Medicaid pharmacy benefit in managed
• Please protect 340B funding for our state's health care safety net, retaining the Medicaid pharmacy benefit
• off-site clinics, which are largely specialty clinics in this state, and also moving the Medicaid pharmacy
• This is compounded by the more than $30 million in federal funding cuts that reduce our ability to meet

Bills: HB2289

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, emphasizing time limits, no visual aids, amendment deadlines, confidentiality, professionalism, and the chair’s authority on parliamentary rulings. The chair also noted the meeting was being recorded and live streamed, and that public testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ins. The committee then heard a work session presentation from OFM Director Katie Chapman on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, followed by questions about the budget’s four-year balance and potential credit-rating effects. Chapman said the proposal addresses a roughly $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, and about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, wildfire response, housing, and some affordability measures. She also explained that the proposal does not fully balance in the 2027-29 outlook, though she said the governor believed the statutory conditions allowed that choice. Chapman outlined major proposed reductions, including a soft cap and lower subsidy rates for Working Connections Child Care, limits on Apple Health Expansion enrollment, reduced increases for assisted living and nursing homes, reductions to transition to kindergarten and Running Start, flat local effort assistance, and across-the-board cuts to higher education and agency operations. She also described shifts of Working Families Tax Credit funding to the Climate Commitment Account, additional transfers from accounts such as Public Works Assistance, and proposed closure of several tax preferences. Agency and stakeholder testimony largely split along these lines: education groups, child care advocates, higher education leaders, and school employees opposed cuts to TTK, LEA, Running Start, and child care; human services and legal aid groups supported or sought restoration of funding for crime victim services, right to counsel, civil legal aid, and youth/foster care programs; and natural resources and local government witnesses objected to sweeps from wildfire, derelict vessel, and infrastructure accounts. Several statewide officials and agency representatives also testified. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to additional sweeps from his accounts and said prior cuts had forced layoffs and service reductions, including at the libraries and corporations division. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said the wildfire prevention funding in the budget was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and warned that underfunding would increase fire costs. Other testimony supported funding for the Office of Civil Legal Aid, the Office of Public Defense, the Human Rights Commission, the Economic Security for All program, and the state employee contracts included in the budget. The committee did not take any votes or formal action during the hearing; it continued taking public testimony on the governor’s budget proposal.

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing