Transcript Highlights:

• Data from the National Library of Medicine suggests that nearly 77% of domestic violence-related homicides

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several measures focused on campaign finance, legal ethics, notarization, domestic violence, immigration detention transparency, workplace violence restraining orders, and divorce relief for domestic violence survivors. Senator McNerney presented SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges limits on corporate spending in elections; there was no opposition testimony, and committee members voiced support. Assembly Member Kalra presented AB 2305 to bar private equity, hedge funds, and other corporate lenders from influencing litigation decisions, with support from the Consumer Attorneys of California and other stakeholders; no opposition appeared, and the bill was framed as protecting client-centered legal judgment. Assembly Member Irwin’s AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, made technical and procedural fixes to the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030, with support from notary groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Rogers’ AB 1657 would allow temporary restraining orders in domestic violence cases without prior notice in certain circumstances, and Assembly Member Lee’s AB 1801 would tighten public notice and hearing requirements for contracts involving private immigration detention facilities; both drew broad support and no opposition. Assembly Member Patel’s AB 2179 would extend electronic filing and remote appearance rules to workplace violence restraining orders, and Assembly Member Hart’s AB 1875 would let courts shorten or waive the six-month divorce waiting period for domestic violence survivors; both were supported and had no opposition testimony. The committee then took formal votes. The consent calendar passed 12-0. SJR 18 passed 10-2. AB 2305 passed 12-0. AB 1801 passed 10-2. AB 1657 passed 12-0. AB 2179 passed 8-0. AB 1875 passed 10-0. AB 1977 passed 8-2. The chair announced the committee would adjourn until the following Tuesday, June 16, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it's the Boston Public Library, Revolutionary Spaces, Massachusetts Historical Society, Harvard's

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The special commission on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution met without quorum but proceeded with updates on upcoming commemoration activities. Chair Sean Garballey and Senator Paul Mark opened the meeting, then heard a detailed presentation from Dusty Rhodes on Sail Boston/Tall Ships, including the July 10–15 schedule, ship arrivals and parade of sail, harbor anchorage, public boarding, the Sail Boston festival, fireworks, and related public safety and logistics planning. Rhodes said the event will involve 20 countries, about 60 ships, and significant coordination among pilots, tugboats, hotels, sponsors, and 67 public safety agencies. Massachusetts 250 staff Kate Fox and Sheila Green reported on campaign outreach and programming. They highlighted strong website and email engagement, merchandise sales, grant-funded exhibits and murals across the state, the Boston Pops July 4 program, multilingual media outreach, and an I Civics “We Declare” student competition. They also described Massachusetts’ contributions to the America 250 time capsule, the July 8 national reading of the Declaration of Independence, the Great American Block Party in Boston, the flag sojourn, MA 250 signage at rest areas, and a new schools-and-farms partnership with the Department of Clean Energy and Environment and the Executive Office of Education. Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 updated the commission on Bunker Hill-related events, the Gloucester battle reenactment, Treaty Day in Watertown, and the organization’s Declaration of Independence project to reprint the Ezekiel Russell broadside for distribution to Massachusetts communities. Members praised the work and discussed a possible Massachusetts-specific time capsule, with several offering to help provide objects or facsimiles and staff planning to solicit broader commission interest in a subcommittee. The meeting ended with brief announcements about an upcoming Mass Humanities screening and Freedom Trail’s 75th anniversary, followed by a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it's the Boston Public Library, Revolutionary Spaces, Massachusetts Historical Society, Harvard's

Summary: The special commission on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, but proceeded with updates on upcoming commemoration activities. Co-chairs Representative Sean Garballey and Senator Paul Mark opened the meeting and welcomed Superintendent Armstrong from the National Parks of Boston. The main focus was the approaching slate of major events tied to the Revolution and July 4th, including Bunker Hill observances, Harborfest, Sail Boston, and the Boston Pops Spectacular. Dusty Rhodes gave a detailed overview of Sail Boston, describing the arrival and anchoring of tall ships, the parade of sail, public boarding opportunities, harbor fireworks, and the Sail Boston festival site. He noted the complexity of coordinating ships, pilots, tugboats, and public safety across multiple agencies, and said the event budget is over $5 million. Kate Fox and Sheila Green then reported on Massachusetts 250 programming: strong website and email engagement, merchandise sales, grant-funded exhibits and murals across the state, multicultural outreach, the I Civics “We Declare” student project, the America 250 time capsule contributions, the July 8 national reading of the Declaration of Independence, the flag sojourn, and a new schools-and-farms partnership with state agencies. Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 updated the commission on Bunker Hill activities, the Gloucester Battle reenactment, Treaty Day in Watertown, and the Declaration of Independence project. He said funding had been secured to reprint the Ezekiel Russell Declaration of Independence for distribution to all 351 cities and towns, with printing underway and hopes to deliver copies by July 4. The commission also discussed creating a Massachusetts-specific time capsule and forming a working group to gather ideas and possible contributions from cities and towns. Members expressed support, offered to help, and the meeting ended with thanks, announcements of an upcoming documentary screening, and a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Data from the National Library of Medicine suggests that nearly 77% of domestic violence-related homicides

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Janitors, I also was a janitor, cleaning Cal State University of Dominguez Hills bathrooms and the library

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Majority Leader Garcia secured suspension of rules for several procedural matters, including allowing guests in the chamber, moving AB 2568 Johnson out of Appropriations to the second reading file, and setting SB 73 Cervantes for a Public Safety Committee hearing; the rule-suspension motion passed 41-14. The floor also recognized several guest groups, including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu and Undersheriff Shane Wright for the sheriff’s office’s 175th anniversary, students from John Muir Charter Schools, youth art contest winners from the 24th District, the Oak Ridge High School cheer team, and students from Casa Grande High School. The Assembly then moved through the daily file, passing and retaining numerous second- and third-reading items. Two resolutions drew floor debate and were adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll calls: ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary, declaring April as Second Chance Month, and HR 109 by Assembly Member Schiavo, recognizing California’s janitorial and cleaning workforce. Supporters of ACR 176 emphasized rehabilitation, reentry barriers, and the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated people, while also noting the need to remember victims and survivors. Supporters of HR 109 highlighted janitors’ role in public health and the often unseen nature of their work, with members sharing personal experiences in janitorial and service jobs. The Assembly also adopted ACR 119 by Assembly Member Ta, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 51st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Speakers described the trauma of the Vietnamese refugee experience, honored those lost during and after the Vietnam War, and praised the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in California. After additional items were passed and retained on the third reading and consent calendars, the House announced its schedule and adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• the YMCA right across the street, the Quincy Historical Society, the USS Thalam, the Thomas Crane Library

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE) and related legislation. Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for ongoing statewide efforts to expand awareness and access to CTE, especially in middle school, improve equipment and facilities, and strengthen coordination with workforce partners. Quincy administrators described the district’s CTE system, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, enrollment of about 1,360 students, updated DESE-aligned frameworks, safety practices, business electives, and funding supported by the district budget plus state, federal, and local grants. Presenters highlighted work-based learning, industry credentials, and partnerships with employers, unions, Quincy College, MassHire, and advisory committees. Examples included co-op placements, internships, clinical placements, Military Mondays, Credit for Life, Skills Capital and Perkins-funded equipment upgrades, and a planned engineering Chapter 74 application at North Quincy. Assistant Superintendent Aaron Perkins also outlined the district’s MyCAP college-and-career planning initiative and its goal of creating a vertically aligned readiness model beginning in the middle grades. Students Ellie Crump, Emily Infantino, and Alexander Liu testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or shop experiences, and postsecondary plans. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for integrating CTE with general education and said the testimony would inform future legislation. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn and unanimous agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• the YMCA right across the street, the Quincy Historical Society, the USS Thalam, the Thomas Crane Library

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• academy, perhaps what you really want to spend your money on is a new set of classical texts for your library

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 883, which would give qualifying high-performing charter schools and traditional school districts more flexibility over spending and reduce certain state reporting requirements. The sponsor and Emily McClure of the Idaho Charter School Network said the bill is intended to reward strong academic, financial, and operational performance with greater local control, while preserving accountability and avoiding any threat to federal funding. Supporters from American Classical Schools of Idaho said the measure would help schools allocate funds more effectively and reduce redundant compliance work; a district witness opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment among public schools and conflicts with the idea of common schools. After questions about which reports would be waived and whether federal funds would be affected, the committee voted to send HB 883 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 19, which expresses support for a federal effort to disband the U.S. Department of Education. Senator Den Hartog argued that education is not an enumerated federal power and said dismantling the department could reduce federal overreach while preserving student protections and shifting administration of programs elsewhere in the federal government. Testimony in support came from Idaho Family Policy Center, which said the department violates federalism and parental authority. Opponents raised concerns about uncertainty over where programs such as Title I, Pell Grants, special education, and school nutrition would be housed, and one witness warned that eliminating the department could worsen inequities and undermine civil rights and research functions. The committee ultimately voted to send HJM 19 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• banned in Mexico in 2023, but coincidentally, there is still a NOAA report through 2023 in the NOAA library

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee approved the minutes from February 24 and March 2, then took up HCR 32, a resolution from Representative Levitt on Idaho’s energy future. Levitt said the measure responds to concerns about transmission projects, data center and Micron-related demand, Lava Ridge, and Idaho’s energy imports by emphasizing baseload generation, transmission, energy sovereignty, and private property rights. A representative from Renewable Northwest testified in support, saying the resolution appropriately recognizes the need for more generation and transmission, the importance of regional market participation, and protecting ratepayers, while cautioning that regional market access means Idaho will still rely on outside power at times. The committee then passed HCR 32 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next heard HJM 18, sponsored by Representative Hostetler, which was revised to focus on solar geoengineering. Hostetler and several public testifiers argued that solar radiation modification and related activities pose risks to health, agriculture, water, soil, and property rights, and urged Idaho to oppose such experimentation and send a message to Congress and federal agencies. Testimony cited federal research documents, alleged environmental and health impacts, and concerns about transparency and consent. Multiple speakers supported the memorial, including individuals who said they had observed unusual aircraft trails or collected environmental samples, as well as others who framed the issue as one of state sovereignty and public health. After public testimony, the committee voted to send HJM 18 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. During the HJM 18 discussion, one witness, Blake Horowitz, testified that aircraft trails are not merely water vapor and suggested the issue should be independently studied, while other testimony included claims about metals in rainwater, impacts on livestock, bees, crops, and human health. Representative Bingham asked for clarification about language referring to solar geoengineering versus weather modification, and Hostetler explained the memorial was narrowed to address solar geoengineering specifically because of overlap and confusion with weather modification. The committee then confirmed the motion and adjourned after both measures were advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, we don't means-test kids whether they're going to be able to use football helmets, school libraries

Bills: 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

Summary: The Senate considered engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346, a major tax package creating a new income tax on high earners, providing tax reductions and credits, and funding various spending priorities. A point of order was raised that House amendments exceeded the bill’s scope under Senate Rule 66, focusing on new provisions affecting sales and use taxes and business and occupation taxes. The President ruled the amendments were within scope, finding they were tax reductions similar to those already in the Senate-passed bill, and the Senate then took up the motion to concur in the House amendments. Members debated the House changes at length. Supporters said the amendments improved the bill by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adding exemptions for diapers and over-the-counter medicines, bringing forward some tax relief, preserving business loss carryforwards, and adding funding or intent language for items such as Fair Start for Kids, K-12 investments, local government replacement funding, and universal school meals. Opponents argued the bill remained unconstitutional or unfair, criticized the income tax structure and inflation indexing changes, objected to the gambling-loss deduction and limits on charitable deductions, and said the bill’s promises on public defense, education, and other priorities were not secured in the body of the measure. On a roll call vote, the Senate concurred in the House amendments by a vote of 27-21, with one excused. The Senate then passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 as amended by the House by the same 27-21 vote, and the President signed the bill in open session. The chamber also received several messages from the House announcing signed bills, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• of us choose to vote for these levies to support our school districts, our community colleges, our library

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• wanted to leave it in the code just for historic reasons, but that information is also kept in the library

Summary: The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee approved the minutes from February 10 and February 16, then heard a rule docket from the Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals Board. The agency said the rule changes clarified licensure categories, exam score validity, experience and continuing education requirements, and auditing of exam providers, while also increasing fees to rebuild the board’s cash balance. After questions about the board’s finances and the Senate’s objection to the fee increase, the committee approved the docket with Section 400, the fee section, struck. The committee then took up House Bill 593, a code cleanup bill from Representative Scott that would repeal obsolete hazardous waste planning committee provisions and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality chapter. Members raised concerns about overlap with another bill and whether the repeal would conflict with other hazardous waste provisions. After discussion and a brief recess, the motion to advance the bill was withdrawn and the committee voted to hold House Bill 593 in committee to the call of the chair. House Bill 714 was also held in committee without hearing. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 687 from Representative Schurz, which would restrict state agencies from procuring, deploying, or using large language models unless they are developed and implemented without DEI principles and with truth-seeking, ideologically neutral standards. Schurz cited concerns about the Recidiviz vendor used by IDOC and said the bill would require contract language, agency procedures, and vendor accountability. Members questioned how agencies could verify compliance and whether the bill would affect other uses of AI, but the bill was advanced on a due pass motion and sent to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• valued at $2 million, using 100% millage funding for the Reynolds Center Learning Success Center and Library

Summary: The committee first considered an $88,000 used tire program contract for District 4 with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could worsen cash flow before funding was confirmed. Questions were also raised about procurement language in the RFP that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. After discussion, a motion was made and approved to hold the contract until next month so the tire board could appear and answer questions. Members then reviewed a large slate of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included capital projects at ASU Mid-South, Arkansas Tech, Ozarka, UA Fayetteville, UA Little Rock, UAMS, and UCA; a new UCA multi-purpose arena project estimated at $75.5 million; and DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, and rural hospital quality improvement. All of these items were reviewed without objection. The committee also heard a ratification request from UAMS for a Family and Medical Leave Act outsourcing contract with FMLA Source. UAMS said an amendment had been prepared but never submitted for review, and payments continued after expiration; members expressed frustration and asked UAMS to review whether other contracts had similarly lapsed. The committee then reviewed numerous construction-related, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including airport economic impact study work, parking guidance technology at the University of Arkansas, veteran nursing services, and multiple DHS service contracts. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after reports of routine contract amendments and minor contracts were presented for information.

Transcript Highlights:

• valued at $2 million using 100% millage funding for the Reynolds Center Learning Success Center and Library

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Rick West He is a junior who worked on a campaign to overturn the removal of the school library

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• One very close example for us is the embodied carbon savings on this very campus, the Pritchard Library

Bills: HB2273, SB5188, HB2353, HB2420, HB2470

Keywords: embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, construction, environment, broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, capital budget, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning

Transcript Highlights:

• One very close example for us is the embodied carbon savings on this very campus, the Pritchard Library

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute House Bill 2236, staff explained changes to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage loans for multifamily housing, clarifying it is not a retail mortgage lender, extending bond counsel terms, removing a notice requirement before bond issuance, and repealing outdated statutory provisions. Representative Zahn and commission staff said the bill modernizes the agency and would help finance affordable housing without using state general funds. Testimony was generally supportive, with questions focused on higher interest rates, down payment assistance, and equity for borrowers of color; the commission said it works with banks, administers programs such as Covenant Home Ownership, and aims to support both homebuyers and developers. The chair then closed the hearing on SHB 2236. The committee next heard House Bill 2273 on reducing embodied carbon emissions in buildings and building materials. Staff described requirements for the State Building Code Council to adopt phased embodied-carbon standards for large projects, with reporting, a public database, and Commerce educational resources; the fiscal note showed operating and capital costs. Representative Duerr said the bill responds to rising energy demand and could help lower building costs while supporting innovation, including Washington wood products. Supportive testimony came from environmental justice advocates and an architect, who said embodied carbon reductions are already feasible and often cost-neutral. Opponents, including the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill could raise costs, create sourcing and delay problems, and should not exempt schools. The hearing on HB 2273 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5188, which would let the Public Works Board issue loans for broadband infrastructure repair and replacement. Staff said the bill expands the existing broadband service expansion program to cover repair and replacement of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, with Commerce fiscal impacts noted. The Association of Washington Cities testified with concerns that the bill could signal further use of the Public Works Assistance Account, which has already seen sweeps and could affect future water, sewer, wastewater, and solid waste funding. A question from Representative Dye raised whether the program should instead be tied to the Curb Board; staff and the witness agreed to continue that discussion. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee took up House Bill 2353, House Bill 2420, and House Bill 2470. HB 2353, which raises the predesign threshold for capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million and indexes it to inflation, was reported out of committee 18-0 with one excused. The committee then adopted and reported out the proposed substitute for HB 2420, which increases the small works roster contract limit and changes the effective date to January 1, 2027, also by an 18-0 vote with one excused. Staff also briefed members on a proposed substitute for HB 2470 concerning school construction assistance for on-base schools, but no vote was taken in the transcript. The chair announced another hearing and executive session for Friday and asked members to submit amendments by the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• then I'm going to share with Public school activities include a $125 million allocation, a national library

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They used to be at the Supreme Court building, but then they moved to the State Law Library down on Front

Summary: The committee met to review several Idaho Department of Environmental Quality rule dockets. It first considered docket 58-0102-2501 on water quality standards, which DEQ described as an administrative cleanup to align state rules with EPA disapprovals of prior temperature and arsenic-related provisions. Members asked why EPA rejected parts of the earlier rule, and DEQ explained that EPA wanted stricter temperature criteria rather than the variability language Idaho had proposed. The committee voted to approve the docket. The committee then heard docket 58-0106-2501 on wastewater rules. DEQ said the rulemaking was part of zero-based regulation and aimed to streamline, clarify, and reduce burden, including updates to gray water, material modification, wastewater system definitions, and sludge disposal/use plans. Aquaculture commenters raised concerns that municipal wastewater standards might be applied to fish production facilities, and DEQ responded by adding clarifying language and references specific to aquaculture. A separate testimony issue arose from a participant who could not be heard on the webinar, and the committee voted to hold the docket at the call of the chair for reconsideration at a later meeting. The committee next approved docket 58-0105-2501, DEQ’s annual hazardous waste incorporation by reference, which updates federal hazardous waste regulations through July 1, 2025 and adds Part 271 for state program authorization. DEQ said no comments were received and that the change helps maintain state primacy and avoid conflicting state and federal requirements. It also approved docket 58-0106-2501 on solid waste management rules, another zero-based regulation cleanup that removed duplicative language, updated definitions and applicability sections, and deleted a violations section already covered in statute; members discussed how strikeouts indicate moved versus deleted language and how definitions should be cross-referenced to Idaho Code. Finally, the committee approved docket 58-0101-2501 on air quality rules, an annual incorporation by reference of federal air regulations through July 1, 2025. DEQ highlighted EPA actions affecting Idaho, including updates to SIP-related provisions, sulfur dioxide standards, modeling guidance, NSPS/NESHAP changes, and a Congressional Review Act disapproval affecting certain hazardous air pollutant sources. Members asked where to access the federal regulations, and DEQ said they are available online through the CFR and linked references in the rule materials. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you know that the creative sector of Vermont—the arts, the cultures, film, libraries, historical

Keywords: 926, house, all