Transcript Highlights:

• Not surprisingly, some of the groups that showed less support at the beginning showed greater support
• Not surprisingly, some of the groups that showed less support at the beginning showed greater support
• I'm testifying today in support of SB 5234.
• We support this bill and thank the committee for its consideration to ...support this bill and thank
• I'm here to testify in support of Senate Bill 6110.

Bills: SB5234, SB6110, SB6176

Keywords: snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• And we hope that we can get your support on this bill. Thank you so much.
• Strongly urge support of this bill.
• Thank you for your time, and we urge your support of House Bill 2479.
• I would have appreciated the support, but I know how life is.
• I would have appreciated the support, but I know how life is.

Bills: HB1526, HB1069, HB1347, HB2091, HB2264

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing, collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• I support Bill 1696.
• I'm here to support SB 6296.
• Capacity supports safety.
• Brad Banks here on behalf of the behavioral health administrative services organizations in support of
• I am here in support of Senate Bill 5828. support of Senate Bill 5828.

Bills: SB6346, SB6347, SB6147, SB6246, SB5940, SB5882, SB6223, SJR8206, SB5762, SB5828

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in strong support.
• I support Bill 1696.
• I'm here to support SB 6296.
• Capacity supports safety.
• Brad Banks here on behalf of the behavioral health administrative services organizations in support of

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346. Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE MAJORITY OF THE PERFORMANCE MEASURES USER MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE ARE FOR STANDARDIZED
• NEXT OF HEALTHY BEHAVIORS PROGRAMS.
• THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES DON'T NECESSARILY RESULT IN A CHANGE IN THE BEHAVIOR, BUT FOR PLAN TO DO THEIR
• UNDERSTANDING YOU DON'T ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN WHETHER THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES IMPACT THE BEHAVIOR
• OF THE PLAN ARE NOT, BETWEEN WHETHER THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES IMPACT THE BEHAVIOR OF THE PLAN ARE NOT,

Transcript Highlights:

• The data supports our concerns.
• On behalf of our Massachusetts supporters and in strong support of multiple bills...
• On behalf of our Massachusetts supporters, and in strong support of multiple bills, H. 989 and S. 640
• I would firmly support and encourage others to support S. 551 and H. 990.
• He said, 'I strongly support these bills.' He said, 'I strongly support these bills.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of animal, wildlife, hunting, and environmental bills. Early testimony focused on deer management, with Rep. Markey urging creation of a deer commission to address crop damage, vehicle collisions, and Lyme disease, and Sen. Durant supporting bills to allow Sunday bow hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce the 500-foot dwelling restriction for archery hunting. Supporters framed these measures as practical wildlife-management tools, while questions centered on how they would differ from existing Fish and Wildlife authority and whether they would allow hunting closer to residences. Later, Rep. Sena also spoke in support of a bill to increase protected wildlife management areas and another to require non-lead ammunition, arguing both would benefit biodiversity and reduce environmental harm. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed animal welfare and commerce. Multiple witnesses supported bills to ban or phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, arguing that pet stores rely on puppy mills and obscure the source of animals, while opponents said the bills would hurt responsible breeders, small businesses, and consumer choice. The committee also heard strong testimony for bills to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, with supporters citing sick animals, consumer deception, and the need to cut off the puppy mill supply chain. In a separate animal-testing segment, witnesses backed bills requiring non-animal testing methods for cosmetics and household products, saying alternatives are more accurate and humane; biomedical research representatives opposed those bills and a related research-animal measure, warning of unintended restrictions on research institutions and arguing animal models remain necessary for many studies. The committee also heard testimony on horseshoe crab conservation, with supporters of H. 898 urging an end to taking horseshoe crabs for bait because of population declines, shorebird impacts, and the species’ importance to biomedical science. On wildlife trafficking, witnesses backed bills to ban intrastate sales of ivory and rhino horn, saying Massachusetts should close loopholes that aid poaching and align with federal law and other states; one antique dealer testified in support, saying he avoids such items and still sees them in the marketplace. Additional testimony supported bans on fur products from factory farms and on force-feeding birds for foie gras, with advocates emphasizing cruelty, public health, and environmental concerns. The hearing was lengthy and heavily attended, with the chairs repeatedly limiting testimony to three minutes and inviting written submissions; no committee votes or final actions were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> establishes a work group on behavioral establishes a work group on behavioral health<00:02:27.320
• </c><00:02:36.720><c> health</c> certified community behavioral health certified community behavioral
• ><c> study</c> behavioral health rate-setting study behavioral health rate-setting study required<00:
• </c> Transportation Committee, Supporting Transportation Committee, Supporting Inclusive<00:26:42.520
• </c> body's support. body's support. All<01:19:57.520><c> right.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For that reason, he supports the bill, although he does acknowledge the rent-seeking behavior problem
• For that reason, he supports the bill, although he does acknowledge the rent-seeking behavior problem
• For that reason, he supports the bill, although he does acknowledge the rent-seeking behavior problem
• For that reason, he supports the bill, although he does acknowledge the rent-seeking behavior problem
• For that reason, he supports the bill, although he does acknowledge the rent-seeking behavior problem

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what can we do to support districts and what can we do to even support each other?
• They support us 100%.
• We can provide some supports, right?
• They don’t really have a network of support and peer support.
• What can we do to support you?”

Summary: The committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met to discuss chronic absenteeism, district attendance interventions, and related truancy procedures. Chair Simon reviewed Florida’s attendance laws and escalation process, including school-based interventions, child study team meetings, referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice, truancy petitions, and possible sanctions for parents and driving privileges. The committee heard first from University of Florida professor Dr. Chris Curran, who presented state and national absenteeism data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023-24. He emphasized that absenteeism has multiple causes, including transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family barriers, and said effective responses include early warning systems, multi-tiered supports, mentoring, and community partnerships rather than relying only on punitive measures. Members questioned Dr. Curran about whether absenteeism is a behavior or barrier issue, whether exclusionary discipline is counted, the need for a uniform definition across districts, and whether more punitive truancy enforcement is effective. He said the issue is usually a mix of barriers and choices, that excused and unexcused absences both matter for chronic absenteeism data, and that root-cause analysis and supportive interventions are generally more productive than punishment alone, though consequences can still play a role. The committee then heard from Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli and district staff, who described a highly structured attendance system built around attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, multilingual outreach, and frequent parent notifications. They said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023-24 and credited their success to early contact, community partnerships, and a strong district culture around attendance. Volusia County Schools Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a newer districtwide attendance initiative that uses automated letters, same-day notifications, data dashboards, MTSS tiers, incentives, and community supports such as bikes, washers and dryers, and faith-based partnerships. He reported Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023-24 to a projected 29% and said the district is now seeing about 20% in the first quarter of the current year. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This definition of inappropriate online behavior includes... Employee or volunteer.
• Subsection 3 provides direction on the investigation of a report of inappropriate online behavior and
• measures, including but not limited to warning or reprimand, required participation in an online behavior
• I urge your support for House Bill 785 and stand for any questions from the committee.
• No, I appreciate your support, committee. All right. Thank you. Committee, any discussion?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 785, which would create a framework for schools to address inappropriate online behavior such as harassment, threats, bullying, or discriminatory content directed at students, parents, employees, or volunteers. The bill would require investigation procedures, parent notification, a meeting with the board, and possible disciplinary responses ranging from warning or reprimand to suspension or expulsion. The sponsor said the measure would give schools clearer guidance while preserving law enforcement involvement and other legal remedies. There was no testimony from the public, no committee questions, and the bill was moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The committee then heard House Bill 846, presented as a simple fix to address enrollment issues for homeschool students and improve accuracy in public school enrollment counts. The bill would remove a student from the rolls if absent for the first 10 days of the school year, while allowing normal enrolled students to remain on the rolls and return later if needed. Members asked a brief question about whether the bill would create legal problems, and the sponsor said it would not. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee agreed to remove House Bill 711 from the agenda and not hear it that day. No further action was taken on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'M CONFIDENT THAT THIS SUPPORT.
• Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation. Mr.
• Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.
• They support military communications.
• THEY SUPPORT MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporting everything that Director Boss just said, the state is embracing and supporting home- and community-based
• CWDA so far has expressed support, and we anticipate additional support letters.
• to support individuals who are exiting homelessness.
• implementation of the Behavioral Health Services Act.
• IHSS is an integral support for us and those for whom we care.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we'll go to support. If you are on Zoom in support, raise your hand and we'll come back to you.
• I support House Bill 72. I support House Bill 72.
• As you heard from the individual from UNMH, they don't support it; they haven't supported it.
• in support.
• I'm in support of Soteria House.

Transcript Highlights:

• I chair the behavioral to health care.
• I serve on the behavioral health TAC and chair the re-entry TAC.
• </c><00:34:27.359><c> Kentucky</c> uh but there is a supporting Kentucky uh but there is a supporting
• One is to have a scorecard for behavioral health, which we've never...
• </c><01:01:36.720><c> health</c> particularly in the behavioral health particularly in the behavioral

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00 Introduction of Board Members – 00:02:04 Overview of the Purpose and Goals of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board – 00:12:46 Medicaid Legislative Update - 00:20:26 Discussion of Next Steps and Future Meeting Dates – 01:04:06 Adjournment – 01:06:37, 958, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board opened with Chair Ken Fleming and Co-Chair Rocky Adams welcoming members, explaining the board’s purpose, and introducing the diverse membership of legislators, providers, advocates, and state officials. Fleming said the board would meet monthly, allow public comment at the end of meetings, and operate transparently with materials posted online and distributed in advance. Both chairs emphasized that the board’s work would focus on improving Medicaid outcomes, efficiency, and oversight, while preparing for possible federal changes and avoiding premature assumptions about what Congress may do. Members then gave brief introductions describing their backgrounds in medicine, nursing, hospital administration, behavioral health, insurance, budgeting, pharmacy, and Medicaid administration. Several noted direct experience with Medicaid populations or managed care, including the Department for Medicaid Services commissioner, health plan representatives, hospital and clinic leaders, and legislators with health care backgrounds. The board also heard from Stephanie Bates of the LRC Office of Health Data Analytics, who said her office supports the General Assembly with health-related data, policy, and research and would serve as a resource to the board. Bates then began a presentation on Medicaid basics, explaining that House Bill 695 created the board and that the presentation would cover eligibility, enrollment, covered benefits, waivers, managed care, the budget, and the federal reconciliation bill. She described Medicaid eligibility as complex, noted that Kentucky had more than 1.4 million enrollees, and explained enrollment churn and the unwinding of pandemic-era continuous coverage. She also outlined mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits, the requirement that services be medically necessary and provided by enrolled providers, and the main waiver types used in Kentucky, including 1115, 1915(b), and 1915(c) waivers. No votes or formal actions were taken at this meeting beyond organizational setup and receiving the initial informational presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So after the fact they can have that support.
• We just want to make sure that they're there for support.
• So we are going to be there for that support.
• We're just behind the scenes, providing the support.
• Everyone who watched at home, thank you for the support.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• issues when there really weren't behavior issues.
• That's not bad behavior. That's trauma.
• That's why I support HB 2611 and the targeted amendment.
• I come to you today to speak in support of HB 4004.
• I'm also... ...and I strongly support HB 2086.

Bills: HB2035, HB2086, HB2434, HB2611, HB2732, HB2733, HB2830, HB2923, HB2932, HB4004

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• > be</c> cognitive behavior, there'll be cognitive behavior, there'll be education,<00:11:50.959><c>
• ,</c><00:36:52.640><c> other</c> uh a rear of child support, other uh a rear of child support, other
• </c><00:49:49.760><c> change</c> u recognized cognitive behavioral change u recognized cognitive behavioral
• We've got partnerships for post-release support. We've met with some at different meetings.
• We've got partnerships for post-release support. We've met with some at different meetings.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Raquel Czechlowski, she also helps with finance but also supports us on the budget team.
• Also, like every year, we had an adjustment in support units from public schools.
• The governor does support conformity with federal tax cuts that were passed. Last...
• Importantly, this budget protects key investments that support Idaho's long-term economic growth.
• When we look at all, We're changing some of the filing behaviors.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened the session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new members, staff, and pages. Co-chairs and staff then reviewed JFAC’s role as the legislature’s main budget committee, the committee’s daily schedule, and the resources available through legislative staff, the impact team, and the newly released 2026 Legislative Budget Book and related budget tools. The committee received a detailed briefing from the Division of Financial Management on the JFAC calendar and then from Governor’s Budget Director Lori Wolf on the governor’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations. Wolf said the budget is balanced but tight, relying on a mix of ongoing reductions and one-time actions rather than reserve fund transfers. Major budget actions included a 3% ongoing reduction across most state agencies, reversions of certain one-time balances to the general fund, no recommended pay increase for state employees or teachers, and higher employee health insurance costs. The budget also proposed reductions or policy changes in Medicaid, virtual school funding, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and some transportation and water-related funds, while preserving funding for public safety, education, water, and transportation priorities. Members questioned the assumptions behind the budget, especially the projected ending balances, the use of one-time transfers, the impact of rising health insurance costs on employees, the effect of Medicaid cuts on services and cost shifts, and the rationale for reductions to online education and IDLA. Several members also asked about the proposed federal tax conformity changes, including the timing of implementation and the treatment of Idaho’s existing R&E tax credit. Wolf said the conformity estimate was based on Tax Commission analysis and that the administration was not recommending use of the budget stabilization fund. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee concluded by noting that the Economic Outlook Committee would meet later in the week and that JFAC would continue budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today as chair of Subcommittee Number 1 on Health in strong support of SB 101.
• That bill is more focused on hate than support for our most vulnerable communities.
• Fact: we put in funding for behavioral health programs, which is great.
• Fact: we put in funding for behavioral health programs, which is great.
• And colleagues, I appreciate the comments and support of our safety net.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and proceeded to floor business, with the main item being SB 101, the state budget bill. Before debate on the bill, Assembly Member Sanchez offered amendments to redirect funding toward Proposition 36 implementation, wildfire prevention, Medi-Cal provider reimbursement, developmental services, and other priorities; the majority moved to lay those amendments on the table, and the motion passed 43-18. The chamber then took up SB 101 as the budget bill for immediate effect. Debate on the budget was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters, including Assembly Member Gabriel and several committee chairs, described the budget as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, housing, wildfire prevention, and other safety-net programs while responding to a projected deficit and federal uncertainty. Opponents criticized the budget as fiscally unsound and argued it relied on accounting gimmicks, did not adequately fund Proposition 36 or wildfire prevention, and continued spending on high-speed rail and Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. Several members also raised concerns about gas taxes, provider reimbursement, probation funding, and the impact on vulnerable Californians. After debate, the Assembly voted on SB 101 and passed it 57-19. The measure was sent immediately to the Senate. The body then announced upcoming session schedules, with no floor or check-in sessions on June 14 and 15, and a floor session set for June 16 at 1 p.m., before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Others do not have the clinical support expertise or support staff.
• We also have five supporting divisions, which are operations support services, behavioral health executive
• /c><00:02:59.200><c> only</c><00:02:59.440><c> Behavior</c> System DCT is the only Behavior System DCT
• staff</c><00:03:29.519><c> d</c><00:03:29.760><c> C</c> support expertise or support staff d C support
• which are operation Support divisions which are operation Support Services<00:05:15.320><c> Behavioral

Keywords: 1187, senate, all