Transcript Highlights:

• Line 1.4 through 1.5 changes the definition of fraud. 1.6 to 1.8 changes the definition of waste. couple
• <00:05:26.840><c> the</c><00:05:27.039><c> definition</c><00:05:27.520><c> of</c><00:05:28.120><c> waste
• </c> 1.8 changes the definition of waste.
• But certainly they could embed somebody in there to look for waste, fraud, and abuse, or they could not
• But certainly they could embed somebody in there to look for waste, fraud, and abuse, or they could not

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Our office of Inspector General prevents and detects fraud, waste, abuse, and error, and takes action
• prevent and ability to detect prevent and investigate<00:43:26.400><c> fraud</c><00:43:26.800><c> waste
• </c><00:43:27.319><c> and</c> investigate fraud waste and investigate fraud waste and abuse<00:43:29.119
• and abuse that we have when fraud waste and abuse that we have when we're<01:36:57.360><c> building<
• </c> a better job of identifying fraud waste a better job of identifying fraud waste and<01:37:03.560

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But I guess what I'm interested in is, you know, regardless of that, I'm thinking of potential waste.
• That's a waste of money and resources to me, as well as, you know, I'm just still not sure why three
• know that's what you want, but I'm concerned about the risk of the administrative part of it and the waste
• , of these types of bills seems to be rooted in helping people become more responsible, preventing waste

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first approved the March 4 and March 5, 2026 minutes, then heard House Bill 935, which would consolidate the Board of Denturity into the Board of Dentistry as part of occupational licensing reform. Senator Lakey said the merger would save money, address the denturist board’s negative cash balance, and preserve separate scopes of practice while giving denturists a seat on the combined board. Supporters from the Idaho State Dental Association and DOPL emphasized public safety, efficiency, and lower fees, while denturists and their representatives argued the change would create a conflict of interest because dentists and denturists compete for the same patients and dentists could influence education, licensing, and scope-of-practice decisions. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to send HB 935 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 913, which would begin implementing federal Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and use a three-month look-back period before the January 1, 2027 effective date. Representative Van de Woude said the bill would help the state prepare budgets and give enrollees time to meet requirements such as work, job training, school, or community service. Testimony split between supporters, who framed the bill as encouraging responsibility and independence, and opponents, who warned that the added administrative burden could increase errors, costs, and confusion, especially while the department is already handling managed care and other Medicaid changes. Hospital, child advocacy, and other opponents urged a one-month look-back instead of three, while the sponsor defended the three-month period as better for long-term compliance and smoother implementation. The committee rejected a substitute motion to send HB 913 to the 14th order for possible amendments, then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The final vote on the motion passed after discussion, and the committee adjourned after completing its business for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I registered as other, and I'm for the rate-setting change, but I'm super concerned and couldn't waste
• I registered as other, and I'm for the rate-setting change, but I'm super concerned and couldn't waste
• I registered as other, and I'm for the rate-setting change, but I'm super concerned and couldn't waste
• I registered as other, and I'm for the rate-setting change, but I'm super concerned and couldn't waste

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several labor-related bills. SB 6197 would change plumbing license suspension rules from three infractions in three years to five infractions in five years, remove the advisory board recommendation requirement, and require L&I enforcement updates; the sponsor said the bill was narrowed after stakeholder talks, though one transition-timing issue remained unresolved. SB 6134 would require the Employment Security Department to notify striking workers applying for unemployment benefits that they may later owe overpayments if they receive retroactive wages; the sponsor and a testifier said the bill would prevent workers from being paid twice. SB 5292 would replace the PFML program’s statutory look-back premium formula with a forward-looking actuarial method while keeping the 1.2% cap and adding a four-month reserve requirement; labor, business, and policy witnesses offered support or concerns about the reserve. SB 6106 would exempt tribes and tribally owned businesses from the state WARN-style notice law and protect affected workers’ names and addresses from public disclosure; ESD and business groups supported it, while agricultural witnesses asked for a future fix for seasonal agriculture. The committee then moved into executive session on six bills. It adopted amendments to ESSB 5847, which expands access to medical care in workers’ compensation, including allowing certain outside-network providers and authorizing additional claims managers; the bill was reported out 7-2 as amended. SSB 6014, a cleanup bill correcting a date typo and protecting sensitive L&I records from public disclosure, passed unanimously. SSB 6039, allowing L&I to use electronic communications while offering a non-electronic option first, also passed unanimously. ESSB 6058, giving L&I discretion to prioritize wage complaints, was amended to align with the House companion and then passed unanimously. SB 6136, requiring publication of actuarially indicated workers’ compensation rates and disclosure when rates are set below them, passed unanimously. On SB 6188, which would expand L&I’s asbestos-certification rulemaking authority, the committee rejected an amendment that would have restored current-law limits and instead passed the bill without amendment. Members supporting the bill said it would let Washington strengthen asbestos protections if federal standards weaken, while opponents argued it could create conflicting requirements and unnecessary regulatory expansion. The bill was reported out 6-3. The committee adjourned after announcing the votes and noting it would reconvene the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another says, please stop wasting time on stupid, petty stuff.
• Red tape is what it's all about, and red tape wastes taxpayers' money. I vote nay.
• If we really want to crack down on fraud and wasteful taxpayer spending, let's look at the ESA voucher
• We can find ways to save taxpayer money from those wasteful programs without hurting the most vulnerable

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another says, please stop wasting time on stupid, petty stuff.
• Red tape is what it's all about, and red tape wastes taxpayers' money. I vote nay.
• If we really want to crack down on fraud and wasteful taxpayer spending, let's look at the ESA voucher
• We can find ways to save taxpayer money from those wasteful programs without hurting the most vulnerable

Transcript Highlights:

• and DNR and their handling of it, I have constituents that nearly glow in the dark because of toxic waste
• And so I'm definitely concerned, and I'm happy to... ...because of toxic waste and other gases and fumes
• He also said he shares the concern about not being able to clearly provide a plan for industrial waste
• I share the concern of not being able to clearly provide a plan for industrial waste once they go after

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:

• This seems like a big, huge waste of money for me.
• I think waiting five years is just a waste of efforts, a waste of time, and a waste of taxpayers' money

Bills: SB6339 , SB6184 , SB6224 , SB6255 , SB5977 , SB5979 , SB6249 , SB6007 , SB6186 , SGA9299

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: alternative placements, individual ownership, restrictive policies, healthcare, operational control, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction, intergenerational poverty, WorkFirst, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, self-sufficiency, economic justice

Transcript Highlights:

• This seems like a big, huge waste of money for me.
• I think waiting five years is just a waste of efforts, waste of time and a waste of taxpayers' money.

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day and first completed executive action on several bills. Members advanced Senate Bill 6224 on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to Ways and Means, Senate Bill 6255 on the poverty task force/council changes to Rules, Senate Bill 5977 on DCYF near-fatality reports to Rules, Senate Bill 5979 on in-home dependency procedures to Rules, Senate Bill 6249 on DOC supervision of stalking convictions to Rules, and Senate Bill 6007 on WISIP’s evaluation of child welfare screening tools to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. Several proposed amendments were debated, mostly offered by Senator Christian, but most failed; one technical amendment to SB 6184 was adopted, and an amendment to SB 6007 removing the risk-assessment portion of the study was adopted before the bill advanced. The committee also moved to waive the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6339 so it could be heard that day. The public hearing on Senate Bill 6339 focused on a proposed requirement that a less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement for sexually violent predators be owned and operated by the same individuals. Senator Torres and Senator Banke argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, citing a proposed Kennewick placement near schools and children. Supporters from the city of Kennewick and community members said the current process lacked transparency and that owner-operators should have a direct stake in safe operation. Opponents, including DSHS, the Washington Defender Association, the Office of Public Defense, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making community placement unattainable. Committee members asked about liability, supervision, and the difference between LRA placements and unconditional release, and the chair said more work was needed on the issue. No final action was taken on SB 6339 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after noting the committee was at cutoff and that further discussion would continue later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Guthrie, you recognized you, chairman $2 million in waste stations is This, in addition to 2
• So on the waste station revolving fund that increased from 59 to 610 million, did you say that that's
• And by statute, 20 million of that has to be obligated to the waste station revolving fund to go towards
• So we've committed 160 million to building waste stations, and that's based on need.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE WASTE
• UNIT WITH THE NATIONAL WASTE AND RECYCLING ASSOCIATION WAIVES IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
• LANCE, PALM BEACH COUNTY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY WAIVES IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
• CAMERON FINK, ASSOCIATED INDUSTRY WAIVING IN SUPPORT TINA CORY, NATURAL WASTE AND RECYCLING FLORIDA CHAPTER

Transcript Highlights:

• , including but not limited to municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, used cooking
• ,</c><01:09:50.960><c> including</c><01:09:51.520><c> but</c><01:09:51.839><c> not</c> considered waste
• , including but not considered waste, including but not limited<01:09:52.640><c> to</c><01:09:53.040>
• <c> municipal</c><01:09:53.839><c> solid</c><01:09:54.239><c> waste,</c> limited to municipal solid waste
• , limited to municipal solid waste, construction<01:09:55.840><c> and</c><01:09:56.159><c> demolition

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Watertown, where I'm on the Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee.
• And taxpayers and municipalities are bearing the cost of dealing with this pollution, including waste
• management and cleaning up that waste in our environment.
• I'm the executive director of Just Zero, a national nonprofit that works on waste issues.
• I'm the executive director of Just Zero, a national nonprofit that works on waste issues.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The hearing focused on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill. Administration officials said the bill would fund climate resilience, clean water, land conservation, parks, PFAS remediation, food security infrastructure, and coastal and inland flood protection, while also streamlining permitting for housing, restoration, and other resilience projects. They emphasized that the bond authorizes spending but does not itself obligate it, and said the proposal includes deauthorizations as housekeeping. Committee members asked about the new Resilience Revolving Fund, flood and drought management, MVP funding, land acquisition, Chapter 61 right-of-first-refusal changes, salt marsh carbon sequestration, and how the bill would help smaller municipalities and offset expected federal funding losses. Officials said the revolving fund would be managed through EEA and the Clean Water Trust, with criteria aimed at directing aid to communities most in need, and noted that drought issues would continue to be handled through existing DEP and drought commission tools. Several committee members and witnesses discussed specific policy provisions, including flood disclosure requirements for homebuyers and renters, expanded authority for regional planning and small-town access to grants, and permitting reforms that would exempt or expedite certain environmental restoration and priority housing projects from more time-consuming review processes. Administration witnesses defended the reforms as a way to achieve the same environmental outcomes faster and with more certainty, while some advocates argued the bill should go further, especially on Chapter 91 and restoration permitting. The administration also described investments in DCR facilities, water and wastewater systems, open space, agricultural easements, and a new focus on blue carbon and salt marsh restoration. Public testimony largely supported the bill. Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, municipal officials, and others praised the bill’s resilience, conservation, and water infrastructure investments. Some witnesses urged additional funding for land protection, coastal resilience, buyouts, and restoration, and several called for stronger or simpler permitting reforms. Municipal witnesses from Boston, Beckett, Beverly, Conway, and regional planning organizations stressed the need for flexible financing, especially for small and rural communities facing costly infrastructure and climate adaptation projects. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and asked questions before moving on to additional panels.

Transcript Highlights:

• incinerators and waste energy facilities near sensitive areas.
• , expanding the scope of the bill from waste incineration to waste disposal.
• regarding landfills, which expands the scope of the bill from waste incineration to waste disposal.
• But they were ruled not germane, even though they still deal with waste in that same area.
• We don't know if the money is being wasted, if the dollars are being spent well.

Bills: SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972 , SB 365 , SB 1786 , SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 106 , HB 18 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with the waste tire program. In the governor's letter, there was... ADEQ.
• This has to do with the waste tire program.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The Joint Budget Committee met to consider several budget-related items and amendments. An amendment to Senate Bill 30 concerning the Office of the Governor, offered by Senator Rice, would have canceled funding for a senior advisor position tied to former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri; Senator Rice and Representative Wooten criticized the position’s cost and Profiri’s lack of responsiveness to the legislature and taxpayers. The chair referred that amendment to the personnel committee for review, and other members were told further discussion would occur there. The committee also referred an amendment by Senator Johnson related to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to special language, and referred House Bill 1080 by Representative Ladyman for the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, to special language as well. In other business, Senator Dismang explained a revised special language amendment for ADEQ’s waste tire program to correct a timing issue in the governor’s letter; the committee suspended the rules so it could be considered and then referred it to special language for the next day’s agenda. The meeting included recognition of student guests from Jonesboro High School and Hendrix College. No substantive votes were taken on the contested personnel amendment, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><02:51:58.960><c> fraud,</c> cutting $1.4 trillion of waste, fraud, cutting $1.4 trillion of waste
• We’ve cut trillions in waste. We’ve secured tax relief for working families.
• I mean, she talks about, you know, the Republicans trying to cut fraud, waste, and abuse. Yeah.
• </c><02:55:48.880><c> They</c><02:55:49.040><c> cut</c> waste, and abuse. Yeah.
• They cut waste, and abuse. Yeah.

Transcript Highlights:

• coming off the motors as the motors become submerged, and any hydraulic fluid and other hazardous waste
• coming off the motors as the motors become submerged, and any hydraulic fluid and other hazardous waste
• coming off the motors as the motors become submerged, and any hydraulic fluid and other hazardous waste
• coming off the motors as the motors become submerged, and any hydraulic fluid and other hazardous waste
• I won't waste the committee's time, but it's an excellent story.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• I know government at its best is a watchdog for waste, fraud, abuse—I mean all efficiency, all these
• I know government at its best is a watchdog for waste, fraud, abuse—I mean all efficiency, all these
• I know government at its best is a watchdog for waste, fraud, abuse—I mean all efficiency, all these
• I know government at its best is a watchdog for waste, fraud, abuse—I mean all efficiency, all these
• I know government at its best is a watchdog for waste, fraud, abuse—I mean all efficiency, all these

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• , forestry waste, clean hydrogen, and more.
• , forestry waste, clean hydrogen, and more.
• It's a waste material.
• It's a waste material.
• </c><01:23:58.159><c> or</c> biomass or um Municipal Solid Waste or biomass or um Municipal Solid Waste

Bills: HF1126 , HF967 , HF1066 , HF1669 , HF926

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• This wasteful rail plan that never ever should have been operated when it opened in November of 2009.
• rail plan that never ever this wasteful rail plan that never ever should<00:48:01.400><c> have</c><00
• Chair Kosnick wants to kill this line seemingly because it's a waste of money, yet despite this he has
• Chair Kosnick wants to kill this line seemingly because it's a waste of money, yet despite this he has
• of taxpayers resources and maybe waste of taxpayers resources and maybe we<01:18:18.960><c> can</c><

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy