Transcript Highlights:

• Joe Fitzgibbon from the 34th Legislative District.
• Thank you for bringing forward this legislation.
• Given the additional need for the... ...legislation does not provide unintended consequences.
• With full disclosure, Washington into the legislative action, environment, climate issue area.
• With full disclosure, Washington into the legislative action, environment, climate issue area.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2272 would update state park inspection language for ski lifts and related equipment to better match current equipment and federal standards; the sponsor and State Parks said it was a simple modernization bill, and there was no opposition. House Bill 2245 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to port districts that distribute electricity, utilities with a single customer, and certain affected market customers such as data centers; supporters said it closes loopholes and applies clean-energy rules more fairly, while ports, business groups, and some utilities warned of unintended consequences, added reporting burdens, and impacts on cogeneration and rural economic development. Ecology and Commerce supported the goal but raised concerns about allowance allocation, fiscal impacts, and possible double counting, and WAPUDA asked that existing single-customer PUDs be grandfathered. House Bill 2215 would lower Climate Commitment Act thresholds for gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and propane suppliers and extend coverage to some purchasers; supporters said it would prevent entities from gaming the system and cover significant emissions now below the threshold, while Ecology, fuel distributors, propane suppliers, grocers, and business groups warned of compliance costs, supply-chain impacts, possible linkage issues, and the need to preserve existing reporting authority for natural gas. Ecology estimated about 50 additional covered entities could be brought in, and several opponents argued the bill would sweep in small family-owned businesses not intended to be regulated. House Bill 2090 would direct Commerce to develop a nuclear strategic framework for inclusion in the state energy strategy, contingent on outside funding. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill is only a planning measure to ensure Washington considers advanced nuclear as a firm, low-carbon, small-footprint resource amid rising demand, grid constraints, and land-use concerns; supporters included Energy Northwest, local governments, labor/environmental Democrats, and pro-nuclear groups. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and several environmental advocates, said the bill gives nuclear special treatment, relies on private funding that could bias the study, and risks advancing projects at Hanford without early, meaningful tribal consultation. Tribes requested explicit consultation, independent and publicly funded analysis, and attention to treaty rights and historic nuclear impacts. Testimony also sharply divided over cost, waste, and land use, with supporters emphasizing reliability and footprint and opponents citing high costs, unresolved waste disposal, and the immaturity of small modular reactors. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We seek to protect the rights of all who participate in the legislative process so that we can have effective
• we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
• Threatening legal action when a customer wants to cancel an order is not ethical.
• Threatening legal action when a customer wants to cancel an order is not ethical.
• This legislation deals with less than 3,000.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several transportation-related bills, beginning with AB 431 on advanced air mobility. The author and supporters from AUVSI, Joby Aviation, United Airlines, Wisk Aero, the City of Long Beach, and Archer said the bill would create a statewide plan and technical framework for eVTOL/advanced air mobility infrastructure, public outreach, and local implementation. No opposition testified, and the bill passed the committee as amended to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call. Members then took up AB 630 on abandoned or hazardous RVs. The author and supporters, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office, argued the bill would curb a cycle in which inoperable RVs are towed, auctioned cheaply, and returned to the streets by predatory buyers, while adding notice, recovery, and reporting requirements. Opponents from Western Center on Law and Poverty and ACLU California Action warned the bill would destroy RVs that serve as shelter for unhoused residents and could worsen homelessness. After discussion about the bill’s focus on dismantling rather than towing, the committee passed AB 630 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 314, which would support transit-oriented development around planned and existing high-speed rail stations; AB 1223, which gives Sacramento County communities more flexibility to use local transportation revenues for related infrastructure supporting infill development; AB 1111, which adds flexibility to the zero-emission school bus transition for rural and disadvantaged districts; AB 1190, which caps fees charged by DMV business partners and requires clearer disclosure of the official DMV site; AB 987, which limits unreasonable towing fees and related charges; and AB 911, which creates a narrow exemption from Advanced Clean Fleets rules for telecommunications bucket trucks and sail-on-wheels used in emergencies. Most bills drew support from local governments, industry, or consumer groups, while AB 1111 and AB 911 drew opposition from clean transportation and environmental advocates concerned about weakening emissions goals. All of the bills were reported out as amended to the Committee on Appropriations, with recorded roll-call votes and several members adding their names as co-authors or supporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate this legislation that you brought forth, Senator Burgess.
• I appreciate this legislation that you brought forth, Senator Burgess.
• The legislative intent is clear.
• The legislative intent is clear.
• This is a matter of basic ethics.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to hear today largely on legislation related to student financial aid assistance.
• But this was in response to feedback we've received over several legislative sessions now.
• I am MASSPIRG's, sorry, I am MASSPIRG's legislative director.
• This simple legislation This simple legislation clarifies the intentions of Massachusetts law to provide
• Solid supervisory plans sharpen ethical practice.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes. The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further. Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• are today known as the 20 Pearls, and whereas the sorority seeks to cultivate a high scholastic and ethical
• On Tuesday, January 14th, the Legislative Ladies Club elected their slate of officers for the 89th legislature
• Please join me in congratulating 2025-2026 Legislative Ladies President Burgundy Kane.
• Melissa DeAyala, and also to my husband who made history as the first husband to be president of the Legislative

Transcript Highlights:

• May the ethic of empathy shape our laws, our communities, and our daily acts.
• Monday, January 26, 2026, the 15th legislative day.
• Monday, January 26, 2026, the 15th legislative day.
• President. 27th, the 16th legislative day. Under Hasakawa. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Legislative day.

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, page introductions, the Pledge of Allegiance, and prayers offered by representatives of the Islamic Center of Olympia. The chamber then suspended Rule 46 so committees could meet during the pro forma session, approved the previous day’s journal, received a message from the Secretary of State certifying initiative I-26-001, and referred Substitute Senate Bill 5292 (Family Medical Rights) and Senate Bill 6301 (supervision of line) to the designated committees. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8674 recognizing the 77th Republic Day of India. Supportive remarks emphasized India’s constitution, democratic values, and the contributions of Indian Americans in Washington in business, public service, culture, and civic life. After adoption, the Senate welcomed the Consul General of India in Seattle and members of the Indian American community in the gallery. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8664 recognizing youth sports. The resolution highlighted the benefits of organized athletics for youth well-being, academic engagement, and mental health, while noting disparities in access, the need for trained coaches and injury prevention, and the value of adaptive and emerging sports. Senator Nobles and others spoke in support, stressing inclusion, belonging, and the importance of investing in youth. The Senate then welcomed youth sports and equity groups in the gallery and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the last thing I just want to say is... ...I've worked on legislation like this since 2016, so these
• And this is first-of-its-kind legislation in the country that I think California will be proud of when
• They don't, you know, and they're hiring people, you know, that may not have, you know, the ethics, not
• They don't, you know, and they're hiring people, you know, that may not have, you know, the ethics, not
• The Legislative Analyst's Office is on standby to answer any technical questions that we may have.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Roseau Lake rehabilitation project and to urge inclusion of a western access road from legislation
• I have contacted the Outdoor Heritage Council, leaders of the state Legislature, the Office of Legislative
• So there needs to be a complete review by the Office of the Legislative Auditor regarding more of these
• We engineered for short to be ethical challenge. Minnesota's politicians to the same.
• A farmer landowners, we engineered for short to be ethical challenge.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sadly, legislators and the courts are the only oversight DOC has.
• It's been unenforceable even though the legislators had passed this legislation.
• The legislation moves us closer to that reality.
• It would close an ethical one.
• I do legislative advocacy. I also do litigation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also allows an elected office or except while serving as a legislator, the option to elect to
• Also this legislation is a most ridiculous as a black male performer.
• I am that we are considering legislation requiring ignorance, bigotry and oppression, things that my
• Thank you. >> And I I don't believe you can legislate away dei.
• I I think there's lots of things you can legislate away, but you can't legislate away hatred and you

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I learned my work ethic from the family business that helped put me through college and law school
• It did impart a strong work ethic, which, as you know, as chief judge, you're going to need to do.
• It did impart a strong work ethic, which, as you know, as chief judge, you're going to need to do.
• It did impart a strong work ethic, which, as you know, as chief judge, you're going to need to do.
• I've worked with legislators. I've served on committees.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legislation regulating AI at this time. legislation regulating AI at this time.
• </c><03:41:22.600><c> like</c> Um and I think what legislation like Um and I think what legislation like
• I would move inexpedient to legislate. Is there a second? >> I'll second.
• I would move inexpedient to legislate. Is there a second? >> I'll second.
• I would move inexpedient to legislate. Is there a second? >> I'll second.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is up to us to control, to apply ethical standards, and no matter how sophisticated data centers
• That is up to us to control, to apply ethical standards, and no matter how sophisticated data centers
• That is up to us to control, to apply ethical standards, and no matter how sophisticated data centers
• </c><00:22:28.320><c> early</c> piece of data center legislation early piece of data center legislation
• </c><02:11:37.840><c> Democrats</c> Governor Walls and legislative Democrats Governor Walls and legislative

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We hit a little snag, and first I filed legislation to do this, and we hit a little snag, and so I got
• And we'll come back with the legislation to follow this up next year.
• But so far, we are not in that legislative space.
• How can we permit more group training, similar to the ethics annual training?
• How can we permit more group training, similar to the ethics annual training?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's look at the piece of legislation itself, if you would.
• So let's look at the piece of legislation. market so they're waiting.
• So let's look at the piece of legislation itself if you would.
• money legislation.
• In the House, in the committee, four legislators voted no in committee.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee approved the March 3 and March 5, 2026 minutes, then heard House Bill 750 as amended on programmable money protections. Representative Heather Scott described the bill as a Consumer Payment Rights and Transparency Act intended to prevent programmable money from being used to discriminate, require use without a non-programmable alternative, or deny transactions based on protected characteristics. Testimony included support from David Lichty, who said similar legislation had passed in Utah, and questions from senators about whether the technology is already operational. Opponents raised concerns about the bill’s interaction with the Uniform Commercial Code and whether it would create legal confusion. The committee voted 5-3 against the motion to send HB 750 to the floor, so the bill was held in committee. The committee then advanced HB 585, which would extend the 48-hour inspection refund/private inspector option to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections; it passed on a due-pass recommendation. HB 562, which increases notice periods for nonrenewal of homeowners’ and fire loss insurance policies to 60 days, also passed to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 545, dealing with military chaplains and counselor licensure. Representative Barbara Ehardt and Senator Ben Adams argued the bill would recognize military chaplains’ counseling experience and allow them to apply that experience toward civilian licensure, while noting Idaho law already says licensing authorities may not require certain exams for military applicants. Supporters, including chaplains Jared Gifford and Robert Morris, said military chaplains receive extensive counseling training, work with trauma, suicide, and moral injury, and could help address Idaho’s mental health and veteran care shortages. They said the bill would help chaplains bill insurance and expand access to trusted care. Opponents, including licensed counselors Monique Barber, Kelly Loy, Christy Weissman, Carmen French, Susan Reading, and others, argued chaplain counseling is not equivalent to clinical mental health counseling, that the bill could lower licensure standards, and that it should require the National Counselor Exam and supervised clinical hours under licensed counselors. Senators also questioned whether chaplains could diagnose, whether insurance would reimburse them, and whether the bill should be limited to military settings. After extensive debate, Senator Lenney moved to send HB 545 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation, but Senator Guthrie offered a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee. Several senators said they respected military chaplains but were concerned about blending pastoral counseling with clinical licensure and about the bill’s broader application beyond the military. The transcript ends during the roll call on the substitute motion, before the final vote is announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs.
• Along from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration, designates the following bills to be
• That's true for the whole legislation, but I think especially true for this budget: a $50 million cut
• , but even that piece of legislation did not make it out of the Commerce Committee.
• We've heard from some of those businesses since the passage of that legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot support this legislation.
• Also, teachers are not trying psychotherapists and are not bound by clinical ethical standards governing
• Representative Sosey, representing Legislative District 6, 7 counties, and 8 of 22 tribal nations.
• I bring this bill forward not only as a legislator, but as a disabled combat veteran of the Iraq War.
• This legislation is narrowly tailored and fiscally responsible.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you could just bear with us for a moment, we have a piece of legislation we need to address first
• And so this is a way for them to be able to ethically get rid of the vehicles, so they don't just hang
• And so this is a way for them to be able to ethically get rid of the vehicles, so they don't just hang
• And so this is a way for them to be able to ethically get rid of the vehicles, so they don't just hang
• good piece of legislation and thank you<00:18:14.400><c> for</c><00:18:14.640><c> that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:45.760><c> across</c> have met with many legislators across have met with many legislators
• :12.000><c> the</c> And this legislation perpetuates the And this legislation perpetuates the tragedy
• </c> by ethical gun hunters or ethical by ethical gun hunters or ethical hunters. hunters. hunters.
• </c><02:01:42.080><c> If</c> with legislators. If with legislators.
• Am I missing legislative action.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> We do not define that criteria in the legislation.
• Have Is there any language in the bill that sets forth a legislative finding on this?
• I don't have a good answer, and we don't address it in the legislation.
• Mississippi Math Act, formerly Senate Bill 2244, Senator Boyd’s legislation.
• and/or appropriations that would need to be made in the next legislative session.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all