Transcript Highlights:

• The last bullet point there says the number of applications received for the primary residence classification
• The vast majority of those new units are going to serve as a primary residence, so that is going to drive
• We have one attorney opening. We have one fiscal analyst opening.
• So we have those positions open. We have three positions in our IT area that we have yet to fill.
• When that happens, I think 120 spots would open up in New England.

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is open to persons who, number one, hold one of those limited licenses for clinical experience
• It's going to be just losing coverage for them, having to go to clinics instead of having a primary care
• It's going to be just losing coverage for them, having to go to clinics instead of having a primary care
• of the two major subsidy streams that impact our exchange marketplace environment two weeks before open
• of the two major subsidy streams that impact our exchange marketplace environment two weeks before open

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages. The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency. In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This goes far beyond just a couple of fields on an open space that's currently being unused.
• There are two primary stations in the state. One is KKOB AM, and the, Other is KANW FM.
• We are the primary two stations for the state of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much, Mr.
• But we're back open for questions from the committee. Yeah, it failed.
• I'm open for questions Thank you, Senator. We will now go to the room for public comment.

Bills: SB194 , SB200 , SB203 , SB204 , SJR3

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Transcript Highlights:

• further questions, we will suspend the public hearing on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500 and open
• more further questions, we will suspend the public hearing on engross substitute House Bill 1,500 and open
• So, you know, some associations don't necessarily want to create an open place for, as a board member
• And if you're putting a meter on the primary residence and the ADU, most people... ...meter on the primary
• Our other primary concern is to have a specific provision that mandates one-sided attorney's fees and

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee met on cutoff day and first considered two gubernatorial appointments to the Housing Finance Commission. Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone each testified about their housing finance and affordable housing backgrounds, their prior commission or sector experience, and their interest in improving housing affordability and equity. Senators asked brief questions and offered supportive comments, and both appointments were heard without objection. The committee then heard and later acted on a series of housing-related bills. ESHB 1500 would expand resale certificate requirements for common interest communities by adding reserve studies, audits, and governing documents, limiting certain fees, allowing rush service fees, and creating enforcement rights; testimony was split between Realtors, who supported the consumer-protection goals but sought clarifications and more time for rescission, and HOA/management representatives, who warned against limiting third-party processing tools and sought more flexibility. EHB 1501 would require associations to answer certified written inquiries from owners within 30 days, subject to reasonable association rules; the sponsor framed it as a basic right to a response, while HOA representatives supported the intent but asked for clearer limits and coordination with existing law. EHB 1345 would allow detached ADUs outside urban growth areas under detailed guardrails; builders, Realtors, counties, and housing advocates supported it as a rural housing tool, and the committee heard that it had been the product of years of negotiation. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It approved a metering requirement for water use in SB 5470 on detached ADUs outside UGAs, narrowed SB 5729 to permit-review provisions, adopted a substitute for SB 6015 on permit-ready factory-built housing plans, and moved forward SB 6069 on transitional, supportive, and emergency housing with zoning and local process changes. It also advanced SB 1686 on deferred utility connection fees, SB 6200 on portable cooling devices for renters and mobile home occupants after rejecting an amendment to remove window units, SB 6201 creating tax exemptions for social housing agencies, SB 6214 establishing land bank authorities, and SB 6237 requiring flood-risk disclosures in rental housing. The committee then returned to public testimony on ESHB 1500, EHB 1501, and EHB 1345, hearing additional support and concerns, and adjourned after thanking staff for their work on cutoff day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we are going to open up the public hearing for 6124. Staff, can you give us a briefing? Yes.
• And so we will open up the public testimony, Madam Vice Chair. We had a dryer we called the devil.
• And so we will open up the public testimony, Madam Vice Chair. We had a dryer we called the devil.
• But for today, I want to focus on our primary concern around the state-specific approach called for in
• Nevertheless, we oppose this substitute because the authority’s focus is not on the primary challenge

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on three bills. SB 5652 would require the University of Washington, Commerce, the King County Department of Public Health, and the Port of Seattle to study and mitigate aviation-related air quality and noise impacts around Sea-Tac, create a work group and grant program, address failed noise insulation “port packages,” and require a state auditor review. The sponsor and supporters from affected cities and community groups described serious health and quality-of-life harms from airport noise and pollution, while the Port of Seattle, Washington Public Ports Association, and AWB opposed the bill, arguing it would impose new mandates, raise cost and governance concerns, and interfere with airport operations. Testimony on the bill was reopened after other business and then closed; no vote was taken. SB 6124 would direct Commerce to study an appliance affordability index that would consider repairability, maintenance, recyclability, performance life, and related factors. The sponsor said the bill is meant to help consumers compare lifetime costs and repair options, drawing on family experience with durable appliances. Consumer and environmental advocates supported the idea as a way to improve transparency and encourage repairable products, while industry groups opposed a state-specific index, warning it would create a patchwork of standards and compliance burdens. The hearing closed after testimony, with no action reported. SB 5466 would create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority, give it powers to support transmission development and, in some cases, acquire property and own or sell transmission projects, and provide a SEPA categorical exemption for certain transmission upgrades with tribal and resource-protection conditions. Supporters from clean energy, labor, utilities, and state agencies said the bill is needed to expand grid capacity, improve reliability, speed clean energy interconnection, and create jobs, though many asked for bonding or financing authority and refinements to the exemption language. Some utilities and business groups supported parts of the bill but opposed state ownership or said the authority should focus more on permitting and coordination; others raised concerns about ratepayer risk and duplication. The hearing closed after extensive testimony, with no vote announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• So 548 as amended extends the direct pay model currently available for primary care to the operation
• The bill would open the door to the possible creation of a sector within the health care marketplace
• So 548 as amended extends the direct pay model currently available for primary care to the operation
• The bill would open the door to the possible creation of a sector within the health care marketplace
• One is primary and one is secondary.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'd like to make it stronger, I think it may be open to an amendment.
• enrollment and open admissions.
• So actually, I was able to open it up enough.
• We have open enrollment. What kind of message are we trying to send?
• You won your primary tonight.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar. The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement. A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I'm going to open the floor up to members for questions.
• So you all are opening it up. Has the 26 years based on what you just ate it.
• >> Those institutions to small business owners that may be open to hiring all those folks.
• So, you know, just helping get the word out, you know, open and eyes.
• And this is the primary thing that you work on. So we need for you to feed us.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to talk about the Pathways to Career Opportunity Grant, or PECOG, which is the primary mechanism
• I do also want to touch briefly on our Open Door grant program.
• This again, or excuse me, I'm sorry, yes, there it is, Open Door program right there, for a total of
• this, the beauty is that institutions can choose what their regional needs are for these kinds of Open
• And I'm going to open one more door that I'd like you to get back with me on, and that is especially

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first session of the year, took roll, welcomed new member Senator Bracey Davis, and had members briefly describe their backgrounds and interest in higher education. Chair Harrell framed the committee’s focus on maintaining Florida’s top national ranking in higher education and workforce development, with an emphasis on funding decisions tied to student success, workforce needs, and the state college system. Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell presented the Department of Education’s workforce and Florida College System budget requests and data. He described requested increases for adult education, Florida College System program funding, workforce development, and several grant programs, including workforce capitalization, apprenticeship/teacher apprenticeship, Open Door, and CAPE industry certifications. He highlighted record enrollment and completion growth across Florida’s colleges and technical centers, major gains in career dual enrollment, and expansion in programs such as nursing, AI, cybersecurity, welding, HVAC, and manufacturing. Members asked about labor-market demand, the impact of artificial intelligence on future job training, teacher apprenticeship details, mission creep and duplication in CTE programs, student placement and wages after graduation, and articulation between technical college clock hours and college credit. South Florida State College President Fred Hawkins testified about challenges facing a rural college, including low local college-going rates, long travel distances, limited faculty recruitment due to salaries, and the need for more operational funding to expand capacity. He cited strong job placement and licensure outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography, and said the college is exploring AI tools to improve student services and reduce staffing pressure. Pinellas Technical College Executive Director Mark Hunter described strong dual enrollment, high job placement, employer partnerships, and a reported 400% return on investment, while also warning that many programs have waiting lists because of staffing and equipment constraints. He explained how technical college coursework is aligned with state college credit through content-based articulation agreements. The committee then opened the floor for public comment, but no additional business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• SHE FELL FACE FIRST INTO AN OPEN DRAINAGE DITCH AND STRUCK A CONCRETE DRAINAGE CULVERT WITH HER FACE.
• A PROLIFERATION OF EXEMPTIONS OPEN GOVERNMENT THAT IS MADE FLORIDA LEADER AND TRANSPARENCY.
• THE PRIMARY RESIDENCES THAT WHICH IS PROTECTED, NOT HOW MANY OTHER PROPERTY SOMEBODY MAY OWN.
• >> MOST PEOPLE OF OTHER PRIMARY RESIDENCE, DO THEY NOT? FOLLOW-UP? HERE IS WHERE THE HALF COMES IN.
• WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE, RIGHT? >> HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THOSE LACKING REGULAR ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE IN ASSESSING APPROPRIATE CARE SETTINGS.
• IS IT A DEADLINE OR PROCESS THAT IS OPEN ALL YEAR?
• AND A LOAN APPLICATION PORTAL IS CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT AND AIMS TO BE OPEN TO ACCEPT LOANS IN THE
• BUT, ONCE A PACKAGE IS OPENED IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THIS.
• AND, WITH PACKAGES OPENED AND, YOU KNOW, SITTING THERE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For this hearing, we're limiting substantive testimony to two primary witnesses on each side of the bill
• As a reminder, primary witnesses and support must be those accompanying the author or who have otherwise
• Primary witnesses and opposition must have their opposition registered with the committee.
• We'll open the roll for add-ons, Madam Secretary. Item number three, SB 1166, Garcia. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with SB 1166 by Senator Arreguín, which would allow AC Transit and its employees to use the Public Employment Relations Board to resolve unfair labor practice charges instead of the courts. The author and union supporters said PERB would provide a faster, fairer, and more specialized process, while no opposition testified. The committee members expressed support, and SB 1166 was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 1024, SB 1207, and SB 1444, which were moved on consent and placed on hold for absent members. Later, SB 1083 by Senator Perez was heard; it would refine last year’s school misconduct database law by adding an administrative law judge review process for classified employees, requiring stronger employer notification and record-sharing procedures, and extending vetting requirements to certain contracted workers. Supporters, including classified employees and labor groups, argued the bill adds due process and fairness while preserving student safety. Opponents, including school administrators, school districts, and liability organizations, argued it could create gaps in misconduct records, increase liability, and weaken protections for students. After discussion, the author said he was continuing to work with opponents on amendments and emphasized the bill’s goal of balancing due process with child safety, referencing his own experience with grooming as a student. SB 1083 was passed on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Education. The chair then announced that all bills had passed and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• For this hearing, we're limiting substantive testimony to two primary witnesses on each side of the bill
• As a reminder, primary witnesses in support must be those accompanying the author or who have otherwise
• Primary witnesses in opposition must have their opposition registered with the committee.
• We'll open the roll for add-ons, Madam Secretary. Item number three, SB 1166, Garcia. Thank you.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating government relations or
• It was during the August primary and zero TV time.
• It was during the August primary and zero TV time.
• It was during the August primary and zero TV time.
• It was during the August primary and zero TV time.

Committee: House Ethics

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of them are multi-purpose dams, so these are the primary purposes.
• You know, just open and close, open and close. And it's a $200,000 piece of equipment.
• So at the San Juan Mine, there are three primary water-bearing rock units.
• The primary reclamation Means is to backfill, regrade, cover, and revegetate.
• They are not open during this time.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• accelerate implementation of the plan accelerate implementation of the plan the<00:15:24.800><c> primary
• :25.600><c> why</c><00:15:25.720><c> we</c><00:15:25.800><c> need</c><00:15:25.959><c> to</c> the primary
• reason for why we need to the primary reason for why we need to keep<00:15:26.240><c> allocating</c>
• It's going to be on April 11th, and today is the deadline to let us know if you are going to open your

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our key primary function.
• </c><00:08:08.199><c> responsibilities</c> know of our our primary responsibilities know of our our primary
• function uh those of our key primary function uh those of course<00:08:22.360><c> include</c><00:08:
• And this is open to everybody then, Miss Oliver. Chair Ric, this is not a competitive grant.
• Our primary duty should be to Minnesota citizens.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill opens up a weaponizing of the political process.
• This bill opens up a weaponizing of the political process.
• This bill opens up a weaponizing of the political process.
• And they’re open to the public. That’s why it was like, whoa, I lost my dog.
• I’m open to questions. Thank you, Mr. Hodges. Are there questions of Mr. Hodges?

Summary: The House Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the minutes from March 17, 2026, then took up several bills. House Bill 896, sponsored by Representative Shirts for Speaker Moyle, would create a process for certain state and local leaders to refer alleged law violations to the Attorney General, allow notice and an opportunity to cure, authorize enforcement actions and attorney’s fees, and permit disqualification from public office or employment for uncured violations. Supporters said it was a measured way to ensure laws are followed; opponents argued it lacked a probable-cause threshold, could be weaponized politically, and improperly exempted the legislature. Despite those concerns, the committee sent HB 896 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Representative Gannon recorded as opposed. The committee then advanced House Bill 856, which tightens Idaho’s laws on human remains by prohibiting the sale, purchase, or lease of dry human remains and making violations a felony. Representative Scott and testifiers described online and retail sales of human remains, grave-robbery concerns, and the need to close loopholes in current law. The bill drew support from the Idaho Association of Counties, the Idaho State Association of County Coroners, and the Ada County Chief Legal Advisor, and it was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also unanimously advanced Senate Bill 1250, which exempts photos of deceased individuals from public disclosure under the Public Records Act while preserving a family-request exception after proceedings conclude; testimony emphasized privacy, dignity, and avoiding trauma for families, while the press club supported the balance struck in the bill. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1260, which clarifies Idaho’s immigration-related law by refining definitions and limiting application to adults, and Senate Bill 1369, which revises venue rules so certain civil cases may be filed where the incident occurred rather than only where the defendant resides. Both were sent to the floor with do pass recommendations, with one recorded no on SB 1260. Finally, the committee heard and passed Senate Bill 1311, which requires ignition interlock vendors to report proof of installation to the Transportation Department and notify prosecutors when a device prevents a vehicle from starting. AAA, MADD-related advocates, and victims’ families supported the bill as a way to close loopholes and improve DUI enforcement; the committee sent it to the floor with a do pass recommendation and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to begin by opening the public hearing on House Bill 2616.
• We're going to begin by opening the public hearing on House Bill 2616 concerning agriculture, with a
• The parts that I think are the most interesting have to do with the resilient markets, opening up more
• I was one of the primary authors of the bill language, and I want to provide a little context on how
• I was one of the primary authors of the bill language, and I want to provide in support of this bill.

Summary: The Consumer Protection & Business Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 2616, described as an agriculturally resilient markets act, would create a broad package of agriculture-related policies and appropriations, including a strategy to expand state purchasing of Washington-grown food, temporary packaging and emissions exemptions for certain agricultural uses, changes to labor notice rules for agricultural and dairy layoffs, several grant and study programs, a transfer of cannabis production/processing/testing oversight to the Department of Agriculture, and an appropriation for the tree fruit leadership program. Representative Christine Reeves said the bill was intended as a state-level “farm bill” to address farm losses, food security, and regulatory burdens, and she emphasized stakeholder input and the need to support family farms and farmworker well-being. Testimony on HB 2616 was overwhelmingly supportive, with growers, commodity groups, dairy and potato representatives, and other agricultural stakeholders arguing that Washington farms face low margins, high regulatory and labor costs, refrigeration and processing challenges, and competition from foreign producers. Several speakers said the bill’s exemptions, grants, and studies would help keep farms viable and preserve local food production. Committee members asked about stakeholder outreach, the role of Washington State University and commodity commissions, the impact of federal versus state policy, and possible ways to reduce compliance burdens. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted the bill was after cutoff and would not move this year, but that stakeholder meetings would continue over the summer. The committee then heard House Bill 2721, which would create a registration system for commercial interior designers, expand and rename the Board of Architects, set education, examination, and experience requirements, define the scope of practice, require seals and technical submission attestations, and establish penalties and a fee account. Supporters from interior design organizations said the bill would recognize a profession already performing code- and safety-related work in commercial spaces, align Washington with other states and national model law standards, and remove barriers to ownership and advancement, especially for women. Testifiers also said the bill would clarify responsibility for life safety, accessibility, and non-structural interior construction in schools, health care, and public buildings. The committee heard only supportive testimony, but members raised questions about how the profession compares with architecture, the impact of delaying the bill until 2027, and demographic diversity in the field. The chair closed the hearing noting the bill would not advance this session and that further interim work would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of key areas: primary care physicians.
• How do we recruit a primary care physician to say Roswell?
• We need to open the budget up to min stuff for the executive.
• We need to open the budget up to min stuff for the executive.
• Open in addition to 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and noon to 5 PM on Sundays.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance