Transcript Highlights:

• thank the Department of Finance and our state departments for using their expertise to propose a balanced
• That's always part of the balance that we would encourage you to remember.
• remember, it's not just reducing spending, you also can increase revenues as part of addressing that balance
• And again, how do you balance the reduction in services and reduction in spending, and where does that
• So trying to walk that balance between what is the good government balance between the right level of

Summary: The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review. The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections. The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• “For example: 2021 beginning balance of $50 million. 2022 the beginning balance was $34.43 million. 2023
• yes so for example example example 2021<00:48:23.480><c> beginning</c><00:48:23.800><c> balance</c><
• </c><00:48:27.680><c> 3</c> 2022 the beginning balance of was 34.4 3 2022 the beginning balance of was
• 34.4 3 million<00:48:29.040><c> 2023</c><00:48:30.040><c> beginning</c><00:48:30.359><c> balance</c>
• <00:48:30.640><c> was</c> million 2023 beginning balance was million 2023 beginning balance was 22.55.02

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 762 is a thoughtful, balanced measure that provides limited statutory flexibility for certain cities
• SB 762 is a thoughtful balanced measure that provides limited statutory flexibility. 762 is a thoughtful
• balanced measure that provides limited statutory flexibility for certain cities, including Hercules,
• Through the legislative process, we've been able to take amendments to address a balance of recognizing
• SB 1172 takes a balanced and responsible approach.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of local government, housing, transportation, and public safety bills. Early items included SB 762, which would give certain local governments a voter-approved path to seek additional local sales tax authority to address fiscal pressures; SB 1400, which would modernize Alameda Health System governance and give Alameda County more flexibility and oversight; and SB 1408, which would authorize Contra Costa County to place a renewal of its transportation sales tax on the ballot. Supporters for those bills included local officials, county representatives, labor groups, fire and police organizations, and transit advocates, while no organized opposition was presented on those measures in committee. The committee also heard SB 1272, which would give homeowners more time to correct certain inherited code violations and allow an affidavit process for buyers who did not know about the violation at purchase. The bill drew support from the California Apartment Association and opposition from code enforcement and county groups, who argued it would reduce local enforcement discretion and create health and safety risks. After questions about disclosure and enforcement, the committee approved SB 1272 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1055, dealing with procurement flexibility for Pajaro flood control and levee repairs, also passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee approved SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner and create an independent medical examiner system. The author and supporters argued the change was needed for transparency and independence in in-custody death investigations, while opponents raised labor, cost, and governance concerns; some opposition was softened after the author agreed to employee-protection amendments. The committee also passed SB 1172, limiting consultant compensation and adding transparency rules for local tax-sharing agreements, and several housing bills from Senator Grayson: SB 1003 on pro-housing infrastructure financing districts, SB 1014 on early disclosure of infrastructure requirements for housing projects, and SB 1169 on extending tentative vesting map validity. The committee took votes on consent items and later add-ons, with most measures passing on bipartisan or unanimous votes and several being re-referred to Appropriations or Housing and Community Development as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a fiscal note that indicates cost that we had in committee, and that would put this bill out of balance
• President, you should find this amendment out of balance and that it violates Rule 7.4.
• Cost that we had in committee, and that would put this bill out of balance.
• President, you should find this amendment out of balance and that it violates Rule 7.4.
• President, you should find this amendment out of balance and violate it, that it violates Rule 7.4.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• generation portfolio over time and replace aging infrastructure, we still believe in maintaining that balanced
• energy portfolio that balances reliability with costs and availability, and all those different things
• policy perspective, from an economic development perspective, is to be able to continue to offer that balanced
• And getting the price right is difficult because you have to balance so many things.
• You have to balance the power and the load. And there's risk if you get it wrong either way.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• generation portfolio over time as we replace aging infrastructure, we still believe in maintaining that balanced
• energy portfolio that balances reliability with costs and availability, and all those different things
• policy perspective, from an economic development perspective, is to be able to continue to offer that balanced
• And getting the price right is difficult because you have to balance so many things.
• You have to balance the power and the load, and there's risk if you get it wrong either way.

Summary: The Missouri House Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers, with the chair saying the goal was to hear different perspectives and better understand the issue before future legislation. No public testimony was taken, but three invited speakers presented: a labor representative, an Ameren Missouri executive, and a consumer advocate. The discussion focused on the economic benefits of data centers, including construction jobs, local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities, tax revenue for schools and local governments, and related spending by Missouri businesses. The labor witness described current Montgomery County projects, said hundreds of Missourians were already working there, and argued that closed-loop cooling and generator noise were manageable. Committee members also raised questions about water use, noise, cybersecurity, local hiring, and how much tax revenue a project could generate annually. Ameren’s Rob Dixon said Senate Bill 4 and the PSC’s large-load tariff provide key protections for ratepayers by requiring large customers to pay their own interconnection costs, sign long-term contracts, post collateral, and pay for most of their requested load even if they use less. He said those rules help prevent costs from shifting to other customers and that large loads can put downward pressure on rates by contributing to fixed system costs. Dixon also said Ameren is planning for significant new generation, including gas, nuclear, hydro, coal, and renewables, and that data centers are subject to the same load-shedding and emergency restoration rules as other customers. He noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities. John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri argued the PSC protections are still too weak and warned that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects are delayed, shrink, or fail. He urged stronger consumer protections, more upfront financial commitments from data centers, and greater transparency for ratepayers, while also suggesting community benefit agreements and cautioning against over-reliance on utility projections. Several members pushed back on his characterization of Senate Bill 4 and QIP/CWIP provisions, and the hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1359 strikes the right balance. It protects consumers without shutting down innovation.
• It's a balancing act when using the authority and power It's a balancing act when using the authority
• HB 1353 offers a practical, balanced solution to that.
• And so it's this balance between two competing interests and priorities.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at curbing scams that disproportionately target older Idahoans by requiring operator registration, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and access for the Department of Finance to investigate fraud. After brief discussion about tracing and recovery tools, the committee passed the bill with a due pass recommendation and sent it to the floor. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local barriers such as excessive lot-size rules, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand attainable housing and property rights, while city representatives and some members raised concerns about local control, density, traffic, and infrastructure. After public testimony from both supporters and opponents, the motion for a due pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 roll call, and the bill was held in committee. Next, Senate Bill 1254 was heard, which would add the word “prescribed” to a narrow chiropractic statute so chiropractors with specialized clinical nutrition training could obtain vitamins, minerals, fluids, needles, and related products needed for certain injections. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that currently forces chiropractors to get a medical doctor’s prescription to buy items they are already authorized to administer. Some members questioned scope-of-practice and pharmacy concerns, and one member noted opposition from the chiropractic association, but the committee ultimately sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was presented to extend Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic framework to pharmacists, allowing qualified PharmDs to obtain naturopathic dual licensure if they meet existing training and board requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with additional naturopathic training practice within that combined scope without risking licensure or billing problems. After questions about scope, ethics, and possible conflicts of interest, the committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But sometimes it can be abused without the real... ...abused without the real check and balance of the
• What are the other things that will help make sure that balancing localness, supporting ag, and of course
• Fund 13, which is our Nutrition Services Fund, we are financially responsible for that check and balance
• That's that you have other checks and balances and controls, both your own but also federal and state
• We think this bill does that, striking a balance between all these different needs, but still doing a

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think this is a balancing of benefits versus cost.
• Senator Kavanaugh, I mean, then you've got 10 years where you can move, but I do think there's a balance
• here and I think the balance is to be struck where the Arizona Constitution struck the balance, which
• is the legislature had no authority to add an struck the balance, which is the legislature had no authority

Summary: The Committee on Federal and Military Affairs and Elections met with all members present and began with an extended presentation on an investigative referral packet concerning alleged voter registration anomalies from March 2023 to the present. The presenter described multiple examples of registrations tied to out-of-state residents, deceased individuals, temporary residents, and registrations allegedly generated through Service Arizona, MVD, Access, county recorders, and third-party/NGO channels. The committee also discussed a Secretary of State email about party-preference changes, discrepancies between county and state counts, and a proposed criminal referral to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice. Members asked questions about whether the issues were glitches or intentional, and several members said the examples reflected serious problems with voter-roll maintenance and automatic voter registration. A roll call was taken on whether members wished to sign onto the referral; some declined, while others agreed, and the committee said the referral would be transmitted after the meeting. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1259, which would allow certain protected individuals to use an alternate mailing address when filing candidate and financial disclosure paperwork. The sponsor said it closes a confidentiality loophole for people whose addresses are protected for safety reasons. Members raised concerns about how the bill interacts with in-district residency requirements, but the bill passed on a 6-1 vote. Senate Bill 1281, dealing with state land procedures for covered federal designations and notification of legislative leaders about land takings, drew opposition from the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, which argued the bill was unnecessary, unfunded, and insufficiently protective of tribal consultation; it passed 4-3. Senate Bill 1037, concerning election equipment security and internet connectivity, prompted debate over whether the bill could be read to permit internet-connected election equipment and over a hostile strike-everything amendment that would have expanded voter-registration and election-administration programs, including ERIC participation and new funding. The amendment failed, and the underlying bill also failed on a 3-3-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1040, which would require county recorders to provide public online access to voter registration rolls and prohibit fees for downloading them. Staff explained that the bill would replace the current chairperson-request process with public access, while still excluding sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. Members debated how much information would be public and whether the bill adequately defined “voter registration rolls.” The bill passed on a 4-3 vote. The chair closed by asking members to look into school app data-sharing contracts and offered to show unredacted materials privately, then noted that dinner had been provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think this is a balancing of benefits versus cost.
• Senator Kavanaugh, I mean, then you've got 10 years where you can move, but I do think there's a balance
• here and I think the balance is to be struck where the Arizona Constitution struck the balance, which
• is the legislature had no authority to add an struck the balance, which is the legislature had no authority

Bills: SB1037, SB1040, SB1259, SB1281

Keywords: elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs

Transcript Highlights:

• But I was nervous about using it at the second story of my house because there is a little bit of a balance
• It's really been about trying to find that balance around the window units and how do we strike it.
• The bill includes important compromise language that helps balance resident comfort with property safety
• consumer protections, NWEC is also happy to see that the bill contains appropriate guardrails that balance
• know once temperatures go above 75 Fahrenheit, our bodies are working to maintain water and salt balance

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Total payments under the program for any fiscal year may not be greater than 80% of the account balance
• That compromise appropriately limited the use of non-compete agreements to higher wage earners, balancing
• Agreements to higher wage earners, balancing worker mobility with legitimate business interests.
• But when you get it... agreements to higher wage earners, balancing worker mobility with legitimate business
• House Bill 2479 is a balanced solution to that problem, and it has received unanimous support at every

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:

• The proposed criminal and civil justice budget totals $7.9 billion and reflects a balanced approach to
• Just a reminder to everyone outside this chamber, we're required to pass a balanced budget.
• You know, you strive for balance and fairness.
• You are a fair and balanced person, and thank you for carrying that into your job.
• There is no current balance in the trust fund, and that is the bill, members. Other amendments?

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• millionaire, proving that the system is broken and proving that Minnesota does not have the checks and balances
• seeing wasted tax dollars and struggling themselves, they just are wondering where are the checks and balances
• ><00:07:38.240><c> and</c> wondering where are the checks and wondering where are the checks and balances
• :07:40.240><c> this</c><00:07:40.560><c> is</c><00:07:40.880><c> such</c><00:07:41.120><c> a</c> balances
• in our state and this is such a balances in our state and this is such a good<00:07:41.440><c> bill<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Nolan West and Representative Pam Oldenorf introduced and defended a bill aimed at tightening Minnesota SNAP eligibility rules. They said the measure would move the net income test to the front of the application process, add asset testing similar to other state programs, and exclude vehicles over $100,000. They argued these changes would reduce overpayments, improve “good governance,” and help the state avoid future financial penalties tied to SNAP error rates. Oldenorf said Minnesota’s SNAP error rate has risen from about 4% in 2013 to about 9% now, and warned that if it stays above 6% the state could owe about $86 million in 2027. She cited a GAO report saying broad-based categorical eligibility is a major driver of payment errors, and pointed to examples she described as fraud or improper enrollment, including a millionaire receiving benefits and a recent Minneapolis SNAP fraud conviction. West and Oldenorf said the bill would not significantly increase county workloads, because counties already do similar eligibility and asset checks in other programs. In response to questions, the sponsors said they had not yet formally consulted many stakeholders because the bill had just been drafted, but they expected bipartisan support and said they had reached out to counties for input. They also said counties would retain some administrative costs, but the bill should not add major new burdens. The discussion then shifted to a separate topic when West raised concerns about access to Hennepin County voter rolls and alleged irregularities in voter data; he said he had obtained some county records and believed the Secretary of State was improperly limiting access, though no bill action or vote was taken on that issue in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a very balanced approach. support for this because there's nothing in this bill—and you
• I think it's a very balanced approach: healthcare, high wage tax credit, which is something that we need
• We have to have a balanced budget, so... ...we choose to decouple from portions of their changes.
• Was mentioned earlier that some of this is in response to—we have to have a balanced budget in New Mexico
• But in trying to hold the balance of the decisions we make and their impact on our local governments,

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking at the FIR, it says that they've accumulated a bit of a balance. I'm just wondering.
• and revise their distribution and their aversion mechanisms to prevent the creation of the Trapped Balances
• consequence of the existing law, because it limits the distribution from the LELF, trapping unused balances
• amendment just makes a change to the behavioral health program fund to ensure that any unexpended balance
• Any unexpended balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall revert to the Health Care Affordability

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , in lieu of that the standing committee amendment appropriates up to $88.7 million, which is the balance
• , in lieu of that the standing committee amendment appropriates up to $88.7 million, which is the balance
• million which appropriates up to $88.7 million which is<00:16:53.600><c> the</c><00:16:53.839><c> balance
• > of</c><00:16:54.480><c> the</c><00:16:54.959><c> current</c><00:16:55.279><c> school</c> is the balance
• of the current school is the balance of the current school foundation<00:16:56.000><c> program</c><00

Bills: HB0150

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• demonstrate extraordinary dedication, discipline, and resilience, often training for years while balancing
• demonstrate extraordinary dedication, discipline, and resilience, often training for years while balancing
• <00:36:12.400><c> for</c><00:36:12.640><c> years</c><00:36:12.880><c> while</c><00:36:13.119><c> balancing
• </c> often training for years while balancing often training for years while balancing education,<00:

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 4, 2026 journal as corrected, and received several committee reports and bill status updates. Committee actions included favorable reports on Senate Bills 12, 13, 14, and 16, with some bills amended before being sent to the Committee of the Whole, and notice that Senate Bill 32 had been correctly engrossed and was ready for final passage. The chamber also laid over the general order second reading calendar until Friday, February 6, 2026. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 32, concerning the promotion of immunization access. Supporters argued the bill would help Colorado maintain a science-based vaccine policy, protect public health, and preserve pharmacists’ ability to provide vaccines amid concerns about federal instability. Several organizations were cited as endorsing the measure. The bill passed on a 20-12 vote. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 8, honoring Colorado’s 2026 Winter Olympians and Paralympians. Senators highlighted Colorado’s winter sports culture, training facilities, and the state’s many athletes competing in the Games, and one senator offered a tribute to a former Olympian in the chamber. The resolution passed unanimously, 32-0. In addition, the Senate confirmed governor’s appointments to the Department of Higher Education and the Private Occupational School Board on a 32-0 vote. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee schedules and birthday recognition for Senator Zamora Wilson, followed by adjournment until Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there’s a fine balance, but, you know, there’s a fine balance.”
• You know, there’s a fine balance between penalties and just education, and we always start with education
• completely, to some of the businesses and to yourself, for us to make sure that we strike the right balance
• around clarifying inducement and still making sure... ...balance around clarifying inducement and still

Bills: SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5437, SB6117, SB5852, SB5847, SB6067, SB6152, SB6136

Keywords: SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement, infractions, administrative penalties, license suspension, certificate suspension, endorsement suspension, registration suspension, Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, penalty schedule, repeat violations, workplace standards, construction trades, professional licensing, Washington state, factory built housing

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there's a fine balance, but, you know, there's a fine balance between penalties and education
• You know, there's a fine balance between penalties and just education, and we always start with education
• You know, there's a fine balance between penalties and just an education, and we always start with education
• completely, to some of the businesses and to yourself, for us to make sure that we strike the right balance

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee held public hearings and later executive action on several bills. Senate Bill 6158, by request of L&I, would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules to incorporate International Code Council standards and allow qualified third-party inspectors approved by L&I; the sponsor said it would make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, and L&I supported it with a requested technical amendment and no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 6197 would separate plumbing discipline standards for residential and nonresidential work, allowing suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential violations while keeping the current three-in-36-month standard for residential work; supporters from mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a plumbing advisory board member said it would curb unlicensed work and unsafe practices, while opponents from contractor groups and some plumbing businesses argued it was too punitive, did not adequately distinguish commercial service from construction, and should be refined. L&I said it needed time to implement and asked for a later effective date. During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and advanced Senate Bill 5437, which voids noncompetition covenants, with a delayed effective date and other conforming changes; some Republicans opposed it as too broad. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6117, which would extend PERC jurisdiction and state collective-bargaining protections if federal labor law no longer applies, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed coverage further. Senate Bill 5852, dealing with immigrant worker protections during federal I-9 inspections, advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847, on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment access, advanced with an amendment removing penalty provisions and another adding claims manager positions; the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Senate Bills 6067 and 6136 also advanced, the former changing workers’ compensation health benefit calculations and the latter requiring L&I to publish actuarially indicated industrial insurance rates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6302, which would address misclassification in finishing trades on public works by limiting contractors and subcontractors to no more than two independent contractors on covered finishing work such as drywall, flooring, tile, painting, and glazier work, with violators treated as employees for prevailing wage and workers’ compensation purposes. Supporters from building trades and pipefitters said the bill would reduce misclassification, protect workers, and level the playing field; opponents from general contractors and contractor associations said it would effectively ban legitimate independent contractors, reduce flexibility on public projects, and hurt small businesses. L&I said it had clarifying questions about how the cap would apply and asked for more specificity.