Transcript Highlights:

• It goes to ports of entry.
• That does not minimize for one second the importance of the ports of entry.
• One is the Oklahoma Ports Revolving Fund that was set up in 2024. Excuse me.
• One for $1.62 million from the Port of Muskogee and one for $1.62 million from the Tulsa Supports Port
• Having a good port of entry down there was critical.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> personal invitation to come and visit personal invitation to come and visit us.
• Thank you for visiting our country.
• </c> [clears throat] visiting our country. [clears throat] visiting our country.
• </c> Yellow Creek State Inland Port Yellow Creek State Inland Port Authority.
• </c> Inland Port Authority. Inland Port Authority.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It just so happens that I've had several opportunities to visit build sites, especially on women's build
• the Capitol. ...and he's here with his wonderful wife visiting the Capitol, learning about our state
• During his first term, he traveled throughout California doing public readings and visiting classrooms
• They built to control floods and move tanks out of the ports in World War II, and it just sits there
• They built to control floods and move tanks out of the ports in World War II, and it just sits there

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor items focused largely on housing, public health, and tax-credit awareness. The chamber adopted SR 71, a resolution by Senator Arreguín recognizing the importance of affordable homeownership in California. Supporters from both parties emphasized homeownership as a path to wealth-building, stability, and community strength, highlighted racial disparities in ownership, and praised nonprofit builders such as Habitat for Humanity. After passage, Senator Arreguín introduced Habitat for Humanity advocates in the gallery and noted the role of the CalHome program in funding affordable homeownership projects. The Senate also confirmed Trista Gonzalez as Director of the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Aaron McGuire as executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, and Lee Herrick for another term as California Poet Laureate, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate then adopted SCR 115 by Senator Daly, recognizing February as Heart Health Month and focusing on women’s heart health. Senator Daly shared her own experience with a stroke during a heart procedure and urged women to listen to their bodies and seek care early. Several senators spoke in support, describing silent heart attacks, the need to recognize symptoms in women, and the importance of challenging medical assumptions. The resolution passed unanimously. The Senate also adopted SR 75 by Senator Rubio, designating California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week. Senators described CalEITC as a key anti-poverty tool and urged greater outreach so eligible families do not miss the credit; that resolution also passed unanimously. Later, the Senate heard a series of adjournment-in-memory tributes, including one for architect Frank Gehry, whose work in Los Angeles and Bilbao was praised for its global influence and civic impact, and one for June Roberti, remembered for her long partnership with former Pro Tem David Roberti and her advocacy and family life. Senator Arreguín also moved to place file item 67 on the inactive file. The session ended with announcements, including a committee meeting notice, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The consulge at the hotel who helped us immensely encouraged us to visit the World Trade Center.
• almost all of our prisons in California, visiting our county jails, and learning.
• California, visiting our county jails, and learning.
• It recognizes the contribution of sources of air pollution outside of the control of the ports.
• The economic well-being of our Southern California ports is vital.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance recognizing 9/11. Members then moved through a long daily file and concurrence calendar, with many items passed without debate or temporarily retained. The chamber also took procedural actions, including re-referring AB 1152 to the Public Safety Committee, suspending rules for guest access and file-item handling, and later taking a roll-call vote to allow a late-filed journal letter request. Among the major Senate bills taken up on third reading, the Assembly approved SB 385 on peace officers’ rights, SB 753 on shopping cart recovery, SB 838 on housing and hotel projects, SB 643 on carbon dioxide removal grants, SB 645 on jury peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 761 on CalFresh access for students, SB 774 on real estate licensing sunsets, SB 400 on renewable energy labor tax incentives, SB 24 on utility spending transparency, SB 37 on attorney advertising ethics, SB 258 on spousal rape involving disabled spouses, SB 364 on outdoor advertising near new freeways, SB 403 removing the sunset from medical aid in dying, SB 770 on HOA barriers to EV charging, and SB 22 on gift certificate cash redemption values. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 403 and SB 770 drew more divided votes, while SB 24 was briefly delayed by a call before passing. The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments on Assembly bills covering a wide range of topics, including service of process (AB 747), local clean energy planning (AB 39), firearms (AB 1078), workers’ compensation (AB 1336), public health (AB 1487), survivor leave protections (AB 406), solid waste (AB 70), water reporting for data centers (AB 93), Diwali recognition (AB 268), wildfire workforce recovery (AB 338), educational equity (AB 419), civic education (AB 422), office-to-housing conversions (AB 507), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), privacy/browser opt-out rules (AB 566), housing element transparency (AB 610), tenant appliance requirements (AB 628), code enforcement penalties (AB 632), homelessness and LGBTQ-related policy (AB 678), energy (AB 740), DEIA review in state government (AB 766), inmate firefighter wages (AB 247), children’s health (AB 798), real estate (AB 851), COVID-era rehiring protections (AB 858), hazardous materials (AB 961), real property and housing covenants (AB 1050), aging (AB 1069), health care facilities (AB 1172), endangered species protections (AB 1319), CalWORKs modernization (AB 1324), cannabis access for seriously ill patients (AB 1332), foreign labor contractors (AB 1362), and downtown revitalization financing (AB 1445). Several of these passed overwhelmingly, while a few drew notable opposition, including AB 93, AB 403, AB 770, AB 851, AB 1050, and AB 1319. The transcript also included extended debate on SB 34, which was presented as a compromise measure on air pollution and port operations in the San Pedro Bay area. Supporters said it narrowed the scope to protect union jobs while preserving AQMD authority, while opponents and supporters alike noted the underlying distrust between labor and environmental stakeholders. The Assembly passed SB 34, SB 515 on disaggregated demographic data collection, and then began taking up AB 495 on immigration, with the sponsor describing family separation and immigration enforcement trauma before the transcript cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may want to visit with her on that. That is the end of my presentation, so Mr.
• You may want to visit with her on that Chafelah Master Plan. I’d be happy to.
• We all know how vitally important the ports are in this state.
• for ports.
• for ports.

Summary: The committee met on March 30 and first took up House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal years 2026-2027. CPRA leaders described the plan as a roughly $1.54 billion coastal investment, with most funds directed to construction and project implementation. They outlined funding sources including GOMESA, BP settlement dollars, state surplus, and new coastal sediment revenues, and reviewed major work across the coast such as marsh creation, barrier island restoration, levees, pump stations, shoreline protection, and nonstructural flood mitigation. Members asked about specific regional concerns, including the Sabine River area, the Chafalaya Basin, Bayou Sorrel, and tidal flooding in inland parishes. The committee heard public support cards and then reported H.R. 1 favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Bill 838, as substituted, dealing with vehicle inspection stickers and related inspection requirements. The bill would repeal inspection requirements for assembled vehicles, adjust inspection rules for commercial and student transportation vehicles, allow out-of-state inspections in some cases, and move toward a QR-code-based system tied to the vehicle identification number. OMV officials said the QR code would contain only the VIN and would be used by law enforcement through existing or upgraded ticketing systems, with the change taking effect January 1, 2027. Members asked about privacy, local law enforcement compatibility, unsafe vehicles, and the annual fee structure. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably via substitute. Next, the committee heard House Bill 888, also with amendments, on temporary dealer plates and temporary registration plates. Supporters said the bill cleans up last session’s temporary tag law, increases security features for print-on-demand plates, clarifies placement rules for dealer tags, extends certain temporary tag periods from five to ten days, and delays fee changes until the electronic issuance system is implemented. A question was raised about whether the new plates would be readable by license plate recognition cameras, and the sponsor said that would be checked with State Police. The committee adopted the amendment set and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also advanced House Bill 885, which authorizes electronic titles, electronic lien recordation, and electronic signatures for motor vehicle transactions. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill is intended to modernize vehicle sales, reduce duplicate paper signatures, and make the process more secure and efficient, while preserving anti-fraud protections and allowing the OMV to set rules. Members asked whether the process would be mandatory, how fraud would be handled, and how identity would be verified; the sponsor said the system would become mandatory for participating commercial entities once implemented, with security standards and good-faith protections. The committee reported the bill favorably via substitute. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 723, as amended, allowing certain two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds to proceed through a red light when sensors fail to detect them. The sponsor framed it as a safety measure to avoid riders being stranded at malfunctioning signals and to reduce rear-end collision risk. The committee also took up House Bill 882 on outdoor advertising, which would increase spacing between billboards on state highways from 150 feet to 1,000 feet, with an amendment preserving certain nonconforming signs rebuilt after acts of God. Supporters said the change would reduce billboard clutter and improve aesthetics, while opponents argued it would hurt smaller billboard owners, shift power to larger companies, and override local control. The committee adopted the amendments and continued debate on the bill, with testimony focused on its economic and local-government impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We advocate for improvements outside our ports so freight can move swiftly to and from ports with minimal
• I would argue that our state's ports would be more competitive, They assume our state's ports would be
• Please vote with all of us who keep the ports running smoothly and who depend on the ports for good family
• Please vote with all of us who keep the ports running smoothly and who depend on the ports for good family
• It's not all about what port you're registered in or what specific port we're talking about.

Summary: The committee heard four bills. On kit homes (ESSB 5552), staff explained the bill would direct the State Building Code Council to adopt rules for residential kit homes of 800 square feet or less by March 31, 2027. Prime sponsor Sen. Jeff Wilson said the bill would add housing options and asked that kit homes be treated as a distinct category from modular or factory-built structures; members asked whether current rules exist and whether the bill would cover 3D-printed homes. The public hearing was postponed, and later one supporter testified that the bill would help create clearer statewide standards without changing local zoning or safety requirements. On SB 5467, staff said the bill raises the thresholds for water-sewer districts to sell surplus property without notice or by private sale, increasing the personal property threshold to $5,400 and the real property threshold to $7,500. Sen. Keith Goehner said the change simply updates outdated limits to reflect inflation and improve efficiency. A representative of the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts supported the bill, noting the thresholds had not been updated since 2011 for real property and 1993 for surplus property. The committee closed the public hearing without action. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County’s authority to apply a freight rail-dependent use overlay to certain lands under prior law. Sen. Adrian Cortes argued the existing exemption has harmed agricultural and forest lands, led to environmental violations, and cost taxpayers money, while local supporters said the overlay has not produced promised economic benefits and should be removed. Opponents, including a railroad operator, the Association of Washington Business, and others, said the rail line supports economic development, rail-served industrial demand, and existing contractual and public investments, and warned repeal could strand investments and limit future freight and climate-friendly transportation options. The hearing was closed with no vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset from the existing prohibition on using public port funds to buy fully automated marine cargo container handling equipment, while continuing to allow zero- and near-zero-emission equipment purchases. The sponsor and labor witnesses said the bill protects family-wage jobs, keeps taxpayer money from subsidizing automation, and preserves human oversight for safety and efficiency. Port and shipping industry opponents argued the bill is premature, could reduce port competitiveness, and should remain subject to the current sunset so the policy can be revisited later. The public hearing was closed with no action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• expands the types of entities subject to the Clean Energy Transformation Act, or CETA, to include port
• No, no, not like an Asian hand of a visit. Maybe no without. No, without recommendation.
• Data centers, but the ports are not, at least the ports I'm working with, are not trying to get electricity
• to their ports.
• Yes, if you were to allow port districts to, you... ...port districts to use this loophole, that energy

Bills: SB6013

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill looks to protect Florida's deepwater ports, their port channels, turning basins, and by applying
• The ports are not required to create a buffer zone.
• But some ports do have protected channels, and providing those ports with the option to create a buffer
• Only the captain of the port, the Coast Guard, can open that port back up, and only after I get the vessels
• This is for Port of Palm Beach.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up five bills related to Florida waterways, vessels, and environmental protection. HB 1149 on vessel accountability was presented as a way to strengthen enforcement against derelict and long-term anchored vessels, create nuisance authority for repeat violators, and shift relocation/disposal costs to owners; it drew support from marine industry and boating groups and passed 15-1. HB 795 would allow voluntary buffer zones near deepwater port channels and turning basins to prevent anchoring or mooring in protected areas; after questions about federal overlap and impacts on other counties, an amendment narrowed the buffer concept and added authority to remove uninsured vessels anchored more than 45 days, and the bill passed 13-3 with committee substitute. HB 1285 defined “migrant vessels” and authorized FWC to remove them more quickly as derelict vessels; a technical amendment was adopted, Monroe County supported the bill, and it passed unanimously 16-0. The committee then considered HB 1133, which would restructure the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by requiring geographic representation on the seven-member board, staggering terms, and limiting warrantless entry onto private land by FWC officers. The sponsor said the goal was to ensure statewide representation and align FWC enforcement with probable-cause standards; an amendment changed board terms from five years to three years, and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1143, sponsored by Representatives Shoaf and Tant, would prohibit oil and gas drilling and exploration within 10 miles of certain sensitive estuarine and coastal areas and require DEP to weigh environmental and economic impacts before permitting near waterways. Support came from oyster farmers, shellfish groups, conservation advocates, and local residents, while the American Petroleum Institute opposed the setback as too broad and raised mineral-rights concerns. After extensive debate emphasizing protection of Apalachicola Bay, tourism, seafood, and fragile ecosystems, the bill passed unanimously 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, sure, we, um, we work with the port on everything, so we're very, very excited.
• How do we make sure our ports stay safe and drones are a great way to work through that?
• in the country, but that technology then could also go to support all ports.
• We'll look forward to visiting with you more.
• and bridge, uh, port and harbor bridge competency, and particularly rural mobility.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's for $2.8 million in GO bonds for the ports.
• Again, there's seven ports across the state, five public ports.
• Again, there's seven ports across the state, five public ports.
• Again, there's seven ports across the state, five public ports.
• Again, there's seven ports across the state, five public ports.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• law this last year, it allows for state level P-3s inside the trade port district.
• We have seen indications through, uh, port, uh, the volume at the Port of LA and Long Beach showing that
• On an air conditioned truck that would take us to the port of Long Beach, the port of LA, that I, I mean
• Uh, Southern California ports, how it does directly affect us.
• I'm really happy we're going to the trade port down in Sunland.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about a little old port that... Thank you for hearing this.
• This is about a little old port that we're looking to do in Douglas.
• Castro Port of Entry.
• This port is going to be the most modern in the nation.
• Over 90% of fentanyl is interdicted at ports of entry.

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused on district needs and infrastructure priorities in LD7, including a video and testimony on the East Wilford Road Extension in Show Low and Gold Canyon/Lost Dutchman Days. Show Low officials, Navajo County leaders, and the city manager described the road extension as a shovel-ready project that would improve traffic flow, provide a new bridge over Shoal Creek/Show Low Creek designed for a 100-year flood, and create a critical alternate emergency route for evacuations and access to Summit Healthcare. They emphasized past flooding and wildfire evacuation concerns, the project’s regional importance, and the city’s local financial commitment, including $7.56 million already pledged. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 for the state match for the Douglas Port of Entry, contingent on a $678 million federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff said the project would support trade with Mexico, create jobs, improve border security, and help modernize port operations; they also noted a September 2026 deadline and that the city has already secured $20 million of the needed $50 million match, with additional funding still being sought. Testimony highlighted the port’s economic impact, the city’s small tax base, and the potential for federal and private investment leverage. After questions from members about safety, timelines, private participation, and local contributions, the committee voted to return SB 1272 with a due pass recommendation. The motion passed 6-0, with one member absent; Representative Bolt explained his yes vote by citing the bill’s importance to commerce, economic development, and border security.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the funds come out of the general fund that goes to ADCA, and it's for inland ports.
• There is a little bit of a change in the definition of inland port because Bilabacry was left off of
• There is a little it's for inland ports.
• So, the port will still have to come up with the matching funds. Yeah.
• If the Montgomery airport is listed like the Huntsville airport, which is actually considered a port,

Bills: HB277, SB89, HB135, HB277, SB89, HB135

Keywords: HB277, 2A Sales Tax Holiday, firearms tax exemption, ammunition, hunting supplies, sales tax holiday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Second Amendment, gun tax holiday, gun rights, outdoor gear, hunting equipment, state sales tax, use tax, local option tax exemption, county opt-in, municipal opt-in, Department of Revenue, Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, our ports of entry officers as well.
• If we are able to catch it at the port, it is.
• the exact port of entry as it comes in, but we always try and do that.
• Please keep your goats secure because he's visiting the goat pen.'
• I have had multiple bear visits in 27 years as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on California’s growing human-wildlife conflict, especially with predators such as mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assembly Member Hadwick described the issue as especially acute in rural Northern California, while Secretary Crowfoot and Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) staff emphasized the need to balance public safety, property protection, and wildlife conservation. CDFW officials outlined their human-wildlife conflict program, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and response protocols for imminent public safety threats. CDFW staff described how the program expanded during drought years and later through one-time state funding, which supported limited-term staff, outreach, and tools such as the human-wildlife conflict toolkit and the WEIR incident reporting system. They said black bears, mountain lions, wild pigs, coyotes, and bobcats are the most commonly reported species, with Los Angeles and El Dorado counties generating the most reports. Officials also discussed regional efforts such as Tahoe’s bear management program, wolf tracking and data-sharing with ranchers, and the use of DNA evidence, nonlethal deterrents, and, in limited cases, lethal removal when public safety is at risk. Members asked about underreporting in urban areas, the role of sheriffs in investigations, wolf depredation and compensation, and whether additional tools such as dog hazing or broader public-safety authority should be available. CDFW said sheriffs can already assist in some cases, that wolf management remains constrained by endangered species protections, and that compensation for wolf-related losses currently includes direct loss, nonlethal prevention, and pay-for-presence payments. Officials also reviewed funding history, saying prior one-time allocations supported about 20 limited-term staff and that current resources remain insufficient for the workload. The final panel featured UC Berkeley’s California Wolf Project, which presented research showing that wolf habitat is likely to expand, depredation risk in California is relatively high, and trust and communication are central to reducing conflict. The researchers argued for flexible, locally tailored, co-produced management strategies, more education on nonlethal tools, and sustainable funding. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Government Affairs Manager for the Port of Oakland at the appropriate time.
• My name is Diego Gonzalez, and I'm the Port of Oakland's Government Affairs Manager.
• I look forward to visiting Jack London Square, and I'm sure it's going to be...
• I look forward to visiting Jack London Square, and I'm sure it's going to be.
• The Port of Long Beach does provide LNG, but it arrives in diesel-fueled trucks.

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with the ports on everything, so we're very, very excited.
• How do we make sure our ports stay safe? And drones are a great way to work through that.
• advanced. in the country, but that technology then could also go to support all ports.
• We'll look forward to visiting with you more. I appreciate it.
• and bridge, Port and Harbor bridge competency, and particularly rural mobility.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And James Weaver with Port of Palsbo.
• And James Weaver with Port of Palsbo.
• My name is James Weaver, and I serve as the port manager for the Port of Palsbo in Kitsap County.
• On behalf of the Port of Palsbo, the small This bill gives the ports, cities, and counties and law enforcement
• On behalf of the Port of Palsbo, and small ports across Washington, I urge your support for HB 2199.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion focused on tribal representation and natural resource management. On HB 2117, which would add a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources, the prime sponsor and DNR officials said the bill would strengthen government-to-government relationships without replacing existing consultation duties. Tribal leaders from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation testified in support, as did the Commissioner of Public Lands and DNR’s tribal relations director. County and timber interests said they were not opposed to tribal representation but raised concerns about trust responsibilities, beneficiary interests, and whether the representative should come from a tribe with commercial forest management experience. The committee later closed testimony on HB 2117 and read into the record 192 pro, 124 con, and zero other sign-ins. The committee also heard HB 2516, which would impose a two-year moratorium on the use of certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin after a Department of Agriculture report and while the Washington State Academy of Sciences studies alternatives and impacts. The prime sponsor argued the bill balances rodent control with concerns about wildlife, groundwater, and human exposure, while opponents from the pest management industry warned it would remove effective tools and worsen rodent problems, especially for low-income and manufactured-home communities. Supporters included the Washington Poison Center, wildlife rehabilitators, Birds Connect Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other advocates who cited poisonings in wildlife and children and pointed to non-toxic alternatives and integrated pest management. The committee read into the record 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins. For HB 2554, which would repeal RCW 77.110 and related language tied to Initiative 456 and tribal fishing rights, the sponsor and the Attorney General’s Office said the statute is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law and court rulings. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also supported repeal, describing the measure as removing an unenforceable anti-tribal statute. The committee then moved on to HB 2327, a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest board lands trust and DNR’s management of those lands. The sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, county representatives, and forest industry witnesses supported an independent review of the trust structure and performance; some asked for amendments to address reconveyance options, broader legal and ecological considerations, and consultation with tribes and the Board of Natural Resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:49:01.440><c> Port.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Port.
• &gt;&gt; Senator Port.
• And thank you, Senator Senator Port.
• </c> Excuse me, Senator Port. Excuse me, Senator Port.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<02:02:13.599><c> Port,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Port, &gt;&gt; Senator Port, &gt;&gt; yes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Recognizing March 5th, 2025 as Port Aransas Day at the state capitol. This is Mr.
• Now when you get ready to... go next week, Port Aransas, the capital of Spring Break...
• They're great, they do a great job, and everybody please come down and visit us. I move passage.
• Speaker, we have the great city of Harlingen visiting us today. Dave, you're here from Harlingen.
• Infrastructure, including the Port of Harlingen and Free Trade International Bridge at Los Indios.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Long Beach, the ports of the Los Angeles area.
• I appreciate the comments about all that goods movement from the ports.
• I appreciate the comments about all that goods movement from the ports to the Inland Empire.
• Then it would be to visit those individual communities and actually see for myself what the issue is.
• The number one source of pollution for our area really are the ports coming in there.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and a referral item. It first acted on appointments not required to appear, including Michael Gunning to the Teachers’ Retirement Board, Eric Hines to the Gambling Control Commission, several nominees to the Civil Rights Council, nominees to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and Omar Passens to the Contractors’ State License Board. The committee also took up a reference of bills to committees. Most of these items were initially left open for absent members, then later approved on add-on votes, with some passing unanimously and others on split votes. The committee then heard testimony from two nominees to the California State University Board of Trustees, Kelly Dermody and Andrea Evans. Both emphasized access, student basic needs, housing affordability, enrollment balance across campuses, and the need to use artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving critical thinking and data privacy. Senators asked about intersegmental cooperation, CSU bachelor’s degree authority, tuition increases, and how the trustees would evaluate affordability and student outcomes. No public opposition was heard, and both nominees were advanced to the full Senate after committee votes. Finally, the committee heard from Dr. Cedric Jamie Rutland, nominated to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. He described his background as a pulmonologist and said he would bring a public health and science-based perspective to air quality policy, especially regarding pollution’s effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Senators focused on goods movement, warehouse growth, AB 617 communities, environmental justice, refinery and trucking impacts, and balancing emissions reductions with economic realities. After public comment, the committee voted to advance his nomination to the Senate floor, and the meeting concluded after add-on votes and a brief recess/closed session.