Transcript Highlights:

• A formal bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States would result in even greater
• A formal bilateral<00:16:00.399><c> trade</c><00:16:00.720><c> agreement</c><00:16:01.199><c> between
• </c><00:16:01.680><c> Taiwan</c> bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan bilateral trade agreement between
• </c><00:16:39.440><c> between</c> license reciprocity agreement between license reciprocity agreement
• </c> transportation, and environmental transportation, and environmental impact.<00:55:22.000><c> Make

Transcript Highlights:

• So our office did not enter into these fellowship agreements until later in 2019.
• The agreements weren't entered into until later in 2019.
• Later on, after we had entered into these agreements, we got basically the same data request from the
• Representative LEL: Thank you, Madam Chair. agreements until later in 2019 these two agreements until
• we got basically into these agreements we got basically the<01:11:42.560><c> same</c><01:11:42.760><

Transcript Highlights:

• for actions upon a contract in writing or liability express or implied arising out of a written agreement
• House Bill 2240 permits a rental agreement to be... ...or non-renewal.
• House Bill 2240 permits a rental agreement to be delivered and executed electronically.
• continues using the unit for 30 days, that use confirms acceptance of the agreement.
• and property that's abandoned after a rental agreement ends.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee heard public hearings on several bills related to real estate, self-storage, and consumer disclosures. House Bill 2477 would shorten the time to bring claims against appraisers arising from appraisal reports to two years from discovery or five years from signing, except fraud claims, and would limit liability to specified clients and intended users. The sponsor and appraiser witnesses said the bill would reduce long-tail liability, lower insurance and recordkeeping burdens, and help attract new appraisers; no opposition testimony was heard in the excerpt. House Bill 2512 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential properties to exclusive groups unless the property is also publicly marketed. Supporters, including Washington Realtors, Zillow, Habitat for Humanity, Windermere, and others, said it would promote transparency, competition, and fair housing; opponents argued it could limit homeowner privacy and autonomy, and the Attorney General’s office said the Washington Law Against Discrimination already covers discrimination concerns and objected to placing enforcement in that statute. House Bill 2240 would modernize self-storage rental agreements by allowing electronic execution, deeming continued use after notice as acceptance, and setting notice and disposal rules after termination or nonrenewal; storage industry witnesses supported the bill as clarifying safety and notice procedures, while an advocacy witness opposed it as harmful to unhoused people and others who rely on storage units. House Bill 2465 would require a water recreation safety guide for short-term rentals with pools or similar facilities; the sponsor and hospitality industry supported it as a low-cost safety measure, while cities raised implementation concerns and asked for an amendment on where the guide would be posted. House Bill 2501 would update a seller disclosure notice to reflect the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency’s shift from a no-cost insurance program to a loan-and-grant remediation program, and it drew support as a technical correction. House Bill 2624 would exempt public entities, tribes, and nonprofit land conservancies from the 2025 “solicited real estate transactions” appraisal and notice requirements; conservation groups and the Department of Natural Resources supported it as necessary to preserve land acquisition and grant funding, and the sponsor described it as a cleanup bill. The committee then moved into executive session and took action on two liquor-related bills. House Bill 2536, allowing wineries to hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or beer/wine restaurant license at one location, was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 14-1 vote. House Bill 2476, modifying the spirits, beer, and wine theater license, was amended via a proposed substitute that restored the 120-seat-per-screen limit except for theaters admitting only patrons 21 and older; the substitute was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 13-2 vote. Members discussed the balance between business flexibility and concerns about alcohol access in family settings and recovery communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I am in agreement with the conference report. It was really a technical issue.
• I'm in agreement with it. Mr. McChryor-Mussed, not the conference committee report.
• And that was an agreement with the author of the bill. ...those interviews, and that was in agreement
• I mean, is there an agreement with the bill? PHCC has been very hard to deal with.
• File a hundred of them if you want, Representative Agreement. Correct.

Bills: HB410 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HR307 , HR273 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR32 , HB776 , HB42 , HB119 , HB159 , HB302 , HB1017 , HB1028 , SB217 , SB283 , HB953 , SB208 , HR74 , HB998 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , SB237 , HB36 , HB74 , HB75 , HB258 , HB259 , HB414 , HB459 , HB784 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1095 , HB1220 , HB1252 , SB469 , SB479

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, before you is Senate File 3857, the LCCMR portion of the environmental and natural resource trust
• </c><00:13:46.720><c> and</c> funding for 109 environmental and funding for 109 environmental and natural
• </c> legislature for special environmental legislature for special environmental projects<00:16:09.040
• Uh, first we have Mike Harley with the Environmental Initiative. >> Very good.
• Um, Camp Ripley gets awards every year for being very environmentally friendly.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Calendar 102, Senate Print 3852B, Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation
• &gt;&gt; CALENDAR 102, SENATE PRINT 3852B SENATOR HINCHEY, AN ACT TO AMEND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
• LAW, 644, 1463A SENATOR KAVANAGH, AN ACT TO AMEND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION LAW.
• In the Assembly, he championed consumer protection, environmental protection, government reform, and
• Calendar 107, Senate Print 5835, Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• impact and water usage on environmental impact and water usage on an<00:46:10.480><c> operation</c><
• ,</c><00:46:46.000><c> economic,</c><00:46:46.720><c> and</c> potential environmental, economic, and
• potential environmental, economic, and social<00:46:47.280><c> impact</c><00:46:47.839><c> of</c><00:
• ><c> we</c><01:41:01.119><c> are</c> environmental standards and we are environmental standards and we
• Those agreements are holding. You have stuffed molasses coming in from Canada.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:16.880><c> MCEA</c> Center for Environmental Advocacy.
• MCEA Center for Environmental Advocacy.
• </c><00:25:54.000><c> drilling</c> water supplies, environmental drilling water supplies, environmental
• Provide safe drinking water and provide environmental protection.
• I think it's a wonderful thing when we're all in agreement and all aware...

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are here with the joint committees from the House side: Committee on Energy and Environmental
• Yeah, just wanted to zoom out real quick, but um highlighting what a special agreement, what a special
• Special agreement, what a special development and event this settlement was.
• that gives us a settlement agreement that gives us a framework<00:21:02.480><c> of</c><00:21:02.640>
• </c><01:09:00.319><c> and</c> considering both environmental and considering both environmental and costs

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Environmental Services, please, Mr. Scott. Welcome.
• Uh, again for the record, Bob Scott, Department of Environmental Services.
• Department of Environmental Services, please, Mr. Scott. Welcome.
• Uh, again for the record, Bob Scott, Department of Environmental Services.
• </c><01:59:25.840><c> that</c> are are are you and I in agreement that are are are you and I in agreement

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• The need for environmental review has escalated.
• </c> it affects our whole environmental it affects our whole environmental permitting<00:49:41.640><c
• </c> more than adequate Environmental more than adequate Environmental Protection<01:49:14.320><c> thank
• </c><02:01:36.960><c> impacts</c> What are the environmental impacts?
• What are the environmental and public health impacts?

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's say that TCEQ decides that they're going to be receiving federal grants. for environmental
• Maybe it's in a subcategory, the social or environmental impacts of AI.
• I mean, I know you're with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• We show you registered at the Texas Commission in Environmental Quality.
• They have to make an agreement to distribute...

Bills: HB512 , HB2248 , HB2679 , HB2832 , HB3112 , HB3368 , HB3490 , HB3512 , HB3623 , HB3666 , HB3700 , HB3711 , HB3770 , HB3963

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the work they did over the last couple years to get to that agreement on what the definition
• </c><00:23:52.480><c> on</c><00:23:52.720><c> what</c> years to get to that agreement on what years to
• At that time, APRNs practiced under an agreement with a physician.
• </c><01:23:38.719><c> every</c><01:23:39.040><c> single</c> agreement with a physician. every single
• agreement with a physician. every single one<01:23:39.520><c> of</c><01:23:39.600><c> them</c><01:23:

Bills: HF3521 , HF3563 , HF82 , HF2689 , HF1794 , HF3544 , HF3516 , HF1752

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• You often have agreements that are whole to sell and pay.
• You often purchase to sell agreement.
• to sell have agreements that are whole to sell and<02:03:53.040><c> pay.
• 32.320><c> studies</c> But again, environmental impact studies But again, environmental impact studies
• </c><04:59:52.240><c> impact</c> determined by environmental impact determined by environmental impact

Transcript Highlights:

• And natural or organic reduction is considered more environmentally friendly because the reduced use
• And natural or organic reduction is considered more environmentally friendly because the reduced use
• </c><00:53:50.559><c> friendly</c> give it more environmentally friendly give it more environmentally
• </c> state department of environmental state department of environmental services<01:05:08.640><c> who
• and civil and focus on environmental and civil and transportation.<04:57:55.440><c> Yes.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that is a memorandum of agreement with the Milan-Dummer Fire Ambulance Department so I can house
• So this really is focused on health and safety and environmental compliance.
• existing No. 6 fuel oil system is no longer reliable and requires replacement to be able to meet both environmental
• It is strongly recommended by the Department of Environmental Services and our state fire marshal to
• Uh, there is a high risk of environmental damage from water being... ...environmental damage from water

Transcript Highlights:

• The increment tax agreement financing allows a new construction that has to be paid out to the port district
• In addition, on our construction projects, we’re finding a lot of the environmental mitigation starts
• keying into doing long-term monitoring and improvements for that environmental mitigation.
• In addition, on our construction projects, we're finding a lot of the environmental mitigation starts
• keying into doing long-term monitoring and improvements for that environmental mitigation.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University.
• Um, we are the research arm for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
• a pipeline also for us getting some, some new students to the College of Agriculture, Consumer Environmental
• Recently had a professor in our plant and environmental science who patented 3 new varieties of alfalfa
• They, they always return money uh and so reach out to them and see if they can sign a, what's the agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Addressing human health and environmental protection now ensures the restoration of the land for future
• federal funding under ICWA, the Family First Prevention Services Act, and the Kevin S. settlement agreement

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 226, which would appropriate $50 million for continued cleanup of abandoned uranium mine sites. Supporters, including Navajo and Pueblo advocates and conservation groups, described serious health and environmental harms from unreclaimed mines and argued state funding is needed because federal cleanup has been insufficient. One witness representing uranium companies said prior state funding helped clean up four sites in McKinley County and that additional money would continue meaningful progress. After questions about land ownership, cleanup responsibility, and existing budget funding, the committee adopted a due pass motion and approved the bill on a 4-0 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 242, which appropriates $3 million to CYFD’s Office of Tribal Affairs to contract for field liaisons to help ensure compliance with the New Mexico Indian Family Protection Act and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. The sponsor offered and the committee approved a technical amendment changing the bill to authorize multiple liaisons. Tribal advocates and child welfare organizations supported the measure, saying CYFD needs more capacity and accountability in Indian child welfare cases. The bill passed unanimously on a 4-0 due pass vote. Next was Senate Bill 249, an appropriation to support the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force and related work in the Attorney General’s office, including maintaining a portal and IT support. Supporters said sustained funding is needed for accountability, coordination, data collection, and justice for Indigenous families, and that the issue remains a critical public safety and sovereignty concern. The sponsor noted he would continue working to fit funding into the budget. The committee voted due pass 4-0. Finally, Senator Campos presented Senate Bill 201, which would appropriate $1.5 million to the Cultural Affairs Department for rural library operations in FY27, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund. He said the bill is intended to help additional rural libraries that qualify for grants and complements other library funding measures already considered. A Pueblo of Pojoaque lobbyist spoke in support, citing the bill’s importance to cultural integrity in northern New Mexico. The committee approved SB 201 on a 4-0 due pass vote and then recessed until the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the resolution notes, the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program is a win-win for California
• This not only increases the cost for farmers, but also poses environmental and health risks.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with an initial quorum delay, then heard four items: AJR 6 on protecting federal funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care program, AB 732 on abandoned agricultural land, AB 1042 on honeybee health, and consent item AB 1506. The chair reviewed hearing procedures and public comment rules before moving through the file in order. AJR 6, authored by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, urged federal officials to preserve funding for local food programs that connect California farmers with school meals and food banks. Supporters, including a farm owner and a school nutrition director, said the program benefits children’s nutrition, helps small farms, and strengthens local economies. There was no opposition, and the committee members who were present voted to adopt the resolution; later absent members were added, bringing it to eight votes and sending it out. AB 732, by Assemblymember Macedo, would give county agricultural commissioners a faster enforcement tool against abandoned or neglected orchards and vineyards by allowing civil penalties instead of relying only on liens. Testimony from growers and a county agricultural commissioner described pest infestations, economic losses, and high abatement costs tied to neglected land, and the bill was presented as a response to SGMA-related fallowing and low commodity prices. The committee voted due pass to the Judiciary Committee, and after absent members were added it also reached eight votes. AB 1042, by Assemblymember Ransom, proposed a Managed Honeybee Health Program with grants, research, technical assistance, and an expanded advisory committee to support pollinators essential to California crops. Witnesses from the fresh fruit and beekeeping sectors emphasized that bee declines threaten crop production and the broader agricultural economy. The committee voted due pass to Appropriations, and the bill ultimately received eight votes. The consent calendar item, AB 1506, was also approved and sent to Appropriations.