Transcript Highlights:

• Keenan, Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program. The Senator from Norfolk and Plymouth.
• The program provides, it's designed to provide grants and forgivable loans for eligible owner-occupants
• One problem: we passed it, it's law, but there wasn't any funding attached or included for the program
• It would allocate $50 million in bond money for the Healthy Homes Program.
• the budget, with the hope that we can get some real money, so to speak, tangible money behind this program

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up a major environmental bond bill with amendments covering climate resilience, housing health, plastics reduction, coastal protection, fisheries, and related regulatory issues. Early debate included Senator Keenan’s withdrawn amendment to fund the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program with $50 million, followed by his adopted amendment banning hotels from providing plastic toiletry packages. Senator Tarr’s amendment to remove the paper bag charge was defeated after extended debate over whether the 10-cent bag assessment functioned as a tax; a related floor speech from Senator Duner argued the fee would burden working families. The chamber also adopted Senator Fernandez’s ocean acidification amendment, which would aggregate ocean monitoring data to support shellfish, water quality, and coastal management, with support from Senators Sear and Driscoll. Other adopted measures included Driscoll’s Houghton’s Pond multi-use trail, Montigny’s New Bedford State Pier redevelopment and harbor oil-recovery provisions, Collins’s Commonwealth Conservation Commission later withdrawn, and several coastal resilience and housing-related amendments. The Senate also approved a series of environmental and public health measures. Senator Moore’s rodenticide restriction amendment was adopted after testimony from animal welfare and conservation groups, with the sponsor describing harms to wildlife, pets, and livestock and noting local municipal support. Senator Lewis’s amendment directing DEP to study the feasibility of banning polystyrene was adopted, as was Senator Mark’s Massachusetts Climate Bank amendment and Senator Edwards’s carbon sequestration amendment expanding attention to salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways. The chamber adopted amendments on equitable representation, improving indoor air quality, and a Douglas State Forest trust fund that would raise the entry fee from $1 to $2 for maintenance. Several amendments were withdrawn, including Collins’s urban coastal resilience commission and Tarr’s proposed Commonwealth Conservation Commission. Housing and permitting issues were another major theme. Senator Driscoll’s amendment requiring local confirmation before a project is designated a priority housing project was defeated, but his related amendments clarifying the process and requiring consultation with the Housing and Livable Communities Secretary were adopted. The Senate also adopted Crichton’s amendments streamlining permitting for coastal resiliency projects in urban areas and creating a five-year pilot for nature-based solutions, as well as Tarr’s amendment adding dredging and sand placement to general coastal permits. Tarr’s amendment to revise the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund was adopted, while his later constitutional challenge to a landform-migration provision was withdrawn after he argued it could amount to an uncompensated taking. The session ended with the Senate noting only two amendments remained and then adjourning in memory of Quincy’s former mayor James A. Sheets.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis because they have really been expanding to a number of different programs.
• Louis and offering a number of programs to support that, as well as financial systems.
• Louis and offering a number of programs to support that, as well as financial systems.
• And as many of the folks here know, hospice programs around Missouri serve so many people.
• The Women Legislature Scholarship Program is coming up on March 23rd.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 35th day by a 115-1 roll call vote. Members spent much of the opening portion introducing a large number of special guests and visiting groups, including university alumni and students, ambulance and first responder personnel, hospice and behavioral health advocates, public administrators, educators, transportation stakeholders, and other community leaders recognized for service or advocacy work. The chamber then received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bills 1625, 2383, 3035, 3205, and Senate Bill 888, along with committee substitutes for some of those bills. The House proceeded to third reading and passage on a long series of bills. Among the major measures were HB 2774, a fuel-source bill limiting state and local governments from dictating bids or purchases based solely on fuel source, which passed 138-5; HB 2383, addressing copper theft and related telecommunications equipment crimes, which passed 130-5; and HB 3205, regulating litigation funding and requiring disclosures, which passed 144-1. Several bills drew extended debate. A combined bill on statutes of limitation and child sexual abuse claims, House Committee Substitute for HBs 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, passed 98-12 with 39 present after members debated both the abuse-related provisions and a separate reduction in the personal injury statute of limitations. HB 3146, dealing with ballot summary statements and the initiative petition process, passed 90-55 after sharp disagreement over whether it protected voters or undermined judicial review. Other measures passed with broad support, including HB 2146 on hospital investment options (143-1), HB 1756 establishing June’s Week to recognize rare pediatric diseases and families affected by them, HB 1783 on public health contracting (138-6), HB 2099 on expedited removal of squatters (136-1), HB 2896 loosening residency restrictions for university board appointments (111-17), HB 2505/2044 giving grandparents priority in certain custody cases (144-0), HB 1625 increasing penalties for drug trafficking (137-2), HB 2302 removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration (142-0), HB 3035 setting depreciation rules for vehicle tax valuation (100-43), HB 1870 updating debt collection and garnishment laws (137-9), HB 2335 giving school districts more flexibility over teacher training schedules (146-2), and HB 1827 allowing occupational therapists to certify disabled parking credentials (145-0).

Transcript Highlights:

• year. ...program covering 5 years from 2026 to 2030 at 10 billion per year.
• The governor is running the program. The governor is running the program.
• All of these programs are going to run through these agencies.
• And we've talked about the grant programs in our webinar and in the programs in our webinar and in the
• >> No, this would be Blue Mountain College. "No, this would be Blue Mountain College."

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 June, 2026; 2:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• White cards are for informational purposes only, and blue cards are for certified designees of elected
• White cards are for informational purposes only, and blue cards are for certified designees of elected
• Karen Benjamin, Deputy Chief Engineer for the Safe Drinking Water Program, Department of Health.
• Deputy Chief Engineer for the Safe Drinking Water Program, Department of Health. Okay.
• partnering with Louisiana Interactive to collect online payments for two services, our conveyance program

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 28, 2026, approved the May 19 minutes, and then considered three third-party convenience fee schedules for online payments. The first was for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, presented by Rebecca Dupree with Louisiana Interactive; members confirmed the online payment option would be voluntary and approved the fee schedule without objection. The second was for the Department of Health’s Safe Drinking Water Program, presented by Karen Benjamin, and generated extended discussion about a $2.50 flat fee plus a 2.5% card-processing charge, especially whether that charge would violate recently passed Senate Bill 254 regarding debit card surcharges. Senators Mizell, Lambert, and Luneau questioned the structure, and department representatives said they believed the fee was not a surcharge and that ACH payments would avoid the percentage charge; the committee approved the fee schedule but urged the department to review it for compliance with SB 254. The third fee schedule was for the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, presented by Lindsay Savoy and Garrett Lee, covering online payments for the conveyance program and the Fire Emergency Training Academy. Senators again raised concerns about the 2.5% card charge in light of SB 254, and the presenters said they intended to comply with the new law and would discuss the issue further. The committee approved this fee schedule as well, with a similar reminder to consider the bill’s impact going forward. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as a and the metroomobility program.
• </c> state forecasted program, metromobility state forecasted program, metromobility costs<00:25:52.559
• Uh so the blue uh all day local routes.
• Uh we're That is a a taxi program.
• So see how effective that program data.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• used by the lessee solely in connection with the semiconductor, defense, or aerospace contracts, programs
• coming along with the space industry and even the private partnerships that we see through SpaceX or Blue
• We'll sail into the wild blue yonder, hopefully to the Governor's desk for signature. There you go.
• Senate Bill 1602 creates the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program within the
• The pilot program provides that landlords may apply to the FHFC to receive funds from the vacancy relief

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several measures. The committee first heard SM 1714, urging Congress to pass the federal No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban; after brief explanation and no testimony or debate, it was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1512 on Space Florida, which expands certain sales and use tax exemptions for qualifying tangible personal property and allows Space Florida to bypass competitive bidding for certain purchases when state funds are not used; support was noted from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s flagship, with discussion focused on the ship’s World War II and later service, museum role, and lack of known fiscal impact; it too was reported favorably. The committee next approved SM 1186, which urges Congress and the National Guard Bureau to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with the sponsor citing Florida’s population, emergency history, and outdated allocation levels; one senator voiced support and the memorial was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds; two amendments were adopted, including technical and clarifying changes, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1604 created the related vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the pilot program; one technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's how you see him in the blue coat.
• I can't wait to switch to a blue coat.
• I can't wait to switch to a blue coat.
• So, the concern that program account.
• Respect language and literacy program.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was house file services program.
• Funding for food insecurity programs through the Lutheran Social Services Core program and Metro Meals
• Funding for food insecurity programs through the Lutheran Social Services Core program and Metro Meals
• Funding for food insecurity programs through the Lutheran Social Services Core program and Metro Meals
• that we asked of our our DMA programs that we asked for<00:20:15.280><c> funding.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• risk management program.
• He's a product of this program.
• Our most important and well-known extension program is 4-H.
• So the, when the CAF program originally, CAFE program originally came out, there was going to essentially
• we have a similar program with BYU.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Plug-to-drill, so I guess that program and the pipeline safety program makes up the rest of the state
• program.
• First is on the cap-and-trade program.
• First is on the cap-and-trade program.
• I think they were colored in blue.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we are... ...to validate this programming. That's a fiscal.
• There's administrative cost, possibly, that could go along with this program.
• , I'm going to be voting no on that. ...out this program.
• Without this amendment, and I am I back the blue... ...without this amendment, and I am, I back the blue
• So I want to make it clear that we back the blue. We do.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0. Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• that that person certification program that that person is<00:15:32.199><c> any</c><00:15:32.399><c>
• You can bring the blue sheet with you if you like, for HB 250. ...for HB 250. Okay, let’s see here.
• People don't consider it a HIPAA violation to put a blue placard up on your car.
• We had one person's support, three people opposed on the blue sheet.
• </c> the New Hampshire's kid Governor program the New Hampshire's kid Governor program in<04:44:33.280

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on a bill arising from the Lee case involving animal seizures and humane society involvement. Members and the commissioner discussed concerns about due process, lack of clear notice to animal owners, the need for owners to understand when they are surrendering ownership, and whether humane agents should have additional training or certification. Several members also questioned the role of the NH SPCA and humane societies, the absence of oversight, and whether there was any financial or policy conflict in their involvement. The commissioner said the Department of Agriculture does not have a direct relationship with humane societies, but does coordinate with police on seizures, and noted that problems tend to arise when agencies do not consult the department first. Testimony and discussion focused on possible fixes to the bill, including clearer written notice of rights, requiring a third-party qualified veterinarian or other neutral evaluator, establishing the condition of animals at the time of seizure for later court proceedings, and possibly using teleconferencing with a veterinarian in limited circumstances. Some members suggested the bill may need a broader study committee, while others said it should be amended now rather than delayed. The chair said the bill would be worked on further and sent to the subcommittee for more detailed review. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 250, which would allow local governing bodies to regulate dog muzzling. Representative Jodi Newell testified that the bill was intended to let municipalities respond to dangerous dogs, citing Keene’s attempt to require muzzling after a serious incident but lack of clear authority under current law. Deborah LeBlanc also testified about a dog attack that seriously injured her dog and said a muzzle requirement could have prevented the attack. Committee members asked about the incident, existing dog-control laws, and whether the dog had been leashed; the discussion suggested the bill was meant to clarify local authority over muzzling as a public safety measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of program quality and integrity. of program quality and integrity.
• </c> and internal programs. and internal programs.
• You're looking for the one with a lot of blue on it. A lot of blue. Go blue. Dartmouth. Go blue.
• You're looking for the one with a lot of blue on it. A lot of blue. Go blue. Dartmouth. Go blue.
• The Slurp program programs like Slurp.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• around children and families, and programs that run our Direct Care and Treatment program.
• </c><00:40:14.079><c> um</c> program Integrity for that program um program Integrity for that program
• by the Medicaid program.
• </c><00:57:44.200><c> again</c><00:57:44.520><c> is</c> program over time so in blue again is program
• </c><01:31:17.639><c> are</c> Shelf program and food bank programs are Shelf program and food bank programs

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also invests in the challenge program.
• </c> motans because whether you are in a blue motans because whether you are in a blue district<00:06
• This is a not just a policy program.
• ,</c> restrictions from key programs, restrictions from key programs, broadening<00:30:53.679><c> access
• There are no new programs and no win.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for loose batteries to include medium-format batteries. ...responsibility program for loose batteries
• to additional extended the consumer-facing fee of the e-waste program to additional battery-embedded
• more stewardship programs, stewardship organizations.
• takes recyclables out of blue recycling containers.
• Kyle Jones on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Water Collaborative Action Program in support.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I don't see any blue sheet. bill okay I don't see any the blue sheet bill okay I don't see any
• the blue sheet please Representative Gilman, could you report the blue sheet, please?
• Madam Chair, the blue sheet is blank.
• It's a very well-respected program.
• </c><02:33:30.399><c> sheet</c> opposition and on the paper blue sheet opposition and on the paper blue

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Municipal and County Government Committee held public hearings on House Bill 471 and House Bill 373. HB 471 would create a temporary commission to study growth, traffic, planning, and land use issues in a group of southern New Hampshire towns, with possible recommendations on regional planning commission boundaries or coordination. Representative Perez said the bill was requested by Londonderry residents and local officials, and Eric Power of Brookline testified in support, saying the towns share corridor and development issues that cross regional planning commission lines. Several members questioned whether existing law already allows towns to form regional planning commissions under RSA 364:6, whether the bill should be broader, and whether the town list should include additional communities. The hearing closed with testimony counts reported as two in support and three opposed on remote sign-in, plus one opposed and one in support on the blue sheet. HB 373, sponsored by Representative Diane Powers, would revise RSA 41:11-a on town property leases. Powers said current law is too restrictive because leases over five years require repeated town votes, which she argued is impractical for long-term arrangements. She cited examples from Hampton and Brookline, including long-term road and property leases, and said she had found multiple similar cases. The bill would keep select board authority for leases under one year, allow a legislative body to authorize a specific longer lease by a three-fifths ballot vote, and preserve the existing five-year blanket leasing authority with a three-fifths vote, while keeping existing leases valid if authority is later rescinded. Eric Power testified in support, describing recurring lease renewals in Brookline and saying longer terms are needed for projects such as housing, cell towers, and solar arrays. Members asked about the change from a simple town vote to a three-fifths threshold and whether the bill duplicates existing mechanisms; Powers said the higher threshold was intended because the leases involve long-term commitments. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this program. this program.
• . program. program.
• </c> 340B program is concerned. 340B program is concerned.
• </c> 340B is an important program. 340B is an important program.
• </c> the program. the program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the toxic cleanup program.
• So MOTCA creates the state's cleanup program and a framework for both funding that program and other
• That program was not sustainable.
• All these programs funnel through to our technical assistance program.
• action sites in light blue.

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the interstate bridge program, I've reallocated that program to report to our assistant secretary
• So our biggest program is our urban arterial program, which is just that: urban arterials.
• Another program we have that's pretty unique is our arterial preservation program.
• challenges of those blue roads.
• That's the Rural Arterial Program at CRAB and the County Arterial Preservation Program.

Bills: SB5989

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, 904, all