Transcript Highlights:

• allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
• Senate Resolution 8669 honoring National Blood Donor Month, the Secretary will read.
• Senate Resolution 8669 honoring National Blood Donor Month. The Secretary will read.
• Senate Resolution 8669 honoring National Blood Donor Month. The Secretary will read.
• And whereas Executive Director Alexander has received honors and awards from the National Black Police

Bills: SB5068 , SB5109 , SB5188 , SB5223 , SB5280 , SB5420 , SB5467 , SB5581 , SB5649 , SB5705

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial business, including the roll call, colors, pledge, and prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and referred committee reports and new introductions. Members also suspended rules to consider multiple resolutions and bills. Senate Resolution 8669, honoring National Blood Donor Month, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the life-saving importance of blood donation and recognizing the Northwest Blood Coalition, whose members were introduced in the gallery. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 8667 honoring Monica Alexander, executive director of the Criminal Justice Training Commission, with multiple senators praising her career in the State Patrol, her leadership on regional training academies, sexual assault kit reform, and public safety culture. The Senate also confirmed several gubernatorial appointments to college boards, including Rosa Peralta to the Seattle College District Board of Trustees, Stephen A. Zimmerman to Wenatchee Valley College, and Tara Lear to Walla Walla Community College, each by 49-0 roll call votes. The Senate spent much of the session on third-reading bills, often amending them before final passage. Measures passed included SB 5068 on agencies, firefighters, prosecutors, and limited authority; ESSB 5252 on property tax exemptions for nonprofit public assembly halls; SB 5280 on virtual currency kiosk consumer protections; ESSB 5124 on patient access and skilled nursing facility identification; ESSB 5436 on interference with access to places of worship; SB 5705 on traffic safety penalties in school zones; ESSB 5594 on biosimilar medicines; SSB 5169 on out-of-court testimony for child victims and witnesses; ESSB 5098 on weapons restrictions in certain public buildings and parks; SB 5188 on broadband infrastructure repair loans; SB 5109 on the mortgage lending fraud prosecution account; SSB 5240 on anaphylaxis medications in schools; SB 5420 on veterans’ benefits access; SB 5467 on water-sewer district surplus property sales; SSB 5331 on insurer accountability; ESSB 5071 on endangerment with controlled substances involving fentanyl or synthetic opioids; and ESSB 5581 on safe system/complete streets transportation strategies. Most of these bills passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew opposition over firearms restrictions, insurance penalties, or transportation costs. Several bills were amended on the floor before final passage, including changes to dates, scope, and technical language, and the session concluded with additional business beginning on SB 5649.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would already say, say for example I'm moving from Arkansas to Texas, our national exam is similar.
• I also appreciate your example Representative Romero. on a national exam.
• There are some of our license types that have national exams and some that don't. don't, but we also
• scheme, hostile foreign nations?
• that are playing or claiming prizes and that we know that we're not allowing you know the hostile nations

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistance on legislation that passed in the National Defense Authorization Act in 2022.
• In five years alone, the national debt has exploded.
• All told, U.S. national debt is now over 120% of our GDP.
• Do in national defense.
• Because of that national debt, it's caused a supply of U.S.

Bills: SB257

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Her parents are Mexican nationals.
• So that McAllen, Texas... ...has been ranked one of the safest cities in the nation.
• National data shows that immigration...
• National LULAC represents over 50,000 people.
• And as Representative Lopez said, our nation... ...nation's national security missions.

Bills: HB1320 , HB2012 , HB2293 , HB2655 , HB3174 , HB4108 , HB4661 , HB4799 , HB5534 , HB5580

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
• :48:25.920><c> what</c><00:48:26.160><c> other</c> out nationally to see what other out nationally to
• </c><02:17:22.319><c> It</c><02:17:22.559><c> had</c> state standard, a national goal.
• It had state standard, a national goal.
• :04.479><c> are</c><03:24:04.720><c> here</c> includes foreign students who are here includes foreign

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• limits, or whether states that don't have term limits are experiencing a higher rate of turnover nationally
• Chair, I had six on foreign ownership of land in my committee alone. Okay.
• So it's not an idea that would be foreign to this process.

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh taking away the foreign language. uh taking away the foreign language. would<00:29:10.080><c>
• The foreign language has bothered me for a long time because Lebanon has the second highest number of
• foreign-language kids in school because we have Dartmouth College, and we had, before last year, a lot
• of foreign students living in Lebanon with their children, and their children were going to the school
• </c><00:29:39.360><c> uh</c> uh last year a lot of foreign uh uh last year a lot of foreign uh students

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a small little attraction in California called Yosemite National Park.
• Yosemite National Park is terrifying, scary, life-changing to ailing Yosemite National Park.
• And then we get updates with Yosemite National Park.
• And this is all over the nation. We led this charge. It was quite a lot.
• The increase for international visitors to national parks, we don't agree with that.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
• So, for a national comparison, using data from the U.S.
• The last bonus program is for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
• To do this, we use data from the National Education Association, or NEA.
• Based on these cost-adjusted salaries, Arkansas's national ranking in 2025 was 36th.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions. Auditors explained that the fiscal year 2025 report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants from state, federal, and miscellaneous sources, across school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, and that the report only shows amounts distributed, not how recipients ultimately used the money. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; department staff clarified that the Economics Arkansas grant is written into special language and that the CDC-related funding supports student surveys used by state agencies. Questions also focused on bonus and incentive programs such as master principal and National Board Certified teacher bonuses, with department staff saying the bonuses are generally tied to completion of the program or certification rather than classroom performance, though they would follow up on details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research update on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global. Dr. Carlos Silva explained the difference between CPI-U and core CPI and said the estimates show inflation slowing over the forecast period, with some near-term variation between the two data providers. Members asked about the historical accuracy of prior projections, and he said the forecasts generally tend to move toward about 2 percent over time, though recent shocks have caused earlier estimates to understate actual inflation. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reviewed Arkansas teacher demographics, shortage areas, educator preparation pipelines, licensure exceptions, survey results from teachers and principals, and teacher support programs. They reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with an average of 11.9 years of experience and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found shortages in multiple subject areas, especially special education, math, science, foreign language, and social studies, and identified 65 districts as high-need geographically. Survey results showed school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the biggest negatives; 30 percent of responding teachers said they were considering leaving the profession. The committee also reviewed teacher salary data showing a statewide average salary of $60,254 in 2025, Arkansas ranking 45th nationally by NEA methodology, and a long-term inflation-adjusted decline in district salaries, though LEARNS Act increases improved the trend. Members asked for additional follow-up information on survey methodology, alternative licensure costs, coursework, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, exit data, and how salary comparisons are calculated.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are several national days, weekends that are sponsored by—it's called MASC?
• The National Association of Contractor Licensing Agencies, and this was one of those.
• But the cost of occupational injuries and fatalities for the nation is estimated by the National Safety
• We have them all around the nation. It's really a place where multiple partners come together.
• We have them all around the nation.

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Summary: The committee heard a report from Labor and Industries on the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I said the task force, created by a 2024 budget proviso, studied underreporting, worker misclassification, unpaid taxes and premiums, and other underground-economy activity. L&I described consensus recommendations including defining and regulating construction labor providers, improving interagency information sharing, increasing penalties for repeat offenders, giving L&I more authority over successor accountability, reviewing agency penalties and policies, and exploring ways to track cash payments. Majority-but-not-consensus recommendations included posting subcontractor notices at job sites, setting a threshold for independent contractor use that would trigger review, holding direct contractors liable for unpaid wages owed by subcontractors, and reviewing reporting requirements. Testifiers from labor, business, and the Attorney General’s Office generally supported stronger enforcement and transparency, while business representatives cautioned against overregulation, preserving lawful cash payments, and protecting legitimate independent contractors and small businesses. L&I said the final report would be issued by December 31 and that the underground economy committee would be reconvened. The committee then heard the wage recovery work group report. L&I explained current wage-complaint law and the work group’s consensus recommendations to let the department prioritize wage complaints strategically, aggregate related complaints, raise the minimum penalty for willful violations from $1,000 to $1,500 and use a penalty matrix, improve employer awareness, and create a wage recovery fund. Under the proposal, penalties would be deposited into a new fund account, and after the fund is sufficiently built up, limited early payments could be made to eligible low-income workers facing immediate hardship, with a five-year review built in. Business and labor representatives both supported the general framework, though business raised concern about safeguards to recover funds if a claim later proved invalid or fraudulent. The committee also received an overview of Washington’s apprenticeship system and the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. L&I described Washington as a state apprenticeship agency with higher standards than the federal system, and said registered apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. L&I reported more than 15,500 active apprentices, 4,800 new registrations, 2,500 completions, and 206 active sponsors. Members asked about the difference between state and federal apprenticeship pathways, the role of program sponsors and training agents, and the objection process for new programs. L&I said objections do not stop approval but can delay recognition, and noted ongoing internal work to improve the process. The presentation also highlighted strong post-apprenticeship earnings and return on investment. Finally, the committee heard updates on wildland firefighter respiratory protection, the impacts of federal cuts to NIOSH, and ESD’s unemployment insurance and workforce systems. L&I and SHARP said wildland firefighters face significant smoke exposure and cancer risk, but current respirator options are limited by remote conditions, communication needs, fit, and heat; no NIOSH-approved commercial respirator currently meets the relevant NFPA standard. L&I said Washington’s firefighter rules do not currently require respiratory protection for wildland firefighting. On NIOSH, the presenter warned that federal cuts and grant disruptions could reduce training, surveillance, firefighter cancer research, agricultural safety work, and exposure-assessment programs, including work relevant to Hanford and mining safety. ESD reported rising UI claims, a stable unemployment rate, federal funding uncertainty, and pressure on the trust fund, but also described technology and process changes that have reduced call-center bottlenecks and improved claim processing. ESD said a 90-day pilot that compresses phone hours has increased calls answered and work completed while improving timeliness of first payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• It had opened doors to lead integration efforts nationally.
• The National Defense Authorization Act is a bill that gets passed every year.
• They've done several state capitals around the nation, including the U.S. Capitol.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky has been chosen to host a national conference on this topic in September.
• </c> national recognition. national recognition.
• conference on this topic in national conference on this topic in September.
• Um, we cannot look at agriculture as anything other than national security and a national security issue
• And we are continually other nations.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process. Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work. Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• California currently has the highest poverty rate in the nation at 20.4 percent.
• In addition, Californians pay the highest gas taxes in the nation, often paying 50 to...
• The comments that were just made play into really a national...
• We connect all of the small towns and cities to the national network.
• Short-line railroads link communities to the national rail system.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the national perspective, I will pass it over to Michael Zimmer.
• These shortage issues are really driving the national conversation. Next page.
• So you've heard the national general health care experience.
• So you've heard the national general health care experience.
• We as a nation have had increasing maternal mortality since the 1980s.

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the national anthem.
• National Retail Show in last this last National Retail Show in last this last January<00:43:04.200><c
• nation nation and<01:47:29.360><c> protect</c><01:47:29.920><c> victims.
• </c> foreign clinic. foreign clinic.
• </c> enacted a version of the National enacted a version of the National Association<02:06:43.760><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it's it's a universal it's a national it's it's a universal it's a national standard<00:43:00.120
• :53:13.280><c> it's</c><00:53:13.440><c> certainly</c> the national picture, it's certainly the national
• </c> the nation. the nation.
• </c><02:06:15.880><c> like</c> um are they foreign like um are they foreign like um<02:06:17.520><c>
• </c><02:30:31.040><c> pricing</c> HMSA have favored nation pricing HMSA have favored nation pricing in

Transcript Highlights:

• These shortage issues are really driving the national conversation.
• These shortage issues are really driving the national conversation.
• Next page. issues are really driving the national conversations. Next page.
• So you've heard the national general health care experience.
• We as a nation have had increasing maternal mortality since the 1980s.

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Summary: The committee opened with an extensive update on the expected effects of federal HR1 on Washington’s health care system, especially Medicaid and the individual market. Governor’s office and Health Care Authority staff said the bill is likely to cause immediate coverage losses in the exchange beginning in January, followed by larger Medicaid impacts over the next several years. They highlighted likely premium increases, administrative burdens from more frequent eligibility checks and work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, and possible effects on rural hospitals and safety-net providers. They also noted separate CMS rules already being implemented in Washington on prior authorization, managed care access, home- and community-based services, and eligibility/enrollment, and explained how those rules interact with HR1’s new requirements and timelines. Members asked about Planned Parenthood funding, work requirements, rural health grants, provider impacts, and how the state will use existing systems and a forthcoming timeline to prepare for implementation. The committee then received an update on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Presenters described the state’s clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation tool used to assess readiness, a grant program for career guidance and clinical training, and a 2025 law adding a hardship waiver process. National presenters from World Education Services and the Federation of State Medical Boards said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but approaches vary widely. They recommended clear guardrails, employment offers before application, ECFMG certification, supervised provisional practice, data collection, and protections against exploitation. Committee members asked about portability across states, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue additional options such as dedicated residency slots, preceptorships, or practice-ready assessment models. The final topic was an update on the Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles praised the state’s work, noting Washington’s high Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of building infrastructure to support equitable maternal care. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched on January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled with Apple Health, 287 clients served, and 641 claims paid so far, while also acknowledging barriers such as provider enrollment, claims submission, client matching, and language access. Doulas for All described the hub as part of a broader effort to expand access, support community-based birth workers, and reduce maternal and infant mortality disparities, especially for Black and Indigenous families.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 229 relating to general definitions for foreign collection of governmental information and

Bills: HB4 , HB20 , HB40 , HB46 , HB 101 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB 121 , HB 127 , HB146 , HB150 , HB186 , HB229 , HB426 , HB521 , HB541 , HB549 , HB632 , HB713 , HB796 , HB 1052 , HB 1106 , HB 1135 , HB 1234 , HB 1306 , HB1403 , HB1523 , HB1532 , HB1690 , HB1960 , HB2035 , HB2217 , HB2399 , HB2488 , HB2517 , HB2594 , HB2655 , HB2686 , HB2731 , HB2757 , HB2820 , HB2963 , HB3005 , HB3053 , HB3073 , HB3225 , HB3320 , HB3333 , HB3336 , HB3441 , HB3483 , HB3516 , HB3520 , HB3697 , HB3748 , HB3793 , HB3848 , HB4099 , HB4134 , HB4144 , HB4158 , HB4233 , HB4236 , HB4285 , HB4350 , HB4359 , HB4464 , HB4580 , HB4690 , HB4730 , HB4848 , HB4904 , HB4995 , HB5196 , HB5294 , HB5381 , HB5435 , HB5437 , HB5509 , HB5606 , HB5646 , HB5658 , HB5661 , HB5663 , HB5666 , HB5672 , HCR40 , HCR59 , SB867 , SB2919 , SJR5 , SJR27 , SB4 , SB6 , SB7 , SB9 , SB13 , SB15 , SB23 , SB27 , SB30 , SB40 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB268 , SB293 , SB331 , SB413 , SB447 , SB457 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB571 , SB650 , SB763 , SB777 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1494 , SB1522 , SB1540 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1610 , SB1660 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2217 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2337 , SB2368 , SB2373 , SB2407 , SB2431 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2900 , SB2965 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3059 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB17 , SB21 , SB260 , SB379 , SB509 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , SB2601 , SB2778 , HB300 , HB2011 , HB2525 , HB5246 , HB 100 , HB 101 , HB 119 , HB227 , HB252 , HB322 , HB346 , HB654 , HB705 , HB718 , HB721 , HB824 , HB 1094 , HB 1234 , HB 1306 , HB1506 , HB1523 , HB1629 , HB1690 , HB1868 , HB1960 , HB1973 , HB2012 , HB2035 , HB2037 , HB2078 , HB2128 , HB2213 , HB2240 , HB2348 , HB2520 , HB2598 , HB2686 , HB2694 , HB2820 , HB3005 , HB3057 , HB3092 , HB3112 , HB3171 , HB3181 , HB3185 , HB3333 , HB3388 , HB3516 , HB3546 , HB3619 , HB3623 , HB3629 , HB3642 , HB3686 , HB3697 , HB3749 , HB3793 , HB3812 , HB3815 , HB3848 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4158 , HB4170 , HB4202 , HB4211 , HB4214 , HB4233 , HB4285 , HB4350 , HB4361 , HB4463 , HB4464 , HB4466 , HB4559 , HB4630 , HB4748 , HB4765 , HB4848 , HB4894 , HB4904 , HB4995 , HB5093 , HB5196 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5624 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5652 , HB5654 , HB5655 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5664 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5677 , HB5679 , HB5682 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5698 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR76 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HB748 , HB5652 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB 1306 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB1629 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB4690 , HB4464 , HB3623 , HB2520 , HB2213 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB3619 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB346 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5674 , HB3185 , HB2348 , HB 1135 , HB 101 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5658 , HB4144 , HB3642 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB4158 , HB4630 , HB1523 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB2820 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB4466 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4995 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB3686 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB718 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB4765 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HB 121 , HB3336 , HB5294 , HB5646 , HB4236 , HB 1052 , HB5509 , HB5435 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB2517 , HB2488 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB3073 , HB2655 , HB2399 , HB541 , HB4099 , HB 111 , HB1532 , HB3483 , HB2963 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB713 , HB632 , HB426 , HB4730 , HB 127 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB5655 , HB3385 , HB2757 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB20 , HB 123 , HB549 , HB5606 , HB2217 , HB2594 , HB796 , HB 1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR76 , HCR81 , HCR46 , HCR111 , HCR83 , HCR84 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB 121 , HB426 , HB541 , HB713 , HB 1052 , HB1532 , HB2217 , HB2488 , HB2517 , HB2655 , HB2757 , HB2963 , HB3073 , HB3697 , HB4099 , HB4144 , HB4158 , HB4236 , HB4285 , HB4848 , HB5435 , HB5437 , HB5509 , HB5646 , HB5666 , HB14 , HB 1240 , HB796 , HB1523 , HB5294 , SR559 , SR587 , SR614 , SCR53 , SJR59 , SB10 , SB22 , SB25 , SB34 , SB36 , SB38 , SB261 , SB777 , SB924 , SB1188 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1448 , SB1621 , SB1862 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB8 , SB12 , SB37 , SB441 , SB1566 , SB2878 , HB300 , HB2011 , HB5246 , HB 101 , HB 119 , HB227 , HB252 , HB346 , HB654 , HB718 , HB721 , HB824 , HB 1306 , HB1629 , HB1868 , HB1960 , HB1973 , HB2012 , HB2035 , HB2037 , HB2213 , HB2348 , HB2520 , HB2598 , HB2686 , HB2694 , HB2820 , HB3005 , HB3092 , HB3112 , HB3185 , HB3333 , HB3388 , HB3516 , HB3546 , HB3619 , HB3623 , HB3629 , HB3642 , HB3686 , HB3815 , HB3848 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4170 , HB4202 , HB4214 , HB4350 , HB4361 , HB4463 , HB4464 , HB4466 , HB4559 , HB4630 , HB4765 , HB4894 , HB4904 , HB4995 , HB5196 , HB5320 , HB5624 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5652 , HB5654 , HB5655 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5664 , HB5665 , HB5670 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5677 , HB5679 , HB5682 , HB5695 , HB5698 , HCR46 , HCR76 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HB 1094 , HB3171 , HB3793 , HB4233 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB5694

Transcript Highlights:

• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• It had opened doors to lead integration efforts nationally.
• They've done several state capitals around the nation, including the U.S. Capitol.
• State capitals around the nation, including the U.S. Capitol.

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• The national average is 68%, so we're still a little behind.
• If we can get to the national average and from there into being a top 10 state, then more older adults
• If I can add to that, what I will say is that we are now the first state in the nation to be rolling
• Monica Miller on behalf of the National Council of Jewish Women, LA Chapter, and we are here today to
• And the National Academy of Sciences report from Barbara Lee and Ms.