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:

• 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:

• </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:

• 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:

• </c> type of program? type of program?
• . blue sheet, we have one uh opposed.
• </c> blue sheets. blue sheets.
• </c> Did you get the hard copy of the blue Did you get the hard copy of the blue sheet?
• Uh, no one signed the blue thought. Uh, no one signed the blue sheet. sheet. sheet.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, 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:

• </c> Tax Credit program. Tax Credit program.
• </c> summer programming." summer programming."
• programs? programs?
• </c> reading programs. reading programs.
• </c> program would be a godsend. program would be a godsend.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• For the Interstate Bridge Program, I've reallocated that program to report to our assistant secretary
• So 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.
• That's the Rural Arterial Program at CRAB and the County Arterial Preservation Program.

Summary: The committee first met in brief executive session and advanced Senate Bill 5989 without recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee. Staff explained the bill would redistribute sales tax on aircraft fuel, affecting general fund revenue, which was why it was better suited for Ways and Means. The motion passed by voice vote. The committee then heard a presentation from Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith on WSDOT’s 2025 work and 2026 priorities. She highlighted agency reorganization, safety initiatives, preservation needs, bridge strikes and storm damage, ferry service improvements, major projects such as Revive I-5, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, fish passage work, and preparations for the World Cup. Members praised the department’s communication and work, and asked about additional paving and preservation funding; Meredith said WSDOT had prepared projects that could be advanced if more money were available. Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary John Vizina and staffer Jenna Forty followed with a detailed briefing on vessel and terminal preservation. They described the aging fleet, the need for new hybrid-electric vessels, the governor’s proposed funding for three additional ferries and life-extension work on older vessels, and the importance of terminal upgrades such as Fauntleroy. Senators asked about service contingency planning, the cost and timing of hybrid versus diesel vessels, and whether additional vessels would require rebidding; staff said hybrid-electric construction is the fastest path and that any expansion would depend on statutory direction and legal review. The committee then heard from local government representatives on preservation and storm recovery. The Association of Washington Cities and the Transportation Improvement Board described city road and bridge needs, limited local funding, and the importance of sustained preservation investment and programmatic grants. County representatives from the Washington State Association of County Engineers, Snohomish County, and the County Road Administration Board discussed the December flooding, road washouts, bridge damage, and recovery costs, emphasizing that counties face large preservation backlogs and need state and federal help for repairs and resiliency.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this will keep the program year.
• This is a program. He has some funding to get the program going.
• </c><00:42:34.560><c> of</c> going to keep their full on program of going to keep their full on program
• </c> anything that's in white here or blue anything that's in white here or blue that<02:06:02.719><c
• So, you're looking not at the gray shaded areas, but at the white and the blue. White and the blue.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s different than the social equity program I just talked about. It’s a separate fund.
• It's different than the social equity program I just talked about.
• It's a separate fund. and I It's different than the social equity program I just talked about.
• Just because they're not part of the medical program does not mean that they do not exist.
• program because we were directly impacted by the war on drugs, unfortunately.

Bills: H5005

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• training programs.
• as well, a residency program grant program that we run, and then the nursing grant programs too.
• the program.
• Programs hold.

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> pulls the plug on lifesaving programs. pulls the plug on lifesaving programs.
• This is not a school-funded program.
• </c> let us recognize the power of programs let us recognize the power of programs like<00:35:28.079>
• </c><04:32:35.279><c> The</c> capabilities pilot program. The capabilities pilot program.
• We established the tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking program as a formal program of

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also able to extend the reinsurance program for another two years for folks in the individual
• </c> able to extend the reinsurance program able to extend the reinsurance program for<00:03:38.400><
• just wondering where that all came from because my understanding is that while I know that probably Blue
• 00:05:33.759><c> know</c><00:05:33.919><c> that</c><00:05:34.320><c> probably</c><00:05:34.960><c> Blue
• </c> ...while I know that probably Blue Cross Blue Shield was in the room, and I know they sell a lot

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I just think this was a great program.
• How does this state, how does this eliminate a federal loan program, loan program, Mr. Chair? Mr.
• So when the fund was created in 2021, there were programs proposed that were affordability programs to
• Cross Blue Shield.
• And now that I make pretty good money, what happens is since I'm with Blue Cross Blue Shield, I get a

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 7, the Apprenticeship Assistance Act, which would keep apprenticeship trust fund distributions at $2.5 million rather than reducing them and remove a reference to the tobacco settlement permanent fund. Labor, construction, business, and environmental groups testified in support, emphasizing workforce development, retention of workers in New Mexico, and expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. The bill was moved and adopted without opposition. Members then considered House Bill 66, as amended, to increase funding for health professional loan repayment and related workforce supports. The amendment struck an appropriation because the funding was already included in House Bill 2. Testimony from health care providers, chambers of commerce, social workers, and physical therapy advocates supported the bill as a way to address provider shortages and improve recruitment and retention. After questions about eligibility, repayment terms, and overlap with similar Senate bills, the committee voted to do pass the bill as amended. House Bill 96, creating a working group to study a possible New Mexico Space Commission, was also amended to strike an appropriation. Support came from the chamber, Virgin Galactic, and aerospace advocates, who said a commission could help coordinate economic development and workforce efforts in the space sector. Members asked about other states’ commissions, workforce pathways, and the working group’s timeline, and the sponsor agreed to add clearer dissolution language later. The committee then passed the bill as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 80, a committee substitute to redirect more of the oil and gas conservation tax to the reclamation fund for orphan well plugging and site remediation. Supporters from industry, environmental groups, tribal advocates, and chambers said the bill would better align the tax with its original purpose and provide stable funding for cleanup, while an opponent argued the bill shifts costs from industry to the public and should instead raise the tax or bonding requirements. After discussion of backlog, phase-in timing, and procurement reforms, the committee voted do pass. The committee also heard House Bill 4, as amended, which phases in a larger share of premium surtax revenue to the Health Care Affordability Fund over three years. Supporters said it would sustain BeWell enrollment and affordability programs, while opponents questioned the burden on private payers and the size of the general fund impact. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed it on a 10-7 vote. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 65, as amended, creating a Foster Care Plus pilot project for children in CYFD custody, with testimony both supporting the need for better services and cautioning that implementation should respect tribal law, cultural practices, and family reunification. The committee also tabled House Bill 68 at the sponsor’s request. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 88, which would make minor changes to the land grant assistance fund, including capturing reverted payments that currently go back to the general fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• are there, they stop every car that goes by because it's not you're not picking somebody out of the blue
• are there, they stop every car that goes by because it's not you're not picking somebody out of the blue
• that meets the somebody out of the blue that meets the constitutional<00:07:31.919><c> standard</c><
• We're just giving them authorization to establish a fund to create this reserve officer program.
• We're just giving them authorization to establish a fund to create this reserve officer program.

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we just want to note that out of our clients' programs, 90% of apprentices trained through our programs
• So when the fund was created in 2021, there were programs proposed that were affordability programs to
• But the programs that are authorized under... ...is where we would like to go, but the programs that
• Cross Blue Shield.
• And now that I make pretty good money, what happens is since I’m with Blue Cross Blue Shield, I get a

Bills: SB241 , SB145 , HB2

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• So no new funding was appropriated for this program, for the CC program, in the 2025 legislative session
• programs, to the special mission-based programs, to our core participation loan programs.
• That's the blue bar.
• That's the blue bar. The green, Continues to be commercial and ag loans. That's the blue bar.
• So it depends on the program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• versus this program versus this program?
• For the wildfire mitigation grant program, it looks like there's currently a program in six counties.
• Programs.
• Program.
• When the program first started, there was a lot of grandfathering of foresters into the program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then some of the major program items follow on the rest of the report.
• So it's a program that's been established for a number of years.
• I'm on page 3 of the blue. Mr.
• And then on top of that, there is a program called IPAWS.
• So it's a very, very good program. So it's a very, very good program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the Attorney General’s budget and related agency presentations. Legislative Council first reviewed the compliance with legislative intent report and the base budget worksheet, highlighting current and ongoing appropriations, FTE changes, one-time funding items, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked about items such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding, and staff explained the funding sources and status of those programs. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then outlined the Attorney General’s office structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal and investigative work for state and local governments, and concerns about attorney salary competitiveness, the new and vacant FTE pool, and the impact of the 3% operating budget reduction on BCI, IT, and the crime lab. Members also discussed AG opinions, boards and commissions training, and the office’s litigation and settlement recoveries. Ness and committee members raised the possibility of broader attorney salary benchmarking across state government. The crime lab director described severe space and infrastructure constraints, including overcrowding, shared workspaces, glycol leaks, air handling limits, and aging fire and burglar alarm systems. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that a new building on the current health department site would best address the lab’s needs. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, drug, fingerprint, and firearms work, though toxicology had a recent delay after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director described the unit’s fraud, abuse, and neglect work, noted federal-state funding and recent federal scrutiny, and said the unit needs more staff. The gaming division reviewed charitable gaming growth, e-tabs, trust accounts, and compliance issues, while BCI covered its caseload, cybercrime and child sexual abuse material investigations, the missing indigenous person task force, and the use of lottery funds for drug task forces. No formal votes or budget actions were taken during the meeting.