Transcript Highlights:

• spring blade knives is permissible if it's with a law enforcement contract, with a law enforcement agency
• It creates a powerful incentive for agencies to split lawsuits into two cases for the same consumer.
• However, they can also lead providers to raise prices, require upfront payments, or reduce services.
• And thank you so much for allowing us to speak to our agency considerations. Thank you so much.
• And that can often lead to outcomes that we don't want. And you've heard of some of those today.

Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide expertise to WSDOT and to other agencies and to the public on drones.
• DOT agency, any grants going into the state of Washington.
• emissions programs, which are collectively making great progress toward eliminating lead in aviation
• Collectively making great progress toward eliminating lead in aviation fuel by 2030.
• We would encourage you to follow his lead.

Bills: SB5989 , SB5898 , SB6240 , SB6244 , SB6231 , SB6228 , SB6220

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, aeronautics, taxation, aircraft fuel, state funding, aviation fuel, hazardous substance tax, air quality, noise mitigation, environmental impact, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, data center

Transcript Highlights:

• So it leads us to an estimated commercial properties covered of only about 5%.
• From underwriting to agency brokerage and working with agents and broker producers and account execs,
• But this leads me then to my question: where we have these civic buildings, whether they be schools or
• So we are not an executive branch agency. We are not a legislative agency either.
• And as of 2022, I am our lead for the long-term evaluation of Initiative 502, which is what we'll be

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Summary: The committee held a work session on earthquake insurance and later on Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) cannabis and I-502 research. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner explained that earthquake coverage is usually excluded from standard property policies, is expensive, and often carries very high deductibles. Staff also described admitted versus surplus line insurers, and introduced parametric insurance and captive insurance as specialized risk-transfer tools mainly used by commercial and sophisticated buyers. OIC data showed about 226,000 admitted earthquake policies in 2023, with most personal policies concentrated in the Puget Sound and Vancouver areas and commercial endorsements more broadly distributed. A second panel, including insurance and banking representatives, focused on potential catastrophic earthquake exposure for commercial buildings and collateralized loans. They argued that many commercial properties may lack earthquake coverage, leaving banks and the broader economy exposed if owners default or surrender damaged properties after a major quake. They discussed the Nisqually earthquake, the Cascadia subduction zone, building age, soil and slope conditions, retrofit standards, pollution remediation, and the need for property resilience assessments and inventories of vulnerable buildings. Members asked about consumer impacts, affordability, education, and whether legislation like prior work on unreinforced masonry buildings could help reduce risk; the Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is costly and that affordability is a major concern. Committee members also discussed inventories and risk assessment efforts, including state geologist work on school buildings and whether similar approaches could be extended to nearby private structures. The presenters said banks likely have good inventories of their collateral but may not know which properties are most vulnerable to earthquake damage. The discussion ended with a request for follow-up information on consumer education and disaster planning resources. WSIPP then presented its long-running evaluation of Initiative 502 and cannabis legalization. Staff explained WSIPP’s nonpartisan role and its legislatively directed 20-year study, with final benefit-cost work due in 2032. The presentation summarized prior findings that cannabis misdemeanor convictions dropped sharply after legalization, though racial disproportionalities persisted at lower absolute levels. WSIPP also reported that shorter drive times to cannabis retailers were associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving local drivers, higher THC-positive rates among blood-tested crash drivers, and higher cannabis use disorder diagnoses and co-occurring substance use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. For high school students, nearby retail access was associated with more reported use, more unexcused absences, and a lower likelihood of graduating on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, WSIPP said retailer openings were associated with higher cannabis use disorder diagnoses, hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, while emphasizing that the analyses show associations rather than direct causation and that results are specific to Medicaid enrollees.

Transcript Highlights:

• the funded ratios for those programs have significantly improved, and so that's played a role in leading
• of this study and making a recommendation is to make sure that we have reasonable assumptions that lead
• It would be before the next CPP meeting. does lead to higher prices.
• “However, different agencies use different assumptions for different purposes.
• It includes full reprints of the responses from the various agencies that we've received so far.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are having two guests from the Climate Office of the Agency of Natural Resources.
• We should not be expanding a system that our own agencies have warned us is not ready and may never be
• to cases stretching too often lead to cases stretching beyond<00:50:28.840><c> the</c><00:50:28.960>
• </c> any of our victim services agencies any of our victim services agencies within<01:26:34.680><c>
• </c> important that we also have agencies important that we also have agencies um um um that<01:27:18.080

Transcript Highlights:

• The geek speak leads you to the number one asset we are seeking to protect: the data.
• The rabbit holes eventually will lead us to the largest loss, which is trust.
• </c><00:05:09.880><c> to</c><00:05:10.120><c> the</c><00:05:10.479><c> largest</c> eventually will lead
• us to the largest eventually will lead us to the largest loss<00:05:11.520><c> which</c><00:05:11.639
• This cost accrues to the agency conducting the rulemaking.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We expect to see further initiatives from federal agencies.
• Massachusetts has been the lead of two lawsuits against NIH, challenging their funding disruptions to
• And sometimes you don't have a federal agency counterpart who provides that type of clarity.
• This group brings together state agencies and advocacy organizations to stay connected and coordinate
• This group brings together state agencies and advocacy organizations to stay connected and coordinate

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, the agency is approved for 56 FTEs. This would bring our total count to 60.
• So, statutorily, what drives our agency and our budget request is the total.
• For all agency recurring budgets, including ours and the other executive agencies, the recommendation
• He has served in various capacities, administrative, and most recently has been the lead.
• The only agency currently supporting teacher housing formally is the PSFA through the PSCOC fund.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• We are grateful for the responsibility to help guide. the agency, and it's an agency that we did not
• That is not a digital agency.
• Formalizing what's called a tri-agency, which are those three agencies.
• The state's lead agency for affordable housing, community services, energy assistance programs, zoning
• Workforce reports, but it does give a snapshot of all the state agencies the individual agencies and

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• More programs. open more doors, build more dreams, and lead to more possibilities.
• Grade inflation leads to adverse side effects to our students and employers alike.
• A's are the most common grade given in college today, which leads us to our next topic. leads us to the
• Yes, as a public university, it's a state agency and we.
• So this will bring awareness. and help them understand the process that leads to jobs and to leading

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So I detectives and there were no leads.
• Um, I think this really gets agencies.
• Um it our law enforcement agencies I me.
• </c> what our local law enforcement agencies what our local law enforcement agencies who<01:11:48.400
• </c> operations of a law enforcement agency. operations of a law enforcement agency.

Summary: The committee met for its sixth meeting, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting. The main agenda item was a presentation from Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) leaders and county officials on jail funding and jail-system reform. Speakers said county jail costs have reached crisis levels, citing large and rising general-fund subsidies in counties such as Hardin, McCracken, and Warren, and noting that county general-fund contributions to jail funds have increased by 76% since 2019. KACo outlined a three-part legislative approach for the upcoming session: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and redefining the model for housing state inmates in county jails. On regional jails, they proposed one-time state construction funding, statutory changes to allow former county jails to serve as 96-hour holdover facilities, broader participation of jailers on regional jail authority boards, an increased supplement for closed county jails, and a one-time payment for counties that close local jails and join regional facilities. Union County Judge Adam Onan described his county’s savings from contracting with Webster County and said regionalization can reduce costs where feasible. Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley focused on pre-trial felony detainees, saying counties bear the full cost of housing people awaiting trial for long periods, sometimes years, and that pre-trial time is later credited toward state sentences. He argued the state benefits from that credit and referenced prior bills that would have reimbursed counties for time-served credit. Shelley Hampton then proposed replacing the current per diem model for state inmates with contracts requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs and to support programming such as substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academics. No votes were taken on the jail proposals, and the meeting ended with the presentation and discussion of the county recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requests from law enforcement agencies requests from law enforcement agencies around<00:13:07.440
• to all of the state agencies except for two.
• agencies except for two um the other two agencies except for two um the other two are<00:32:55.559><c
• <00:52:30.799><c> me</c><00:52:30.920><c> to</c><00:52:31.119><c> another</c> leads me to another leads
• </c><01:40:17.080><c> from</c> things that kept smaller agencies from things that kept smaller agencies

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• , and that agencies should be complying and implementing the wishes of the legislature.
• One of the things that I've heard from my retailers with past increases is it leads to higher taxes,
• leads to more theft at the convenience stores.
• But it leads to other problems. And so I'm going to recommend a no vote. Thank you so much.
• It's going to lead to higher mortgage costs, which doesn't make things more affordable in our state.

Summary: House Finance held a bill briefing and executive session on a large set of tax and revenue measures, with staff outlining proposed substitutes and amendments for bills affecting grocery store incentives, insurance premium/B&O tax treatment, tobacco taxes, financial institutions, lodging taxes, fire district levy rules, local tax increment financing, limited equity cooperatives, tourism assessments, and sustainable aviation fuel credits. Members also heard brief summaries of bills on nonprofit assembly hall property tax exemptions and a city levy adjustment related to fire protection districts. Two bills scheduled for public hearing were not reached and may be rescheduled after House of Origin cutoff. In executive session, the committee adopted or rejected several amendments before voting bills out. HB 2297 on grocery stores in underserved communities advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the property tax exemption; the bill was reported out 9-5-1. HB 2487 on insurance tax treatment advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove retroactivity and clarify annuity treatment; it was reported out 8-6-1. HB 2382, which raises cigarette and other tobacco taxes and changes tobacco tax structures, adopted amendments redirecting some revenue to health accounts, excluding nicotine-free vapor products, and restoring current-law treatment for modified-risk tobacco products before passing 8-6-1. HB 2451 on tax increment financing, HB 2590 on limited equity cooperatives, HB 2325 on a tourism self-supported assessment program with a tribal opt-in amendment, HB 2278 extending a lodging tax charge, HB 2224 adjusting levy rules for fire protection districts, and HB 2322 on sustainable aviation fuel tax credits all advanced, with some by voice vote. During debate, supporters generally framed the bills as targeted incentives or clarifications to support food access, wildfire mitigation, tourism promotion, housing affordability, or clean fuel investment, while opponents raised concerns about tax shifts, affordability, retroactivity, and whether dedicated revenues should instead come from the general fund. Several members noted that some measures still needed further work before floor action, especially HB 2487 and HB 2382. The committee adjourned after reporting the listed bills out with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Association of California Water Agencies.
• allowing generators and other resources to be shared among agencies.
• allowing generators and other resources to be shared among agencies.
• allowing generators and other resources to be shared among agencies.
• The plan must be developed in coordination with the local emergency agencies.

Summary: The Emergency Management Committee met to adopt its rules and hear a series of disaster- and public safety-related bills. Several measures were placed on consent and approved, including bills sending items to Appropriations, Natural Resources, Judiciary, Labor and Employment, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 262, by Assembly Member Caloza, proposed a California Individual Assistance Act to create a state grant program for disaster-related costs when federal aid is unavailable; supporters cited Rio Dell’s earthquake recovery as an example, while some members raised concerns about eligibility, cost, and whether the bill could aid undocumented residents. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote. AB 549, by Assembly Member Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics, with supporters emphasizing public safety and anti-trafficking planning. An opposition witness argued the bill could be used to justify prostitution arrests and misuse trafficking funds, but the committee members largely supported the coordination concept, and the bill passed 6-0 to Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 270, by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, would establish a three-year pilot for autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters overseen by the Orange County Fire Authority; supporters described it as a way to extend wildfire response into conditions where crewed aircraft are limited, and the bill passed 6-0 to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, sought to require Ventura County water districts in high fire-risk areas to top off tanks during red flag warnings, maintain backup generators, and harden critical water infrastructure. Water agencies opposed the bill unless amended, citing cost, flexibility, and liability concerns, while the author argued the requirements were necessary after failures during the Thomas Fire; it passed 6-1 to Utilities and Energy. AB 615, by Assembly Member Davies, required emergency response plans to be submitted with initial applications for battery energy storage and other energy facilities and to be reviewed with local responders; it passed 7-0 to Utilities and Energy. AB 1075, concerning privately contracted firefighters, also passed on consent to Natural Resources. Finally, AB 1143, by Assembly Member Bennett, would create a voluntary statewide home hardening certification program through the State Fire Marshal; supporters called it a best-practices approach to reduce wildfire losses and insurance risk, and it passed to Natural Resources. The committee then completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned after all bills were moved out.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this goes to all these agencies to create innovation within the agencies.
• How do we ensure that we're not reinventing wheels from one agency to another agency.
• similar in most ways to a different agency.
• this bill that says how one agency will work with the other agency.
• to develop those master plans within each of those agencies that Will, you know, and those agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to be what the state needs us to be as a state agency.
• When I came to the agency three years ago, the system had been relatively flat.
• That it's a standalone agency. I don't think that's the case.
• Agencies.
• We have a smaller team with multiple vacancies, leading to a higher workload across our agency staff.

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• that what we propose today—focusing resources on high-demand training and demanding accountability—leads
• Prioritizing pathways that lead to careers is a necessary investment.
• We have the opportunity to lead by codifying this pathway and backing it with strategic tax relief.
• So I do follow Representative Soder's lead in supporting this bill favorably because I do see it as vital
• This strategy has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the International Agency

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are America's Games, and America's transit agencies are showing up and committing.
• I've been leading the transportation efforts for Caltrans.
• I've been leading the transportation efforts for Caltrans.
• of meetings with the administration and state agencies to identify opportunities.
• secure a lower cost to local state agencies or local agencies, I should say.

Transcript Highlights:

• Low pay and rising costs will lead to greater turnover, uncompetitive job openings, diminished quality
• consequences low pay and Rising costs consequences low pay and Rising costs will<00:05:10.039><c> lead
• > to</c><00:05:10.360><c> Greater</c><00:05:10.720><c> turn</c><00:05:11.080><c> turnover</c> will lead
• to Greater turn turnover will lead to Greater turn turnover uncompetitive<00:05:12.880><c> job</c><00
• burnt with Leading Age Minnesota and<00:10:48.360><c> care</c><00:10:48.600><c> providers</c><00:10:

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In short, we know that we let the communities lead, and then we follow alongside to support.
• Heat is the leading cause of death among national weather fatalities.
• We could lead the charge on that and help start protecting our communities.
• The New Mexico Environmental Agency, as well as our federal agencies, have some limitations in monitoring
• It makes it very difficult for these agencies to monitor.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs