Transcript Highlights:

• Shaby Hina, on behalf of the California Nurses Association, in support.
• Hannah, with the California Nurses Association, in support.
• In health care, a platform known as ShiftKey has been reportedly providing disparate wages to nurses
• It is unclear what the platform is drawing on to offer these wages, so nurses are forced to deal with
• Hannah with the California Nurses Association, in support.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shaby Hina on behalf of the California Nurses Association in support.
• Hannah, with the California Nurses Association in support. Seeing no other witnesses in support.
• In health care, a platform known as Shift Key has been reportedly providing disparate wages to nurses
• It is unclear what the platform is drawing on to offer these wages, so nurses are forced to deal with
• Hannah with the California Nurses Association in support.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• such as passport to manhood and football leadership enrichment programs such as passport to manhood
• He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
• He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
• The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership recognition initiative.
• She has been an active member of the Luke Air Force Base Youth Program for nine years.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a redundant program.
• It's a redundant program, so it's not necessary.
• I'm a chair of the plumbing program advisory committee at Perry Tech College.
• I'm a chair of the plumbing program advisory committee at Perry Tech College.
• Some farms are forced to rely on guest worker programs to fill these shifts.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2524 would create a State Security Guards Industry Standards Board within L&I to set minimum standards for security guard pay, leave, benefits, and training, funded in part by a $25 transfer from security licensing fees. The bill’s sponsor and labor supporters said it would professionalize the industry, improve safety, and address high turnover and inadequate training. Security workers described unsafe conditions, retaliation, and being expected to handle crises without enough support. Opponents from business and security companies argued the bill duplicates existing licensing and training rules, would raise costs, and gives too much authority to an unelected board; L&I said it had administrative concerns about timing and fee handling. The hearing on HB 2524 was then closed. HB 2513 would change plumbing license suspension rules by keeping the current three-infractions-in-three-years standard for residential work, while creating a five-infractions-in-five-years standard for non-residential plumbing violations. The sponsor and supporters from mechanical contractors and labor said repeat violators undermine safety and fair competition, and that the bill gives L&I a stronger enforcement tool against bad actors in commercial work. Several plumbing contractor groups opposed the bill as written, focusing on a new subsection they said was vague and could create an undefined corrective process or overly broad discretion for L&I; they asked that the subsection be removed or the bill be delayed for more stakeholder work. L&I requested an effective date of January 1, 2027 to allow time for rulemaking. HB 2611 would reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours starting January 1, 2028, and would also change paid sick leave accrual from one hour per 40 hours worked to one hour per 32 hours worked. The sponsor and labor supporters said a shorter workweek would improve work-life balance, reduce burnout and turnover, and could increase productivity, citing examples from San Juan County and other places. Business, hospitality, grocery, construction, agriculture, and janitorial representatives opposed the bill, saying it would raise labor costs, reduce hours and flexibility, complicate scheduling, and hurt industries with thin margins or seasonal demands. The committee heard no votes or final action on HB 2611 before closing the hearing and ending business for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 76 offers nursing mothers an exemption from...
• Senate Bill 76 offers nursing mothers an exemption from jury duty.
• So again, this bill offers nursing mothers an exemption from jury duty, and again, we... ...exemption
• midwife, or a... ...certified nurse midwife, or a pediatrician.
• I can remember when I was a child, and my mother nursed me.

Bills: SJR 1 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 36 , SJR 1 , SJR 5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SR 61 , SR 91 , SR 97 , SR 103 , SR 104 , SR 112 , SR 115 , SR 116 , SCR 16 , SB 26 , SB 26

Transcript Highlights:

• by program.
• </c><00:08:15.599><c> by</c> is go kind of goes by program by is go kind of goes by program by program
• program for decades.
• program for decades.
• program for decades.

Summary: The House Committee on Labor held an informational briefing on August 22, 2025, to receive an update from DEH on statewide recruitment efforts aimed at reducing vacancies across state departments. Director Hashimoto, joined by DEH staff, presented on two hiring initiatives: Wikiwiki Hire and Operation Hire Hawaii. The committee focused on how each program works, how quickly applications are screened and referred, and how the programs differ from standard recruitment procedures. For Wikiwiki Hire, DEH described it as an accelerated recruitment pathway used mainly for classes with multiple vacancies. DEH screens applications every two weeks, then sends qualified applicants a list of participating departments and recruiter contact information so applicants and departments can connect directly. Committee members asked about effectiveness data, timelines, and whether the process aligns with the merit principle. DEH said the program is intended to speed hiring, that departments are not required to interview every person on a list, and that applicants can be hired as vacancies are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so long as all qualified applicants have the same opportunity. DEH also said it could provide data later and that it is working through a backlog of screenings. The committee then discussed Operation Hire Hawaii, an executive-order-based hiring effort launched in February to expedite hiring, including for displaced federal workers but open to all applicants. DEH reported more than 6,000 applications, 127 recruitments, 81 closed recruitments, and 142 hires, with a goal of conditional offers within two weeks. DEH said it turns applications around daily, while departments do the initial screening, interviews, and hiring decisions, with DEH completing final qualification screening and suitability checks at the end. Members asked about the program’s duration, its low conversion rate, and what happens to applicants who are not hired; DEH said it can refer qualified applicants to other vacancies and that the pilot was originally intended to run about a year, with possible extension if departments want it to continue.

Transcript Highlights:

• , including a recent DEED program training Philips and Mayo employees, and continuing to support K-12
• , including a recent deed programs, including a recent deed program<00:18:12.480><c> training</c><00:
• I'm a surgeon, and, you know, we look at, say, the nursing workforce.
• </c> know we look at say the nursing know we look at say the nursing workforce<00:39:36.160><c> um</c
• </c><01:20:44.719><c> wanting</c> mentioned earlier around nurses wanting mentioned earlier around nurses

Bills: HF1316 , HF4369

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, W-9, W-4, newly hired workers, rehired employees, labor organization

Transcript Highlights:

• Certified registered nurse anesthetist, and continue serving others through her career.
• such as passport to manhood and football leadership enrichment programs such as passport to manhood
• The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership recognition initiative.
• Through these experiences, Aubrey has been able to step into her leadership. program year.
• I can't thank you for all the programs and hours Thank you so much enough for coming today.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. May Modi. A series of personal privilege introductions followed, including the Chief of Security, members of the Junior League of Phoenix, several Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates, and a student guest. Members also read a proclamation honoring the Junior League of Phoenix for civic engagement and volunteer service. The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including a motion to not concur in Senate amendments to HB 2010 and appoint a conference committee. The House moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted recommendations on a number of Senate bills. On the first calendar, SB 1009, SB 1046, SB 1143, SB 1221 as amended, and SB 1613 were advanced, with SB 1221 receiving an Olson floor amendment. On the second calendar, SB 1013, SB 1338, SB 1540 as amended, and later SB 1121 as amended, SB 1318, SB 1549, and SB 1786 as amended were all reported do pass, while SB 1270, SB 1400, and SB 1582 were retained on the calendar. Several bills drew debate. SB 1013 prompted discussion over merit-based hiring and whether the bill’s exclusions of sexual orientation and gender identity were appropriate. SB 1540 drew criticism as special legislation favoring the fuel industry, while supporters said it was a fairer approach to theft penalties. SB 1121 was described as a bipartisan health-care worker safety measure addressing radiation exposure, though opponents called it a vendor-driven mandate. SB 1318 was presented as a cleanup bill to align breast cancer notification language with federal standards, and SB 1786 received a technical amendment. The House also passed SB 1113, SB 1193, SB 1448, and SB 1503 on third reading, with SB 1503 receiving the required three-quarters vote and emergency clause. The House appointed a conference committee on HB 2003, and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> pilot program. pilot program.
• pilot program, and the SNAP administration program.
• pilot program, and the SNAP administration program.
• Nursing. Nursing.
• </c> of this program. of this program.

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel that if there are opportunities to enhance training programs so that they make them feel more
• The pilot program title is off, and the Bill is not currently funded.
• That violation is subject to disciplinary penalties under the applicable medical and nursing practice
• It does not create a new state program or appropriate state funds. Therefore, the...
• I took Iboga under supervised supervision with doctors and nurses and paramedics in Tijuana, Mexico in

Bills: HB3767 , HB3934 , HB4199 , HB4336 , HB2947 , HB3834 , HB4302 , HB4095 , HB3287 , HB3649 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB2059 , HB3647

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: controlled dangerous substances, controlled substances, drug scheduling, Schedule I, Schedule IV, anti-drug diversion, drug diversion, synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine analogs, opioids, hallucinogens, depressants, pharmacy regulation, narcotics control, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, DEA scheduling

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> s</c> uh dual language immersion program s uh dual language immersion program s that<00:20:59.480
• So this is trying to encapsulate the uniqueness of dual language immersion programs.
• That program actually generated more teachers of color than anything we've done to date.
• I'll just withdraw. program here in Minnesota um like these program here in Minnesota um like these tier
• </c> on a pedestal it was um cops and nurses on a pedestal it was um cops and nurses and<01:05:03.520

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Va, their Hawaiian studies program, pre-K-5.
• :10.800><c> their</c><00:15:11.040><c> Hawaiian</c><00:15:11.600><c> studies</c><00:15:12.160><c> program
• </c><00:15:12.800><c> prek25</c> Va their Hawaiian studies program prek25 Va their Hawaiian studies program
• Um, this bill just changes existing laws to allow for advanced practice registered nurses to submit affidavits
• Um, this bill just changes existing laws to allow for advanced practice registered nurses to submit affidavits

Bills: HB2391 , HB2294 , HB2374 , HB1997 , HB2147 , HB2185 , HB1641 , HB2195 , HB2023 , HB2031 , HB2033 , HB1937 , HB2586 , HB2575 , HB2030 , HB2115 , HB2233 , HB1801 , HB1546 , HB2132 , HB2102 , HB2356 , HB2457 , HB2292 , HB2554 , HB676 , HB1528 , HB2061 , HB2094 , HB2095 , HB2181 , HB2369 , HB2578 , HB2493 , HB1642 , HB1991 , HB1652 , HB2104 , HB2593 , HB1553 , HB1823 , HB1918 , HB1860 , HB2604 , HB2605 , HB2001 , HB2437 , HB1947 , HB2384 , HB2473 , HB2140 , HB1458 , HB2603 , HB2411 , HB1611 , HB2138 , HB2141 , HB2284 , HB1568 , HB1924 , HB1928 , HB2570

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been revealed that the Department of Budget and Management has been using training programs for
• 01:30.159><c> been</c><00:01:30.280><c> using</c><00:01:30.680><c> training</c><00:01:31.200><c> programs
• </c><00:01:31.680><c> for</c> has been using training programs for has been using training programs for
• I believe that the coverage said that he spoke at a nurses event, and Rachel has the clip to send around
• </c><00:09:09.040><c> event</c><00:09:09.640><c> and</c> said that he spoke at a nurses event and said

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> then put them in an after school program then put them in an after school program to<00:44:50.160
• </c> stand up and train people for a program stand up and train people for a program they're<00:55:49.680
• </c> that will basically establish a program that will basically establish a program that<01:29:02.000
• </c><01:30:11.440><c> if</c> I know in some taxpayer programs if I know in some taxpayer programs if
• program program and<01:30:16.080><c> this</c><01:30:16.400><c> does</c> and this does and this does

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• So this just opens that up to allow these nursing homes to have an advanced practice registered nurse
• entering or being readmitted to a nursing home.
• If we eliminate the inspection program, we will keep unsafe vehicles off the road.
• Schools don't have to do it, but they can adopt the program.
• We worked on this last year and this year both, and it is, as he said, a voluntary program.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding by each program.
• Since the risk of litigation program is the only means of finance in that program, the interagency transfers
• I have applied for two grants on the sexual assault nurse examiner program.
• Does your coroner have a SANE nurse?
• of Services program.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first reviewed the Department of Justice FY 2027 budget, which was presented at $117.8 million, with most funding coming from statutory dedications and the largest program areas being criminal law/Medicaid fraud and civil law. The Attorney General described major work in Troop NOLA, Medicaid fraud, opioid and PBM litigation, and especially child exploitation and online predator investigations. She said ICAC tips are rising sharply, local law enforcement partnerships have expanded, and her office needs more analysts, more permanent positions, and more expenditure authority for the legal support fund and related programs. Members asked about case backlogs, staffing, settlement funds, and whether more resources could be directed toward outreach, mental health, and technology; the Attorney General said she wants to expand cyber capacity, training, and prevention efforts, and that some settlement recoveries are being used to support existing programs and fraud enforcement. Committee members also focused heavily on child safety, truancy, and mental health. Several representatives described local concerns about online exploitation, trafficking, self-harm, and the need for school-based training and community outreach. The Attorney General said she wants a broader prevention strategy involving parents, schools, and behavioral health resources, and she discussed using outreach models such as anti-vaping campaigns and town halls. On opioid settlement oversight, members raised concerns about the size of the funds and the need for stronger state oversight; the Attorney General agreed more structure and compliance monitoring would be useful and said drug courts and treatment programs are effective investments. The committee then moved to the judicial branch budget presentation. The judiciary requested $229.6 million in FY 2027, plus $5.6 million in one-time funding, with most of the budget coming from state general fund. The presentation highlighted increases for judge salaries, staff pay adjustments, health insurance, operating costs, and 17 unfunded positions, along with one-time requests for security and technology upgrades. Chief Justice John Weimer and other justices said the budget would help core court functions and statewide programs such as CASA, drug courts, and FINS, and they emphasized the need for better staffing and technology in the courts. A major discussion centered on truancy and the FINS program. Justice Griffin said statewide collaboration with education officials had reduced truancy and that FINS officers are trained to identify children who may be runaways or trafficking victims. The justices and members supported expanding FINS so every judicial district has coverage, and they said the program helps keep children out of deeper system involvement. Members also asked about security funding, technology improvements, and the 17 unfunded positions, which were described as mostly clerical, IT, and support roles in appellate and district courts. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or they just don't trust those programs.
• For every dollar invested, the program returns many times that investment to the public.
• So state programs have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars.
• But being able to recover those attorney fees, like in other public programs, it allows attorneys to
• But being able to recover those attorney fees, like in other public programs, it allows attorneys to

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line two, the House maintains its position relating to the Florida Center for Nursing.
• On line three, the House maintains its position relating to the linking industry to nursing education
• program.
• On line four, the House accepts the Senate position relating to fee waivers or university programs of

Summary: The final conference committee meeting of the Appropriations Chairs on June 13, 2025, focused on exchanging and explaining offers on several budget-related bills. The House presented offers on SB 2502 (statewide implementing bill), SB 2504 (state employees collective bargaining), HB 5015 (state group insurance and higher education implementing bill), and HB 7031 (sales tax reductions). House explanations covered implementing bill issues in agriculture/natural resources and state administration, collective bargaining language, state employee insurance, higher education provisions such as carry-forward spending for deferred maintenance, nursing-related programs, fee waivers, direct-support organizations, capital outlay procurement, and presidential compensation, and a broad tax package including elimination of the business rent tax and new or permanent sales tax holidays and exemptions. A representative of the Florida Association of Counties testified in support of reducing the business rent tax but urged the committee to preserve local option sales taxes for local infrastructure needs. The Senate then presented offers on SB 7022 (retirement), SB 2506 (natural resources), the health and human services/health care implementing bill, and SB 2514. Senate explanations included maintaining positions on retirement language, a new land acquisition provision in SB 2506, modified language on I-Connect in the health care implementing bill, and proposed changes in SB 2514. After a brief recess, the Senate accepted the House offers on SB 2502, SB 2504, HB 5015, and HB 7031, and the House accepted the Senate offers on SB 7022, SB 2506, SB 2514, and the health and human services/health care implementing bill. The committee then adopted a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And today, Washington State ranks among the least successful compensation programs in the nation, with
• I am a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner and a clinician. Ms.
• Osman, I am a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner and a clinician here in Washington State.
• I am a doctorately prepared nurse practitioner and a clinician. Ms.
• Osman, I am a doctorately prepared nurse practitioner and a clinician here in Washington State.

Bills: SB6087 , SB5934 , SB5520 , SB6017 , SB5890

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats, child safety seats, baby formula, diapers, strollers, cribs, playpens, high chairs, used goods, donation centers, Washington RCW

Transcript Highlights:

• programs in Colorado.
• So, Madam Chair and Senator Block, the individuals that are in these programs are in programs that last
• It's a really big burden to change a residency program.
• So Madam Chair and Senator Block, the individuals that are in these programs are in programs that last
• And that are in these programs are in programs that last from three to seven years.

Bills: SB4 , SB7 , SB9 , SB17

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, medical education, salaries, graduate education, clinician pay, health sciences, education funding, faculty salary, University of New Mexico, healthcare funding, general fund, state budget, New Mexico legislation, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks