Video & Transcript Research : 'voting technology'
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NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The ISA device is a proven technology.
- you could do it with modern technology you could do it with modern technology and<00:43:44.319><
- Others have spoken to that, and I encourage you to please vote for it and to support it and to vote for
- for it and to support it and to vote for it and to support it and to vote<00:49:58.400>
for <00 - vote for law and order. Thank you. vote for law and order. Thank you.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I WILL SAY IT WAS NOT AN AI TECHNOLOGY IT WAS AN EMERGING AI TECHNOLOGY, WHICH IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT'S
- IT IS AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY POLICY.
- AND THAT IS NEW TECHNOLOGY.
- IF WE START WITH TECHNOLOGY THAT'S BACK WORDS.
- AND FACULTY AND STAFF FOR HOW DO WE USE TO UTILIZE AI TECHNOLOGIES TO ADVANCE OUR TECHNOLOGY EVEN FURTHER
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- They did debate the amendment and also voted on the amendment. And it came down to one vote.
- If it if it were, I vote um at all.
- It modifies the commission's vote process applicable to life sentences to require an affirmative vote
- Has everyone recorded their vote? Madam, do you want to explain your vote? Uh, yes, ma'am.
- immediately after floor for voting immediately after floor for voting session.<01:57:38.680>
Summary:
The House convened with 126 members present, heard the prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and then took up a series of Senate messages and committee reports. Senate bills on consent calendars 21 and 22 were read the first time and referred to committees. The House then adopted favorable reports, often without amendment, on a wide range of bills including workers’ compensation evaluation procedures (HB 1325), a state shark designation (HB 97), several local alcoholic beverages measures, commemorative months for Muslim American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage (HB 661), and local license commissioner changes in Anne Arundel, Worcester, Harford, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s counties.
Several bills were amended before being ordered printed for third reading. HB 121 (Baltimore County alcohol sales) was amended to change the sponsor to the Baltimore County delegation. HB 1335 on Department of Information Technology workforce recruitment and retention was amended to convert the measure into a study and recommendations report. HB 1037 on PSC oversight of broadband and VoIP was similarly amended from direct oversight to a study and report. HB 1164 on water and sewage rate consolidation and limited-income mechanisms was amended to remove rate-consolidation provisions, require a PSC study, and delay implementation. HB 1381 on stopping or parking in bike lanes added exceptions for emergency, transit, disability pickup/drop-off, disabled vehicles, loading/unloading, and construction or maintenance; HB 1504 prioritized sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects near highways with complete streets or Vision Zero policies; HB 912 adjusted community cat trap-neuter-return rules; and HB 969 clarified electric vehicle charging billing and service fees.
The most extended debate centered on HB 639, the Transportation Aviation Passenger Health and Safety Act. After amendments turned it into a reporting measure for fixed-base operators and aviation service companies regarding flights carrying detained individuals, warrants, refueling, and emergency-response documentation, members questioned its practical operation, safety implications, and possible federal preemption issues. The floor leader explained the bill as amended was intended to gather information for Maryland safety and emergency planning. On motion of the committee chair, the House agreed to special order HB 639 until the end of the session for further clarification. The House also amended and advanced HB 1063 on hunting management, including deer damage permits and Sunday hunting rules, and heard a brief statement from an Eastern Shore delegate about the Rural Caucus’s approach to offering amendments rather than opposing bills outright. The session ended with HB 972, creating the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, amended to rename the bill in honor of the late Delegate Charles Otto and to replace lottery funding with an annual appropriation; the House adopted the amendments and the favorable report.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Technology has changed. Other tests were developed the last 10 years.
- nation in many areas of research in aerospace and communications, and many other cutting edge technologies
- A record vote has been requested by Mr. Lowe. A record vote is granted.
- Lisa voting aye. Show Mr. Moody voting aye. Show Mr. McQueeney voting aye. have all voted.
- HB 120 by Bella Kaufman relating to the career and technology education programs in public schools and
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We will not be taking a vote on any of the items on the agenda today.
- I do think technology can assist. One area is early detection of fires.
- The fire ignition technology program, we funded that.
- So we continue to evaluate all that technology. ...station across the state.
- So we continue to evaluate all that technology.
Summary:
The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request.
Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals.
Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression.
The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- By a vote of? It's unanimous. OK. Unanimous vote 11-0.
- So I urge the committee to also vote for this unanimous.
- Is there any objection to the vote today? If not, clerk will.
- There is, to my knowledge, technology that does that.
- . vote for this.
Keywords:
family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, bail bonds, bail fund, charitable bail fund, nonprofit bail organization, public funds, local government spending, political subdivision, county, city, taxpayer lawsuit
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I voted for it.
- I'm only one vote of 14. my two cents. I'm only one vote of 14.
- <00:42:32.960>
on And I would encourage a yes vote on And I would encourage a yes vote on - I would ask for a yes vote.
- <01:23:30.320>
for could vote for could vote for it.<01:23:32.159>Not <01:23:32.320
Bills:
HF2436
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We talk about an advancing technology space, if you will.
- Greater use and development of advanced technologies.
- That's a range of very different technology disciplines.
- This underinvestment in technology adoption not only hinders operational... ...advanced technologies.
- Therefore, fostering a culture of technological innovation and providing resources for technology adoption
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links.
Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill.
Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 10th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Have all the senators voted? Will all the senators voted?
- vote.
- Or vote green on this bill, as the committee voted for a green vote.
- And I asked for a green vote, or I'd ask for a verification vote, and I asked the body to vote green.
- If all the senators voted, and any senator wants to change their vote.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal.
The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause.
The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments.
The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- For these reasons, we urge a no vote. Thank you.
- We ask for your aye vote on SB 1266. Okay. Mr.
- ballots, including voting systems.
- We respectfully ask for your aye vote today. We respectfully ask for your aye vote today.
- Haney: Not voting. That bill is out.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But it's a unique environment that we are actually voting members of the council, and we have some real
- We've been advised about an advocate for cutting-edge technologies like gene therapy.
- members of the council and we voting members of the council and we have<00:02:22.000>
some <00 - like gene therapy uh we've Technologies like gene therapy uh we've been<00:03:11.480>
able <00 - <00:42:52.520>
or like serve in the military or Vote or like serve in the military or Vote
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Apr 17, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 46
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She's with SAS, a data analytics technology company.
- <00:13:23.040>
I a data analytics technology company. - I a data analytics technology company.
- Okay, members, we'll be taking a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no.
- Members, we'll be taking a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no.
Keywords:
affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Chair: SB 360 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY BY YOUR VOTE.
- THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS SYSTEM TO DISTRIBUTE MORE MODERN AND UPDATED TECHNOLOGIES
- INCORPORATING DEFINITIONS FOR TECHNOLOGY NOT CONTEMPLATED BY THE ORIGINAL ACT AND REVISING OUTDATED
- BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SB 344 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
- SENATOR FINE. >> SENATOR GRUTERS. >> SENATOR INGOGLIA. >> SENATOR PIZZO. >> CHAIR BRADLEY. >> BUY YOUR VOTE
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/14/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, this is an easy vote.
- <00:53:31.440>
uh said who shall be a non voting uh said who shall be a non voting uh member - I'm going to move the bill and vote.
- , a clinician is using this technology, a clinician is using this technology, their<05:13:43.760>
- there a distinction for AI technologies there a distinction for AI technologies in<05:39:16.480>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/26/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- delete everything, we've already voted delete everything, we've already voted on<00:09:34.720>
tough vote to get on some of this stuff. tough vote to get on some of this stuff.- I hope you'll vote for the bill.
- I hope you'll vote for the bill.
- There being six aye votes and no nay votes, the motion is adopted. Senator Kupec. Thanks.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ta' not voting. Taugh not voting. Bacheco? Ramos. Aye. Ramos. Aye. Ransom? Not voting.
- Ransom not voting. Rubio. Aye. Ransom. Not voting. Ransom not voting. Rubio. Not voting. Stephanie.
- Not voting. Ramos not voting. Ransom? Not voting. Rubio? Aye. Rubio, aye. Stephanie? Aye.
- Not voting? Not voting. Carrillo, aye. Not voting. Thank you. Carrillo, aye. Hoover, not voting.
- Ka, not voting. Hoover, aye. Ransom? Hoover, aye. Ransom, not voting. Rubio already voted.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended.
The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee.
The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure Nov 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- According to our technology partners, Siemens Energy, technological changes to the equipment will eventually
- And these are very different technologies.
- And these are very different technologies.
- This is an emerging technology.
- Now we're ready to repatriate that technology.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure held a hearing focused on emerging technologies for climate resilience and infrastructure. The first panel discussed the Calistoga Resiliency Center, a utility-driven microgrid that keeps the city powered during public safety power shutoffs using hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and liquid hydrogen storage. PG&E described microgrids as a resilience tool but emphasized that cost remains the main barrier to wider deployment. Energy Vault explained the project’s design, its ability to provide at least 48 hours of backup power on a small parcel of land, and its use of green hydrogen and battery storage to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. A Calistoga councilmember and NCPA representative also discussed the Lodi Energy Center hydrogen project, saying it could help decarbonize power generation and transportation, but that federal and state funding changes, tax credit timing, and other policy shifts have made the project difficult to advance. The Green Hydrogen Coalition supported the Calistoga model as a blueprint and urged policy changes to create demand and reduce barriers for renewable hydrogen, including addressing behind-the-meter rules and recognizing hydrogen in state energy planning.
The second panel focused on water resilience and desalination, with the California Desal Association and Oneka Technologies discussing wave-powered desalination for the City of Fort Bragg. Cal Desal said California’s changing hydrology, reduced snowpack, and drought conditions make local water supply options increasingly important, but noted that conventional desalination is expensive and slow to permit. Oneka described its offshore, wave-powered system as a zero-electricity desalination technology that produces drinking water without greenhouse gas emissions and with limited land use, and said the Fort Bragg pilot is intended to demonstrate the technology under California conditions. The company and Cal Desal both stressed that permitting is a major obstacle, with the project requiring multiple agencies and a timeline far longer than in other jurisdictions. They also said the technology’s autonomous operation could improve water resilience because it does not depend on the electrical grid.
The final panel featured the Climate Foundation’s marine permaculture proposal, which aims to restore kelp forests and support carbon removal and coastal food systems. The presenter said warming oceans and nutrient loss have devastated kelp forests along the California coast and argued that offshore platforms that raise and lower seaweed to access nutrients and sunlight could help regenerate ecosystems while producing food, feed, fertilizer, and carbon benefits. He said the technology has shown strong growth rates and storm resilience in other regions, but that California permitting remains a major hurdle, involving 17 state and federal agencies. He proposed a streamlined, code-based permitting approach for smaller projects and said the group is seeking matching funds to complete a first California pilot. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly highlighted the tension between innovation and the high cost, complexity, and length of California’s permitting and funding processes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- More people voted no on Question 2 in 2014 than voted for or against any question or for or against any
- End-of-use technologies such as incineration and recycling aren't real solutions.
- Old outdated burn technologies are a thing of the past.
- We have the technology.
- “We’d encourage a favorable vote on this.
Summary:
The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions.
The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Evaluation & Accountability Program Jun 29th, 2026
Legislative Evaluation & Accountability Program
Transcript Highlights:
- So Kevin, should we vote on each of these separately?
- You guys can vote separately or if you want to vote all four of these changes at the end, that would
- I think I don't anticipate that we're going to have any negative votes, but we'll see.
- program support currently includes our operational functions such as human resources, information technology
- , you know, we are updating these... ...100-plus reports, partly because we need to because the technology
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 18, 2025 minutes, and heard four proposed budget format changes. Washington State Parks requested a structural change to separate and better track its Stewardship Services Division, including cultural and natural resources, environmental planning, and Climate Commitment Act investments. DCYF proposed moving direct service functions now housed in program support into the child welfare program so operational costs and direct services would be reported separately; members asked how this would help avoid across-the-board reductions affecting direct services, and the agency said the change would improve transparency and prevent that problem. The Department of Transportation sought to create a new Ferries Program Support sub-program to consolidate four related projects and two existing sub-programs into one administrative/project support structure, while the Department of Veterans Affairs requested only a title change for Program 20 from Field Services to Veteran Services and Counseling and Wellness. The committee voted unanimously to approve all four changes.
Kevin Feltis then gave an interim work plan and staffing update for LEAP. He said the office is continuing work on the rewritten capital budget application (BuildSUM), updating the transportation bond model, completing carry-forward levels for the 2027-29 biennium, publishing 2026 legislative budget notes, updating 2025 salary data, and participating in a LegiTech AI pilot for system development within the legislative network. He also noted LEAP’s role in supporting the new Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability. Staffing remained steady at 11 FTEs, with no retirements or staffing changes in the past year, though one vacancy may be filled later and two retirements are anticipated over the next four to five years.
The committee also discussed updates to the fiscal.wa.gov website. Planned work includes streamlining how budget data is updated when budgets are released, converting more than 100 reports from Microsoft Reporting Services to Power BI because support is ending, and evaluating whether the site’s search tool should be improved or replaced. Senators and representatives raised concerns about the number of clicks needed to reach capital and transportation project maps and about making public-facing budget information easier to find and understand. Staff said the website redesign was based on prior user testing and that they would look at ways to make maps and other top-level information more accessible.
Finally, the committee elected new officers under its alternating-chair rule. Representative Gregerson was nominated and elected chair, and Senator King was nominated and elected vice chair. The meeting then adjourned.