Transcript Highlights:

• caught with this, maybe first offense we keep it the way it is, but second offense, you’re going up the river
• caught with this, maybe first offense we keep it the way it is, but second offense, you’re going up the river
• caught with this, maybe first offense we keep it the way it is, but second offense, you’re going up the river
• caught with this, maybe first offense we keep it the way it is, but second offense, you’re going up the river

Transcript Highlights:

• municipalities, one being Marjorie Smith's Dover people, who were upset about the wording of the Oyster River
• </c><00:42:16.560><c> of</c><00:42:17.200><c> the</c><00:42:17.599><c> Oyster</c><00:42:18.079><c> River
• </c> about the wording of the Oyster River about the wording of the Oyster River Massacre.

Committee: House Legislative Administration

Summary: The committee met in work session to consider amendments to House Bill 1332, which concerns Gold Star-related flag displays. Members discussed two proposed amendments: one would allow the governor to choose to honor Gold Star families by ordering display of the Gold Star flag at the State House and at the State Veterans Cemetery, and another would define the flags covered by the bill as those officially recognized by the federal government. Members debated whether the language should be mandatory or permissive, whether the State House display would trigger broader flag-flying requirements, and whether the veterans cemetery language was necessary. Testimony noted that the Gold Star flag is federally recognized, while the Honor and Remember flag has not been officially recognized by Congress. The committee also took up House Bill 1097, dealing with historic road signs and the committee referral for that bill. Representative Janet Wall explained an amendment changing the bill’s referral from the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to the Joint Historic Committee, saying the historic committee is better suited to handle issues involving historic signs and artifacts. She described the Joint Historic Committee’s broader jurisdiction after a prior statutory combination of committees, and members discussed whether that committee has authority beyond the State House complex. Supporters said the change would provide more appropriate oversight and public input on controversial historic markers; one member opposed legislative involvement in removing markers, arguing the issue should remain with existing historical and transportation entities. The amendment was discussed favorably, and members indicated they liked it. No final votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee appeared to set aside the Gold Star amendments for further consideration and moved on after discussion of the historic-signs amendment, with members noting the need to review the written amendment text before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the lift span, which is vital for both rail and river
• span which is vital for both the<00:50:50.559><c> rail</c><00:50:50.800><c> and</c><00:50:51.040><c> river
• traffic</c><00:50:52.240><c> on</c><00:50:52.480><c> the</c><00:50:52.640><c> 14th</c> the rail and river
• traffic on the 14th the rail and river traffic on the 14th street<00:50:53.280><c> bridge</c><00:50:

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum, so it could not approve the minutes. The chair announced an Eastern Kentucky University health forum later that day and then proceeded with testimony on alternative delivery methods for road projects. Jason Sawala of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Chad Laroo of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors were sworn in and introduced themselves. Sawala explained KYTC’s use of alternative delivery tools, including design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CMGC), and public-private partnerships (P3s). He said the cabinet’s goal is to deliver the best value to taxpayers in terms of quality, cost, and time, and emphasized that alternative delivery is most useful on projects with special circumstances such as innovation needs, specialized technology, complex constructibility, schedule pressure, or early contractor input. He cited the cabinet’s wrong-way driving prevention project as an example where design-build helped evaluate technologies and coordinate with stakeholders such as EMS and first responders. He also outlined the main tradeoffs: alternative delivery can improve collaboration and sometimes accelerate schedules, but it also brings risks related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, changing scope, and the need for dedicated staff and compressed decision-making. He stressed that these methods are not a cure-all and are not appropriate for every project, while noting that traditional design-bid-build remains effective for most of KYTC’s work. Representative Branscum responded favorably, saying early contractor involvement is valuable and consistent with his experience in the vertical construction world. No votes or formal actions were taken because the committee lacked a quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our three state park airports at Lake Barkley, Kentucky Dam Village, and Rough River.
• 00:04:07.160><c> Village,</c><00:04:07.760><c> and</c><00:04:08.000><c> Rough</c><00:04:08.280><c> River
• </c> Kentucky Dam Village, and Rough River. Kentucky Dam Village, and Rough River.

Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent 30B, which is Elk River, uh, now then Oak Grove and parts of Atgo.
• ,</c><00:02:40.000><c> which</c><00:02:40.239><c> is</c><00:02:40.319><c> Elk</c><00:02:40.640><c> River
• ,</c><00:02:41.360><c> uh,</c> represent 30B, which is Elk River, uh, represent 30B, which is Elk River

Transcript Highlights:

• was late for committee because I was in a conversation with Mindad and some constituents in the Elk River
• in</c><00:33:21.039><c> in</c><00:33:21.279><c> the</c><00:33:21.360><c> Elk</c><00:33:21.679><c> River
• </c><00:33:21.919><c> area</c><00:33:22.480><c> in</c> constituents in in the Elk River area in constituents
• in in the Elk River area in regards<00:33:23.039><c> to</c><00:33:23.440><c> transportation</c><00:33

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis River.
• </c><00:10:09.040><c> Louis</c><00:10:09.320><c> River.</c> located close to the St.
• Louis River. located close to the St. Louis River.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• They received funding for eight communities: Thief River Falls, Glenwood, Pelican Rapids, Alexandria,
• They received funding for eight communities: Thief River Falls, Glenwood, Pelican Rapids, Alexandria,
• They received funding for eight communities: Thief River Falls, Glenwood, Pelican Rapids, Alexandria,
• They received funding for eight communities: Thief River Falls, Glenwood, Pelican Rapids, Alexandria,

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Heavenly Father, long ago, the wise man reminded us that all the rivers run to the sea, yet the sea is

Transcript Highlights:

• So many of you may be familiar with a little issue we're having in the Illinois River watershed that's

Committee: All HOUSE MANAGEMENT

Summary: House Management considered a batch of House resolutions recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations, and approved them without objection or with voice votes. The measures included honors for Justin Tate and the Elkins football team; memorial resolutions for Senator Gary Stubblefield, Representative Stan Berry, and Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson; observances such as May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Arkansas Line Workers Appreciation Day; and recognitions for several championship teams, including the Roland Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team, the Mansfield Lady Tigers volleyball team, the Mansfield Tigers football team, the Pogy Patriots basketball team, and Rogers students. The committee also heard a resolution supporting poultry producers affected by litigation tied to the Illinois River watershed, and a resolution honoring the Junior League of Texarkana’s 100th anniversary. Members discussed the consent-calendar process and were reminded that noncontroversial resolutions are typically placed on the blue consent calendar, while memorials and potentially controversial items go to the red calendar. The parliamentarian explained that presentations are livestreamed and archived, and that members may bring up to three guests for floor presentations. Several resolutions were noted for upcoming calendar placement, including memorials on the red calendar and some recognitions on the consent calendar. All resolutions taken up in the meeting were approved. The chair also noted possible schedule changes, including a potential Thursday meeting and an additional meeting the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, I don't really have any crossing the Sabine River up here where I'm at, but it's, you know

Bills: HB129 , HB130 , HB854

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 17 and first took up House Bill 129, which would designate a portion of Louisiana Highway 173 as the Dr. Harry Blake Senior Memorial Highway. An amendment package was adopted that also added a separate designation for a portion of Louisiana Highway 3194 in Shreveport as the Virginia Green Evans Memorial Highway. Representative Walters described both honorees as important figures in civil rights and community service. HB 129 was then reported with amendments. The committee next considered House Bill 130, which redesignates the elevated portion of Interstate 220 in Caddo Parish as the American Legion Post No. 14 Memorial Bridge. Amendments were adopted to add “Memorial Bridge” to the name. Representative Walters spoke in support of honoring veterans, and HB 130 was reported with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 854, a specialty license plate bill. Amendments added several schools, made technical changes, required OMV implementation when statutory and system requirements are met, removed a provision allowing OMV to retain $1 per annual fee, and redirected annual fees to the Louisiana chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association and the R. Tamney-Fleming Lupus Foundation. Members raised concerns about the growing number of specialty plates and OMV’s ability to produce them, but HB 854 was also reported with amendments. After the bills, the committee received an update on the proposed privatization of the Cameron Ferry Service. The Secretary said the process began with an unsolicited proposal from Laborde and a competitive solicitation that produced a qualified bid, and that negotiations would focus on service improvements rather than guaranteed cost savings. Members asked about costs, maintenance, fuel, staffing, and the impact on travel times if the ferry is out of service. The Secretary said the goal is to complete the process by the end of the fiscal year, around July 1. The committee then adopted the minutes from the listed 2025 regular session dates and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to cross over the ferry bridge at the Snake River 10, 12 times a day, and when they open that

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• David Francis Schertz, Parker County, Lavaca Navidad Region River Authority, Brian Lee Churan, Jackson

Bills: HJR34 , HB6 , HB18 , HB39 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB647 , HB748 , HB762 , HB793 , HB 1240 , HB 1275 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1875 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2071 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2516 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4384 , HB4655 , HB4753 , HB4809 , HB4850 , HB5195 , HCR90 , HCR98 , SJR60 , SB203 , SB317 , SB719 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1319 , SB1483 , SB1633 , SB1798 , SB1978 , SB2233 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2928 , SB3038 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB9 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB840 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1253 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1559 , SB1789 , SB1951 , SB2037 , SB2143 , SB2155 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , HJR34 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB762 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB793 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB1584 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB4205 , HB5652 , HB3687 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB2495 , HB138 , HB18 , HB1700 , HB4655 , HB2516 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB300 , HB2713 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB24 , HB3088 , HB4163 , HB3479 , HB2842 , HB519 , HB609 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB 120 , HB6 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2760 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3260 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB5195 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB180 , HB5323 , HB2 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB 1306 , HB 1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB1978 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB719 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB719 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB762 , HB793 , HB 1275 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4655 , HB4809 , HB5195 , SB1978 , SR508 , HJR34 , SB963 , SB1383 , SB1883 , SB1968 , HB2525 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1039 , HB 1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1039 , HB 1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142

Transcript Highlights:

• ensuring and making sure that our water is drinkable anywhere in our state, and protecting our lakes and rivers

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an initial 20-year term, with an option for two 10-year renewals, at the Little River State Park
• projects in here, one related to the Newport courthouse replacement, and then one related to the White River
• President, but if you don't, if you could let me know which I think the White River Junction courthouse
• related</c><00:44:16.920><c> to</c><00:44:17.040><c> the</c><00:44:17.160><c> White</c><00:44:17.440><c> River
• </c><00:44:17.680><c> Junction</c> one related to the White River Junction one related to the White River

Transcript Highlights:

• Just this week, MPR ran a story on a proposed expansion of West River Dairy outside Morris in Stevens
• As Representative Persell shared, Carrie's in Stevens County where West River Dairy in Morris is looking
• As Representative Persell shared, Carrie's in Stevens County where West River Dairy in Morris is looking
• As Representative Persell shared, Carrie's in Stevens County where West River Dairy in Morris is looking
• As Representative Persell shared, Carrie's in Stevens County where West River Dairy in Morris is looking

Bills: HF4740 , HF3940

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• My<00:10:57.120><c> name</c><00:10:57.240><c> is</c><00:10:57.320><c> Pat</c><00:10:57.520><c> Rivers
• </c><00:10:57.800><c> I'm</c><00:10:57.920><c> a</c><00:10:57.960><c> deputy</c> My name is Pat Rivers
• I'm a deputy My name is Pat Rivers.
• uh,</c><01:00:00.920><c> sorry,</c><01:00:01.160><c> fire</c><01:00:01.560><c> rover,</c> uh, a a river
• , uh, sorry, fire rover, uh, a a river, uh, sorry, fire rover, uh,<01:00:02.320><c> safety</c><01:00:

Bills: HF3426 , HF3896 , HF1426 , HF3793 , HF4061 , HF4246

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• also a United States Air Force veteran, formerly incarcerated, and an enrolled member of the Hualapai River
• also a United States Air Force veteran, formerly incarcerated, and an enrolled member of the Hualapai River
• I represent the Gila River Indian Community and they are opposed to.
• I represent the Gila River Indian Community, and they are opposed to this legislation.
• I represent the Gila River Indian Community, and they are opposed in requesting a no vote, and I am in

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to radiation protection in cardiac catheterization labs and later a stem cell/regenerative therapy bill. On SB 1121, which would allow hospitals with radiation protection systems to let clinicians forgo lead aprons if they work in the designated safety area and use real-time dosimetry, testimony was largely supportive or neutral after a late amendment gave radiation safety officers discretion to require protective gear if exposures approach thresholds. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-1 vote. SB 1120, a more prescriptive bill requiring at least 50% of cath lab rooms in hospitals to be equipped with the radiation protection system, drew divided testimony: sponsors and several physicians argued it would reduce orthopedic injury and radiation exposure and improve recruitment and retention, while hospital and radiology groups objected to the mandate, cost, limited vendor pool, and lack of clarity in the bill’s definitions. After adopting an amendment excluding children’s hospitals, the committee deadlocked 6-6 and SB 1120 failed to pass. The committee then considered SB 1118, which would appropriate $3 million to help rural hospitals install radiation protection systems in cath lab rooms. The sponsor said the funding would help rural facilities meet the same safety goals, and the committee passed the bill 6-5. The committee also heard SB 1214, a “guardrails” bill regulating non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, requiring informed consent, sourcing and reporting standards, advertising limits, and civil penalties for violations. Supporters said it would protect patients while allowing access to promising therapies; some members raised concerns about evidence and commercialization, but after adopting a technical amendment, the bill passed 9-3. The transcript ended as the committee moved on to SB 1630, which would seek federal approval for a home- and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness; the sponsor described it as a capped, Medicaid-based community care option, and Access testified neutral while estimating a fiscal impact, but no final action on SB 1630 appears in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Skamania Pioneer, the Golden Dale Sentinel, and the Columbia Gorge News, which serves both sides of the river
• Lastly, on December 10, 2025, the governor declared a statewide emergency in response to an atmospheric river
• Lastly, on December 10, 2025, the governor declared a statewide emergency in response to an atmospheric river
• In Kent, that river caused a lot of damage.
• Most people in Pasco go across the river to Kennewick and Richland to do their shopping.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on multiple bills, beginning with a motion to suspend the five-day notice rule for a long list of Senate bills, which passed on a voice vote. The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 6026, a governor-request housing bill that would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, limit mixed-use/ground-floor commercial requirements in some areas, and allow added height where such requirements are imposed. The lieutenant governor testified strongly in support, arguing the bill would add needed housing capacity without requiring ground-floor retail burdens. The hearing on SB 6026 was then suspended so the committee could move through the agenda. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6294, a broad local government finance measure with eight parts, including expanded uses for certain REET revenues, a new county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded housing-related tax uses, changes to county levy structure, longer lid lift periods, and expanded use of rental car tax revenue. Local government, housing, and public health witnesses largely supported the bill, emphasizing flexibility for affordable housing, rental assistance, children’s services, and county fiscal stability. Opponents, including wireless industry, water/sewer district, auto dealer, realtors, energy, and cannabis representatives, objected to specific tax provisions as regressive, costly, or likely to raise consumer prices. Several witnesses requested amendments, including adding public health clinic funding and flood recovery language from House bills. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a state grant program funded by a surcharge on large search engines and social media platforms to support journalism jobs and the Murrow Fellowship program. News organizations, the League of Women Voters, open government advocates, and local journalism supporters testified in favor, saying local news is essential to civic life and that the bill would help sustain reporting without using general fund dollars. Technology industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly singles out tech companies and could face legal challenges. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6211, which would let opt-in GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; cities and counties supported it as a parity and infrastructure funding measure, while Realtors opposed the loss of voter approval. Senate Bill 5650, authorizing local cannabis excise taxes, drew support from some local officials but strong opposition from cannabis businesses, which argued Washington’s cannabis taxes are already too high and drive sales to the illicit market. Senate Bill 6033, waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who failed to collect new sales tax on certain services, was supported by NFIB as a compliance and fairness measure. Senate Bill 6297, exempting temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health providers from sales tax, drew strong support from behavioral health organizations citing workforce shortages and unsustainable costs. Finally, Senate Bill 6343, extending and expanding tax relief for disaster-damaged property and repairs, was presented as aid for flood recovery; local officials testified in support. No final committee votes on the bills were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• supporting the proposed buildout of a Niron Magnetics factory in Sartell, Minnesota, like supporting Great River
• /c> cartel Minnesota like supporting uh cartel Minnesota like supporting uh Great<01:01:29.599><c> River
• > Energy</c><01:01:30.280><c> and</c><01:01:30.440><c> other</c><01:01:30.720><c> co-ops</c> Great River
• Energy and other co-ops Great River Energy and other co-ops Great<01:01:31.440><c> River</c><01:01:31.720
• 32.079><c> has</c><01:01:32.200><c> an</c><01:01:32.359><c> $812</c><01:01:33.359><c> million</c> Great River

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy