Transcript Highlights:

• But we're also seeing massive layoffs resulting from H.R. 1 and skyrocketing gas prices due to Trump's
• This may only be part of the story; estimates, projections, and expectations are all that the AI revolution
• Experts estimate that 300 million jobs could be displaced globally in the next 10 years.
• Experts estimate that 300 million jobs could be displaced globally in the next 10 years.
• But when barriers remain, we all pay the price through higher turnover and insufficient talent pools.

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on worker protections, AI, workplace safety, and employment access. AB 1697 would delay implementation of AB 692 on employer debt traps by one year to allow more time to address collective bargaining concerns; it drew support from the NFL and no opposition. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on immigration-related threats used by employers to intimidate workers, with strong support from immigrant-rights, labor, and legal aid groups describing coercion and fear among undocumented and new-arrival workers; it advanced on a divided roll with some members voting no or not voting. AB 2511 would require DIR to study pay disparities between behavioral health and medical-surgical providers, with supporters arguing low reimbursement drives provider shortages and opponents warning of duplicative reporting, proprietary-data concerns, and added administrative burden; it was moved forward to the Health Committee. AB 2157 would make permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund Pilot Program, with displaced refinery workers and labor/environmental groups supporting the bill as a needed transition tool; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2530 would require 60-day notice for public-employer layoffs, relocations, and closures, narrowed by amendment to public agencies; supporters said public workers deserve the same notice protections as private-sector workers, while some opposition sought clarification, and the bill passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 2488, which would direct DIR and UC to study Cal/OSHA inspector vacancies and recruitment pathways. Supporters, including a laid-off refinery worker and WorkSafe, said chronic understaffing has weakened enforcement and that experienced workers could fill the gap; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2545 would create an EDD study of AI-related workforce displacement and safety-net impacts, with labor and tech-policy supporters warning of large-scale job loss and the need for data to plan for unemployment and other public programs; business groups opposed the reporting and task-force structure but acknowledged the issue, and the bill passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2027 would restrict employers and vendors from using worker data to train or deploy AI systems that replace workers, while limiting collection to what is necessary for employment administration; supporters framed it as a privacy and anti-displacement measure, and opponents argued the definitions were too broad and could hinder useful workplace technologies. The bill advanced to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 2095, the Fair Chance Act bill, was presented to clarify and strengthen rules limiting conviction-history screening in hiring, including written explanations and protections for applicants seeking promotions or new roles with current employers. Supporters described ongoing discrimination against people with records and the need for a real second chance, while opponents said the bill was too broad, added burdens, and could conflict with existing statewide rules. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on AB 2095, but the discussion centered on balancing reentry opportunities with employer concerns about individualized assessments and safety-based hiring decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on our estimates in terms of what an effective program for New Mexico and our economic condition
• me, Madam Chair, Senator, when these companies that are not in opt in, it's not going to make the price
• We have seen the increase in the price of silver tremendously, the same as gold as well.
• New Mexico has substantial untapped geothermal potential estimated in the hundreds of gigawatts, but
• New Mexico has substantial untapped geothermal potential estimated in the hundreds of gigawatts, but

Bills: SB190 , SB152 , SB77 , SB150 , SB151 , SB156 , SB172 , SB182 , SB185 , SB212 , SB170 , SB133 , SB174 , SB163

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• Surveillance pricing undermines the concept of a uniform price.
• With surveillance pricing, the price that you see may not be the price that someone else sees, and you
• Surveillance pricing hurts consumers in several ways, including by discriminating in prices based on
• moving the baseline price.
• So this is the price point that becomes the price that's going to be offered in the grocery store.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• This estimate is the largest project in Delaware, probably in the last 30 years, that in one single project
• certain construction milestones to be met before updating things like economic studies and cost estimates
• And I think that will—it's good for a consumer because it drives down prices.
• And I think that will, it's good for a consumer because it drives down prices.

Committee: Joint Capital Improvement

Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would like to invite to the witness stand Michael Shaw, Kirsten Price, and Mark Neville.
• For the record, my name is Kirsten Price. I'm the financial secretary of ATU Local 1765.
• their review, approval, and then the follow-up inspections, and what that might have on how bids are estimated
• For our city, we estimate hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional street maintenance funds will

Bills: SB6253 , SB6311 , SB6262 , SB6335

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: public transportation, governing bodies, transit authorities, local government, community planning, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, vehicle weight, transportation, fees, public infrastructure, funding, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, this bill removes the requirement that DOC sells abortion medications at list price plus
• B-11 requires any health care entity to pay DOC list price paid by DOC for any abortion medication received
• There was a fiscal note received, and based on Department of Corrections estimates, roughly $280,000
• There was a fiscal note that was received and based on the Department of Corrections estimates of roughly

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5977, which would require DCYF to publish child near-fatality review reports within 180 days and post them publicly, with confidential information redacted as allowed by law. Senator Nikki Torres said the bill is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and child protection. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6184, an Office of Homeless Youth request bill sponsored by the chair. The bill makes technical and policy updates to OHY programs, including replacing the term “street youth” with “unaccompanied homeless youth,” allowing certain flexible funds to go directly to youth or vendors, renaming and making permanent the H-Sync program, expanding eligibility and housing options in the Independent Youth Housing Program, and clarifying shelter and reporting provisions. Testifiers from Commerce, advocates, school support organizations, and a youth advocate all supported the bill, emphasizing that the changes would improve access, consistency, and housing stability for unhoused youth. The hearing was then closed. The committee moved into executive session on seven bills. SB 5681, concerning intellectual and developmental disability services at age 20, had Amendment A1 fail and the proposed substitute was adopted and sent to Ways and Means. SB 5917, regarding abortion medication in DOC, saw one amendment adopted and multiple Christian amendments rejected before the bill was sent to Rules. SB 5942, renaming the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and revising its duties, had only Amendment C16 adopted; the amended bill passed to Rules. SB 6024, on duplicative audits for community residential providers, passed without amendment. SB 6036, concerning adult family homes and foster care licensees, had Amendment D1 adopted and the bill passed to Rules. SB 6085, on the DOC institutional welfare account, had Amendment E1 adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means after several other amendments failed. In each case, the committee voted to advance the bill after considering amendments, with most of the proposed changes from Senator Christian failing except where noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll see how that impacts our project pricing going into this grant cycle NY26.
• Estimated impact of federal funding changes again, just like I'd mentioned in ODAA, they can get FAA
• It's always been based on estimates.
• incentivize a company come out to western Oklahoma by reducing their rent or we can go ahead and charge full price

Committee: House A&B Transportation Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• In fiscal year 25, we estimate that the state spent $17.4 million on students who did not qualify for
• The more meals we serve, is there a correlation that the price may drive down?
• Chair, and representative, no, it will not significantly change the price per meal. Thank you, Mr.
• Is that being factored into the estimates and expectations that there may be an overrun this year as

Transcript Highlights:

• We have had an estimate of $450 billion of federal impacts if they are all moved forward, and another
• coupled with annual increases in department and program operating costs due to inflation in the consumer price
• language also adjusts the commissioner's existing authority to set hourly examination rates based on estimated
• it. it, is to allow them to adjust it over time. as an add-on that would take the production of the price

Transcript Highlights:

• That's due to an estimated recapture reduction of $1.1 billion.
• on the bill language, that will probably necessarily reduce those estimates.
• As Maggie mentioned previously, they'll provide an updated estimate.
• However, they are incorporated into our estimates for the program.
• Because I think we have estimates now for...

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is to send refunds for overpayment of estimated quarterly premium taxes.
• So our original damage estimate from the insurance company was $7.1 million.
• When we went through the procurement process to get the bid and get a contractor started, their estimate
• They're within the last few items, pricing, different things like that that they're using.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• , farms are common in flood plains, partially because the soil is rich, but also because property prices
• One blueberry farmer estimated that, best-case scenario, they're looking at 40% crop loss.
• agricultural businesses that filled out Snohomish County's flood impact survey reported a combined estimated
• It took them a rough estimate of 900 volunteer hours just to clear the debris from their land.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on the December 2025 flooding in Washington and its impacts on agriculture, with no public testimony. Emergency Management Division Director Robert Azel described the storm sequence, record rainfall, widespread river flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and damage to homes, roads, flood control infrastructure, and agricultural land. He said the state was preparing a major disaster declaration request and noted that mitigation investments and interagency coordination helped reduce losses, while debris removal and federal reimbursement remain important next steps. Snohomish County Emergency Management Director Lucia Schmidt focused on farm impacts in Snohomish County, where tens of thousands of acres were underwater. She described damage to equipment, fences, hoop houses, feed, hay, nurseries, and perennial crops, and said many small farms face losses not well covered by existing federal disaster programs. She urged funding for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s disaster assistance program and emphasized the importance of helping small-scale farms recover to preserve the local agricultural community. WSDA Assistant Director Kelly McLean outlined the department’s disaster response role, including food and feed safety, animal health, livestock sheltering, and coordination of resources. She described efforts to keep feed and dairy products moving, support dairies and livestock producers, connect farmers to relief and mental health resources, and distribute food assistance. She also said WSDA is working on a report due in July with recommendations for small and mid-sized farms and noted interest in developing a broader agricultural disaster assessment tool. Washington State Dairy Federation policy director Jay Gordon described repeated flooding in the Chehalis Basin and other areas, praised state and local partnerships, and argued that continued flood mitigation, storage, levee adjustments, and basin-specific planning are needed because these events are becoming more frequent and severe. Committee members asked about debris removal, federal disaster assistance, insurance challenges, farmworker impacts, and future mitigation projects, and the chair adjourned the meeting after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• We estimate that cost at 35.5 million dollars. Well, sir, Well, not every circuit is underfunded.
• that money would only be going to the underfunded circuits, but that's the total amount that we're estimating
• So if historically, CCRC Middle estimates five cases this year, they're looking at ten new cases.
• Kinds of items are the leasing it out of by price tag there? So can you tell us about that?

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the total price tag for this is $6.47...
• And then the total price tag for this is $6.47. I have that. Without medical.
• And then the total price tag for this is $6.47. I have that. Without medical.
• But we might say this formula is higher price. But I think, Jamie, you figured 4, right?
• Rough estimate. Don't you like it when the boss puts you on the spot?

Summary: The committee met to review updates on low-completion academic programs, dual credit funding, and a draft higher education funding formula bill. Lisa Johnson of the University System explained the State Board of Higher Education’s proposed policy on low-completion programs, which would review associate through doctoral programs with fewer than 10 undergraduate or fewer than 5 graduate completions over a rolling five-year period. She said campuses already know which programs are low-performing, many terminations have involved programs with no students, and faculty are often reassigned rather than laid off. Members asked about online programs, the basis for the 10/5 thresholds, reactivation of inactive programs, and whether state priorities include workforce needs and legislative direction. The committee also discussed that some programs, such as sonography or foreign languages, may continue because of workforce or regional needs, and that the board’s policy is still moving through the approval process. The committee then heard a Commerce Department update on a $750,000 workforce development grant for tribally controlled colleges under SB 2018. Kerry Kraft reported that Turtle Mountain Community College was the only applicant and that it is using the grant to develop dual credit and workforce pathways in areas such as cybersecurity, medical assisting, welding, solar energy, public safety, and health care. Members asked why other tribal colleges did not apply, how many students are participating, and whether the program belongs in the Commerce budget or higher education budget. Kraft said the project is still in development, with no current enrollments yet, but the college has a goal of 210 students and has historically met a 75% completion rate or better. A major portion of the meeting focused on dual credit funding. Senator Sickler summarized the Institutions Committee’s work on quality, access, and cost, noting that most high school dual credit instructors now meet credentialing requirements and that access varies by region and school district preference. He presented cost data showing variation among campuses and discussed a possible single funding rate for subsidized dual credit, using a lower base rate as a model. Members questioned the direct and indirect cost calculations, whether dual credit is already funded through the formula, and whether a separate dual credit rate would require removing those credits from the general funding formula to avoid double payment. The committee then turned to a draft funding formula bill, with staff explaining technical corrections, a change to make UND and NDSU align with the other institutions’ undergraduate rates, a four-year average for research funding, and other revisions. Members discussed the overall fiscal impact, with staff estimating the proposal would increase funding compared with the current formula, and the committee also raised concerns about how dual credit, Tier 1 funding, and certificate programs should be treated in the formula. No final vote was taken, and the committee recessed to allow staff to refine the numbers and additional comparisons.

Transcript Highlights:

• The estimated per-patient lifetime cost associated with HIV is more than $850,000.
• Thank you, Senator Price. I look forward to seeing how this goes. Thank you, Senator Perez.
• I remember when restaurants were going through having to pay the very costly price of understanding the
• And that is not a price that is trickled down to the individual consumer.
• And that is not a price that is trickled down to the individual consumer.

Committee: Senate Health

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2696, Commerce Authority gas prices prioritization — Natural Resources.
• There's obviously the moral argument here as well, but why do we want to raise prices on all our goods
• There's obviously the moral argument here as well, but why do we want to raise prices on all our goods
• Otherwise, our prices aren't very meaningful. But the gold we have cannot expand.
• Pima County estimated prior to the 2022 election, it would decrease provisional ballots by over 80%.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's because it's high quality but at a much lower price.
• structures that may include real-time pricing.
• pricing or dynamic pricing mechanisms.
• Which may include real-time pricing or dynamic pricing mechanisms.
• Please consider clarifying the pricing through long-term power purchase contracts.

Bills: HB2515 , HB2343 , HB2301 , HB2272 , HB2367

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: energy facilities, large energy use, regulation, state oversight, infrastructure, water quality, game farms, public health, environmental protection, regulatory oversight, extended producer responsibility, paint waste management, environmental regulations, sustainability, recycling, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi uh yeah just to follow up with that I just want to in your estimation Is this very similar to what
• As production increases, prices will come down. This is how economic scales work.
• If I'm go there to buy and I'm willing to pay higher prices, they have. and they can actually reject
• We can estimate that close to an estimated five to eight billion dollars in FDI in the near term.
• So, if you apply that plus 10 miles, I estimate it probably... 81% of poverty is allowed to purchase.

Bills: HB17 , HB34 , HB41 , HB 118 , HB 119 , HB 127 , HB 128 , HB 129 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB133 , HB17 , HB41 , HB118 , HB119 , HB127 , HB128 , HB129 , HB130 , HB132 , HB133

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I'm just trying to figure out how this actually impacts from our estimation.
• You know, I'm just trying to figure out how this actually impacts from our estimation.
• I have never been, by reasonable estimate, a high-income person, but I have used the small amount of
• In the past, when energy prices were stable, home ownership was all one needed to be self-sufficient,
• </c><01:21:22.040><c> of</c><01:21:22.199><c> electricity</c> upward blip in the price of electricity

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Is creating benefit estimates for a soon-to-be retiree.
• time from request of the estimate to completion, with the high of around 50 days.
• We have designed a member self-service option for getting an official DRS benefit estimate.
• An official DRS benefit estimate.
• During my 30-plus years retired, the consumer price index shows inflation of more than 105%.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the October minutes and received an update from the State Investment Board. David Schumacher described the board’s structure, its fiduciary mission to maximize return at prudent risk, the mix of funds it manages, and the factors behind its long-term performance, including broad diversification, low fees, and a long-term investment approach. Members asked about rankings, the board’s independence, climate/ESG considerations, and whether political divestment pressures affect investment decisions; Schumacher said decisions remain grounded in fiduciary duty and financial risk. The Department of Retirement Systems annual report followed. Director Catherine Leathers reviewed membership, contributions, benefit payments, the Deferred Compensation Program, employer partners, and the economic impact of pension payments across counties and legislative districts. She also highlighted staffing and training needs, improved call wait times and benefit estimate turnaround after legislative funding, cybersecurity upgrades, and the CorePAM pension administration modernization project, which is being paid from the trust fund as an administrative cost. Members asked about inactive accounts, and Leathers said DRS works to locate missing members and return benefits, including through a new link from the Department of Revenue website. The committee then closed out its study of the Left One system. Staff presented options ranging from no recommendation to recommending either the restatement/termination bill or the merger bill, with or without policy changes. After discussion, the committee first failed to reach 11 votes for a no-recommendation motion, then adopted a revised motion to submit the report without recommending either bill but also to request future analysis that disaggregates policy choices, including COLA-related impacts. The committee next heard a briefing on an ad hoc COLA for PERS/TRS Plan 1 retirees and adopted a motion to send a letter supporting the one-time COLA policy in HB 1474 or a similar Senate bill. Finally, staff briefed the committee on the month-of-death bill, which would end proration of pension payments in the month a retiree dies; no action was taken. Public testimony largely focused on support for an ad hoc or ongoing COLA for Plan 1 retirees, with some speakers urging the committee to back SB 5085 and others emphasizing the need for a bridge policy while a permanent solution is developed.