Transcript Highlights:

• Communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color, are dispossessed.
• Similar to how age limits are used to reduce harm for products like alcohol and tobacco, limiting youth
• Similar to how age limits are used to reduce harm for products like alcohol and tobacco, limiting youth
• Let's be clear: the practice hits hardest on lower-income individuals and those with limited shopping
• While these practices are incredibly... ...lower-income individuals and those with limited shopping opportunities

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• She was already financially vulnerable, with fixed income and food and housing insecurity.
• The gift card limit in this country is you can buy up to $10,000 in cash in one day.
• The gift card limit will use gift cards.
• Customers, and daily transaction limits for those who meet the definition of a new customer.
• </c><00:46:16.240><c> Um,</c> our tools are very very limited. Um, our tools are very very limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's income, it should be income.
• If it's income, it should be income.
• If it's income, it should be income.
• If it's income, it should be income.
• </c> income we agree that that income income we agree that that income characterization<03:36:27.920>

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:39.239><c> employment</c> to the state a law to limit employment to the state a law to limit
• and moderate-income areas.
• and moderate-income areas.
• </c><01:14:11.840><c> that</c> so uh in this ensures that limit that so uh in this ensures that limit
• Also, a net worth limit is being proposed to ensure the limited revolving fund gets to the Minnesota

Bills: HF2446 , HF2878 , HF2667 , HF1795 , HF2683 , HF2916

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• And those rights are granted, but there was a limitation on those rights, and one of the three limitations
• But you know, it adds in there that there's been limited parental involvement.
• employment and limits the applicability of the non-compete to one year.
• statute of limitations for... for certain fraud offenses.
• I thought the Republicans valued limited government and personal responsibility.

Bills: SB263 , SB370 , SB663 , SB924 , SB987 , SB1939 , SB1937 , SB1598 , SB2798 , SB2801 , SB2580 , SB2569 , SB2514 , SB2064 , SB1940 , SB1621 , SB2601 , SB1379 , SB1376 , SB1372 , SB1353 , SB2216 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1612 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SCR8 , SB31 , SB33 , SB3 , SB1405 , SB1948 , SB243 , SB20 , SB217 , SB264 , SB269 , SB650 , SB681 , SB528 , SB502 , SB740 , SB916 , SB995 , SB2581 , SB3031 , SB24 , SB2570 , SB1566 , SB552 , SJR1 , SB646 , SB379 , SB1171 , SB1121 , SB1120 , SB1061 , SB1036 , SB1019 , SB890 , SB11 , SB868 , SB1188 , SB1254 , SB2778 , SB2543 , SB2443 , SB1333 , SB1259 , SB1401 , SB1404 , SB2139 , SB2165 , SB2237 , SB2268 , SB1202 , SB1198 , SB1212 , SB1451 , SB1470 , SB1498 , SB965 , SB1547 , SB1667 , SB1818 , SB1902 , SB2129 , SB2078 , SB2069 , SB1737 , SB1589 , SB1318 , SB387 , SB1150 , SB1574 , SB2127 , SB3034 , SB860 , SB1278 , SB263 , SB370 , SB663 , SB924 , SB987 , SB1939 , SB1937 , SB1598 , SB2798 , SB2801 , SB2580 , SB2569 , SB2514 , SB2064 , SB1940 , SB1621 , SB2601 , SB1379 , SB1376 , SB1372 , SB1353 , SB2216 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1612 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SCR5 , SCR32 , SCR8 , HB3228 , HB2802 , HB45 , HB1318 , HB5560 , HB2894 , HB4344 , HB4238 , HB2775 , HB34 , HB33 , HB 12 , HB148 , HB 130 , HB4273 , HB4850 , HB2733 , HB4783 , SB1833

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Please wait to be recognized by Vice Chair Macri before speaking, and the testimony will be limited to
• But also, if my client came to me and said, we have a significant limited partner called the University
• of Washington, they want to ...came to me and said, we have a significant limited partner called the
• are areas with high concentrations of individuals that rely on beverage containers as a source of income
• Income, including encampments.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2565, which would require University of Washington gifts, grants, and similar funds to be invested through the Washington State Investment Board instead of UW’s internal investment office. Staff and the prime sponsor argued the change would lower fees and improve returns, while UW’s representatives opposed the bill, citing concerns about donor intent, legal restrictions on thousands of individual endowments, and differences in portfolio management and liquidity needs. No questions were raised in the hearing, and no action was taken on the bill at that time. The committee then moved into executive session on several bills. On Third Substitute House Bill 1607, related to recycling and waste reduction, members adopted a technical amendment but rejected amendments that would have directed unredeemed deposits to the Working Families Tax Credit and litter programs, added accountability requirements for grants, or created a SNAP-related benefit. The bill was then reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation on a 17-13 vote. On Second Substitute House Bill 1622, concerning bargaining over public employers’ use of artificial intelligence, members adopted one amendment updating the AI definition and rejected three others that would have narrowed bargaining triggers or limited the bill to technologies with demonstrable material impacts. The bill was reported out with a do pass recommendation on a 19-11 vote. The committee also advanced House Bill 2254, which would cover administrative costs for the Partnership Access Line assessment, and House Bill 2385, which extends timelines for the Medicaid access program after federal changes affected implementation; both were reported out with do pass recommendations. House Bill 2531, continuing and adjusting the ground transportation quality assurance fee structure, also passed out of committee. Finally, House Bill 2543, allowing county clerks to increase certain fees to cover court-related costs, was reported out with a do pass recommendation on a 22-6 vote. The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 536 relates to medical malpractice actions, limitation on recovery, pre-judgment interest
• corrected within the cure period and the product does not exceed the applicable THC concentration limits
• And three, clarifies that for technical violations, not involving THC concentration limits or THC per
• package limits or child-resistant packaging, civil penalties may not be assessed based on individual
• That's a limit on per-product penalty stacking for technical violations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> net farm income since the mid1 1990s. net farm income since the mid1 1990s.
• And when his income based on his income.
• incomes.
• </c><02:56:41.840><c> That's</c><02:56:42.160><c> not</c> know, have limited incomes.
• That's not know, have limited incomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Personal income tax withholding, for example, is growing at an annual rate of around 10%.
• That delay affects more than 20% of the state's personal income tax base, and so both our office and
• Limited on... Hugo Solis Galena with the Department of Finance.
• And do you have any documentation that the federal funding for special ed kids or low-income kids in
• They have taken some action, but limited action as we move towards second interim.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we will be limiting all testifiers to two minutes.
• </c> you know that the two-minute uh limit you know that the two-minute uh limit wasn't<00:01:48.720>
• </c> inequities create barriers that limit inequities create barriers that limit people's<00:05:09.120
• </c> We serve low and moderate income We serve low and moderate income communities<00:57:48.799><c> and
• So, we really do appreciate time limit.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And shortly, I'll wrap up while I recognize that the committee's budget is likely to be very limited
• And shortly, I'll wrap up while I recognize that the committee's budget is likely to be very limited
• And shortly, I'll wrap up while I recognize that the committee's budget is likely to be very limited
• Without this grant funding, CLC crop pioneers are limited by inefficient systems.
• crop Pioneers are limited by inefficient systems<00:36:17.960><c> with</c><00:36:18.160><c> the</c><

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• State and federal earned income tax credits are proven tools for pulling families out of poverty.
• Currently, however, about 60% of families with low incomes are excluded from the credit.
• In particular, with a progressive income tax, it is clear that higher-income homeowners will benefit.
• In particular, with a progressive income tax, it is clear that higher-income homeowners will benefit.
• The progressive income tax, it is clear that higher-income homeowners will benefit disproportionately

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Families pay no federal income tax code.
• But this bill would not speed up... health standards will limit economic health standards will limit
• They set limits on dangerous health.
• </c> this effort is to severely limit this effort is to severely limit environmental<05:21:15.360><c>
• More than 30 deduction on tipped income.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, there's a universal income pilot program that would provide a two-year pilot program
• with $1,500 stipends for low-income New Yorkers.
• for some charter schools and some school districts that had disproportionately low numbers of low-income
• The impact of House Bill 63, although the language in the LFC recommendation will limit that $6 million
• In terms of your question of why LFC is limiting that funding to only charter schools, I don't think

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the current law does have some interpretation, but it limits the local government's ability to
• Well, the current law does have some interpretation, but it limits the local government's ability to
• Well, the current law does have some interpretation, but it limits the local government's ability to
• It does not affect any of those programs in relation to them having income.
• So that's the to them having income.

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• WA Cares is actually active in that limited scope.
• Or is there any limitation as to the sequence of how individuals could apply? All right.
• And of course, there are two options there: change the upper limit, which costs everybody more money,
• Low-income workers' wages should be available for their own life needs.
• Often, low-income workers' earnings are given over to people with higher incomes and no need for taxpayer

Summary: The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee opened its 2026 session with member introductions and a work session on the Employment Security Department’s structure and programs. ESD officials described their roles and reviewed paid family and medical leave, WA Cares, unemployment insurance, workforce services, and agricultural worker outreach. Senators raised concerns about call volume, program solvency, fraud detection, employer access to information, and whether workers can receive leave benefits while working other jobs. ESD said WA Cares is in a limited pilot, PFML has seen rapid growth, UI trust fund solvency is projected to be near the statutory trigger level, and they would follow up with more detailed information on eligibility, fraud referrals, and employer scenarios. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5292, which would replace the current PFML rate-setting formula with a forward-looking actuarial model and require a four-month reserve beginning in 2030. Supporters, including the sponsor, JLARC staff, labor advocates, and employer groups, said the change would improve stability and follow JLARC recommendations; opponents warned it could lead to higher payroll taxes and argued the program is already too costly. The chair said she intended to keep the bill narrow as it moved forward. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6014, a technical bill on pregnancy-related accommodations that would preserve the ability of pregnant workers to request certain accommodations without a doctor’s note and create a public records exemption for sensitive complaint and investigation records; the sponsor and supporters said it corrects a drafting error and protects privacy. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5972, which would remove the population threshold limiting interest arbitration for correctional officers in jails, and Senate Bill 5869, which would make permanent and expand from residential to all building construction sites a requirement that L&I notify employers or owners within 10 working days when a hazard is identified. Correctional officers’ representatives and labor groups supported SB 5972 as a fairness and safety measure, while the sponsor said it would create consistency across jurisdictions. Construction industry groups supported SB 5869, and L&I said it had no concerns but wanted the bill kept narrow; the chair noted the bill’s purpose was to speed hazard communication. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5874, which would allow ESD to waive penalties for minor errors in quarterly unemployment reports, especially missing SOC/job-title information. The sponsor said small businesses were being hit with unnecessary fines, and ESD said it had identified a sharp rise in penalties and was working with the sponsor on possible fixes. The committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that could potentially be a conflict of interest or could limit competition.
• We think that could potentially be a conflict of interest or could limit competition.
• We think that could potentially be a conflict of interest or could limit competition.
• We think that could potentially be a conflict of interest or could limit competition.
• We think that could potentially be a conflict of interest or could limit competition.

Bills: HF2928 , HF2912 , HF2297

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure lengthens the statute of limitations to file a complaint of discrimination with the Hawaii
• to file a complaint of limitations to file a complaint of discrimination<00:52:49.520><c> with</c><00
• And if the defendant's household income, exclusive of public benefits, exceeds 150% of the federal poverty
• 41.800><c> the</c><01:01:41.880><c> defendant's</c><01:01:42.360><c> household</c><01:01:42.800><c> income
• </c> And if the defendant's household income And if the defendant's household income exclusive<01:01:

Bills: SCR96 , SCR164 , SCR172 , SCR166 , SCR182 , SCR7 , SCR59 , SCR58 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR184 , SCR11 , HB2296 , HB2315 , HB2343

Transcript Highlights:

• Our limited tax base, coupled with high utilization, limits our ability to cover costs associated with
• Our limited tax base, coupled with high utilization, limits our ability to cover costs associated with
• Both areas with limited ability fund.
• This severely limits our ability to generate revenue.
• :41.519><c> to</c><00:08:41.760><c> generate</c> severely limits our ability to generate severely limits

Bills: HF4421 , HF1937 , HF4675 , HF4715 , HF4684

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• A permanent credit limitation will ensure that the largest profitable corporations in California pay
• This bill reduces the annual minimum franchise tax for limited liability companies, limited partnerships
• , and limited liability partnerships from $800 to $400 for the first year of operation during the 2027
• And also, go ahead and limit research and development credits.
• Capital gains and we have historic capital gains incoming in terms of revenue because of the AI boom.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then honored astronaut Captain Victor J. Glover Jr. for his achievements as a Navy officer, NASA astronaut, and California native. Senators Weber Pearson and Rubio highlighted his historic space missions and his role as an inspiration for students, especially in STEM, before the chamber took a photo with Glover and his family. The body then took up SCR 183 on Juneteenth. Senator Weber Pearson presented the resolution as a commemoration of emancipation and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Senators Padilla, Smallwood-Cuevas, Valladares, and Becker spoke in support from the perspectives of the Latino, LGBTQ, Women’s, Hispanic, and Jewish caucuses, emphasizing historical memory, faith, and the need to continue fighting discrimination. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate next considered budget trailer bills SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. SB 110 made technical budget amendments and passed 29-10. SB 122 expanded sales tax to electronically delivered prewritten software, extended and limited business tax credits, adjusted LLC minimum taxes, and included other revenue changes; supporters said it helped balance the budget and protect services, while opponents argued it would raise costs for businesses, hospitals, and families. It passed 27-9. SB 125 created a federally compliant managed care organization tax to support Medi-Cal and avoid deeper cuts; supporters said it was necessary after federal changes eliminated the prior tax, while opponents warned premiums could rise. It also passed 27-9. The chamber also adopted SR 114 designating June 15-21, 2026 as AVID Week, and SJR 14 urging a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II Army and Navy nurses, both by unanimous roll call. SCR 187 recognizing Father’s Day in California also passed unanimously. The Senate then approved a large consent calendar and closed with remarks about Juneteenth and the next session scheduled for June 22, 2026.