Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have anything to do with permitting, siting, or anything else.
• It doesn't have anything to do with permitting, siting, or anything else.
• Whenever I go in my house... That I work outside most every day whenever I'm home.
• Whenever I go in my house during the summertime, I want there to be cool air.
• That's a couple miles from my house, by the way.

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 78, which would classify nuclear energy as renewable energy. Senator Thornton and supporters argued that New Mexico needs dispatchable, baseload power and that nuclear should be added to the state’s renewable portfolio standard because wind and solar are intermittent and require extensive land, mining, and battery storage. Supporters also emphasized nuclear’s zero-carbon profile, the safety record of U.S. Navy reactors, the possibility of small modular reactors, and the fact that New Mexico already uses nuclear-generated electricity from out of state. Opponents, including Senator O’Malley and Senator Charlie, argued nuclear is not renewable because it relies on finite uranium and creates long-lived radioactive waste, and they raised concerns about uranium mining impacts, waste storage, and the bill’s lack of a limiting principle. The committee voted 5-4 to do not pass the bill, with Senators Cervantes, Hamblen, O’Malley, Lopez, and Charlie voting yes on the do-not-pass motion and Senators Ezell, Scott, and Thornton voting no; the chair then explained that the vote reflected disagreement over whether nuclear should be labeled renewable, not opposition to nuclear power itself. The committee then heard Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, with a committee substitute. Sponsor Senator Steinborn said the substitute would restore existing renewable benchmarks for microgrids, require large microgrids to meet zero-carbon targets by 2045, add reporting and PRC oversight, and close a loophole that could let utilities buy microgrid power and shift costs to ratepayers. Supporters, including environmental groups and community advocates, said the bill was needed to regulate large data-center microgrids such as Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, which they said could drive major emissions, ozone, and nitrogen oxide pollution, strain water supplies, and undermine state climate goals. They also argued the bill would protect ratepayers and ensure transparency and community benefits. Opponents, including Americans for Prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce, oil and gas associations, Xcel Energy, PNM, Consumer Energy Alliance, and economic development groups, argued the bill would impose unnecessary regulation on private microgrids, slow investment, raise costs, and reduce flexibility for reliability projects and industrial development. They said microgrids are already regulated for safety and interconnection, and that the bill could discourage projects in New Mexico. In response, Steinborn said the bill was necessary because current law leaves a loophole for large polluting microgrids and because several major projects are already planned or underway. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but the transcript ends before a final vote on SB 235 is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• age of the e-bike operator, and whether the operator had a valid driver's license or a learner's permit
• shall report a summary report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House
• still in there, a question about bringing the class 3 e-bikes, where requirement for a learner's permit
• or a driver's license by the driver... ...for a learner's permit or a driver's license by the driver
• The one area of Senator Arrington's question as it pertains to the learner's permit and driver's licenses

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, a comprehensive bill addressing red light, school zone speed, and school bus camera programs. The sponsor said the measure was intended to improve consistency, transparency, privacy protections, and due process, including virtual hearings, record-retention rules, limits on remote surveillance and data use, school zone flashing-light requirements, clerk fee retention, and school board approval and reporting for school bus camera systems. An amendment clarifying reporting periods and liability-transfer affidavits was adopted without objection, and after questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, the committee reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 1080 on transportation, which required FDOT rules on direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and certain takeover agreement terms involving sureties and replacement contractors. With no opposition, the amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 after taking a single roll call vote. Next, the committee considered SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes toward data collection and study, while retaining rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, and creating a task force to study e-bike safety and recommend future policy. Members raised concerns about enforceability, shared-use paths, access barriers for users who rely on e-bikes, and whether data would be shared with local governments; supporters from law enforcement and advocacy groups appeared in support. The amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee reported favorably on SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, which creates a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee rose without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with Senate amendments to House Bill 43. with Senate amendments to House Bill 43.
• And also they made a pre-permit Pre-permit opportunity: if the director may, by rule, establish a pre-permitting
• </c> send amendments to House Bill 145. send amendments to House Bill 145.
• </c> Senate amendments to House Bill 16. Senate amendments to House Bill 16.
• </c> to House Bill 39. to House Bill 39.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are all—what percentage of these mechanics are in-house mechanics, and what percentage do you contract
• We're happy to continue to engage with them; authorizing them through permits or providing the research
• So with the staff positions, how will the funds reduce the time in getting the permitting approvals so
• You are exempt from restricted species and SCP needs for the permitting that you're talking about, at
• You are exempt from restricted species and SCP needs for the permitting that you're talking about, at

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Leadership in both houses are in agreement with these authorship changes. Do we have a motion?
• Leadership in both houses are in agreement with these authorship changes.
• house you own, every house in that area has at least...
• Every house, I don't care what house you own, every house in that area has at least one and possibly
• for emergency management, incidental take permitting for development of housing and other things, and

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:11.480><c> is</c> and hopefully the entire house is and hopefully the entire house is supportive
• You don't need a permit to keep your house free of illegal searches without warrant.
• You don't need a permit to keep your house free of illegal searches without warrant.
• You don't need a permit to keep your house free of illegal searches without warrant.
• This was a good bill when we brought it to the House. It did pass the House.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Monica Salis, on behalf of Bay Area Council and Housing and Housing. Thank you.
• So again, we are not driving up the cost of housing.
• and what the standards are with respect to housing.
• We want housing to be in the coastal zone.
• You shouldn't bring any more housing there.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Current Texas law prohibits holding both a winery permit, which is a TABC G permit, and a nonresident
• seller's permit, which is a TABC S permit, simultaneously because Sazerac, and S permit, acquired Southern
• Champion, a G permit.
• permit, and...
• They're the only two transferable G permits and only transferable G permit brands in Texas.

Bills: SB8, SB650, SB667, SB779, SB1349, SB1355, SB1378, SB1585, SB1721, SB2312

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of students have access to on-campus housing.
• So again, we are not driving up the cost of housing.
• So again, we are not driving up the cost of housing.
• You want housing to be in the coastal zone.
• You shouldn't bring any more housing there.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• area access permit.
• Committee, House Bill 835 establishing a charter guide wildlife management area access permit.
• area access permit.
• Representative McCormick, House Bill 596. Ms. Stalder, could you read in House Bill 596, please?
• House Bill 631 does that.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fund them we make them part of House fund them we make them part of House Bill<00:54:08.599><c>
• </c><01:01:50.960><c> are</c> adding the requirements as permits are adding the requirements as permits
• ><c> had</c><01:01:52.960><c> the</c> issued some permits have had the issued some permits have had the
• </c> because that Thursday is not a house because that Thursday is not a house session<01:25:21.600><
• We'll finish up any House Bill 1 stuff we have and then start getting into House Bill 2, but just in

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding. Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension. The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.

Transcript Highlights:

• This specifies that water discharge permits, including general permits issued by the Department of Ecology
• I'm glad it's not putting the onus on the House. We agree.
• This is something that we've considered and moved in its House version.
• The House has the chance to affirm that the life of a Washingtonian matters.
• Thank you for your support of House Bill 2244.

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313, SB6084, SB6137

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we all know who we are, but Majority Leader of the House. Grateful to be here.
• Welcome to the House. More importantly, welcome to my district.
• I’m the intern for House STEM staff on the Education and International Trade Committees.
• JBS at Tolleson, that's a very important packing house for the western U.S.
• so that they cannot be used as grazing permits anymore.

Summary: The House Committee on International Trade held its first meeting of the session with member introductions and opening remarks emphasizing Arizona’s interest in foreign relations, border commerce, and collaboration with trading partners, especially Mexico. Chair Tony Rivera noted the state’s trade offices in Mexico and framed the committee’s work as a way to strengthen Arizona’s international relationships. Staff were introduced, and members were reminded of amendment deadlines, though no bills were heard. The committee then heard a presentation from the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District. Chamber representatives described Nogales as a major gateway for trade, tourism, agriculture, and logistics, and said the region is investing in entrepreneurship support, bilingual business resources, digital and e-commerce training, and workforce development tied to mining and logistics. They also highlighted tourism promotion efforts and said infrastructure, housing, and pedestrian access at the ports of entry are major needs. Committee members asked about regulatory and infrastructure improvements, housing and health-care challenges, and tourism data. Greg Lucero of the provisional community college described the district’s unusual status, its contract with Pima College to provide instruction, and the impact of South32’s mining project on enrollment and workforce training demand. He said the district is focusing on AI, advanced manufacturing, trades, and ESL support, while working toward accreditation. Members asked about industry partnerships, certificate timelines, and programs tied to Arizona-Mexico trade. The committee also heard from Cattlemex, T4 Ranch, Arizona Cattle Feeder Association, and J.M. Fletcher Cattle Co. on the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to live cattle imports because of New World screwworm concerns. Testimony argued that Sonora cattle are safe, that Arizona ports are strategically important, and that reopening the ports would support feedlots, packing plants, jobs, and lower beef prices. Witnesses urged a state-by-state USDA reopening, especially for Sonora, and said Arizona should not be penalized for outbreaks elsewhere in Mexico. Members asked about industry support, the effect of grazing restrictions, the future of Arizona’s livestock sector, and whether a Sonora-specific carve-out could be safely implemented. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roosters remain prohibited unless expressly permitted locally.
• Members may recall that a similar bill passed the Senate last year but stalled in the House, and so I
• Roosters remain prohibited unless locally permitted. Eggs are not a luxury item.
• By the time you add a house to something like that and build up the appropriate setbacks, you're not
• Is it taking place in the house? Is it taking place in the house?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee first approved the February 12, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1342, sponsored by Senator Nichols, which would create a statewide minimum standard allowing owner-occupants of detached single-family residences to keep up to four hens for household egg production, while preserving local and HOA authority over sanitation, enclosure, noise, odor, pest control, nuisance, and rooster restrictions. Nichols said the bill was a narrower version of a prior proposal and was intended to support food security, agricultural literacy, and self-reliance, with prospective application only. Testimony was mixed. Supporters argued the bill would protect basic homeowner freedoms, strengthen food security, and help families teach children about food production; one supporter also framed it as a national security and self-sufficiency issue. Opponents, including a representative of the Idaho Community Association Institute and the Association of Idaho Cities, said the bill would override private CC&Rs and local control, could create nuisance and health concerns, and lacked a minimum lot-size requirement, making chicken keeping impractical on some lots. A Nampa city councilman testified in support, emphasizing that the bill preserves local regulation while setting a state floor. In committee questions, senators asked about how the bill would affect existing HOA rules, whether it would apply retroactively, how rooster restrictions would work, and how it differed from a similar bill considered the previous year. Nichols said the bill would not disturb final enforcement actions before July 1, 2026, would not force immediate changes to existing HOA rules, and was intended only as a statewide floor. The committee then voted to send Senate Bill 1342 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation; Senator Taylor opposed the motion, while the motion passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibiting an increase in the rent of a tenant residing in a development supported with low-income housing
• to a request by a member of the legislature for an opportunity for public comment on certain air permits
• Senate Bill 1216 by Eckhardt, relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to permit
• Senate Bill 1302 by Kolkhorst, relating to the eligibility for a general permit to discharge waste into
• Senate Bill 1324 by Johnson, relating to the establishment of a housing assistance pilot program, to

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing production is not something we're trying to disincentivize.
• permit in the first place, and they're already aware of that.
• And, you know, in my view, if we're saying housing is a priority as a state, then housing needs to be
• Again, as we said, as just one house does it, doesn't really help.
• Looking at a house that, say, my parents live in, or a house that my neighbors lived in growing up in

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call. The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call. SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman: ...under Rule 4, Section 12 of the House Procedure.
• the House to take steps to secure attendance.
• Under House Rule Section 2A1H, the journal clerk shall keep a journal of the proceedings of the House
• House Rule 5 Section 3D and House Rule 5 Section 4 specify that a member is only liable for the member's
• The House Committee on House...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> application or a conditional use permit application or a conditional use permit for<01:17:26.000
• </c><01:24:41.040><c> to</c> issue special use permits to issue special use permits to multi-billion<
• The House File added two sections.
• <02:23:25.040><c> File</c><02:23:25.320><c> 4241</c> House File 4241 House File 4241 its<02:23:27.080
• </c> roll on final final passage of House roll on final final passage of House File<02:23:47.400><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> doesn't mean that if I lock my house doesn't mean that if I lock my house when<00:40:16.560><c>
• We have permit to carry. The permit to carry course is a six-hour training course.
• We have permit to carry. The Minnesota. We have permit to carry.
• </c> person is permitted. person is permitted.
• It's only an hour from my house.<02:43:49.200><c> Um</c> house. Um house.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now suspend the hearing on House Bill 2123 and open the hearing on House Bill 2210 with the staff
• We will now suspend the hearing on House Bill 21-23 and open the hearing on House Bill 22-10 with the
• House Bill 2210.
• House Bill 2210 would permit counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, port districts
• House Bill 2281 isn't simple, but.

Summary: The committee opened with member introductions and then heard House Bill 2123, which would change Washington’s foreign-national certification requirements for election contributions and political advertising. Staff explained that the proposed substitute would only require certifications for campaigns or sponsors exceeding a $5,500 threshold, with an amendment raising that threshold to $6,000, which would largely limit the requirement to ballot measure activity. Prime sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon said the current paperwork burden makes campaigns harder without solving a real problem, and that his proposal would preserve protections where federal law does not already cover ballot measures. Testifiers supporting the bill, including campaign treasurers, said the certification requirement is burdensome and ineffective; one witness raised concern that a related repeal provision might unintentionally allow foreign participation in state elections, and staff/leadership indicated follow-up would occur. The hearing on HB 2123 was then suspended and later reopened with additional supportive testimony from campaign professionals and others before the committee moved on to other bills. The committee then took up House Bill 2210 on ranked-choice voting for local elections. Staff said the bill would replace the current top-two primary structure with a top-five process for jurisdictions using ranked-choice voting, allow counties and other local governments to adopt the system through 2032, and set ballot, tabulation, rulemaking, and public education requirements; Seattle would be exempt because it is already moving toward ranked-choice voting. Rep. Gregerson, the sponsor, framed the bill as a temporary tool to protect free and fair elections amid federal uncertainty and potential Voting Rights Act changes. Supporters from Fair Vote Washington, the Washington Bus, Sightline Institute, and others argued ranked-choice voting can improve representation, reduce vote splitting, and help young, military, overseas, and underrepresented voters. Opponents, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, county auditors, and several citizens, said the system is confusing, costly, harder to audit, and may increase ballot rejection or lower participation, especially among communities of color and voters with limited English proficiency. The committee heard extensive debate but took no final action during the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2411, which expands the state shared leave program to cover employees who are victims of hate crimes or whose absences stem from immigration enforcement actions affecting themselves or family members. Rep. Osman Salahuddin said the bill responds to real cases where state workers faced detention or family separation and could not use shared leave under current law. OFM, the Office of Equity, and the Washington Federation of State Employees supported the bill, describing it as a humane, low-cost way to help employees remain employed during traumatic disruptions. A Republican member asked whether the change would apply to people not legally present or working under a visa; witnesses said they believed it would not, or would be extremely unlikely, and would follow state hiring documentation requirements. The hearing then closed on HB 2411. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2281 on government-to-government consultation with tribes regarding state actions affecting tribal traditional cultural places. Staff said the bill would require mutually agreed consultation processes, timely notice, meaningful consultation before action, and a heightened legal standard requiring the state to show a compelling interest and least restrictive means if it would burden tribal cultural practices; tribes could sue in superior court. Rep. Chris Stearns said the bill is intended to protect Native identity, sacred sites, and religious practices from further loss, while tribal leaders and faith advocates strongly supported it as enforceable protection for sacred places and sovereignty. Some business and industry groups said they supported the goal but worried the bill’s broad definitions and cause of action could create permitting uncertainty, project delays, and significant costs, especially for clean energy and industrial projects. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2206, which would adopt the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act; supporters said it would streamline absentee voting for overseas and military voters, while opponents argued it could allow never-residents or duplicate registrations and raised constitutional concerns. No votes were taken in the transcript.