Transcript Highlights:

• That benchmark allows room for rent, utilities, food, insurance, licensing requirements, curriculum maintenance
• sustainable range that still allows the business to cover fixed costs and plan responsibly for growth in emergencies
• While Washington's agency parity law has been successful since 2006, a critical loophole has emerged.
• And before we adjourn the committee, just to note that Republicans will be caucusing in the briefing room
• And before we adjourn the committee, just to note that Republicans will be coxing in the briefing room

Bills: SB5109 , SB5835 , SB6065

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: mortgage lending, fraud, prosecution, financial regulations, consumer protection, retirement, lump sum payment, benefits, pension, financial security, SB 6065, school district transportation, transportation vehicle fund, pupil transportation, school buses, electric school buses, zero-emission buses, bus fleet electrification, charging stations, vehicle replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• Salzman: It was tough because I have my aide and the aide of other members in the other room right next
• Salzman: identify in emergency response plans who may issue that emergency alert.
• We will require public institution emergency response plans to address how schools and Rep.
• Salzman: emergency responders will communicate and respond to active shooter incidents.
• Parents never know where their kids are when these emergencies happen.

Transcript Highlights:

• Participants in the room must use their microphone when speaking so that it will broadcast into Zoom
• The camera in the room will switch to whoever is actively speaking.
• There are two directly in the building code: the minimum dwelling unit size and emergency shelters, and
• can amend a code one is to those external petitions on the normal three-year cycle second is is emergency
• So the deliberation topic was whether emergency egress and rescue openings, or appropriately sized windows

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's always room for improvement.
• So they've been taken to emergency room drivers, not there to not potential to, which is what the bill
• This issue really emerged kind of full full full force in Florida.
• This this industry has begun to emerge.
• The EV is is is an emerging technology. All this is likely to change in a few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• After sitting there for a while, I walked into the room where they were.
• After sitting there for a while, I walked into the room where they were.
• Chastain, who recently was recognized as an emergency, Congratulations to Dr.
• I want to see where is our military in this room? Where is our law enforcement?
• That’s going to be happening downstairs in House Hearing Room 3.

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Several members then used points of personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize Black History Month, a family member speaking about a long-unsolved murder case that had just led to an arrest, physical therapy advocates, school board members, disability-services advocates, and domestic violence and literacy groups. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2097 and 1905, a bill to expand an elementary agriculture education pilot program statewide beginning in the 2027-28 school year for districts that choose to participate. Supporters said it would help children learn where food comes from, connect to FFA, 4-H, literacy, math, and career awareness, and address declining interest in agriculture. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was perfected and printed. The House also considered House Bill 2167, which would authorize the Attorney General’s office to commission certain investigators and, through amendments, also addressed House and Senate security officers and some other law-enforcement personnel. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened arrest powers, whether the House security provisions were necessary or constitutional, and whether the amendments were germane; one amendment to the amendment failed 62-68-1, while another amendment passed 61-43. The bill was then perfected and printed as amended. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, described as a clean-slate/automatic expungement measure with a reduced fiscal note. An amendment was adopted to ensure expungements are shared with consumer reporting agencies, and members discussed the bill’s second-chance benefits and a provision changing Missouri’s death-penalty sentencing process so a judge would not impose death after a hung jury, leaving life or life without parole as the options. The committee substitute was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. The House then made announcements about upcoming agriculture and Black History events and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have another question about, within the bill, the definition of what the emergency is as far as
• , but not really explaining what that emergency is.
• What is the emergency?
• We have lunch in the ante room for members. That's great.
• Members, there's food in the ante room again. I think it's barbecue. Thank you.

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And especially our emerging diverse communities.
• And other than helping nurses in the same room, who else, other than the physician, just mechanically
• And other than helping nurses in the same room, who else, other than the physician, just mechanically
• I manage obstetric emergencies in my daily practice.
• But when we hear these reports of young children that end up in the emergency room because they picked

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• We spent a lot of time in this subcommittee room looking at numbers and discussing issues, and there
• We'll be taking a site visit to the new State Emergency Operations Center.
• It's important for us to get out and actually see what the taxpayer Emergency Operations Center.
• Our first stop on our site visit will be to the current EOC building, where Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee was called to order and a roll call established a quorum. Chair Lopez noted Vice Chair Mager was excused, and members present were recorded before the meeting proceeded. The chair explained that, unlike the committee’s usual budget work, the subcommittee would conduct a site visit to the new State Emergency Operations Center. The purpose was to see how taxpayer funding is being used and to compare the current and new facilities. The chair said both the current and new EOC are managed by the Department of Management Services and are part of the Florida facilities pool. The chair also summarized the funding history for the project, stating the Legislature appropriated $100 million for construction in fiscal year 2021-2022 and $80 million in fiscal year 2022-2023, with additional funding for technology infrastructure, bringing the total appropriated amount to just over $200 million. Members were instructed to begin the tour by visiting the current EOC, then travel to the new EOC for a tour and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means that 90% of people who want a bed tonight are told that there isn't room available at the
• Right now, the streets are the waiting room while housing construction takes multiple years and costs
• Senate Transportation is meeting immediately after adjournment of session in Room 2100.
• In Room 2100. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, yes, I had the wrong room number.
• We would all be going to the same room, so we were in Room 2200. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote. The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services. Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> transmission towers for emergency transmission towers for emergency management<01:47:53.280><c>
• Signage for room naming for the conference rooms to assist with wayfinding in Capitol Square, similar
• ,</c> and Capitol Square conference rooms, and Capitol Square conference rooms, break<02:23:41.680><c
• Signage for room $20,000 for signage.
• </c><02:24:18.800><c> rooms</c><02:24:19.200><c> to</c> naming for the conference rooms to naming for

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
• We are in conference room 016.
• We are in<00:37:57.880><c> conference</c><00:37:58.359><c> room</c> in conference room in conference
• </c> 10:52 a.m. and we are in room 016. 10:52 a.m. and we are in room 016.
• We're getting new testimony from people in the room. I just wanted to...

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a large decision-making agenda and adopted most measures, often with technical or clarifying amendments. Bills addressed wildlife habitat conservation plans, civil identification cards for 16- and 17-year-olds, electronic and mail voting for associations, remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, traffic safety around stationary vehicles and pickup truck passengers, expedited permitting for housing for people with disabilities, rainwater catchment systems, EMS advisory committee membership, social media account deletion, limits on immigration-enforcement cooperation, prompt payment rules for professional solicitors, fetal death vital statistics, protections for gender-affirming care, passenger ropeways, law-enforcement facial coverings and immigration-related detention, domestic violence, health care facility access, guardianship record sealing, child protective proceedings, remote driver’s license hearings, disposable vaping products, dog attacks, insurance premium increase explanations, the DOE harm-to-student registry, Hawaiian Homes lease succession, EMS law modernization, hoisting machine regulation, release on recognizance, language interpretation rules, civil asset forfeiture for fireworks offenses, and assisted community treatment. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1897, HB 1957, HB 2121, and HB 2324, while HB 1957 was deferred indefinitely. Most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though HB 1875 and HB 1961 drew no votes from Vice Chair Gabbard, and HB 2413 was adopted with reservations. A number of bills received substantive amendment instructions. HB 1682 was amended with committee report language noting concerns about departing from the model act. HB 1768 and HB 1886 were revised to narrow or clarify immigration-enforcement restrictions and law-enforcement identification and facial-covering provisions, including plainclothes and undercover exceptions, a narrower civil immigration arrest/detention offense, and savings clauses. HB 2540 received extensive amendments to convert policy language into mandatory terms, refine facial-covering and identification rules, align criminal and policy exemptions, narrow immigration-related offenses, and clarify the definition of law enforcement agency. HB 2413 was amended to define violent offenses, change written findings to oral findings on the record, limit reconsideration of bail, and restrict who may request sanctions or financial conditions. Other amendments included technical fixes, bad-date corrections, severability clauses, and chapter-consistency changes. The committee also heard a joint Education/Judiciary item, SCR 105 and SR 99, urging the Department of Education to provide students information on pre-registering to vote before reaching voting age. Testimony was reported in support from the Department of Education, Office of Elections, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and the League of Women Voters. With no opposition or further discussion, the committee voted to pass both resolutions with technical, non-substantive amendments (SD1).

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know a lot of the men in this room possess those same qualities."
• "I know a lot of the men in this room possess those same qualities.
• or a hotel room, and the businesses need to be held accountable. ...in a motel room or a hotel room,
• testify, and if you're in the overflow room, please come into this room to be ready.
• James, again, sitting in the back of the room in his usual seat.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on February 23, 2026, with a compressed schedule and limited testimony time. Members first heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which would set eligibility standards for sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals, require background checks for sheriff candidates through the Washington State Patrol, regulate volunteers and youth cadets, and create a vacancy in office if an elected law enforcement official is finally decertified or fails statutory eligibility requirements. Supporters, including Senator Lovick and several advocacy groups, said the bill promotes accountability and professionalism. Opponents, including the sheriffs of Walla Walla and Spokane counties, argued it imposes unfunded mandates, conflicts with voter sovereignty and recall procedures, and could create problems for rural counties and volunteer use. The committee later took executive action and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation, 6-2 with one excused. In executive session, the committee also acted on Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, which expands law enforcement hiring eligibility to people legally authorized to work in the United States. A striking amendment clarified that agencies are not liable for employment discrimination claims if hiring is impracticable, allowed applicants who cannot yet possess weapons to apply if they can possess them when hired, and made technical changes. Representative Burnett raised concerns about background investigations, foreign-country vetting, oath of office, and firearm issues, but the committee adopted the striker and then reported the bill out as amended on a 6-2 vote with one excused. The committee also considered Substitute Senate Bill 5855, which prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public except in specified circumstances and creates a civil cause of action. Amendments added an intent section, expanded exceptions for health and safety equipment under OSHA/WISHA, and proposed stronger prosecutorial language, though two amendments were rejected. The bill was then reported out as amended on a 6-2 vote with one excused. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. Engrossed Senate Bill 5890 would expand reckless driving to include driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and 20 miles per hour over in active construction zones when workers are present; law enforcement, prosecutors, traffic safety officials, and construction industry representatives testified in support. Substitute Senate Bill 5936, a Uniform Law Commission proposal on human trafficking, would allow prosecution of businesses that knowingly engage in or profit from trafficking, strengthen victim confidentiality, and improve U and T visa certification procedures; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with one witness urging caution about unintended consequences for businesses that report trafficking. Finally, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6070 would expand missing-person response tools by allowing certain surveillance devices to be used for community caretaking to locate missing endangered persons, create Ebony and Purple Alerts, transfer the missing persons website to the State Patrol, and add a public records exemption. Testimony strongly supported the alert provisions, especially for people with disabilities, while one privacy advocate objected to the surveillance provisions as an overreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in room setting it? in room setting it?
• Representative Spear: where I was in the emergency room. >> This is the heart... >> I understand. >>
• Representative Spear: where I was in the emergency room.
• Representative Spear: where I was in the emergency room. >> This is the heart... and when I left they
• Representative Spear: where I was in the emergency room. >> This is the heart... and when I left they

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> contaminant</c> Um, drinking water emerging contaminant Um, drinking water emerging contaminant
• The drinking water emerging contaminant program is a $15 million ask.
• ,</c> may sound small here in this this room, may sound small here in this this room, but<00:32:04.440
• We're the only ones in the room now. You know who they are.
• </c> in this room in this room and<01:55:58.760><c> we</c><01:55:58.960><c> will</c><01:55:59.120><c>

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is a disease outbreak, we need to maintain the safe rooms and protect the thousands of children
• Do we really want to be back here another year or two having to pass emergency legislation to help a
• A lot of excitement in this room. Read the next bill.
• President Pro Tem, the Republican caucus will meet at 9:30 in Caucus Room 1. Mr.
• President Pro Tem, the Democratic caucus will meet at 9:30 p.m. in Caucus Room 2.

Summary: The Senate met in Committee of the Whole on several calendars and advanced a series of House bills, mostly on party-line or voice votes after brief committee reports and some floor debate. Measures considered included HB 2028 (licensing timeframes/court assessments), HB 2047 (forcible entry and detainer), HB 2168 (nuisance actions), HB 2411 (coerced abortion/abortion-inducing drugs), HB 2557 (patient records), HB 2060 (educational facilities), HB 2086 (vaccination mandates and mask prohibitions), HB 2144 (child support), HB 2830 (fetal and prenatal development instruction), HB 2015 (tax administration), HB 2100 (small subdivision requirements), HB 2327 (records confidentiality), HB 2460 (business property theft/shopping carts), HB 4056 (public records fees exemption for legislators), HB 2417 (speed-detecting devices), HB 2601 (I-11 environmental engineering study), HB 2660 (health boards/licensure investigations), and HB 2975 (state land soil maps). Several bills were amended in committee before being recommended do pass, including HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2060, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660. Floor debate focused mainly on HB 2086 and HB 2830, where Democrats argued the bills would undermine public health guidance and education expertise, while supporters framed them as limiting mandates and directing curriculum. HB 2100 drew criticism over water supply concerns and the Rio Verde Foothills example, and HB 2975 drew opposition over concerns it would hinder renewable energy development. HB 2460 prompted debate over whether shopping carts were abandoned or stolen and whether the bill improperly preempted local control. HB 4056 was criticized as giving legislators special treatment on public records fees and potentially enabling harassment of schools and local governments. The Senate then took up third-reading roll-call votes. HB 2016, HB 2140, HB 2195, HB 2439, HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from 16-10 to 26-0. Members explained several no votes on public health, education, tax, and transparency grounds, while supporters emphasized enforcement, local control, or administrative efficiency. The chamber also adopted Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the passed bills to the House, then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• of... ...rooms in all and protect the thousands of children, hundreds of thousands of children in the
• Do we really want to be back here another year or two having to pass emergency legislation to help a
• A lot of excitement in this room. Read the next bill.
• President Pro Tem, the Republican caucus will meet at 9:30 in Caucus Room 1. Excellent.
• President Pro Tem, the Democratic caucus will meet at 9:30 p.m. in Caucus Room 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• Room 437. Without objection, that shall be the order. Thank you, Mr. Garcia.
• And I think this is the perfect time, except maybe he's not in the room.
• And I think this is the perfect time, except maybe he's not in the room.
• It also marks 122 years since the emergence of Koreatown in Los Angeles.
• It also marks 122 years since the emergence of Koreatown in Los Angeles.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will talk a bit about that as well, but if you're keeping people out of emergency rooms, if you're
• That return on investment comes from a reduction in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, or in
• Providers are having to report room and board income as taxable.
• Is there anyone in the room who would like to make a public comment?
• I could say, is there anyone in the room, but there are three hearty souls who have stuck with us for

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm sorry, we don't have an overflow room.
• There are a lot of various groups and entities here that reserved rooms a long time ago, so I apologize
• I'm under no illusion that the standing room only crowd you have for your hearing here at 8 a.m. is to
• this workshop, we'll hold as many as we need to to make sure we get the right people. people in the room
• In times of emergency. Mr. Vegas, you run the grid.

Bills: SB 6 , SB6 , SB504 , SB765 , SB815 , SB929

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Immediately at the break, the Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee shall meet in Room 523
• The House Insurance Committee will meet at 12 o'clock in Room B31, Main Capitol, to vote on House Bill
• This bill provides for ensuring opportunities for minors and emergency service organizations.
• The Appropriations Committee will be meeting in the Majority Caucus Room at 4:15 p.m.
• Majority caucus room at 4.15 p.m.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recognized several guests in the gallery, and then took up a series of committee reports, referrals, and floor actions. Early business included concurrence in committee reports on bills and resolutions from Game and Fisheries, Professional Licensure, Health, and Children and Youth, along with referral of Senate Bill 1377 to Transportation. The chamber also signed House Bill 1344 after the Senate returned it without amendment. Later, members announced caucus and committee meetings, including Rules, Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations, Insurance, and Appropriations, before recessing and then reconvening for floor votes. The House adopted several resolutions, including House Resolution 537 designating Rail Safety Week, House Resolution 449 recognizing the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and House Resolution 568 designating Javei Syndrome Awareness Day. The chamber also considered House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency corruption, where Amendment A03882 narrowing the bill to public officials and immediate family members was adopted, while two later amendments were tabled or failed. House Bill 2198, repealing the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment, was amended to take effect immediately and to bar KOZ use for data centers, then agreed to. House Bill 2559, concerning a university conveyance and other conveyances, was agreed to after out-of-order amendments were ruled on. A major portion of the session focused on data center policy. House Bill 2496, creating a 180-day pause on data center proposals to give municipalities time to update zoning and planning, drew extensive support from members emphasizing local control, environmental concerns, and the need for time to assess impacts; it passed final passage 201-1. House Bill 2650, creating the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development certification for data centers, also generated lengthy debate over energy use, water, community benefits, and tax treatment; it passed 134-68. The House also passed House Bill 2162 on temporary licensing for drug manufacturers before FDA approval, House Bill 2388 on rounding cash payments when pennies are unavailable, House Bill 2437 on county and municipal bridge repair funds, House Bill 2555 on equine dealer recordkeeping, and House Bill 2621 directing a Department of Health survey on maternal and infant outcomes. Other actions included final passage of House Bill 1006 on milk tester and wearer sampler certification periods, House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors and emergency service organizations, House Bill 2512 prohibiting ride-share pricing based on device condition, House Bill 2644 authorizing itemized capital bridge projects, and Senate Bill 1058 updating the E85 flex-fuel reference. The House also adopted House Bill 2162, House Bill 2388, House Bill 2437, and House Bill 2555 by recorded votes, and several committee reports were agreed to throughout the day. The session ended with additional committee referrals, a motion to recommit several bills to Appropriations, and adjournment until the next morning.