Video & Transcript : 'IT modernization' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- It is merely defining it so that kids are aware.
- And it would ask the question, and then it would explain it: What is anal sex?
- It does. It does not.
- It engages them more; it empowers them.
- This year, let's pass it out of committee, get it passed, and get it funded.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training.
Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements.
The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Did they use it for fuel? Do they do other things with it?
- Sorry, I forgot about it. No, no, don't worry about it. Another bill. No, no, don't worry about it.
- Like, how much is it truly recycled? So it sounds like 80 to 90 percent.
- I just don't see the timer, but I'll just stop on it. It feels right. Yeah.
- And then it becomes business as usual in three years. It likely will.
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held public hearings on two producer-responsibility bills and then a work session on consumer electrical equipment. On SB 6271, which would create an extended producer responsibility program for mattresses, staff explained the bill’s requirements for a producer responsibility organization, collection and recycling targets, reporting, and enforcement. Senator Hunt said the measure would reduce landfill burden and illegal dumping while creating recycling jobs. Local governments, a recycler, and environmental advocates testified in support, citing landfill capacity concerns, high disposal costs, and the potential to recover most mattress materials. Retail and industry groups said they support the goal but opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it differs from existing state models and could create unnecessary cost and administrative burden. The hearing closed with 459 signed in support and 172 opposed.
The committee then heard SB 6174, a proposed substitute on textile producer responsibility that would first require a needs assessment and the creation of a coordinating organization. Supporters, including the sponsor, environmental advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and a student testifier, described textiles as a fast-growing waste stream with major landfill, pollution, and global labor impacts, and said the needs assessment is an important first step. Opponents from retail, business, apparel, and hospitality groups said they support continued stakeholder work and the needs assessment concept, but raised concerns that the bill still presumes a future EPR program, could impose fees and penalties, and may sweep in retailers and company uniforms in ways that create burdens for small businesses. The hearing closed with 1,253 signed in support and 364 opposed.
In the work session, Jeremiah Miller of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory briefed the committee on codes and standards for grid-connected and portable solar equipment. He explained how the National Electrical Code, UL certification standards, and IEEE interconnection standards work together, and described newer supplemental standards such as UL 3141 for power control systems and UL 3700 for portable or plug-in solar. Members asked about safety, certification timing, and how Washington could allow these products while ensuring proper installation and consumer protection. Miller said UL 3700 is very new and not yet widely certified in the market, but that the current code framework can accommodate certified products while standards continue to evolve. The committee took no votes and adjourned after the work session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Can't do it.
- When a teacher does it, it weaponizes the entire grade level.
- Our modern society considers it unacceptable for a kid to bully another kid, for a professor to bully
- Don't do it to these children. I'm strong enough to take it. I don't need it.
- The term "gender" in its modern social and cultural sense, distinct from biological sex, was first used
Bills:
SB38, SB287, SB291, SB292, SB508, SB618, SB901, SB1436, SB1494, SB1626, SB1719, SB1999, SB1333, SB 38
Keywords:
evictions, property law, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, justice court, court rules, SB 287, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, sexually oriented business, adult entertainment, strip club, nude entertainment, live nude performance, alcohol prohibition, alcohol consumption, possession of alcohol, criminal offense, Class A misdemeanor, state jail felony, third degree felony
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It can look like resisting. But neurologically, it is neither.
- and it got scary.
- , and that it remains to be seen how it will operate.
- it, in Citizens, that it would result in assessment.
- That's it. Okay.
Keywords:
injunctions, protection orders, domestic violence, serious violence, court procedures, enforcement, risk protection, statewide communication system, pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, public records, violence protection, confidentiality, defamation, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and reported a series of bills favorably, covering health care, public safety, insurance, coastal resilience, juvenile justice, drowning prevention, transportation designations, and beach management. Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 68, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, designated pediatric readiness personnel, and participation in a national readiness assessment; it passed. Harrell also presented CS/SB 340, requiring nursing students to complete two hours of human trafficking identification training before licensure; it also passed. Senator Sharif’s CS/SB 32 and SB 210, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and the related public records bill, were both reported favorably. Senator Garcia’s CS/CS/SB 302 on nature-based coastal resiliency, Senator Jones’s SB 418 on law enforcement interaction with individuals with autism and the Blue Envelope Program, and Senator Martin’s CS/SB 1734 updating juvenile probation and detention officer definitions and related cost-share language were also approved.
The committee then took up several drowning-prevention measures. CS/SB 606 by Senator Smith would add drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials and direct the Department of Health to create standardized materials; an amendment removed a records-retention requirement, and the bill passed. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand the state swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; it received strong support from advocates, including a young swim instructor and autism advocates, and passed. The committee also approved CS/SB 246, a specialty license plate bill that was amended to include the UFC plate and a First Responders’ Resiliency Foundation plate, and CS/SB 1028, which revises Citizens Property Insurance and clearinghouse procedures to prioritize admitted carriers and prohibit public funds for the clearinghouse; that bill drew discussion about market competition, Citizens’ exposure, and potential impacts on policyholders.
Additional measures reported favorably included SB 628, designating a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, and CS/SB 636 on beach management, which would create a proactive pathway for coastal communities to obtain erosion-related designations and align with federal programs. Beach industry testimony supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about perpetual easements and funding shortfalls. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- Appreciate it. All righty.
- I really appreciate it.
- So we are happy to see it move forward in its current condition.
- It was debated by our members and ultimately they passed it.
- We hope you will please pass it out of committee and vote it out of the House.
Keywords:
SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines, patient advocacy, public comment, medical necessity, rare disease, life-threatening disease
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be ideal. Okay, thank you. And I appreciate the response to these questions, and I get it.
- Now DGS would still maintain its waiver authority, so it would only grant it for departments that had
- And so, you know, if it wasn't for advocates who raised it to an alarm level of red to me, I wouldn't
- established it as a priority.
- If you guys should just keep it down while we do our add-ons. Okay, Madam Secretary, take it away.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several natural resources and water-related bills. SB 224 by Senator Hurtado would require the Department of Water Resources to implement audit recommendations, improve climate-informed water supply forecasting, and provide annual updates to the Legislature; supporters emphasized the need for better transparency and more accurate water planning, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 556, also by Senator Hurtado, would fund floodplain restoration in the Tulare Basin to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat and other community benefits; local officials and conservation groups supported it, some initial concerns about Proposition 4 were resolved, and the bill passed as amended. SB 630 by Senator Allen would streamline State Parks and other state real property acquisitions by raising review thresholds and reducing duplicative approvals; conservation groups and park advocates supported the measure, while some members raised oversight and fiscal concerns, and it passed as amended. SB 718 by Senator Allen would reduce hunting and fishing license costs for low-income Californians, framed as helping subsistence users and disabled veterans and seniors, and it passed as amended.
The committee also approved SB 427 by Senator Blakespear, which extends the sunset of the Habitat Conservation Fund from 2030 to 2035. Supporters said the fund has protected more than 1.2 million acres, leverages other funding, and supports habitat, recreation, and climate resilience; members highlighted its importance for areas like the Salton Sea and the need to protect the funding stream from future sweeps. SB 586 by Senator Jones, an e-moto off-highway vehicle bill, was taken up with little discussion and passed as amended. SB 639 by Senator Ashby would extend the deadline for Sacramento-area flood protection projects in the Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas from 2025 to 2030 to allow completion of remaining work and avoid delays to infill housing; city, county, and flood agency representatives supported it, and it passed as amended.
Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly emphasized water reliability, flood protection, conservation funding, and reducing bureaucratic delays. Several bills drew broad support from local governments, water agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations, and multiple members requested to be added as coauthors. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, generally with amendments and with some items left open for add-on votes.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Anybody have it? I just want to say thank you for bringing it forward.
- about it, or discuss... ...just to absorb the information, to ask questions about it, to discuss it
- They need it to read and absorb it themselves.
- Does it say?
- Does it say?
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several House education bills. HB 1796 would allow school districts, under existing debt limits and with voter-approved capital levies, to issue non-voted bonds for certain new construction projects. The sponsor and school district witnesses said it would let districts front-fund projects, speed construction, and reduce inflation-related costs; a member of the public opposed it as bypassing voters. HB 2317 would exempt school-day ECEAP and Head Start programs located in public school or community/technical college buildings from child care licensing. The sponsor and providers said the current licensing process is duplicative, delays services, and creates barriers to expanding early learning; no opposition was heard.
The committee also heard HB 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections in state law, require OSPI planning and reporting, and reinforce district responsibilities for students experiencing homelessness. The sponsor gave personal testimony about experiencing homelessness as a student, and advocates said the bill would improve coordination and accountability at no added cost. For HB 2557, which requires school districts to give parents a copy of special education evaluation reports by the 35th school day and hold the eligibility meeting at least five school days later, the sponsor said it would give families time to review reports; school psychologists and OSPI supported the substitute version, while some advocates asked for shorter timelines and clearer waiver language.
After the hearings, the committee moved to executive session and advanced two bills: Substitute HB 2360, allowing schools to maintain and use stock albuterol under specified conditions, and Engrossed Substitute HB 2534, updating requirements for military families’ enrollment, records transfer, and related services. Both bills received due pass recommendations and were sent to Rules, with no recorded opposition in the executive session.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- It isn't the workforce offices. It isn't the community colleges.
- “I see it at the state level, I see it at the federal level.
- what it seems like.
- ” “...take 95% of how it operates now and shift it all down?
- and learning it.
Summary:
The committee met to hear an update from consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie on Arkansas’s “one door” or “no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. The discussion focused on moving the state toward a work-first system that better connects job seekers, employers, education, and public assistance programs, with goals of increasing upward mobility, improving labor force attachment, reducing inefficiencies, and adapting to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions. The consultants argued that Arkansas’s current system is fragmented across multiple offices, portals, agencies, and funding streams, and that people often have to navigate separate doors for workforce services, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and related supports.
Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as the model, describing how that state integrated workforce and human services into a single department, used cost allocation to blend funding behind the scenes, and saw improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said TANF should be treated as a workforce program, not just a benefits program, and suggested that Arkansas could use TANF and other tools to cross-train DHS staff, co-locate services, and create a more unified service delivery model. Members asked about federal flexibility, waivers, and whether the state could use one large waiver or a broader restructuring to simplify the system. Bishop explained that a federal pilot authority proposal failed in Congress, so the current approach relies on waivers, cost allocation plans, and possible state-level changes.
The committee also discussed the relationship between DHS and workforce offices, the role of local workforce boards, how disability and vocational rehabilitation cases would be handled, and how the governor’s Restore Hope/Hope Hub and faith- and community-based initiatives might fit into the broader plan. Bishop said Arkansas already has rehabilitation services within the workforce department and emphasized that case managers should focus on people rather than programs. No votes were taken. The chair said the committee would revisit case management at its August meeting and adjourned the meeting after thanking the consultants.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 30 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The ayes have it. The motion carries. The ayes have it. The motion carries.
- It has passed the House. The governor has said, get me a bill, I will sign it.
- They deserve it. We deserve it.
- We did it 20 years ago. We did it 20 years ago. We can do it again today. Do it again today.
- It is a known fact, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received committee reports from Banking and Insurance and Judiciary. Several leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber took up calendar and procedural motions, including re-referrals and tabling actions on multiple bills. House Bill 1102 and Senate Bill 911 were re-referred to Appropriations, House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 599 were briefly laid on the table and then returned to the calendar, and House Bill 2400 and Senate Bill 746 were also sent to Appropriations. The Senate later agreed to consider a discharge-related motion on minimum wage, but the motion to make it a special order of business failed by a vote of 23-27.
On final passage, Senate Bill 1182 passed 50-0 after Senator Boscola described it as a modernization of the Board of Vehicles Act to address software-based vehicle features, warranty reimbursement, data protections, loaner vehicles, and related dealer/manufacturer issues; she noted amendments had been adopted to address stakeholder concerns. Senate Bill 1334 also passed, 29-21, after the Senate rejected Amendment A44049, which would have exempted certain cardiology technicians from licensing requirements if credentialed and supervised; supporters argued the exemption reflected existing practice and credentialing, while opponents said the bill was needed for patient safety and consistent oversight. Senate Bill 1372 passed 50-0, and House Bill 2426 was re-referred to Appropriations.
The latter part of the session focused heavily on minimum wage and budget timing. Senators Tartaglione, Hughes, and Costa argued Pennsylvania had gone 20 years without raising the minimum wage and urged action on a House-passed minimum wage measure, while Senator Pittman said Republicans were willing to “meet in the middle” but opposed the House proposal as written. Members also discussed the state budget, the rainy day fund, and whether the Senate should remain in session; after debate, Senator Pittman’s motion to recess to the call of the President pro tempore was adopted 27-23, and the Senate stood in recess.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And it seemed like it made more sense here.
- We've said it before and we'll say it again.
- It is 23 to 2 on this bill here. It chose to be billy at 4.
- It chose to be Philly for the clerks, and it was done yesterday.
- This doesn't do it.
Keywords:
election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms
Summary:
The committee heard two election-related bills. SB 264, sponsored by Sen. Duhigg and others and presented by the Secretary of State, would add definitions and new offenses to New Mexico election law to prohibit interference with elections, including the presence of troops or armed persons at polling places or ballot drop boxes, attempts to impose election rules contrary to state law, and intentional obstruction of access to polling places. It also would create civil enforcement options, strengthen existing election offenses by adding “under color of law” language, and include emergency voting procedures for voters displaced by natural disasters. Supporters, including Common Cause, the Center for Civic Policy, and the League of Women Voters, said the bill protects voters from intimidation and outside interference. Several county clerks and rural legislators raised concerns about late changes, lack of consultation, rural logistics, and possible litigation. The committee adopted the Rules Committee substitute and advanced SB 264 on a 5-3 roll call vote.
SB 261, presented as a companion election measure, would remove the existing exception that allowed law enforcement to carry firearms at polling places, but the sponsor offered an amendment to allow armed law enforcement to respond when called by the presiding judge, county clerk, or Secretary of State. Supporters said firearms do not belong in or around polling places because they can intimidate voters and poll workers, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary because existing law already covers law enforcement response and that the amendment created confusion. After a recess caused by members leaving the room, the committee returned, adopted the Rules Committee substitute including the amendment, and advanced SB 261 by unanimous voice vote.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Aaron Lukas, of Arkansas, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Kent, of Washington, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intellig Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But like the other IC elements, it must be focused on its unique mission.
- How does it serve policymakers? And if it doesn't, why are we doing it?
- That's it.
- It appears that it was not very well coordinated and it probably wasn't made in the first place.
- It narrows FARA enforcement, does it not?
Keywords:
national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And it seemed like it made more sense here.
- It is 23 to 2 on this bill here. It chose to be... ...for the clerks, and it was done yesterday.
- This doesn't do it.
- This substitute, it hasn't had the chance. The clerks haven't had the chance to look at it.
- It is new material.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe it was an accident. I don’t believe he did it on purpose.
- And it was.
- He knew it.
- me to taste it.
- It hurts me.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably.
Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It has been done in Oregon. ...It has been done in Oregon.
- And, in fact, it did. And I think it was a very good thing.
- and enjoyed it.
- It doesn't.
- it.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jan 12th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- How is it meaningful?
- And I would just stay on them until they make it transparent like you need it to be.
- it.
- So that's one aspect of it.
- I like the approach of it.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell.
Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs.
In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine options to reduce catastrophic wildfire, including H.R.471, to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisd Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- I get it.
- Does this bill do it? How does it do it? I think this bill does do that.
- It goes down deep. It stays smoldering. It does not get put out.
- I get it. I truly get it.
- Absolutely, without any question, we can do it and we can do it. Do it right now. Absolutely.
Bills:
HB471
Keywords:
forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Apr 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Everything looked like it was going to go through, and as things often happen, It looked like it was
- And as things often happen, it didn't make it before cutoff.
- It should publicly report its oversight expenditures and activities.
- It should remove the fee cap and its association with program operator expenditures, and it could place
- That's how I read it.
Summary:
At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review.
The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report.
Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The ayes have it. The amendment is not. The ayes have it. The amendment is not adopted.
- And he was just, he's so gracious about it. And he, it could have been totally no.
- And he, it could have been totally, no, it didn't, it didn't go through this committee.
- So we got around to it, we figured it out, and we got a hearing in front of the We got around to it,
- You know, I really had thought about it. You know, I really had thought about it.
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused.
The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote.
The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to for it to be used.
- I did it. I did it.
- Based on its merits.
- it does.
- of its imperfections.