Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment eliminates the rulemaking language.
• This is the language that everyone agreed on.
• This is the language that everyone agreed on.
• They also help with certification problems.
• Well, I wish the language stuck to the bill.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation was to codify the language about newborn screening fee exception.
• The recommendation was to codify the language about newborn screening fee exception.
• Um, the language here comes on page 61.
• So we'd rather not close the door on that option by including that language.
• <01:26:03.600> and<01:26:04.080> then initial certification and then initial certification

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I saw some preliminary language some weeks ago. I circulated it to our folks.
• I have a fear that the objections that I received previously are this language.
• That was BRIM's original language in the introduced version of the bill.
• From a technical perspective, it's just striking new language. So we would have..."
• "Just striking new language, so we would strike subsection C of section six.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and approved the March 4, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee first considered House Bill 55, which updates and modernizes workers’ compensation statutes to reflect the privatized system, remove obsolete provisions, and adjust the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three. The Insurance Commissioner testified that the bill is part of the cleanup from privatization and would give the governor more flexibility in appointments. After adopting a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, the committee reported HB 55 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. The committee then took up House Bill 5463, which would reduce BRIM’s required liability coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s director testified that the excess market was difficult to access and costly, but several senators raised concerns that lowering coverage could reduce protection for victims and school-related claims. After a divided vote, the motion to report the bill failed, and HB 5463 was not passed by the committee. Next, the committee considered House Bill 4869, creating guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies, including annual birthday replacement rights and a special right for certain Medicaid recipients losing eligibility. Counsel said the bill would prohibit underwriting barriers during the guaranteed issue periods and require an annual report on premium trends. With no amendments offered, the committee reported HB 4869 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. The bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to offset payments by amounts received from other sources and limit lawsuits over claims reported to BRIM. Members debated a proposed strike-and-insert amendment that would have softened the litigation limits and added notice and remedy provisions, but the amendment was rejected. The committee then reported HB 5462 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:47.720> of um uh I don't think that the language of um uh I don't think that the language
• <00:45:09.280> of and and as you'll see the language of and and as you'll see the language
• That’s my language, so I can answer that a little bit.
• That’s my language, so I can answer that a little bit.
• Bill into HB 2, and also if if we pass HB 2 with this language and our other bill with our other language

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313 and, on motion by Representative Perez, voted to retain the bill because members felt it needed further work and was not ready for final action. The motion passed 18-0, and no further action was taken on the bill. House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure, was then discussed; supporters said it addressed a real problem and should move forward, while opponents raised concerns that it was too broad, could affect criminal cases, and might create procedural complications. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and it was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved OTP, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0, and the bill was also placed on consent. The committee then turned to House Bill 509, which would require reporting on forfeitures. Supporters argued the information was useful for future legislation, while opponents said the reporting would be costly, duplicative, and potentially split data across fiscal years. The committee voted 11-7 to recommend OTP, with a minority of members opposed. House Bill 520, authorizing Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued DOE needed the same tools other agencies have, while opponents said DOE already had access to needed information, the Attorney General could handle subpoenas, and the bill would create an unbalanced process and raise due process and student-record concerns. Representative Tur offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena power from DOE hearing officers to the Attorney General; after debate, the amendment failed 10-8. The transcript cuts off as the committee begins the roll call on the underlying bill after rejecting the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're still talking with the City of Phoenix on potential language. But this is ongoing.
• Okay, I'd like to ask the staff to address item the language under B in the bill where it talks about
• So what I'm simply submitting is that there's a possibility that this language could be misinterpreted
• So they will then receive an accreditation or certification, as we call it, in this process. ...then
• receive an accreditation or certification, as we call it, in this program in that specific Braille.

Bills: HB2207, HB2225, HB2602, HB2641

Keywords: braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, HB 2225, Yavapai County, northern Arizona regional training academy, training academy, public safety training, law enforcement training, police academy, first responder training, capital appropriation, state general fund, state treasurer, lapsing appropriation, section 35-190, capital costs, regional training facility

Transcript Highlights:

• This slide just gives you a reminder of the language that was in the original 5801.
• This slide just gives you a reminder of the language that was in the original 5801.
• So specifically talking about a transit safety and security grant program, the language written, and
• The language written in the grant program that was proposed last year was really focused on basically
• At this time, the Department of Licensing is not issuing or reissuing certification.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on October 16, 2025, for a budget and revenue overview, a traffic safety presentation, and a discussion of potential transit and active transportation grant programs. Committee staff reviewed the adopted 2025-27 transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, the large share for WSDOT, and the mix of revenue sources including fuel tax, vehicle-related fees, federal funds, Climate Commitment Act revenue, and new 2025 revenues from SB 5801 and SB 5802. Staff said the 2025 session produced a balanced four-year plan, preserved major project schedules, maintained highway preservation funding, and added money for culverts, local preservation, and other priorities. They also described a September forecast showing lower motor fuel consumption than previously expected, but still enough revenue growth to keep the transportation plan balanced. For the 2026 supplemental, staff said agency requests were relatively modest overall, with most capital requests reflecting reappropriations and timing shifts rather than new projects, while WSDOT’s addendum identified much larger future needs for maintenance, preservation, paving, culverts, and safety work. Senators asked for more detail on how revenues are distributed by fund type and geography, how much of the maintenance and preservation request is actual maintenance versus equipment, whether paving needs could be supported through bonding, and how electric vehicle sales trends might affect forecasts. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chikino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She said U.S. traffic fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, with especially large increases for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and argued that the U.S. lags other high-income countries in roadway safety. Her presentation highlighted IIHS’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce fatalities 30% by 2030 through safer speeds, stronger impaired-driving countermeasures, better pedestrian protection, and safer commercial vehicles. She discussed research linking higher speed limits to higher fatality risk, the benefits of lower urban speed limits, speed safety cameras, traffic calming, lighting, pedestrian beacons, and safer intersection design. She also described ongoing work with Bellevue on smart signal technology and pedestrian safety pilots. Committee members thanked her for the presentation and said they would share the materials with others. In the final work session, the committee revisited transit and active transportation grant concepts that had been included in the Senate budget proposal but did not advance in 2025. Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division explained how grant programs need runway, staff capacity, applicant readiness, and clear criteria, and compared program design to getting a plane off the ground. She discussed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting that some projects could be structured as funding-first programs while others would work better as project-line or project-first models. She said regional trail projects are already eligible under existing programs but often score lower because current criteria emphasize safety and population served. Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association then reviewed transit grant programs and argued that transit safety and security needs remain underfunded, including operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health coordination, and non-uniformed security staff. He said many transit capital programs are oversubscribed, that operator barrier retrofits alone could cost $20 million to $30 million, and that agencies face uncertainty about how recent sales tax changes apply to security-related contracts. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:47.440> does subdivision um some of the language does subdivision um some of the language
• <00:31:00.480> that our office supported the language that our office supported the language
• purpose of that language purpose of that language is<00:39:35.880> chair is chair is chair
• some you know intent of of language some you know intent of of language and<01:13:54.400> I
• not even clear to me in that language not even clear to me in that language whether<01:24:25.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And that same language was in House Bill 1250 that was defeated in the Senate.
• The same language was in House Bill 1250 that was defeated in the Senate on March 31, 2025.
• And that same language was in House Bill 1250 that was defeated in the Senate.
• And so for that, that seems to be the main reason why we remove this language.
• And the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee concurs with that language.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would support that amendment to incorporate the language from HB 1802, House Draft 1.
• We would support that amendment to incorporate the language from HB 1802, House Draft 1.
• amendment to incorporate the language amendment to incorporate the language from<00:07:20.720>
• So we'll um slightly different language.
• certification from Seaworm. I'd like to certification from Seaworm.

Bills: SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the language says such a person failing to certify United States citizenship should not be considered
• As attempting to register to vote, that is the language in this bill.
• If—and that's kind of my question—the first part was okay, the innocent error on certification.
• I don't—so if the Board of Elections... yes, yes, Senator, and I can add to that: this language is fairly

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Elections Committee held its final meeting of the session, with Chair Senator Gonzalez thanking members and staff for their work. The committee considered several election-related bills, including a voter ID proposal, protections against voter challenges and purging, a measure to address election disruptions, sample ballot posting, absentee ballot deadline notices for students, military and overseas voting changes, and notice requirements for expired address confidentiality protections. Senate Bill 2574, requiring government-issued photo ID to vote, drew opposition from Senators Walczyk and Myrie, who argued it would create barriers to voting and that there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud; the bill was reported from committee with opposition. Senate Bill 3233A, dealing with illegal voter purging and challenges, prompted extended discussion about citizenship verification, privacy of citizenship data, and whether information should be shared publicly; it was reported to the floor with Senators Borrello and Walczyk voting no. Senate Bill 4602A, on remedies for election disruptions, was discussed in terms of county and state board roles and bipartisan decision-making, and it was reported to the Finance Committee with a no vote from one member. The remaining bills were advanced with little or no substantive debate: Senate Bill 6253A on posting sample ballots, Senate Bill 6259 on notifying students of absentee ballot deadlines, Senate Bill 6995 on voting by mail, Senate Bill 7689B on overseas military and special federal voters, and Senate Bill 9857 on notice when address confidentiality protections expire. Most were reported either to the floor or to the Finance Committee, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment replaces the House language with the Senate language from Senate Bill 198.
• complete a one-time 2-hour board-approved continuing education course as part of the first license or certification
• the scope of the bill to include drowning prevention so we can incorporate Senator Smith's good language

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment replaces the House language with the Senate language from Senate Bill 198.
• complete a one-time 2-hour board-approved continuing education course as part of the first license or certification
• the scope of the bill to include drowning prevention so we can incorporate Senator Smith's good language

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• INTERVENTION PROGRAMS MAY OFFER SUPPLEMENTAL FAITH-BASED ACTIVITIES BUT MAY NOT REQUIRE THEM AND THAT THIS LANGUAGE
• REPEALS THIS NEEDED ASSESSMENT ALLOWS PROVIDERS A WIDE TO APPLY THEIR MAINTENANCE LICENSE WITHOUT ANY CERTIFICATE
• LEGISLATIVE INTENT CLARIFYING THE DISCHARGE PROCESS PROVIDING ADVOCATES AND REINSTATING MISTAKEN LANGUAGE
• TALK ABOUT THAT BUT WHAT I DO WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS SOMETHING THAT'S VERY POSITIVE AND THAT'S THE LANGUAGE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , certification statute modernization, certification statute modernization, there's<00:20:38.159>
• Um, so this language I'm just dwelling on it a little bit here because this is the kind of language on
• Um, so this language I'm just dwelling on it a little bit here because this is the kind of language on
• Forecasting language for transfers.
• :11:43.600> the<01:11:43.760> language finally the language uh the language finally the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm certain that there will be a mechanism that will require some sort of certification or process that
• I don't think that we have evidence it is the largest tax increase, so that's inflammatory language,
• I will also note that the language in terms of serious illness reflects the federal FMLA policy. that
• language is so important because that's what we want.
• I will say, I really hope that as this bill moves forward, we can keep that language intact.

Transcript Highlights:

• It might not be language at this time.
• <00:26:55.840> A the language that's in the bill. A the language that's in the bill.
• that<01:10:01.520> are governor's original language that are governor's original language
• it was in the language here it was his. it was in the language here it was his.
• 50.479> support certification of direct support certification of direct support professionals<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I saw some preliminary language some weeks ago. I circulated it to our folks.
• I have a fear that the objections that I received previously are this language.
• Yes, yes, that was BRIM's original language in the introduced version of the bill. Okay, so I...
• That was BRIM's original language in the introduced version of the bill.
• Counsel: From a technical perspective, it's just striking new language. So we would have...

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our heritage division is dedicated to preserving our culture, our history, and our language to restore
• We also now have street signs in our native language. The signs reflect our creation stories.
• We have some video from our language. The signs reflect our creation stories.
• Some of them had to be put in boarding schools, where they were punished to learn the language, sing
• Some of them had to be put in boarding schools, where they were punished to learn the language, they'd

Summary: A joint hearing of the Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee was held on an amendment to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Gaming Compact. The Washington State Gambling Commission and Puyallup Tribal representatives described the compact as a restatement of the tribe’s 1996 agreement, updated to reflect prior amendments and current gaming operations. Commission staff outlined several changes, including authorization for electronic table games, extension of credit with customer-protection safeguards, removal of per-facility limits, changes to wager limits, a stepped increase in the tribe’s player-terminal allocation, and new licensing/eligibility/registration and definitions appendices. They also noted added provisions on responsible gaming, non-smoking areas if smoking is offered, emergency-services access, and community commitments. Puyallup Tribal leaders gave extensive testimony on how gaming revenue has supported tribal self-governance, cultural preservation, education, housing, health care, elder services, youth programs, environmental protection, and charitable giving. They said gaming revenue has funded tribal facilities, a school, a longhouse, housing projects, a funeral home, health and behavioral health services, substance-use treatment, and donations to nonprofits and local public health efforts. Tribal economic development staff also described diversification efforts funded by gaming, including businesses in hospitality, fuel, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and a planned terminal partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The casino CEO emphasized responsible gaming, compliance, self-exclusion tools, staff training, and a problem-gambling campaign. Committee members asked about the compact negotiation process and the state’s interests. Gambling Commission staff explained that compact changes are negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, with the governor’s office, commissioners, and ex officio members providing policy input, and that the current hearing was required within 30 days of completion of the state process. Staff said the commission would hold a public meeting on Thursday to take comment and then vote whether to forward the restated compact to the governor or return it for further negotiation. No public testimony was signed up at the hearing, and no vote was taken by the legislative committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• exams Laura Oxnevad said that high school students currently take three separate MCA exams: language
• Um, uh, Madam Chair, members, I believe there's language elsewhere regarding all the other tests, so
• Um, uh, Madam Chair, members, I believe there's language elsewhere regarding all the other tests, so
• Um, uh, Madam Chair, members, I believe there's language elsewhere regarding all the other tests, so
• Um, uh, Madam Chair, members, I believe there's language elsewhere regarding all the other tests, so

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• allow for more cooperative language allow for more cooperative language for<00:10:27.560> the
• <00:13:28.160> from which just changes the language from which just changes the language from
• and we we oppose changing that language. and we we oppose changing that language.
• <00:35:57.960> on language on language on pursuing<00:35:59.560> somebody, Moving on to
• Um, the language on 1.9 to 1.21 in the DE3 amendment, um, again, that's probably superfluous language

Keywords: 1183, house