Transcript Highlights:

• The way the bill, 2381 now, is framed, it is RCW 19.27.
• RCW 19.27A.
• RCW 19.27A is the energy code, and that's a different section, so this is not making any changes to that
• You can't consider anything outside of that scope, just the way our RCWs and others are written.

Summary: The committee held its first official work session with member and staff introductions, then received an update from the State Building Code Council on the current three-year code cycle and several legislatively directed code changes. Council staff said the council is moving toward CR-102 rulemaking and final adoption in the spring, with legislative mandates nearing completion on minimum dwelling unit size, emergency shelters, single-exit stairs for buildings up to six stories and 24 units, and sixplexes in the residential code. Members asked about how technical advisory groups are selected, and staff explained that the council advertises seats, reviews applications and recommendations, and approves members in public meetings, typically including firefighters, engineers, architects, and other subject-matter experts. A major portion of the meeting focused on the single-stair and sixplex work and on how fire safety, egress, and local service levels are being considered. Council representatives said the single-stair proposal includes emergency escape and rescue openings on all levels and is intended to provide more options for safe egress while reducing building footprint and cost. They emphasized that the recommendations are still entering the public rulemaking process and that cost-benefit considerations were part of the legislative intent. Members also raised questions about whether self-rescue devices or other builder options could be codified, and council staff said such ideas are considered through the advisory process, though not all become required code provisions. The second half of the session covered performance-based codes, prompted by a bill referred to as HB 2381. Todd Byrd explained the difference between prescriptive codes, which specify exact solutions, and performance-based codes, which set outcomes and allow designers and manufacturers more flexibility in how to meet them. He described the bill as a narrow proposal for low-rise residential buildings up to 24 units and under the high-rise threshold, with third-party or state certification and local jurisdiction approval still required. He cited international examples, especially Japan and Sweden, where performance-based approaches supported innovation and prefabrication, and said such systems can lower costs while maintaining safety. Members discussed seismic safety, builder participation, embodied carbon, and energy-code interactions, and council staff said the proposal could help align material, energy, and design optimization without changing the existing energy code. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're just trying to make sure that all the agencies that bargain under this particular RCW are all covered
• WSDA has the scientific expertise and statutory authority under RCW 15.150 to oversee laboratory competency
• are required to provide more complete, modern contact information, while most state employers under RCW
• RCW 41.80 was not able to be included in that bill.
• House Bill 2091 simply aligns RCW 41.80 with that existing law that has already applied elsewhere.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1347, which would streamline cannabis testing lab accreditation by requiring the Liquor and Cannabis Board to accept Department of Agriculture accreditation as the basis for initial certification under certain conditions and to reduce duplication between agencies. The prime sponsor and several industry witnesses said the bill is intended to clarify authority, improve efficiency, and preserve consumer safety, while LCB said it had no policy objection but wanted implementation concerns addressed. Several witnesses supported the concept but said an amendment was needed to clearly assign accreditation authority to WSDA and avoid overlapping requirements. The committee also heard and later took action on several bills. House Bill 2229 would update the Professional Engineers Registration Act by changing board membership rules, increasing pro tem members, and revising registration and exam provisions; the sponsor and board director said it modernizes qualifications without changing licensure standards. House Bill 2091 would require more complete employee contact information to be shared with exclusive bargaining representatives under the Personnel System Reform Act; union witnesses supported it and a policy witness opposed it as a privacy intrusion. Second Substitute House Bill 1128 would create a Child Care Workforce Standards Board to make recommendations on child care worker standards; supporters said it addresses workforce shortages and retention, while providers and associations argued it duplicates existing work and could lead to unfunded mandates. In executive action, the committee voted do pass on Substitute House Bills 2492, 2107, 2151, 2355, and Gross Substitute House Bill 2471, and sent them to Rules. It also voted do pass on Second Substitute House Bill 2105 and referred it to Ways and Means. Other bills heard included House Bill 1701 on shared liquor license premises, where a small business owner supported more flexible shared-space arrangements and LCB suggested amendments to prevent undue influence; House Bill 2264 on unemployment benefits for employer-initiated layoffs, which was supported as a clarification to protect workers who opt into reduction-in-force programs; Substitute House Bill 2472 on fire sprinkler work enforcement, supported by labor and industry witnesses; and Second Substitute House Bill 2345, which would adjust paid family and medical leave premium allocations to address IRS tax guidance, with broad support from labor, business, and the agency.

Transcript Highlights:

• The appeal shall be made in the manner provided in RCW 50.32.030. Senator McEwen. Thank you, Mr.
• RCW prescribing penalties and declaring an emergency. Senator Holy. Well, thank you, Mr. President.
• The Secretary will read: On page 3, line 24, after 'felony,' insert 'misdemeanor' under RCW 9A.76.130
• The Secretary will read: An act relating to the use of nursing titles, amending RCW.
• The Secretary will read: An act relating to the use of nursing titles, amending RCW.

Bills: SB5223, SB5286, SB6002, SB6178, SB5892, SB5177, SB6039, SB5874, SB5863, SB5972, SB5941, SB5203, SB6014, SB5993, SB5831, SB5928, SB5912, SB5825

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, policing costs, state hospitals, local funding, budget allocation, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate recognition, LPR, surveillance, driver privacy, vehicle tracking, location data, law enforcement technology, data retention, audit trail

Summary: The Senate convened with ceremonial opening activities, approved the previous day’s journal, and referred committee reports and new introductions, including SB 6346, to the appropriate committees. It also confirmed several gubernatorial appointments to college and board positions: Glenn F. Ellis to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees, Suzanne Donaldson to the Clark College Board of Trustees, and Jesse E. Johnson to the Highline College Board of Trustees, each by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered and passed a series of bills, often after suspending the rules to move them directly to final passage. These included SB 6014 on pregnancy-related accommodations; SB 5863 on preservation and inspection of Lakeland Village historical records; SB 5874 on correcting unemployment insurance employer reporting procedures for small businesses; SB 5972 expanding interest arbitration for certain correctional employees; SB 5286 formalizing reimbursement for local public safety services provided to state hospitals; SB 5877 making a technical correction related to certified anesthesiologist assistants; SB 5904 restricting nursing titles to licensed human persons; SB 5915 updating the health technology assessment program; SB 5919 creating voluntary wildfire-prevention incentives for agriculture; SB 5938 adjusting foreclosure prevention fees and exemptions; SB 5957 expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee; SB 6102 aligning the ambulance transport quality assurance fee with federal rules; and SB 6103 advancing a rural hospital conversion intended to help East Adams Hospital remain open. The most debated measures were SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, and SB 6002, which regulates automated license plate reader systems and driver privacy. On SB 5825, two Jeff Wilson amendments seeking to limit administrative use of donated funds and cap contributions were both rejected, but the bill ultimately passed 33-16. On SB 6002, an amendment to broaden authorized uses of ALPRs was rejected, a striking amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 48-9 after extensive floor debate focused on privacy, surveillance, law enforcement utility, and the need for clear rules. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though SB 5972 and SB 5203 drew some dissent over impacts on smaller counties and land-use concerns tied to wildlife connectivity planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a joint self-insurance fund composed of 19 public utility districts organized under RCW 48.62
• The regulatory issue arises from RCW 48.62.01.1.
• jointly self-insure risks, jointly purchase insurance, reinsurance, become a captive owner as defined in RCW
• The self-insurance is defined by RCW 48.62 to mean a formal program of advanced funding and management
• I would invoke RCW 43.06.2.202 and WAC 1908.

Bills: HB2275, HB2238

Keywords: wildfire prevention, Washington wildfire council, fire safety, environmental protection, state regulations, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a 15-member council to administer it. Committee staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and potentially a one-time startup payment; the fund would compensate certain wildfire damage claims tied to utility negligence and support wildfire mitigation planning and related work. Representative Reeves, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, improve transparency for ratepayers, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire prevention and response. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several advocates who said the bill could help victims recover, stabilize wildfire response funding, and support mitigation. Several witnesses described personal losses from the Gray Fire and said a dedicated fund could have helped with recovery. Opponents and those testifying “other” or “con” included utilities, utility associations, business groups, and ratepayer advocates, who raised concerns about retroactive liability dating back to July 1, 2021, unclear fund solvency, potential rate increases, equity among customer classes, and the risk that the fund could be swept for other state purposes. Some witnesses argued the bill should be paired with broader liability reform and stronger mitigation requirements, while others pointed to California’s wildfire fund as a model or cautionary example. After public testimony, the committee read the record of sign-ins as 30 pro, 774 con, and 2 other, and then concluded the hearing on HB 2275. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring duties. Staff briefed five amendments, four of which were adopted: one requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting, one directing the department to recommend legislative actions to improve food affordability, one adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and emphasizing root causes of hunger, and one adding fuel and labor cost metrics. A fifth amendment, which would have required a consultant study of agricultural labor collective bargaining legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then moved the substitute bill forward with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association for Justice, signing an other because we're in opposition to the parts of the bill that relate to RCW
• We urge you to remove RCW 51 from this bill.
• We urge you to remove RCW 51 from this bill.
• Rachel Hammer continued: RCW 51 and injured workers should be removed from this bill so that injured
• RCW 51.52.0505, the general service statute in RCW 51, currently provides that if the worker, beneficiary

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several Labor and Workplace Standards bills. HB 2492 would require building and construction apprenticeship programs, beginning in 2027, to include two hours of behavioral health and wellness training covering topics such as suicide prevention, substance use disorder, recognizing distress, peer support, and connecting to resources. The prime sponsor and many labor, apprenticeship, and contractor witnesses supported the bill, describing high suicide and overdose rates in construction and sharing personal stories about losses and struggles in the trades. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 2405, a Department of Labor and Industries request bill creating a pilot to allow earlier treatment for PTSD claims in workers’ compensation, including up to 11 treatment sessions before claim adjudication and limited follow-up treatment after closure. L&I and NFIB supported the measure as a way to speed treatment and reduce barriers, while one legal advocate supported it but raised technical concerns about pre-claim treatment and urged more focus on workplace prevention; another witness cautioned against emphasizing psychiatric drug treatment. The bill was heard only; no action was taken. HB 2406 would expand L&I’s ability to send notices electronically, with opt-in/opt-out provisions and some changes to timing rules for workers’ compensation and WISHA notices. L&I supported the bill as a modernization measure, while labor and workers’ advocates opposed changes affecting workers’ compensation notices, arguing that email should not become the default for vulnerable workers who may miss deadlines. HB 2478 would give L&I discretion, rather than a mandate, to investigate wage complaints and allow penalties when the department initiates an investigation; L&I supported it as a more efficient enforcement tool, and the committee discussed how complaints would still be handled and communicated. Finally, HB 2471 would create a state collective bargaining framework for private-sector workers if federal labor law or the NLRB no longer covers them. Supporters said it would preserve organizing and dispute-resolution rights if federal protections fail, while agricultural employers and NFIB opposed it, arguing it would inappropriately apply to agriculture and small businesses, could disrupt perishable harvests, and should rely on secret-ballot elections rather than card check. No votes were taken on any of the bills in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a joint self-insurance fund composed of 19 public utility districts organized under RCW 48.62
• The regulatory issue arises from RCW 48.62.01.1.
• jointly self-insure risks, jointly purchase insurance, reinsurance, become a captive owner as defined in RCW
• The self-insurance is defined by RCW 48.62 to mean a formal program of advanced funding and management
• I would invoke RCW 43.06.2.202 and WAC 19.08.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a new council to oversee utility wildfire mitigation, claims payments, and related administration. Staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and maintain approved wildfire mitigation plans to qualify for claims coverage. The prime sponsor, Rep. Christine Reeves, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, support prevention, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire risk. Members asked about retroactivity to July 1, 2021, utility contribution limits, and whether the bill would lower rates or improve mitigation funding. Public testimony was split. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several wildfire and insurance advocates, who emphasized the need for compensation, stable funding, prevention, and better resilience planning. Opponents included several utilities, utility associations, business groups, and public utility district representatives, who argued the bill would shift uncapped costs to ratepayers, lacked clear liability reform and solvency protections, and could be vulnerable to future fund sweeps. Some witnesses cited California’s wildfire fund as a model, while others said Washington needed a broader, more holistic solution focused on prevention and liability reform. No vote was taken on HB 2275; the public hearing was closed after testimony. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring to the department’s duties. Four amendments were adopted: L-061, requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting; L-062, directing the strategy to recommend legislative actions to make food more affordable and reduce food assistance need; L-060, adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and focusing on root causes of hunger; and L-063, adding fuel and labor cost tracking to agricultural viability metrics. Amendment L-064, which would have required a consultant study on proposed agricultural labor legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then adopted the amended substitute and reported Substitute House Bill 2238 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 11-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Board's mission to streamline regulatory language and practices through technical changes to RCW
• And these changes in the RCW will support that work. These really are very technical changes.
• So we will now have in the RCW, should this bill pass, which we strongly urge support of, that each of
• We definitely support the continued We definitely support the continued use of the RCW that allows CRNAs
• time, or who do not have prescriptive authority at the time this is effective, to continue to use the RCW

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a Friday morning hearing with several House bills and then took executive action on three measures. In executive session, the committee voted do pass on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242, Substitute House Bill 2152, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2168, sending the first two to Rules and the overdose-mapping bill to Ways and Means. The committee also waived the five-day notice rule for several bills on the agenda. Public hearings focused on hospital inspections, continuing care retirement communities, radiologic technologist supervision, music therapy licensure, nursing regulation, ambulance billing after motor vehicle accidents, and EMT recertification. Representative Macri presented HB 2577 to require hospital inspections at least every 18 months, allow limited pauses during emergencies, and clarify when CMS or accrediting-body surveys may substitute for state inspections; DOH supported the bill, citing JLARC recommendations, while many people signed in opposed. Macri also presented Second Substitute HB 2384, which would require actuarial analysis review for certain CCRCs; OIC supported the transparency goal, while CCRC representatives opposed the added cost, though residents and association witnesses argued the oversight would protect seniors and their life savings. Representative Engel’s HB 2113 drew strong support from radiology, hospital, and provider groups for allowing virtual direct supervision for IV contrast procedures and aligning state law with CMS practice. Representative Ryu’s HB 1187 would bar ambulance services from sending motor-vehicle-accident medical debt to collections for 120 days; she described a personal experience with an ambulance collection issue, and the hearing was closed after no testifiers appeared. Representative Reed’s HB 2363 would let music therapy applicants practice under supervision for up to six months while exam results are processed; music therapy witnesses said it would prevent workforce gaps. Representative Simmons’ HB 2339 would update nursing title and transcript requirements and allow the board to issue interim permits directly, with the Board of Nursing and ARNP groups calling it a technical cleanup. HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals to six years for long-tenured EMTs, and firefighters supported it as an administrative simplification without changing training requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• dispense drugs prescribed by another veterinarian, that dispensing must be in compliance with an existing RCW
• dispense drugs prescribed by another veterinarian, that dispensing must be in compliance with an existing RCW
• performing this because it doesn't happen so rarely, I don't know if we really need to pass this as an RCW
• I don't know if we really need to pass this as an RCW, so that is the basis of my no vote.
• But there are several of us on this side that do agree that this should be put in the RCWs.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several health-related bills. House Bill 2384 would require continuing care retirement communities that offer life care contracts to submit actuarial analyses every other registration cycle for review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with the Department of Social and Health Services using the review in registration decisions. The bill sponsor and residents’ advocates said it would improve transparency and protect seniors’ prepaid care promises, while the CCRC industry supported the goal but raised concerns about scope, cost, and implementation details. House Bill 2505 would exempt certain foster family homes and child-specific foster care homes from adult family home licensure when former foster youth remain in the home as adults and certain safety conditions are met; DSHS supported the narrow exemption as a way to avoid displacing vulnerable young adults. House Bill 2402 would phase out DEHP and other orthophthalates in IV solution containers and later IV tubing, with exemptions for certain blood and cell therapy products; supporters cited health and environmental risks and the availability of safer alternatives, while manufacturers and hospitals supported the goal but asked for longer timelines, supply-chain protections, and implementation assistance. In executive session, the committee took action on a series of bills. It adopted an amendment and passed House Bill 1904, which prohibits cat declawing, on a 13-3 vote. It passed a proposed substitute for House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug program on an 11-5 vote after debate over reporting requirements and the state’s authority. It rejected several amendments to House Bill 2182 on abortion medications held by the Department of Corrections, adopted an Indian health care provider priority amendment, and passed the bill on a 10-6 vote. House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals passed 15-1. The committee also passed Substitute House Bill 2247 on veterinarian-client-patient relationships, Substitute House Bill 2329 on midwives and lactation consultants, and Substitute House Bill 2339 on nurse licensing, each with technical amendments and broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• in another state must be a private four-year not-for-profit institution which meets the criteria of RCW
• RCW 26.44.020. Abuse and neglect.
• So it's kind of funny to me that female genital mutilation is considered abuse and neglect in RCW, but
• When it says compelling reasons, the underlying bill points to RCW 13.32A.082.
• It had a technical error in the reference to the RCW.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here today testifying in support of HB 2468, correcting the terminology to align RCW with the recent
• Correcting the terminology to align RCW with the recent reorganization at DSHS.
• This bill makes important technical corrections in statute to align RCW with the new administration names
• These changes are necessary to ensure that RCW are clearly aligned with the new DSHS structure for clarity

Bills: HB2455, HB2468, HB2529

Keywords: housing assistance, youth, foster care, pilot program, social services, terminology correction, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, Washington, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, accountability board, oversight board, child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, juvenile justice, early learning, family preservation, children and families

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2468 would update the Revised Code of Washington to match DSHS’s 2025 reorganization, replacing references to eliminated administrations with current names or broader agency references. The bill also removes the 2028 sunset on the Dementia Action Collaborative, adjusts DSHS membership on the Permanent Supportive Housing advisory committee, and eliminates a requirement to hire two full-time employees for the no-paid-services caseload. The sponsor and DSHS testified in support, describing the bill as technical cleanup tied to the department’s “Reimagined DSHS” initiative, while members raised questions about possible amendments and the policy choice to extend the dementia collaborative. DSHS indicated it was open to changes, including correcting remaining outdated statutory references. House Bill 2529 would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board, move it to the Office of Financial Management for administrative purposes, broaden some membership qualifications, and reduce reporting from annual to every other year starting in 2027. The prime sponsor said the changes were intended to make the board less political, improve attendance and flexibility, and focus on a concise, useful report. A union representative supported the restructuring but asked for language ensuring the DCYF caseworker board member can attend meetings as part of the job without being forced to use personal leave, saying the issue had raised retaliation concerns. Members also discussed whether the report should remain annual and whether it should include stronger recommendations. House Bill 2455 would create a two-year pilot program providing rental assistance and housing fees for 50 youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, beginning in 2027. The bill limits assistance to 24 months and requires DCYF to report on the pilot by June 30, 2029, while also adding transition planning for youth approaching age 21. The sponsor and multiple youth advocates testified that stable housing is essential for education, employment, mental health, and safety, and described personal experiences with homelessness and instability while in or after foster care. Some testimony urged the pilot to be expanded beyond 50 youth, and members questioned whether the timeline should include an interim review or be adjusted so the report can inform future decisions. The hearing concluded with no votes taken, and the committee then made housekeeping announcements about upcoming meeting times and amendment deadlines before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• .. ...moderator at a convention or trade show, as long as the nonresident meets the requirements of RCW
• It's important to note that this is just the authorizing RCW that gives counties and their local voters
• The RCW 84.63.81 in this section, the amendment to it makes no mention of exempting from all property
• Section 302 removes exemptions for farmers' equipment from being taxed for levies under current RCWs.
• We would ask for all libraries covered under RCW 27.12 to be exempt from this tax, and hopefully K-12

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal, as we've described for the HEAL Act in the RCW, is really to reduce environmental health disparities
• The goal, as we've described, for the HEAL Act in the RCW, is to really to reduce environmental health
• It was intended, and there's language in the RCW that kind of articulates that, like other agencies should
• request legislation; and any other actions deemed significant by a covered agency consistent with the RCW
• And so do you think that that meets the full obligation of the agency or of the RCW language relative

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what this initiative, or what this constitutional amendment, does and the corresponding RCW change
• Now, the auditor still has the ability to utilize RCW 29A.36.180 for disqualified candidates, but that
• RCW 29A.36.180 for disqualified candidates.
• I mirrored this after RCW 29A.36.180 because I didn't want to reinvent the wheel.
• It doesn't change anything in RCW 29A.24.311 regarding write-in candidates.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2356 would let a homicide victim’s next of kin seek a court injunction to block examination of law enforcement records in homicide cases; staff explained current Public Records Act rules, the sponsor said the bill was intended to protect families and children after especially graphic cases, and open-government testimony opposed the measure as an unnecessary secrecy expansion. HB 2460 and HJR 4212 would change vacancy-filling rules for partisan offices so an appointee must be from the same party only if the former officeholder had declared a party preference; the sponsor said this would address vacancies involving no-party-preference officials and avoid delays or litigation. HB 2631 would create a pilot to extend the governor’s customer-experience initiative to the Secretary of State, Fish and Wildlife, and the Insurance Commissioner, with deadlines for liaisons, metrics, reports, and service-improvement plans; the sponsor and supporters emphasized better service and accessibility, while agency representatives raised concerns about cost, autonomy, and whether participation should be optional. HB 2574 would streamline procedures when a candidate dies before or after ballots are printed, allowing removal from ballots or noncounting of votes based on a death certificate; the sponsor said it would avoid unnecessary recounts and costs. HB 2572 would require county-tribal election meetings and create an electronic ballot return portal for certain voters, including tribal voters on reservations, military and overseas voters, and voters with disabilities; county auditors and election officials supported the tribal outreach and access goals but stressed the need for security testing and careful implementation of the portal. In executive session, the committee considered five bills and adopted amendments on two of them. For HB 2333, which addresses protections against political violence for elected officials, candidates, election officials, and criminal justice participants, the committee adopted amendment Omley 307 to allow P.O. boxes or ACP addresses in campaign-related filings and contributions, then advanced the substitute bill on a 4-3 vote. HB 2462, concerning authority to counter unpiloted aircraft systems, was advanced 5-2. HB 2419, which expands the address confidentiality program to certain administrative law judges and Office of Administrative Hearings employees, was amended to include the chief administrative law judge and then advanced 5-2. HB 2176, exempting collaborative drug therapy agreement information from the Public Records Act, advanced 4-3 after debate over privacy versus transparency. HB 2491, exempting personal information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for digital experience platform services, also advanced 5-2. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Help me understand, from a financial institution's perspective, either what RCW currently allows for
• exist in our state and not be considered a loan like any other mechanism, or if there is a gap in the RCWs
• , can you identify that there's a gap in the RCW and maybe something that we need... ...gap in the RCWs
• , can you identify that there's a gap in the RCW and maybe something that we need to take a deeper look

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a work session on buy now, pay later (BNPL) transactions, focusing on how the products work, how they are used in Washington, and whether existing state law adequately protects consumers. Department of Financial Institutions staff described BNPL as short-term, usually no-interest installment financing offered at checkout, often with automatic payments, late fees, and varying credit-reporting practices. Members asked how BNPL compares with payday lending and earned wage access, whether it is effectively a loan or credit product, and whether Washington law already covers it. DFI explained that some BNPL structures may fall into a legal gray area under the Retail Installment Sales of Goods and Services Act because pay-in-four products may not meet the statute’s “more than four installments” language, while other structures may be covered; they also noted the Attorney General can enforce the act. DFI and committee members discussed consumer risks such as overextension, automatic debits, and lack of standardized disclosures, and DFI said it would follow up with additional data on defaults and related issues. Molly Gallagher of the Poverty Action Network and Nadine Chabrier of the Center for Responsible Lending argued that BNPL can help consumers but also poses significant risks, especially for lower-income consumers and consumers of color who already carry debt or use other alternative financial products. They said BNPL use has grown rapidly, often involves multiple simultaneous loans across providers, and can lead to overdrafts, late fees, and difficulty tracking obligations because payments are spread across different schedules. They emphasized concerns about weak disclosures, limited dispute protections, automatic payment structures, credit reporting inconsistencies, consumer overextension, and data privacy/dark-pattern marketing. They also described federal retrenchment, including the CFPB’s withdrawal of an interpretive rule that would have treated BNPL like a digital credit card, and pointed to state responses in places like New York, California, and Maryland. Committee members signaled interest in possible Washington legislation and stronger state oversight. Retail and business witnesses offered a more favorable view of BNPL as a cash-flow and sales tool. A Washington Retail Association representative described BNPL as an evolution of layaway and credit-card-style installment purchasing, noting that merchants receive payment up front minus fees while consumers get goods or services immediately and repay over time. A representative from a business using deferred-payment financing said the tool helps customers obtain equipment and helps the business manage inventory and cash flow, while NFIB said small businesses also use BNPL to bridge expenses and avoid higher-interest credit card debt. Members asked about merchant fees, consumer education, and whether BNPL is being used for impulse purchases or essential expenses like rent, car repairs, medical care, and travel. The chair concluded by saying the committee intends to pursue regulatory language and continue working with stakeholders, while also hearing from retailers to avoid eliminating legitimate financing tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• confidentiality protections of the Public Records Act, the Uniform Health Care Information Act, Chapter 71.05 RCW
• We're here today just requesting a simple administrative fix to our RCW.

Bills: SB6084, SB6137, SCR8406, SB5892, SB5863

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• to stay in touch with the legislative process and track some of the bills that are going to impact RCW
• This legislation is a technical change to align the RCW, which governs clerk fees, with a court rule
• And these new requirements aren't covered by the section of the RCW, which authorizes our fees.
• So this is a technical change to align the fees authorized in the RCW with the requirements of the court
• And if you look at the original RCW language for, say, audio and video, there was a high and a low fee

Bills: HB2543

Keywords: county clerk, fees, local government, administrative costs, revenue generation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to stay in touch with the legislative process and track some of the bills that are going to impact RCW
• This legislation is a technical change to align the RCW, which governs clerk fees, with a court rule
• And these new requirements aren't covered by the section of the RCW, which authorizes our fees.
• So this is a technical change to align the fees authorized in the RCW with the requirements of the court
• And if you look at the original RCW language for, say, audio and video, there was a high and a low fee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 would authorize remote notarization of tangible records and remote oaths/affirmations, with record-retention requirements and no fiscal impact; the prime sponsor and staff described it as an access-to-justice measure, and the bill drew strong support in signed-in testimony. Substitute House Bill 2239 would create a framework for family burial grounds on private land, including setbacks, notice, recording, local regulation authority, and grandfathering of existing sites; supporters said it would help rural families and some tribal members bury loved ones on family land, while WSDOT raised a technical concern about the setback from rights-of-way. Substitute House Bill 2178 would reconcile statutes with court rules on malicious mischief aggregation, infraction deadlines, payment plans, and treasurer handling of certain funds; the sponsor and AOC described it as a technical cleanup with no fiscal impact, and it was supported by AOC. The committee then heard Engrossed House Bill 2445, which would tighten probate procedures to curb “probates for profit” by extending the time to petition, narrowing who qualifies as a suitable personal representative, changing venue, adding notice and reporting requirements, and regulating agreements with transferees for value and heir-finding firms. The sponsor, Attorney General’s Office, and Northwest Justice Project said the bill would protect grieving families from predatory actors, while some probate attorneys warned it could sweep too broadly and affect legitimate heir-finding services; the sponsor said he was open to further discussion and written recommendations. Substitute House Bill 2543 would update county clerk fees to match new appellate court rules and modernize outdated references such as CDs; county clerks and county officials supported it as a technical, cost-recovery measure. Finally, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 would create a standalone gross misdemeanor for false identification as a peace officer, replacing part of the criminal impersonation statute and adding prohibitions on badges, vehicles, and attire that mimic law enforcement, with exceptions for lawful, artistic, and inherited items. The sponsor, the governor’s office, and a city representative supported it as a public-safety and trust measure, citing impersonation incidents and protections for immigrant communities. The committee also began hearing Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532 on nitrous oxide, which would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters for personal use while exempting medical, veterinary, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses; members questioned how the law would be enforced and whether additional controlled-substance treatment would be needed. No votes were taken during the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• secretary will read: An act relating to updating the Office of Homeless Youth program provisions, amending RCW
• The secretary will read: On page 5, line 16, after RCW 13.32, last line, physical and emotional condition
• Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board; administrative changes in amending RCW

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate considered Substitute Senate Bill 6184, which updates and clarifies statutes governing the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs in the Department of Commerce. Supporters said the bill streamlines existing law, expands eligible housing and services for unhoused youth, supports reunification when appropriate, and removes county-based limitations so the program can continue statewide. Several amendments focused on parental notification and agency placement were offered, including proposals to move the program to DCYF and to require more direct notice to parents or law enforcement, but all were rejected after debate over safety, abuse concerns, and the role of DCYF. The bill then passed final passage by a vote of 30 yeas to 18 nays. The Senate next took up Substitute Senate Bill 5931 concerning the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board. An amendment was offered to restore a public-facing data dashboard for transparency and accountability, but the sponsor withdrew it after discussion. The bill was described as making administrative changes without fiscal impact, and it passed final passage overwhelmingly, 47 yeas to 2 nays. After the two bills were disposed of, the Senate announced a Rules Committee meeting following adjournment and then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11th, the 31st Legislative Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read the last line: The dedicated cannabis account created in RCW 69.50.530.
• The clerk will read the last line: 43.03 RCW.
• Section 1, RCW. Last line. Correct the title.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer before moving through routine business, including approval of the previous day’s minutes, a Senate message transmitting Senate Bill 5068, and referral of introduced bills and committee reports. The chamber then took up second- and third-reading bills, with several members excused for the day and caucuses briefly interrupting proceedings. On House Bill 1187, relating to protecting patients involved in motor vehicle accidents, the House adopted Amendment 1465 to remove an outdated date, then passed the bill 89-2. Supporters said the measure closes a gap in ambulance billing rules so patients receive notice before accounts are sent to collections, while opponents largely agreed it was a minor clarification. House Bill 1345, concerning detached accessory dwelling units in rural areas, was amended with technical changes on density and water-metering language and then passed 86-5 after supporters described it as a long-negotiated step to allow rural ADUs and provide options for seniors and multigenerational families. House Bill 1501, dealing with inquiries into HOA governance and operations, was amended with a striker to add flexibility for smaller volunteer-run associations and passed 55-36. Supporters emphasized consumer fairness and clearer response expectations, while opponents warned it could create burdens and legal costs for volunteer boards. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 1066 on centralized data collection for regulated substances (84-7), House Bill 1069 allowing certain public employees, including correctional officers, to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits (72-19), House Bill 1347 shifting cannabis testing oversight to the Department of Agriculture (88-3), and Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541 reorganizing the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (91-0). The chamber also re-referred House Bill 2592 to Appropriations and adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Legislature, I-2601, pursuant to Article 2, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution and RCW
• the Legislature, I-26-638, pursuant to Article 2, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution and RCW
• legislature number I.L. 26-638, pursuant to Article 2, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution and RCW

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School students, and an invocation. The chamber welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and heard ceremonial remarks about the nation’s 250th anniversary and the challenges of governing during budget constraints. The Secretary of State certified the November 2025 election results, and newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter were sworn in. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that it was organized and ready to conduct business, confirmed the committee appointed for that purpose, adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor Senate rule changes, and confirmed the 2026 standing committee memberships. The Senate then handled first-reading referrals and supplemental introductions, including measures referred to committees and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session. Senator Riccelli supported the cutoff schedule as necessary to complete work within the 60-day session, while Senator McCune opposed it, arguing the Legislature should prioritize budgeting earlier and take a different approach to fiscal planning. After debate, the resolution was adopted. The Senate also received House messages transmitting House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, and both were adopted by the Senate, with 4406 calling for a joint session and 4407 addressing the status of bills and measures. The chamber received additional messages from the Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate offices, including transmittals of several engrossed and substitute Senate bills and provisional certifications of initiatives. Senators Hunt and Torres reported back after escorting the Governor’s message, noting his readiness to work with the Legislature and a lighthearted Seahawks-49ers challenge. The session concluded with reminders about the upcoming joint session and a Rules Committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.