Transcript Highlights:

• We identify the main expenses and then we'll do a follow-up draw if there's any missed expenses in the
• This also applies to capital, just to make sure that we're not missing anything.
• When you've got 40 something in-person students across K-12, you're really dealing with only a handful
• And considering that only half of them are actually going to be in person we have a lot of unused space
• We know That more than half of those students don't actually go to school in person, and so we've got

Transcript Highlights:

• So if there are any questions or details that you think are missing from this presentation, please let
• Again, I think it depends on the person asking. When there's the person...
• Again, I think it depends on the person asking.
• When there's the person who's asking because they're just trying to get by, they have a small business
• There's a missing component for a private right of action.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on the list of bills is Senator Lane, Senate File 822, Miss State Band appropriation.
• the earlier um Bill already if I missed the earlier um Bill already if anybody<00:15:51.160> on
• uh a group in person to the caliber<00:24:07.600> of<00:24:07.720> the<00:24:07.840>
• They're pretty good about coming in person. Yep.
• gone over in the beginning and I missed gone over in the beginning and I missed it<01:30:39.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund requests and laid them over for possible inclusion. Senate File 673 sought $795,000 to help replace or refurbish the structurally unsound Marshall bandshell. Senator Gary Dames, Marshall Mayor Bob Burns, and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Preston Stenard described the bandshell as an iconic community venue used for concerts and arts events, noting prior repairs in 2004, a 2001 structural report, and the need for full replacement due to settlement and deterioration near the Redwood River. They said the project has local support and a local funding commitment for the remaining costs. Senate File 627 requested $850,000 for the Olmsted County Historical Society to continue rehabilitation of the George Stoppel Farmstead. Senator Liz Balden, Dr. Mark Warner, and Commissioner Sanum said the site includes three National Register buildings and preserves immigration and agricultural history in southeast Minnesota. They reported that $1.1 million had already been raised and that prior Legacy funding helped stabilize one structure, but additional work is needed on the bank barn and Stoppel house to complete restoration and improve accessibility. Senate File 822 proposed $65,000 in fiscal year 2026 for the Minnesota State Band to provide free public performances across Minnesota. Testifier Craig Allen said the volunteer band, formed in 1898, uses the funding to travel to small towns and schools, including outreach to students and veterans. Conductor Keith Leuty emphasized the educational value of school visits and upcoming concerts in Moose Lake, Grand Rapids, and Cloquet, including a performance at Fond du Lac Ojibwe School. Members expressed support, and the bill was also laid over. The committee then began hearing Senate File 575, which would appropriate $3.8 million for the Grand Rapids Old Central School renovation. Senator Iorn, city councilor Rick Blake, and City Administrator Tom Pagel described the 1895 building as a historic and arts-centered community landmark with artist residencies, galleries, concerts, and other public uses. They said the building needs major repairs, including a new roof, structural truss work, HVAC replacement, and ADA and elevator upgrades, and they were in the middle of detailing those needs when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Miss Johnson.
• Thank you, Miss Johnson.
• thank you I have a question uh Miss thank you I have a question uh Miss Johnson<00:53:50.960>
• Miss Pollock knows<01:45:03.960> uh<01:45:04.080> Miss knows uh Miss knows uh Miss Pollock
• Miss Miss Johnson and for it thank thank Miss Miss Johnson and and<01:50:04.000> uh<01:50:04.639

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with testimony for those who have RSVP'd to testify in person.
• We will start with testimony for those who have RSVP'd to testify in person.
• She missed nearly two-thirds of the board's public meetings for 2023 and 2024.
• One of these board members has missed over half of the me... ...for over 20 years.
• One of these board members has missed over half of the meetings.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Op, Aaron Salah, and, of course, missing is Tyler Gomes and Chair Muy Hanaman.
• <00:03:18.239> is<00:03:18.519> uh Salah uh and of course missing is uh Salah uh and
• President, I rise on a point of personal interest. Please proceed.
• President, I rise on a point of personal interest. Please proceed.
• President, I rise on a point of personal interest. Please proceed.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then made several introductions recognizing visitors in the gallery, including staff and guests connected to tourism, a group from the Luso-American Development Foundation from Portugal, and students and administrators from Kahakai Elementary School. Senator Kim also introduced four University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business Travel Industry Management students and their academic advisor and professor. Senator DeCoite spoke about Tourism Day at the Capitol, thanking HTA, HBCB, CNH, and Kilohana for their participation and youth-focused tourism programs, and later introduced the FLAD visitors from Lisbon, Portugal. The clerk reported Governor’s Message Nos. 713 to 717 transmitting nominations to boards and commissions, and Governor’s Message No. 718 withdrawing a nomination to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. The Senate also received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 51 to 67 and Senate Resolutions 33 to 51 for referral to committee, which were ordered referred. The Chair announced that the deadline to file Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Resolutions with the Clerk’s Office was 4:30 p.m. that day. At the close of business, Senator Wai moved that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 4:30 p.m. for receipt of resolutions and reconvene at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Senator Dort seconded the motion, and the Senate recessed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll take a moment of personal privilege to say my mom is in the audience today.
• I'll take a moment of personal privilege to say my mom is in the audience today.
• Stephanie Conkel, Florida Education Association, is missing. Florida Education Association.
• Sometimes we miss the box.
• And what we miss is the actual student. We miss the student that's sitting in that test.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 296, as amended by strike-all, on middle and high school start times. Senator Bradley explained that the amendment would repeal the statewide mandate for later start times and return scheduling decisions to local school boards, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic effects of sleep deprivation and to consider later start times when setting transportation schedules. Testimony and debate were largely in support, with several school district and education group representatives waiving in support, and members citing transportation, staffing, family logistics, and cost concerns under the existing mandate. The strike-all was adopted, and SB 296 was reported favorably by roll call vote, with Senators Berman, Osgood, and Chair Calatayud voting yes and Senator Gaetz voting no; other members were absent or not recorded in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 356, which would designate January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. Senator Berman said the date matches the UN’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and would require the governor to annually proclaim it, while allowing public observance and instruction about the Holocaust’s harms and its impact on the Jewish community and humanity. There was no substantive opposition in the excerpt, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote with yes votes from Senators Berman, Gaetz, and Chair Calatayud. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools. Senator Simon described a broad deregulation package affecting student assessments, grade promotion, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, internal audits, facilities planning, cost-per-student-station limits, emergency make-up days, federal fund timing, and VPK oversight. Testimony was mixed: school district and education organization representatives generally supported the flexibility, while some groups opposed or urged changes to the grade 4 promotion and graduation-related provisions, arguing they could weaken academic standards. After debate focused especially on third-grade promotion and testing requirements, the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on SB 296 and SB 356, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Representative Duran, I would have to refer back to Miss Lindsor on that, as Miss Lindsor [clears
• Chair. >> Representative Duran, I would have to refer back to Miss Lens on that as Miss Lindsor [clears
• Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Olsen.
• > for<01:02:32.720> your >> Thank you, Miss Spre, for your >> Thank you, Miss
• ,<01:40:33.199> but they say they're taking one person, but they say they're taking one person

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• Points of personal privilege. We're going to go to Senator Warner first.
• And I'm sorry the elevator took us away before I got to see you in person.
• I rise for a point of personal privilege. Introduction of guest comments.
• I'm not a very impressionable person, but that's definitely what he did.
• The only thing I didn't miss is I missed the 50-50 split in the Senate.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I I I personally struggling with it.
• Um I do understand phones personally.
• She's the nicest person.
• What I'm saying is that we cannot miss the opportunity.
• But for we cannot miss the opportunity.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Persons Malica, the Senate has a second offer to make on the budget proviso and back of
• out issues and to make progress on closing many of the remaining issues, and I thank Representative Persons
• was successful, and it is worth doing in the state of Florida, because, as a gentleman said, we're missing
• out maybe, We're missing out maybe on a lot of talent here in Florida because maybe someone thinks,
• Chair, So, having had my time with the microphone, I wanted to pass it to Representative Vice Chair Persons

Summary: The conference committee met to discuss the Senate’s second budget offer and its first offer on SB 7030. The chair said the budget proviso and back-of-bill offers were continuing to close out remaining issues, and explained the Senate’s approach to the new academic accelerated option supplement in the FEFP as restoring about 80% of prior weighted FTE funding for acceleration options other than dual enrollment, citing existing statutory requirements and the different cost structure of dual enrollment. Senator Gates then presented the Senate’s modified SB 7030 offer, saying the bill was intended to address problems tracking roughly 23,000 students moving among public schools, private schools, and homeschooling, and to better ensure funding follows students correctly. He said the offer would preserve key parts of SB 7030 while making changes such as extending the fall application window, delaying some spring-term documentation, modifying background screening requirements, and allowing the commissioner to extend deadlines in extenuating circumstances. The offer also kept the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program as a separate FEFP categorical, expanded the Education Stabilization Fund, created fall and spring application windows, required enrollment cross-checks and student IDs, changed scholarship payments to monthly with front-loaded options, and required scholarship funding organizations to return funds tied to Auditor General FTE audit findings. A public commenter, a longtime teacher from Daytona Beach, urged that the financial literacy course be taught at a later grade level, such as 11th or 12th grade, and suggested a system of diverse guest speakers in classrooms to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to consider business ownership. No questions were raised from the committee after the Senate offer, and no vote was taken. The vice chair said the House would take the offer back for review, and the chair announced there would likely be one more meeting with a one-hour notice before the meeting adjourned by motion without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We miss him.
• He will be greatly missed.
• And he was a very larger-than-life person.
• President, I do believe that there is one more person.
• They thought he was the same person. But outside of that, you can't meet this person, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So all of those things, and I personally want to thank you all because you all and Edward James Olmos
• And this amazing ambassador of our great state is more than just a beautiful person, inside and out,
• Of our great state is more than just a beautiful person.
• And also gracing them is Miss Delaney Grace, our 2026 Miss Rodeo Oakdale.
• Now, the Miss Rodeo California Association is a nonprofit.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, including a remembrance of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The body then took up Senate Resolution 87 by Senator Archuleta, which recognized April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and emphasized historical recognition, support for Armenian communities, and concern over ongoing threats and humanitarian issues affecting Armenians. Senators from both parties spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote. Archuleta and other members then introduced Armenian community guests in the chamber. The Senate also honored several individuals and groups through floor presentations and resolutions. Senator Cortese presented SR 93 honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career, his overcoming adversity, and his role as a Latino and Native American sports icon; senators praised his achievements and urged Hall of Fame recognition, and the resolution passed unanimously. Senator Wiener presented SCR 124 on transportation access for people with epilepsy, arguing that lack of transit limits employment and independence; the resolution was adopted unanimously. Senator Allen presented SCR 158 declaring April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and marking the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, highlighting the state’s arts economy and the Council’s legacy; it also passed unanimously, followed by introductions of arts leaders including Luis Valdez, Paul Lanier, Julie Baker, and Cheech Marin. Senator Alvarado-Gil presented SCR 159 designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month, describing rodeo’s Western, agricultural, and multicultural heritage and its economic importance. Supporters emphasized ranching traditions, women in rodeo, and the role of rodeo in rural communities; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate also recognized the Sierra Pacific High School girls basketball team for winning the CIF Division 2 state championship, introduced multiple guest groups, and approved the consent calendar by a 38-0 vote. The session concluded with committee announcements and adjournment until April 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Information about how to register for in-person and remote public testimony was on the legislature's
• Information about how to register for in-person and remote public testimony was on the legislature's
• out today just to let them know what work we're doing in case that sparks anything that we may have missed
• In that case, I think what we'll do is thank you for being here in person. That's very helpful.
• Thank you for being here in person. I suppose... Thank you for being here in person.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• for all the work that has just been recited by my good friend from Westport, this bill continues to miss
• Let us carry... ...each and every single person she had a conversation with.
• My community will absolutely miss her dearly, but we will continue on in her memory by living out the
• values that she instilled in every single person of my district today.
• Thank you. ...instilled in every single person of my district today. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief recognition of guests participating in the Young Announcers Program, including students and community leaders from Urban Heat 98.1 FM, 365 Dad, and Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School. The chamber then took up House No. 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill focused largely on emergency assistance shelter funding and related policy changes. Senator Rogers explained that the agreement appropriates $425 million for the EA shelter system through the rest of FY25 and includes measures intended to reduce caseloads and improve oversight, such as tighter eligibility verification, criminal offender information checks, disclosure of prior convictions, reporting requirements, a study of NCIC background checks, and a plan to phase out hotels and motels. Senator Tarr praised the urgency of the bill but criticized the process, saying the measure was negotiated without a formal conference committee or public report and did not go far enough on reform. The Senate adopted the concurrence and further amendment, then adopted an emergency preamble by a vote of 11-0. The Senate then took final action on House No. 58, with Senator Tarr requesting a roll call vote. After the call of the yeas and nays, the bill passed to be enacted by a vote of 32-7 and was ordered signed by the President and laid before the Governor. The chamber also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of State Representative Carol A. Doherty, followed by a moment of silence, and then agreed to adjourn until the next day at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:03:05.000> shall licensed dealer by natural person shall licensed dealer by natural person
• inspection program is um as um Miss inspection program is um as um Miss Britain<01:04:50.680>
• I have been riding since I was 4 years old, and I am older than Miss Ellen Reed, so longer than Miss
• I have been riding since I was 4 years old, and I am older than Miss Ellen Reed, so longer than Miss
• And so if you are a person who has, you know, multiple vehicles with one handicapped person, you know

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other persons here to testify or on Zoom?
• She said that to petition for a domestic violence protection order, a person has to go in person, and
• It wasn't worth retraining a new person.
• Basically, when we choose a designated person, that's the person that the employee is going to take care
• thank you thank you any other persons thank you thank you any other persons here<01:16:32.800>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Painter, go ahead. Mr.
• thank uh, uh, Miss Painter and Mr. thank uh, uh, Miss Painter and Mr.
• Uh thank you, Miss thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh thank you, Miss uh<00:42:52.720> Mr.
• can email this to Miss Painter and Mr. can email this to Miss Painter and Mr.
• Thank you, Miss Griffith. And with Okay. Thank you, Miss Griffith.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and Adam Cole, policy specialist from Fish and Wildlife, also in person.
• Maybe you mentioned it, and I just missed it.
• That's what I missed.
• Sorry, I didn't miss you. That's fine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• finances, in my personal business.

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you can silence your watches too, I, I get distracted easily, so it's, it's a personal request
• I think you're hired as the PR person. No, no pay as usual, but you're hired.
• So some things are gonna have to be in print as opposed to in person.
• So I get a report of um neglect if he misses a med.
• And they just hired their new person, um, last week. So she's just coming on board.