Transcript Highlights:

• I used to fight fires and I've studied wildfire.
• To name a few, the Barragulch Fire in North Olympic Park impacts generation from TPU.
• And again, the Hope Fire.
• I'm the Climate and Ecosystem Section Manager for the Growth Management Services Unit of Commerce.
• Thank you. or rehabilitative services for survivors such as housing and counseling.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a fire inspector, a fire marshal, an ICC-certified fire plans examiner, etc., etc., so on.
• I also used to work for the city of Boise as a fire plan...
• I am a fire inspector, a fire marshal, a ICC certified fire plans examiner, etc., etc., so on, fire inspector
• I also used to work for the city of Boise as a fire plans examiner and a fire inspector as a city employee
• is the inspection services.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 702, which would amend Idaho’s Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing securities entitlements. The sponsor and a guest attorney argued the bill would restore investor priority over banks in the event of a major Wall Street failure, saying current law gives secured lenders priority when brokers or custodians pledge customer securities without consent. Several members questioned whether the bill was broader than described, whether it mainly affected margin accounts, and whether it should be handled at the state level at all. After discussion, a motion to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed 8-7, and the committee then moved to hold the bill in committee at the call of the chair while members sought more information and further discussion. House Bill 562, sponsored by Representative Sauter, would extend the notice period for property insurance nonrenewals and cancellations from 30 days to 60 days for both residential and commercial policies. The sponsor said the bill was intended as a consumer protection measure to give policyholders more time to find replacement coverage or resolve issues with their current carrier, and he noted it would not change the 10-day notice for nonpayment or the separate timeline for rate changes. Committee members asked about existing contract language and whether a longer notice period could discourage insurers from writing policies in Idaho; the sponsor said he had not heard that concern from carriers and was open to adjusting the effective date. The committee approved a motion to send the bill to general orders. The committee then considered House Bill 585, which would impose “shot clocks” on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections, similar to last session’s building inspection timelines. The sponsor said local governments would have 48 hours to complete inspections or refund the fee so a private third-party inspector could be used, and would have to provide written reasons for a failed inspection within three business days. Testimony from a third-party inspector and the Idaho Associated General Contractors supported the bill, saying it could save time and money and help keep projects moving. The committee adopted a due pass motion and sent the bill to the floor. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 545, which would create a pathway for certain military chaplains to become licensed professional counselors in Idaho based on their Master of Divinity, military counseling experience, and related clinical pastoral education. The sponsor and supporters said chaplains already provide substantial counseling in military settings and should be able to serve Idahoans, including veterans, while critics from the counseling profession argued the bill would bypass important counseling coursework, the national counselor exam, and existing gatekeeping standards. After extensive testimony from both sides, including questions about training, testing, supervision, and public protection, the committee had not yet reached a final disposition in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• These bills seek to limit the damage posed by these fires with the implementation of fire detection and
• the bill I just described that would require scrap yards to install very costly fire detection and fire
• Online services to implement certain measures concerning minors' use of online services.
• I don't think that you wait for a house to be on fire to have a fire department on standby.
• Services to...

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How do you put out a fire of batteries? I know how to put out regular fires. It's very difficult.
• You can try to plan to not have a fire. You can still have a fire.
• How do you put the fire out?
• We do have an ancillary service that's being dispatchable, reliability reserve service, right?
• We have ancillary services for ers and fast frequency and now dispatchable reliability reserve service

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• as energy service.
• Service.
• ... service.
• service over, you know, telephone service.
• One landline service provider that provides service over, you know, plain old telephone service.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the State Fire Marshal.
• </c> fundings available to local fire fundings available to local fire departments<00:50:32.760><c> to
• Crime victim services funding covers advocacy and direct service for sexual assault, domestic abuse,
• provided by crime victim Services provided by crime victim Services<00:53:53.599><c> across</c><00:53
• crime victim Services across Minnesota crime victim service<00:53:56.200><c> fun</c><00:53:56.400><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And additionally for grid services as well.
• And additionally for grid services as 441 well.
• How do you put out a fire of batteries? 4309 I know how to put out regular fires.
• fires with batteries. 4375 nationally and how to manage batteries and fire fires with batteries. 4376
• We do have an ancillary service that's being dispatchable, reliability reserve service, right?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held its first interim hearing on securing critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, with a focus on Texas’s electric grid and the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. The chair also highlighted Texas’s relatively low electricity prices and welcomed new committee members. ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), and the Attorney General’s office were invited to explain how the state screens market participants and grid equipment for ties to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and how the agencies respond to noncompliance. ERCOT testified that it has implemented the requirements of three related Senate bills by requiring attestations on corporate affiliations and on critical grid equipment and services. ERCOT said it has processed thousands of attestations, used additional requests for information and third-party verification tools such as Dun & Bradstreet, and terminated nonresponsive market participants. ERCOT also said it has not seen a case requiring direct Attorney General involvement, but it does refer matters to the PUC when needed. The PUC said it can investigate suspected violations and impose penalties of up to $1 million per violation per day, and that most investigations into late or missing attestations have been resolved through compliance, market exit, or removal by ERCOT. The Attorney General’s office said its role is currently limited to audits and court involvement, and that it lacks broad independent investigatory authority under the act. Members pressed the panel on whether the current system is too reliant on self-reporting and whether it adequately addresses indirect foreign influence, especially through supply chains for batteries, inverters, transformers, and other equipment with routable connectivity. ERCOT acknowledged that the current attestation process has gaps and said it plans to refine definitions of critical grid equipment and grid services, improve information requests, and continue stakeholder rulemaking. The panel also discussed possible legislative changes, including tying prohibitions to the Department of Defense Section 1260H list and the Texas Prohibited Technologies list, clarifying warranty and service access, and expanding the statute to cover grid services more directly. Several senators raised concerns about cost, reliability, and the extent to which foreign-sourced components remain embedded in Texas infrastructure, while others suggested incentives for domestic manufacturing and stronger verification tools, including possible work with national labs such as Sandia.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pivoted from online pandemic response straight into the Maui fires.
• For over six years of crisis, fires.
• </c><00:26:33.360><c> LA</c><00:26:33.760><c> fires.
• LA fires. They postfire disaster study. LA fires.
• I mean, it is literally the worst fire in modern American history.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a serious lawyer with a history of non-political service.
• After a long period of government service, Mr.
• His character that values public service and his work ethic were evidenced by his service as a paralegal
• Will you countenance efforts to fire or discipline US attorneys?
• Do you think he broke the law by firing these attorneys?

Keywords: nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are partnering with the Department of Environmental Services, the State Fire Marshal's Office, and
• Um we had a fire at our Laconia fire.
• Um Jason Lion from the Fire<04:49:22.160><c> Chiefs.</c> Fire Chiefs. Fire Chiefs.
• of the fire.
• the fire.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Including how it relates to storage within their own service area.
• What cost are we considering, I mean we're considering cutting services to IHSS, in-home services.
• I will never argue that CAL FIRE is not a core service that has to be funded.
• The wildland fires are emitting massive amounts of CO2.
• It provided cell phone services, cell phone devices, and discounted phone services towards the foster

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our field services, which entails our veteran service officers.
• We don't, we have to contract vendors and service providers, so we do the vetting of service providers
• Fire.
• that you do, yeah, OK, for, for, for funeral services.
• And unhoused veterans, but for other services as well, even underemployed veterans to provide services

Transcript Highlights:

• They're the ones hiring and firing these people.
• They can be fired today. So that doesn't change.
• So who can fire right now, who can fire the Fish and Game director, the Parks director, and the Transportation
• governor can fire those directors.
• governor can fire those directors.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 17, 18, and 19 by voice vote. It then heard House Bill 894, a transparency measure clarifying that the public may photograph and videotape open county commission, city council, and school board meetings so long as the activity does not interfere, with exceptions for certain correctional and parole-related proceedings and executive sessions. Representative McCann presented the bill, the Idaho Press Club testified in support, and the committee voted to send HB 894 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Representative Palmer requested to be recorded as voting no. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1300, which would change the appointment process for the directors of Fish and Game, Parks and Recreation, and Transportation so they would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate rather than selected by their boards. The sponsor argued this would align those agencies with other state departments, increase transparency, and improve legislative oversight, while saying it would not violate the Harriman Park agreement. Opponents, including Harriman family representatives, sportsmen’s groups, and park supporters, argued the bill would politicize management, conflict with the Harriman gift’s merit-based intent, and could invite litigation or threaten long-standing protections for wildlife and park management. After extensive questioning and debate, the committee passed SB 1300 on an 8-6 roll call vote. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 888, which would place information technology procurement under the Office of Information Technology Services and allow use of a third-party broker for technical and financial analysis. Supporters, including a technology broker and the Nampa Police Department, said the bill would improve expertise, transparency, and savings in complex tech purchases; questions focused on public records, broker neutrality, and how third-party compensation would work. The committee voted to send HB 888 to the floor with a due pass recommendation on an 8-5 roll call vote. House Concurrent Resolution 35 was moved to the bottom of the agenda and then held subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was also a member of the Chester Town Volunteer Fire Company, servicing his hometown.
• </c><00:13:39.120><c> Company</c><00:13:40.240><c> servicing</c><00:13:40.800><c> his</c> Volunteer Fire
• Company servicing his Volunteer Fire Company servicing his hometown.<00:13:42.399><c> In</c><00:13:42.720
• in uniform and in service can exist in uniform and in community.
• ><c> PFC</c><00:14:38.480><c> Moore</c> Beyond his military service, PFC Moore Beyond his military service

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by the shelter, as well as any expansion of services.
• the services established.
• The wraparound services are included in the by-rights so that we can actually get the services established
• in Santa Rosa in 2017 and the Camp fire in Butte County in 2018.
• declarations, including the Camp Fire.

Summary: The committee heard several housing bills, with the longest discussion focused on SB 79, which would allow more housing near high-capacity transit stops and on transit agency-owned land. The author and supporters argued it would address California’s housing shortage, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and strengthen transit systems by putting more residents near rail and rapid transit. Supporters included housing advocates, local officials, environmental groups, and transit-oriented development organizations. Opponents, including many cities, the League of California Cities, and some tenant and legal advocacy groups, raised concerns about affordability requirements, displacement, demolition protections, local control, and the bill’s interaction with existing local planning efforts. The committee discussed amendments to strengthen anti-displacement protections, minimum density, affordability standards, and a local flexibility alternative, and SB 79 was moved out on a due-pass-as-amended vote of 8-1, with one member not voting. The committee then took up SB 21, which would amend the Housing Crisis Act to allow limited unit reductions when converting deed-restricted SRO buildings into larger, more livable affordable units with private bathrooms, kitchens, and supportive services. The author and nonprofit housing providers said many SRO buildings are financially unsustainable and that the bill would preserve deeply affordable housing while improving conditions for residents. There was no organized opposition testimony at the hearing, though one business property group registered opposition. Members expressed support for the preservation-focused approach, and SB 21 was approved on an 8-0 vote and sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. Next, SB 92 was heard, a measure to close a density bonus loophole by limiting how much additional commercial floor area a project can receive and preventing the law from being used to justify very large nonresidential projects with only minimal affordable housing. The author cited a San Diego project as an example of the problem, and the City of San Diego supported the bill as a reasonable fix. Several labor and housing groups also supported it, while no formal opposition witnesses testified. The committee accepted amendments, members praised the effort to curb abuse while preserving feasibility, and SB 92 passed on a 7-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 522, which would extend just-cause eviction protections to units rebuilt after disaster if they had previously been covered by the Tenant Protection Act. The author and the Los Angeles City Attorney said the bill would help preserve rental housing in disaster-affected communities, especially after the Pacific Palisades fires, and would not create new rent control. Opponents, including apartment, realtor, and property owner groups, argued it would add burdens to rebuilding and could discourage reconstruction. Members raised questions about whether existing law already protects returning tenants and whether the bill was necessary, and the hearing continued into committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would not have them choose between a career in fire service or starting a family.
• It would not have them choose between a career in fire service or starting a family.
• Senate Bill 899 by Senator Grove, relating to fire prevention.
• one, and it formally counts fire camp service toward apprenticeship eligibility.
• Elizabeth lived a life grounded in faith, family, and service.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Commerce and Legal Services Division.
• We have gaming and lottery, which are regulatory and service providers.
• We also provide grants for victim services.
• fires.
• it and determined it could no longer be serviced and had to be replaced. ...from Montana to try to service

Summary: The committee met to review the Attorney General’s budget and related agency operations, beginning with Legislative Council staff walking members through compliance reports and a blue-sheet base budget document. Staff highlighted current-biennium items such as FTE changes, one-time appropriations, litigation funding, opioid settlement receipts, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked for clarification on items including the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then gave an overview of the office’s structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal services to state and local government, and concerns about attorney pay lagging behind other agencies. Members discussed whether attorney compensation should be benchmarked more consistently across state government and whether some legal work could be consolidated within the AG’s office. Ness also addressed questions about AG opinion turnaround times, boards-and-commissions training, the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, office leases, and the state’s criminal justice information systems. The crime lab presentation drew significant attention. Director Jennifer Penner described severe space, safety, and infrastructure problems at the current lab, including cramped work areas, glycol leaks, outdated fire and burglar alarms, air-handling limits, and equipment failures that have delayed toxicology work. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that the preferred location would be near the current health department site, but in a new building. Members asked about possible evidence risks, backlog status, and whether the proposed building would solve the current problems; Penner said it would and noted backlogs have improved overall, though some delays remain. The committee also heard from the new Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director, who described the unit’s civil and criminal work, federal-state funding split, and examples of fraud such as billing for services not provided or upcoding. The gaming division reported continued growth in charitable gaming and e-tabs, with members expressing concern about large trust-account balances, site competition, and possible misuse of proceeds. Finally, BCI outlined its caseload, cybercrime work, missing Indigenous persons task force, and the surge in CSAM cyber tips; members asked about AI-generated CSAM, and the AG’s office noted that last session’s law increased penalties and expressly allowed AI-generated CSAM to be prosecuted like other CSAM. No formal votes or actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:56:50.000><c> services</c> enforcement and other services services enforcement and other services
• prevention and fire breaks.
• <03:32:39.520><c> fire</c><03:32:39.840><c> prevention</c><03:32:40.560><c> fire</c><03:32:40.880><c>
• breaks</c><03:32:41.279><c> and</c><03:32:41.439><c> I</c> fire fire prevention fire breaks and I fire
• fire prevention fire breaks and I think<03:32:42.399><c> these</c><03:32:42.800><c> individuals</c><

Keywords: Conference Notices: AGR 2:30 PM:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And without restoration of that funding, we're going to see more... ...fires, bigger fires, and an immediate
• We've concentrated services in just a few counties.
• We don't want to see any cuts to DD services.
• We don't want to see any cuts to DD services.
• Thank you so much for your service. Thank you. Rashi?

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some for the fire-impacted schools. Yeah, of course.
• She has questions for fire-impacted. Thank you.
• So every fire would get that then, not just one?
• Concerning the debt service savings, in total there is $6.2 million in potential debt service savings
• But it's also part of the continuation of service and wraparound service of outreaching to local education

Keywords: 988, house, all