Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative processes'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/02/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate your interest and participation in the legislative process to ensure everyone can view,
- own process set up.
- instead of requiring a specific process. instead of requiring a specific process.
- process would be. process would be.
- It’s their process.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And we can't guess at legislative intent, and so we did not raise that.
- We can raise rates without legislative statutory—not without legislative approval, obviously we have
- “Go through what we call our mass adjustment process.
- I mean, I won't be here, but I, Legislators will pass this.
- I think mostly this one does comply with legislative intent.
Summary:
The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large set of agency rules and reports. Early items were routine filings: emergency-rule reports, subcommittee review reports, and administrative directive reports were filed without objection. One rule from the Department of Agriculture on maternal health providers and remote monitoring was noted as pulled by the agency and not considered. The committee then reviewed and approved several Agriculture rules, including repeal of equine ID-chip rules after Act 703 of 2025, updates to finance rules adding a new water and sewer treatment facilities grant and consolidating revolving-fund rules, and a pesticide rule creating a Class J pesticide category for feral hog toxicant use. It also approved a Commerce/Insurance rule removing duplicative workers’ compensation plan provisions, and a Corrections rule creating a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities and community correction centers. A member asked about prison visitation hours during COVID, and staff said they would check on that.
The committee next approved multiple Department of Human Services rules. These included marketing rules for provider-led organizations under Act 301 of 2025, a comprehensive revision of the DCFS policy manual, changes to Medicaid eligibility to include fictive kin placements and to expand ABLE account eligibility under Act 875, presumptive eligibility changes for pregnant women to align with federal rules, and a follow-up SNAP/TEA/Work Pays rule with updated work requirements, mandatory employment and training, alien eligibility changes, and job-search requirements for certain applicants. DHS also presented a rule implementing federal coverage for certain incarcerated youth before and after release, and the committee approved it. Another DHS rule updated nurse aide training requirements to match federal CNA hour standards and moved criminal-records-check procedures to the agency website.
The most extended discussion involved DHS Division of Medical Services’ dental rate rule under Act 1025. The agency explained that it was increasing pediatric dental rates and certain oral-surgery-related rates, but not orthodontic rates or a broader special-needs benefit limit because CMS would not approve a diagnosis-based limit. Members debated whether the statutory language was intended to cover general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, with legislators, the Dental Association, and DHS discussing legislative intent, fiscal impact, and whether a future fix or emergency rule might be needed. Despite the disagreement, the committee approved the rule. The committee also approved other DHS medical rules: adverse-decision appeal changes and prior-authorization posting requirements, an increased RSV administration fee for children, expanded emergency treat/triage/transport ambulance authority, and clinic-based physical and occupational therapy coverage.
Later, the committee approved permanent rules for the new state insurance program under Shared Administrative Services, procurement rule revisions recommended after an ACASO review, and commodity-management rule updates including a new revenue distribution model. Under Act 595 of 2021, the committee granted two Department of Commerce/Insurance requests to be excluded from rulemaking requirements: one for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting, and one for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would promulgate rules later when clinical guidelines are available. Finally, the committee accepted a recommendation to keep and extend the Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education rules, filed outstanding rulemaking updates, and adjourned without further business.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , when CDCR overhauled its grievance process, the process by which incarcerated people raise allegations
- When CDCR overhauled its grievance process, the process by which incarcerated people raise allegations
- Why is legislative intent being ignored?
- Why is legislative intent being ignored?
- We appreciate legislative support of $3 million.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- A CHALLENGING COURT APPOINTED PSYCHOLOGISTS IN FAMILY LAW CASES AND ENSURES DUE PROCESS AND PROTECT
- THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESSES A PERSISTENT PROBLEM IN THE STATE'S MANAGED CARE SYSTEM LIMITING ACCESS TO
- ARE THERE ANY LEGISLATIVE IN THIS BILL?
- HE HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY ON IT HAS BEEN HIS ENTIRE TIME IN THE LEGISLATION NOW.
- IT WAS AN ARDUOUS PROCESS.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal immigration policy was to process and release.
- means, you know, the vetting process.
- We don't, you know, there's the vetting process. They don't have a criminal history.
- , the vetting process.
- I've been developing legislation.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration.
Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings.
Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Urgent change is needed, and we need your help as legislators to do this.
- Urgent change is needed, and we need your help as legislators to do this.
- There are many reasons we're opposed to this legislation.
- Thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify on this legislation.
- This legislation will protect the effectiveness of this precious resource.
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform.
The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods.
Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, fifth-degree sales was omitted in the original legislation.
- several oversights in the legislation several oversights in the legislation and<00:58:17.280>
- <00:59:21.079>
um included in that expungement process um included in that expungement process - I'm good with it as is, and I appreciate transparency in the process.
- <01:46:15.080>
we haven't gone through that process we haven't gone through that process we
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative day be dispensed with. legislative day be dispensed with.
- is the process of picking the bills? is the process of picking the bills?
- Because we're bringing legislation legislation legislation that<02:25:31.359>
really <02:25:31.760 - , not make the process worse.
- legislation as it relates to chaplain. legislation as it relates to chaplain.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:15.120>
a fact, um, we did pass legislation a fact, um, we did pass legislation a number - <00:47:35.359>
the <00:47:35.599>like legislative budget office and the like legislative - <01:04:53.760>
when and burden burdensome processes when and burden burdensome processes when - legislature passed some legislation legislature passed some legislation um<01:13:27.760>
uh - a really difficult and ownorous process a really difficult and ownorous process that<01:14:50.080
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-11-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- :02:13.120>
energy legislative liaison for the energy legislative liaison for the energy environment - roles in in developing this legislation roles in in developing this legislation and<00:05:18.960
- . legislation. legislation.
- And we had that process set up through previous legislation under the nuclear authority.
- <00:13:32.399>
that will go through the same process that will go through the same process
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 03:09
SB 57 Discussion 04:03
SB 57 Roll Call Vote 38:37
SB 172 Discussion 41:27
SB 172 Roll Call Vote 50:23, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including a prayer, the pledge, recognition of an Energy and Environment Cabinet leadership academy group, a roll call establishing quorum, and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. The main item was Senator Danny Carroll’s presentation of legislation to create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program in Kentucky. He said the bill is intended to help build a nuclear ecosystem in the Commonwealth by supporting early site permits, construction permits, or combined licenses, with the state contributing up to $25 million per project and a total of $75 million for up to three projects. He emphasized safeguards such as refundable funding if conditions are not met, legislative rather than authority-only selection of projects, and oversight by the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (NIDTA). He also described related provisions on cost recovery through the Public Service Commission, tax incentive eligibility for nuclear ecosystem projects, training and consultant support for the authority, and eligibility for fusion projects.
Carroll and Rodney Andrews said the proposal is meant to attract utilities, developers, and large industrial users such as data centers, and to spread projects geographically, with particular attention to Eastern Kentucky and other rural areas. They said selection criteria would include site suitability, prior site use, regional economic need and impact, geographic diversity, additional investment, federal funding status, and whether a community has applied to be designated nuclear-ready. They stressed that communities would not be forced to host reactors and could choose which parts of the nuclear ecosystem to participate in. Carroll also said the bill could help Kentucky compete with states like Texas and Tennessee, and Andrews said industry contacts viewed the proposal as a signal that Kentucky is open to investment.
Members generally expressed support for the bill and its goals, while asking about taxpayer exposure, site size, permitting, grid needs, national security, and reactor technology. Carroll said the state’s direct commitment would be capped at $75 million, with any additional cost recovery depending on PSC approval and project specifics. He said small modular reactor sites would be much smaller than traditional plants, and described a model in which a utility partners with a developer and a data center, with power contracts helping offset costs over decades. On security and technology, Carroll and Andrews said newer reactors would still be subject to the same standards as larger units, and Andrews explained that next-generation designs may use different fuels and materials such as TRISO and high-assay low-enriched uranium. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair noted time limits and that additional members still had questions, including one witness expected to speak against the measure.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (10/07/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, we again, that's certainly going to be part of our process next, right?
- to be part of our process next, right? to be part of our process next, right?
- <00:44:31.839>
we sure that uh you know in that process we sure that uh you know in that process - if if um process for example, right?
- certification process for sure. certification process for sure.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 19th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- About verification processes.
- So in SNAP, these processes—this is a verification process, right? And I understand that part.
- or the application process.
- or the application process.
- That process. Great.
Summary:
The subcommittee received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement rate process, with Secretary Janet Mann reporting that the new cost reporting period began in January and that DHS has begun provider and contractor conference calls as the process moves forward.
The bulk of the meeting focused on DHS’s overview of TANF and, especially, SNAP changes under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill. Mary Franklin explained new SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 who are not otherwise exempt, including the three-month time limit in a 36-month period unless they meet an 80-hour monthly work, volunteer, education, or training requirement. She also reviewed exemptions, noted that some prior exemptions were removed while new tribal-related exemptions were added, and described SNAP Employment and Training providers, budgets, service areas, participant characteristics, and outcomes. Members asked about how mandatory referrals will work, whether funding and vendors are sufficient, how cross-program participation is tracked, how verification and recertification will be handled, and how error rates and sanctions will be managed. DHS said mandatory participants will be referred directly to providers, verification will occur at application and recertification, interviews can be by phone, and the department will return with more information on error-rate mitigation and other requested data.
DHS then outlined upcoming Medicaid community engagement requirements for the ARHOME population under the same federal law, which must be implemented by January 1, 2027. The department said it is preparing policy, system changes, data matching, communications, and an outbound customer-service verification process, with a soft launch planned for July to help identify who would meet the requirement or need to provide more information. Members raised concerns about notice, local versus centralized decision-making, and how clients will document work, school, caregiving, or medical exemptions. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the Alliance for Opportunity audit and a shared emphasis on using SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and workforce programs together to improve outcomes, expand training options, and better connect Arkansans to education and employment opportunities. The committee also discussed extending the audit contract at a future meeting and adjourned without taking any formal vote in the transcript provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 4th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- process.
- slivers of legislation in because it's not What I call put slivers of legislation in because it's not
- and access this process.
- You can go through the VA accreditation process.
- You can go through the VA accreditation process.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included moving several bills to the inactive file, waiving the floor amendment deadline for certain measures, rescinding prior action on SB 733, and approving a motion to withdraw AB 710 from committee to the third reading file by a 42-12 vote. The chamber also re-referred AB 406 to Labor and Employment and later AB 754 to Housing, while taking up numerous Senate and Assembly measures out of order to accommodate authors and guests.
The body adopted several resolutions recognizing October 2025 as California Promotoras Month (HR 58), National Fried Rice Day and National Rice Month (HR 71), Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (HR 70), and All California Day (HR 67). Members also concurred in Senate amendments on a wide range of bills covering insurance, horses, emergency vehicles, health facilities, restitution, education, tribal regalia at graduation, behavioral health, air pollution, energy, dams, greenhouse gases, foster youth, court interpreters, tenancy language access, patient privacy notices, discrimination in school facility rentals, hospital visitation rights, diversion, agriculture, insurance studies, electricity, and environmental stewardship. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew recorded noes.
Several higher-profile policy bills drew debate. SB 694 on veteran claim assistance generated the most extensive discussion, with supporters arguing it would stop predatory, unaccredited companies from charging veterans for VA claims help, and opponents warning it could reduce veterans’ choices and should be paired with broader fixes to county VSO access; the bill ultimately passed 46-0. Other notable actions included concurrence on SB 576 limiting loud streaming ads, SB 512 on transportation tax initiatives, and SB 785 creating a tax credit for durable medical equipment for children with complex medical needs. The Assembly also concurred in SB 250 on Medi-Cal provider directories, SB 831 on the Geological Survey, SB 788 on CPA regulation, SB 456 on muralist licensing, SB 72 on the California Water Plan, SB 76 on used-car fee protections, SB 246 on rural health workforce support, SB 484 on coastal affordable housing, SB 680 on sex offender registration, SB 695 on climate-resilient highway projects, and SB 783 on outdoor advertising. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable across the board, with the chamber repeatedly adopting Senate amendments and resolutions by voice vote or recorded roll call.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Your work as legislative pages serves as a unique and important role in our legislative process, carrying
- And now you are part of history and members not just of the 2026 legislative session, but this legislative
- members not just of the 2026 legislative members not just of the 2026 legislative session,<00:10
- session, but this legislative family. session, but this legislative family.
- the the legislative process, and all the the legislative process, and all the while<00:10:34.680
Summary:
The House convened with a devotional led by former Representative Carolyn Partridge, accompanied by bagpiper Ben Partridge. Partridge read Billy Collins’s poem “The Lanyard,” and the chamber then observed music and applause. Members also honored two former House members who had recently died: Representative Jason A. Barney of Highgate and Representative Noel E. Neely of Pomfret, followed by a moment of silence.
The Speaker recognized the final group of legislative pages for their service and thanked them for their work during the busy end of the biennium. The House also read two concurrent resolutions adopted on the consent calendar: H.C.R. 273 recognizing May 2026 as National Tennis Month in Vermont, and H.C.R. 289 congratulating the 2026 Brattleboro Union High School championship mock trial team. The mock trial resolution noted the team’s first-place finish at the Vermont Law and Graduate School competition in South Royalton and identified the student advocates, witnesses, coaches, and advisor.
Several members made announcements and introductions. A member from Jericho spoke in support of tennis and welcomed USTA Vermont representatives in the gallery. A member from Westminster introduced Carolyn Partridge and Ben Partridge, and a member from Brattleboro welcomed the mock trial students, noting they would visit committees later in the morning. A member from Winooski introduced family members in the balcony. House Democrats and House Republicans announced caucuses at 11:15.
No floor votes were taken on legislation during this segment. The Speaker said the House would return to address bills on the calendar at 1:00 p.m., and the chamber stood in recess until then.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- A very productive legislative session for military support.
- The upcoming legislative session.
- It might be a little later since it’s still in process.
- So we are in the process of trying to educate women.
- this process into corrective measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing committee debates emergency rental assistance bill 2/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:15.440>
Henipin this important legislation. Henipin this important legislation. - process.
- <00:23:46.080>
process. - advance it in the legislative process. advance it in the legislative process.
- And we'll differ on that particular point, but once again the process is the process irrespective of
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3403, authored by Vice Chair Rep. Kazowski, and first adopted an A1 amendment. The amendment made technical and implementation changes recommended by the Department of Revenue, allowed a small portion of funds for county and tribal administrative costs, and clarified timing and reporting for spent and unspent funds. After the amendment was adopted, the bill was moved to Ways and Means.
Rep. Kazowski described HF 3403 as a $50 million emergency rental assistance measure to help stabilize households facing eviction, with $44 million directed to counties and $6 million reserved for tribal nations, administered through the Department of Revenue using the existing local homeless prevention aid formula. Supporters said the bill would provide immediate, targeted help to renters and landlords, prevent evictions, and reduce downstream costs to shelters, schools, employers, and health systems. Several testifiers, including representatives from Greater Twin Cities United Way, St. Louis County, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, social workers, a resident, and tribal housing leaders, said local resources were insufficient to meet rising need and emphasized the impact of federal immigration enforcement and related economic disruption on families, workers, and communities.
Testimony highlighted sharp increases in rental assistance requests, rising eviction filings, depleted county funds, and the strain on nonprofit and mutual aid efforts. County and city officials said emergency rental assistance and related legal services had already prevented thousands of evictions, but current funding was not enough. Tribal testimony stressed disproportionate homelessness among Native Americans and supported the bill’s tribal allocation. During member discussion, Rep. Amani Hiltsley said the bill was an economic stabilization tool and requested a roll call vote, noting safeguards against fraud and the broader costs of inaction.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We are generally trying to find a better process.
- there is a suggestion, but the actual process itself.
- Would that run afoul of this legislation?
- process than any positive prospect that I can see.
- So what we did is a matching process.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1134, which would extend the use of qualified private providers in the building permit process to residential solar energy systems and certain single-trade inspections, and would allow computer-based plan review tools. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long solar permitting delays and lower costs. A late amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted, and after some discussion about local permitting problems and the need to work with municipalities, CS/SB 1134 was reported favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no.
The committee then took up SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would limit fee collection if verification is not completed. Members discussed whether the bill should include more flexibility and whether private providers are appropriate for this function, but the committee ultimately reported CS/SB 784 favorably. SB 1738, allowing counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in while maintaining current levels of service, was also reported favorably without significant opposition.
Next, SB 1080 on local government land regulation was presented as a measure to speed up development permit and order approvals, limit repeated information requests, prevent hearing delays, and impose penalties for noncompliance. Local government testimony argued it would rush planning and weaken public input, while supporters called it common-sense streamlining. After debate, the bill was reported favorably, with several no votes. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members raised concerns about county budget timelines.
Finally, the committee considered SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, programs, or policies, while carving out compliance with state and federal law and defining DEI-related terms. The amendment removed retroactivity and delayed the effective date, but members from both parties raised concerns about vague definitions, impacts on women- and minority-owned business programs, local commemorations, and the loss of attorney’s fees for prevailing counties. Public testimony was sharply divided, with many speakers opposing the bill as an attack on local control and inclusion, and a few supporting it as a merit-based standard. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition in debate and was not yet reported in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/23/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- as a legislator. as a legislator.
- But city, county, and state legislators But city, county, and state legislators do<00:05:25.120>
- to go through the rule making process to go through the rule making process each<00:20:41.960>
<00:41:21.560>commission omnibus bill uh a legislative commission omnibus bill uh a legislative - , promulgate like we do with legislation, promulgate like we do with legislation, promulgate,<00:
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis Incorporated fully supports this legislation.
- Thank you, Representative, for this legislation.
- No, we don't need this legislation at all. There's nothing in this legislation... ...you're saying.
- No, we don't need this legislation at all.
- And yes, I mean, I've only been around the legislative process since 2014, but I think in the past, well
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Created as a result of the 2025 legislation.
- But otherwise, a process if they want to dispute it.
- The school budget process is a four- to six-month-long process.
- We'll be taking up matters on 5814 as we move into the next legislative session.
- We'll be taking up matters on 5814 as we move into the next legislative session.
Summary:
The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved.
The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers.
The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.