Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we will go to Tab 1, SB 530 on state lotteries by Senator Simon.
• This bill is on state lotteries, revising the powers and duties of the Department of Lottery, revising
• Here's what's shocking: In 2023, 97 children fatally drowned in our state.
• That is 19 families who were shattered by devastating loss in our state.
• And so what we’re trying to do is engage with the reality of the situation in our state and...

Bills: S0530, S0658, S0608, S1708, S0680, S0980, S0204

Keywords: Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond, security report, counterfeit ticket, altered ticket, false claim, ticket theft, fraud

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met and reported several bills favorably. SB 530 on state lotteries, presented by Senator Pizzo, made technical changes to the Department of Lottery’s powers and duties, clarified definitions, and allowed more flexibility to purchase rather than lease machines; two technical amendments were adopted before the bill passed. SB 204, also presented by Senator Bradley, increased penalties for illegal slot machine operations to a third-degree felony and created a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about whether a machine is lawful; the bill was reported favorably after testimony from supporters and a veteran organization expressing concern about clarity and good-faith cooperation. SB 658 and SB 608 were combined into a proposed committee substitute on water safety for rental and vacation properties, requiring certain pool or water safety devices and adding enforcement provisions through DBPR; the merged bill was reported favorably after strong testimony emphasizing child drowning statistics and support from local residents and industry representatives. SB 980, as amended, created the Florida Agegate Act to restrict advertising, promotion, and display of non-FDA-approved nicotine dispensing devices around minors, with escalating penalties and inspection authority; members discussed concerns about illegal products and enforcement, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent practice requirement for out-of-state veterinarians while keeping other competency standards, and it was reported favorably with support from several animal and veterinary-related groups. SB 680, as amended, addressed double taxation of electricity used at EV charging stations by creating a sales tax exemption for separately metered electricity transferred to consumers, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also noted additional support forms for the water safety bill and adjourned after miscellaneous remarks and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on State Affairs has been standing at ease and, uh, so we'll still here, we'll come back to
• This bill simply states that if a vaccine manufacturer chooses to advertise in the state of Texas, they
• Simply states that if a vaccine manufacturer would like to advertise their so-called safe product, they
• This bill holds manufacturers accountable, not for making a vaccine, but for advertising in the state
• But broadly it struck me as The state can't simply say you can sue, even though the federal, federal

Bills: HB 220, HB 783, HB 2240, HB 3336, HB 4202, HB 4449, HB 4904, HB 3441, HB 4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on State Affairs will come to order. Will the clerk call the roll? Oh. N.
• Now, a House joint resolution: House Joint Resolution 98, the Convention of States resolution.
• bill, uh, well, I should say a joint resolution, House Joint Resolution 98, that's the Convention of state
• With great thanks to each of you, especially this time of year, the Senate Committee on State Affairs

Bills: SB82, SB1807, SB2254, HB119, HB130, HB581, HJR98, SB1988

Keywords: business liability, concealed carry, handgun policy, premises liability, criminal acts, civil liability, business premises, concealed handgun, property liability, property rights, gun regulations, criminal liability, protective order, confidentiality, personal information, court records, victim protection, charitable raffle, nonprofit, wildlife conservation

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met to consider several pending measures and adopted committee substitutes on multiple bills before voting them out. Senate Bill 2403, Senate Bill 1888 (jury wheel procedures in certain counties), Senate Bill 2417 (Attorney General actions under the Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act), Senate Bill 2459 (personal identifying information for judiciary employees), and Senate Bill 2943 (discrimination involving occupational licenses) were each reported favorably to the full Senate, with most passing unanimously and SB 2943 passing on a 10-1 vote. The committee also certified SB 1888, SB 2417, and SB 2459 for the local and uncontested calendars, and later did the same for SB 2943. The committee then considered House Joint Resolution 98, the Convention of States resolution, which was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-3 vote. House Bill 1393, dealing with daylight saving time and keeping the state on daylight saving time year-round, was also reported favorably, with the committee noting it heard the House bill rather than a Senate companion. House Bill 2884, concerning financial relationship disclosures for defense contractors, was likewise reported favorably, with the final tally announced as 11 ayes and 1 nay. No testimony was taken in the excerpt, and no substantive debate was recorded beyond brief clarifications about the bills and their companions. After completing the votes and calendar motions, the committee recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it's a county, city, state, or any other government entity related to economic development on
• to our constituents and to the state that our policy is that we care about property rights.
• one way to condemn, and some of these have different authorities and they have more power than the state
• They have more power than the state of Alabama would have if they want to, so that to me just doesn't
• All righty, does anybody have any other business to bring before the committee for the good of the state

Bills: SB45, SB61, SB222, HB385

Keywords: athlete agents, commission, state regulation, Alabama, higher education, athletics, membership diversity, school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• who represent the state of people who represent the state of people who represent the state of Alabama
• the next state over they another state the next state over they another state the next state over they
• area of that state is the metropolitan area of that state is the metropolitan area of that state is
• University in in Washington T Washington University in in Washington T Washington University in in Washington
• more than any dollars in this state more than any dollars in this state more than any other state in

Bills: SB 26, SB 28, SJR 36, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SB 28, SR 131, SR 168, SR 174, SR 175

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service. to Senate District 8 and to the great state of Texas.
• February 26th and 27th, 2025 as Grand Prairie Days at the State Capitol.
• In recognition of what they've done in the state of Texas. state of Texas, we ought to make certain that
• And I hail from Washington County.
• of Texas. and gun violence in the state of Texas, we can make a difference.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28, SB28, SR131, SR168, SR174, SR175

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Of understanding how much we're driving businesses out of the state of Washington.
• Let's just build things in the state of Washington. We're going to be losing more jobs.
• Amy earned a bachelor's degree from Washington State University and a master's from Heritage University
• To the Honorable Senate of the State of Washington, The Secretary will read.
• her Ph.D. in infectious diseases from South Dakota State University in 2012.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• His teams captured an astonishing 20 VHSL state championships, including a record 19 consecutive state
• He coached 103 speech state champions, 59 runners-up, and five individual debate state champions.
• Born and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, Elana attended George Washington University on a softball scholarship
• Born and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, Elana attended George Washington University on a softball scholarship
• It’s bigger than eight states.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The priorities for the people of the state of Washington are affordability, affordability, affordability
• With that, we'll go to questions, starting with Jerry Cornfield of the Washington State Standard.
• And I just reinforce one last thing is we have really big challenges here in the state of Washington.
• Democratic majorities here in the state of Washington. All right.
• We've had letters from, you know, all over Washington state.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders used the media availability to argue that the Democratic majority is making Washington less affordable through new taxes and fees. They cited measures including a utility surcharge bill, expanded producer responsibility costs for clothing, a tire fee bill, proposed tobacco and pharmaceutical taxes, and speculation about an income tax, saying these would raise the cost of living and burden working families and small businesses. They also criticized a bill affecting initiative procedures, calling it an attack on direct democracy, and said Republicans would continue to oppose measures they view as adding costs or limiting voter input. A major portion of the discussion focused on immigration-related bills and public safety. Republicans condemned Governor Ferguson’s comments about events in Minnesota as inflammatory and said the incidents there should be investigated without political escalation. They also opposed a bill to restrict face coverings for federal immigration officers, arguing it would not be enforceable and would not affect federal law enforcement. Another bill they criticized would allow the state health department to fine the Northwest Detention Center if inspections are blocked; Republicans said the state lacks authority to regulate the federal government in that way. They also rejected a proposal to bar ICE agents hired under the second Trump administration from future law enforcement jobs in Washington, saying it was political messaging and inconsistent with the state’s public safety needs. The caucuses also discussed several other bills and policy areas. They said they were generally supportive of restoring College Bound and Washington College Grants funding for private nonprofit colleges, but only if done through the budget without new taxes. They backed a proposal to increase accountability and reporting for nonprofit organizations involved in state programs, citing concerns about fraud in mortgage assistance and other state programs. On a housing bill that would limit local enforcement of anti-camping ordinances, House Republicans said the measure was delayed for further work and that cities were worried about implementation and liability. In closing, Republicans said they would keep pushing solutions centered on affordability, transparency, and public safety while continuing to oppose what they described as politically driven bills from the majority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington University.
• Chris Meilwick with Washington State University here today, signed in pro, and I can't tell you how good
• Washington State, and nearly 100 statutes designate our court as the sole venue for state-related cases
• Employers and programs like the University of Washington expect these skills.
• A State of Washington study found that for every dollar invested in recovery support services, Washington

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local school districts are able to waive physical education requirements in Washington state history
• So, again, we have been working with WSIPSI and our partners, so OSPI, the Washington State Opportunity
• So we're looking at Washington State.
• So we're looking at Washington State.
• Please support Senate Bill 6052 to support Washington State students. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee heard three bills. Senate Bill 6052 would create a statewide digital transcript data-sharing environment for K-12 and postsecondary institutions, with student or parent permission required for disclosure. Supporters from universities, OSPI, school districts, counselors, and education groups said the bill would reduce paper handling, staff time, errors, and delays in admissions and enrollment, while improving security and student access; members asked about alignment with the High School and Beyond Plan, FERPA, apprenticeships, and out-of-state transfer issues. Senate Bill 6051 would allow local school boards to grant waivers or partial waivers of certain state laws and rules to individual schools, while excluding health and safety, civil rights, parental rights, basic education, and other protected areas. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give districts flexibility and surface recurring regulatory burdens, but OSPI, the State Board of Education, WEA, and school board groups raised concerns about broad scope, lack of definitions, possible impacts on special education and basic education compliance, and added complexity or legal costs. Some district representatives supported the idea of flexibility and relief from unfunded mandates, but suggested the bill needed more work. Senate Bill 5907 would expand ECEAP access for military families with incomes below 60% of state median income and prioritize children with deployed or single custodial military parents. The sponsor and supporters from ESDs, school districts, Head Start/ECEAP, child advocacy groups, and veterans organizations said military families face frequent moves, deployments, child care instability, and related stress, and that the bill would provide a modest, cost-effective benefit without state fiscal impact. In executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and passed SB 5860 to Ways and Means, and adopted a proposed substitute and passed SB 5574 to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we'll go to questions, starting with Jerry Cornfield of the Washington State Standard.
• And I just reinforce one last thing: we have really big challenges here in the state of Washington.
• And I just reinforce one last thing is we have really big challenges here in the state of Washington.
• We've had letters from, you know, all over Washington state.
• universities in the state.

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders opened by criticizing several Democratic-backed measures they said would raise costs for Washington residents, including a utility surcharge in House Bill 2275, expanded producer responsibility for clothing, and a new tire fee in House Bill 2421. They framed the session around affordability concerns and argued that the majority was advancing taxes and fees that would make living and doing business in Washington more expensive. They also said the state should focus on transparency and accountability rather than new charges and restrictions. Much of the question period focused on immigration-related issues and public safety. The leaders condemned recent comments by Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Brown about events in Minnesota, saying the incidents should be investigated carefully without inflaming tensions. They opposed a Senate bill addressing face coverings for law enforcement and another proposal to fine the Northwest Detention Center if state inspectors are denied access, arguing both were attempts to regulate or pressure federal authorities. They also criticized a bill that would bar certain ICE agents from future law enforcement jobs in Washington, saying it would not improve public safety and would distract from the state’s shortage of officers. The leaders also discussed several other bills and policy ideas. They said a House bill limiting local anti-camping enforcement was delayed and expected back next week, with cities concerned about implementation and liability. They expressed general support for restoring College Bound funding for private universities, but said it should be handled through the budget without new taxes. They backed a bill to increase reporting and accountability for nonprofit and housing-related programs, citing concerns about fraud and misuse of public funds. They also strongly opposed a bill they said would make the initiative process harder, calling it undemocratic and a continued effort to reduce voter influence.

Transcript Highlights:

• Katrina Lucero from the Washington State Health Care Authority.
• So we have growers here in Washington State that grow hemp.
• So we anticipate that several hemp farmers in Washington State, mostly on the eastern side of the state
• So we have growers here in Washington State that grow hemp.
• So we anticipate that several hemp farmers in Washington State, mostly on the eastern side of the state

Summary: The committee held a work session focused first on juvenile rehabilitation system capacity. DCYF officials said the juvenile rehabilitation population is older, includes more adult-sentenced youth, and has longer lengths of stay, especially for “post-25” youth who must remain in secure facilities and cannot go to community beds. They described overcrowding at Green Hill School, placement limits at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, staffing turnover, mental health acuity, and the need for more medium-security and specialized mental health beds. DCYF said it is pursuing a Parkland facility proposal, a staffing model decision package, and a broader feasibility study and master plan update. No votes were taken; members were asked to follow up with questions later. The committee then heard on behavioral health system capacity from the Behavioral Health Administration and the Health Care Authority. DSHS described growth in forensic and civil bed need, expansion at Olympic Heritage, Maple Lane, and Brockman, and construction of a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State expected to open in 2028. HCA reported progress on long-term civil commitment beds, intensive behavioral health treatment facilities, PACT teams, and intensive residential treatment teams, saying the community-based system is being expanded to support step-down care and reduce hospital reliance. Members asked about whether capacity is right-sized, the difference between facility types, and federal match eligibility for services. A federal funding update followed, covering the effects of H.R. 1 and H.R. 5371 on SNAP, Medicaid, marketplace coverage, long-term services and supports, K-12, higher education, and hemp regulation. OFM and agency staff said H.R. 1 adds work requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, increases state administrative and benefit costs, reduces Medicaid and marketplace subsidies for some groups, tightens redeterminations, and may significantly affect provider payments and state-directed payments. H.R. 5371 extended federal funding through January 30, 2026 and included some agency appropriations and other provisions, including changes affecting hemp producers. Members asked about SNAP error rates and special enrollment periods. Finally, budget coordinator Mary Monroe gave a 2026 supplemental budget preview. She reviewed the state’s near general fund outlook, noting revenue declines since the enacted budget, the effect of reversions, and a preliminary maintenance-level outlook showing a projected increase in NGFO spending over the four-year period. She said the supplemental will reflect updated caseload and cost forecasts and mandatory impacts from H.R. 1, but not policy proposals. No actions or votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Washington State Senate.
• The 22nd Governor of the State of Washington, the Honorable Chris Gregoire.
• I went to the University of Washington.
• But our Washington State Department of Transportation crews answered the call.
• People continue to move to Washington State.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The joint session of the Washington Legislature convened to receive Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address, with the House and Senate roll called and a quorum confirmed. The chamber recognized Supreme Court justices, statewide elected officials, tribal leaders, consular corps members, and other guests before the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem by the Wapato High School Choir, a prayer by Reverend Indiana Driver Gimmer, and a poem by State Poet Laureate Derek Sheffield. The governor opened by thanking those present and highlighting recent flooding as a major test of the state’s resilience, praising first responders, National Guard members, WSDOT crews, and local leaders for their response and recovery efforts. In his address, Ferguson said Washington’s economy remains strong but argued the state must make major investments in transportation, ferries, housing, and affordability. He proposed more than a billion dollars for bridge repairs, $164 million for road paving this summer, another billion dollars for three new ferries, and a $244 million housing investment. He also called for a millionaire’s tax to fund expanded Working Families Tax Credit benefits, tax relief for small businesses, more K-12 funding, and affordability measures such as utility bill credits and expanded energy assistance. He criticized federal immigration enforcement tactics and changes at the CDC, urged action on a bill limiting masked law enforcement, and said Washington should rely on science-based public health guidance through state-led efforts. The governor also highlighted several bills and proposals he said he would support, including expanded early learning for military families, modular housing standards, reckless driving changes, improved crash data access, wildfire air support for local fire departments, fee refunds when agencies miss processing deadlines, and a campaign to improve FAFSA completion rates. He said his administration has already reduced processing times for several licenses and wants government to be more responsive. After the address, the joint session was dissolved by motion and vote, and the House then adjourned until January 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Vice Chair of the Washington State Public Works Board. My name is Gary Rowe.
• I serve as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Washington State.
• I'm Eli Lieberman, executive director of the Washington State Green Bank.
• I'm Nora Sealander, representing Western Washington University.
• Members of the committee, Connor Hagerty with Washington State University here today, signed in other

Summary: The House Capital Budget Committee opened its first hearing of the session on HB 2295 and briefly heard a presentation from OFM Senior Budget Advisor Jen Masterson on Governor Ferguson’s proposed supplemental capital budget. She said the proposal uses about $396 million in new appropriations, leaving roughly $5.4 million in remaining bond authority, and includes major investments in housing, urgent state facility needs, climate-related projects, K-12 school safety and modernization, and higher education minor works. The housing package was the largest share, with $225 million for the Housing Trust Fund, plus funding for homeownership, preservation, manufactured housing communities, and flood-impacted home repair. Committee members asked follow-up questions about Rainier School and juvenile rehabilitation projects, and staff said Rainier School was on the plan and that juvenile rehabilitation funding included flexible capacity funding and facility improvements. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s housing, education, climate, and natural resources proposals, while several speakers urged changes. Housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, community land trusts, and service providers backed the Housing Trust Fund and homeownership funding, including support for manufactured housing preservation and transit-oriented affordable housing. School and college representatives supported small district modernization, seismic safety, lead remediation, and minor works funding, while some asked for additional support for specific projects such as Cascadia College’s new building, Central Washington University’s feeder line replacement, and WSU Spokane health education renovations. Natural resource and tribal witnesses supported salmon recovery and community forest investments, but asked for more funding for RCO community forest and estuary programs. A major recurring concern was the proposed $75 million transfer from the Public Works Assistance Account, which cities, counties, sewer and water districts, and the Public Works Board said would jeopardize low-interest loans already awarded for local infrastructure projects and shift costs onto distressed communities. Other testimony opposed the budget’s omission of certain projects, including the University of Washington’s power plant decarbonization work and a Spokane cultural hub, while some local governments requested funding for wastewater and flood-control projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed the public hearing after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I also have the next group—could we just add you make the whole state proud. Yes.

Bills: HB20, HB463, HB469, HB649, HB963, HB1163, HB1334, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1518, HB1519, HB1523, HB1524, HB1546, HB1548, HB1550, HB1553, HB1573, HB1574, HB1576, HB1588, HB1591, HB1618, HB1619, HB1628, HB1642, HB1643, HB1656, HB1658, HB1664, HB1667, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1696, HB1700, HB1705, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1716, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1749, HB1752, HB1753, HB1768, HB1782, HB1800, HB1804, HB1810, HB1823, HB1839, HB1842, HB1854, HB1858, HB1864, HB1870, HB1875, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1894, HB1897, HB1898, HB1920, HB1929, HB1946, HB1959, HB1961, HB1962, HB1973, HB1974, HB2001, HB2005, HB2020, HB2021, HB2022, HB2023, HB2062, HB2078, HB2093, HB2095, HB2096, HB2097, HB2101, HB2137, HB2152, HB2207, HCR137, HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of House Bill 2275, Senate Draft 2, relating to funding adjustments for state programs.
• Referrals and re-referrals. for state programs. for state programs.

Bills: HB20, HB463, HB469, HB649, HB963, HB1163, HB1334, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1518, HB1519, HB1523, HB1524, HB1546, HB1548, HB1550, HB1553, HB1573, HB1574, HB1576, HB1588, HB1591, HB1618, HB1619, HB1628, HB1642, HB1643, HB1656, HB1658, HB1664, HB1667, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1696, HB1700, HB1705, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1716, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1749, HB1752, HB1753, HB1768, HB1782, HB1800, HB1804, HB1810, HB1823, HB1839, HB1842, HB1854, HB1858, HB1864, HB1870, HB1875, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1894, HB1897, HB1898, HB1920, HB1929, HB1946, HB1959, HB1961, HB1962, HB1973, HB1974, HB2001, HB2005, HB2020, HB2021, HB2022, HB2023, HB2062, HB2078, HB2093, HB2095, HB2096, HB2097, HB2101, HB2137, HB2152, HB2207, HCR137, HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Washington State Senate.
• The 22nd Governor of the State of Washington, the Honorable Chris Gregoire.
• I went to the University of Washington.
• But our Washington State Department of Transportation crews answered the call.
• People continue to move to Washington State.

Summary: The joint session of the Washington Legislature convened to receive Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address, with the House and Senate, Supreme Court justices, statewide elected officials, tribal leaders, consular representatives, and other guests formally introduced. The meeting also included the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance by the Wapato High School Choir, a prayer by Reverend Indiana Driver Gimmer, and a poem by State Poet Laureate Derek Sheffield. In his address, Governor Ferguson said the state remains strong economically but faces major challenges from recent historic flooding, aging transportation infrastructure, ferry reliability problems, the housing shortage, and affordability concerns. He proposed major budget priorities including more than a billion dollars for bridge and road maintenance without raising taxes, another billion dollars for ferries, and a record housing investment. He also called for a millionaire’s tax to fund expanded Working Families Tax Credit benefits, tax relief for small businesses, and more support for K-12 education, along with utility assistance and early learning expansion funded in part by a large private gift. The governor also criticized federal immigration enforcement practices and changes at the CDC, urged action on a bill to prohibit masked law enforcement and require identifying information, and backed shifting vaccine recommendations to the state health department. He highlighted several bipartisan proposals he said he would sign, including expanded early learning for military families, modular housing standards, reckless driving changes, crash review access to medical information, wildfire air resources for local fire departments, and fee refunds for missed agency deadlines. After the governor’s remarks, the joint session was dissolved by motion and the House adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate also makes record investments, as the Chair said, in state colleges and universities and the
• University of Massachusetts.
• We have communities in this state whose entire 2.5% increase that they're allowed under state law is
• right now and a state that is more than capable and showing its capability to... ...a state that is
• Universal school meals — no longer having to fight on the battlefield for universal school meals.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up debate on the FY2026 general appropriations bill, with several members speaking in support of the Ways and Means budget. Senators Comerford, O’Connor, Feeney, and DiDomenico emphasized the budget as a values-driven response to federal uncertainty, highlighting investments in MassHealth, education, housing, food security, local aid, libraries, transit, mental and behavioral health, and support for vulnerable residents. They also praised the budget’s lack of new taxes and its focus on spending within available revenues, while noting major cost pressures from health care and federal policy instability. Specific programs and items repeatedly cited included universal free community college, expanded financial aid, rural and minimum school aid, TAFDC/EAEDC increases, the Healthy Incentives Program, universal school meals, housing supports, Home and Healthy for Good, and funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. Speakers framed these investments as both fiscally responsible and morally necessary, and several noted that amendments would be considered during the debate. No votes on the budget itself were taken in the excerpt. After the budget remarks, Senator Miranda spoke in recognition of Haitian Flag Day and the history of Haiti, including foreign interference and the importance of protecting Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Another senator then honored Malcolm X on the 100th anniversary of his birth, connecting his legacy to the budget process and calling for investments in equity, education, housing, and health care. The Senate then adopted an order to meet the next day at 10 a.m. with the general appropriations bill as the only item on the calendar, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Washington and Washington State University, and counties with state forest lands.
• Washington State University, and counties with state forest lands.
• I am with the Washington State Pest Management Association.
• A recent study out of Washington State University has shown their negative impact on Dungeness crab,
• Washington State University has shown their negative impact on coho salmon, and fetal predators have

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion focused on tribal representation and natural resource management. On HB 2117, which would add a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources, the prime sponsor and DNR officials said the bill would strengthen government-to-government relationships without replacing existing consultation duties. Tribal leaders from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation testified in support, as did the Commissioner of Public Lands and DNR’s tribal relations director. County and timber interests said they were not opposed to tribal representation but raised concerns about trust responsibilities, beneficiary interests, and whether the representative should come from a tribe with commercial forest management experience. The committee later closed testimony on HB 2117 and read into the record 192 pro, 124 con, and zero other sign-ins. The committee also heard HB 2516, which would impose a two-year moratorium on the use of certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin after a Department of Agriculture report and while the Washington State Academy of Sciences studies alternatives and impacts. The prime sponsor argued the bill balances rodent control with concerns about wildlife, groundwater, and human exposure, while opponents from the pest management industry warned it would remove effective tools and worsen rodent problems, especially for low-income and manufactured-home communities. Supporters included the Washington Poison Center, wildlife rehabilitators, Birds Connect Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other advocates who cited poisonings in wildlife and children and pointed to non-toxic alternatives and integrated pest management. The committee read into the record 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins. For HB 2554, which would repeal RCW 77.110 and related language tied to Initiative 456 and tribal fishing rights, the sponsor and the Attorney General’s Office said the statute is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law and court rulings. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also supported repeal, describing the measure as removing an unenforceable anti-tribal statute. The committee then moved on to HB 2327, a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest board lands trust and DNR’s management of those lands. The sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, county representatives, and forest industry witnesses supported an independent review of the trust structure and performance; some asked for amendments to address reconveyance options, broader legal and ecological considerations, and consultation with tribes and the Board of Natural Resources.