Transcript Highlights:

• , but home rule cities.
• New York City in February 2025.
• Some cities don't know that they can work with other cities and the county that they live in or are located
• It's not a mandatory program.
• It simply allows a city with a declining population to be able to change its city type, which allows

Bills: HB303, HB 1107, HB 1063, HB1517, HB1991, HB2464, HB3509, HB3527, HB303

Keywords: municipality, local government, Type A, Type B, Type C, change authority, emergency medical services, civil service status, municipal government, public safety, local government code, school funding, education, state budget, local control, equity, tenant legal services, eviction, low-income tenants, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• like fruit and vegetable EBT program, to increase farm to school.
• And so, can the author... address whether this particular program, how it intersects with the HFFI program
• Many of the farm-to-school programs, many of the grant programs that CDF has had don't have... have those
• So not just big, this is small, this is anyone.
• And so how do we create the program?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for all ages and abilities, including early childhood education and health and wellness programs, Programs
• for all ages and abilities, including early childhood education and health and wellness programs, Programs
• They're part of the City of Grants.
• Grant County's largest city... ...the largest city and the seat is Silver City, which is the only municipality
• And they're running small businesses.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Small, what, is this only Chairman Small, is this only under the definition here of storage?
• Chair, Chairman Small.
• shows up in our city budgets first.
• The city stands in strong support of this legislation.
• So we're starting small.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Chairman Small.
• Chair and Chair Small, to that point,... So, Mr.
• shows up in our city budgets first.
• The city stands in strong support of this legislation.
• So we're starting small.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 248, the general obligation bond bill, which would authorize about $392.5 million in bond capacity for senior centers, libraries, and higher education, special schools, and tribal school projects. The sponsor highlighted major projects including a new UNM School of Medicine, a multidisciplinary building at NMSU, renovations at New Mexico Tech, a technical innovation center at CNM, an agricultural science and arts building at ENMU, and library renovations at New Mexico Highlands. Public testimony was supportive, especially from the New Mexico Library Association, and members discussed how the bond process works, including application timing, readiness to spend funds, voter approval, and how unspent bond proceeds revert. The committee voted do pass on HB 248 without opposition. The committee then considered House Bill 309, which would clarify property tax valuation rules for electric energy storage facilities by extending the existing special valuation method for electric generation, transmission, and distribution to battery storage and similar technologies. Supporters from PNM, InterWest Energy Alliance, and Inventergy said the bill would provide consistency and clarity as storage becomes more important to grid reliability and clean energy development. Members raised questions about depreciation, the 12-year schedule, the 20% floor on valuation, possible effects on local government revenues, whether the bill would apply to utilities and co-ops, industrial revenue bonds, and whether it covered microgrids or only battery systems. The committee approved HB 309 on an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 48, which would authorize $92 million in bonds for the State Fairgrounds District to support redevelopment of the southwest corner of the fairgrounds, including land acquisition, green space, water and sewer infrastructure, and traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements near San Pedro and Central. Support came from neighborhood groups, housing advocates, the city of Albuquerque, the chamber of commerce, and others who described the project as a long-term investment in safety, infrastructure, and economic revitalization for the surrounding area. Members questioned the bond repayment structure, the 25-year term, the use of district gross receipts and gaming tax revenues, parking impacts, and future bonding needs. The committee voted do pass on SB 48 by a 10-2 margin.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• But I will say also that this is modeled on the City of Seattle program.
• And that's why we do support the wage recovery program.
• And that's why we do support the wage recovery program.
• programs.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took executive action on a number of them. Senate Bill 6282, by Senator Nobles, would require building and construction trade apprenticeship programs to provide two hours of behavioral health and wellness training starting in 2027, covering stigma reduction, distress recognition, suicide prevention, substance use awareness, peer support, and resource connection. The bill drew strong support from labor and construction groups, who described high suicide and substance use rates in the industry and said the training would help apprentices and, with a planned amendment, journey-level workers as well. No vote was taken in the hearing portion shown, but testimony was overwhelmingly pro. Senate Bill 6135, by Senator King, would require interest arbitration panels for certain uniform personnel at local governments to consider the employer’s ability to pay. Counties and cities supported the bill as a modest fiscal-relief measure and argued it would align local arbitration with existing state-law language. Teamsters representatives and other labor witnesses opposed it, saying it would weaken collective bargaining and give employers leverage to stall or deny fair contracts. The committee closed the public hearing with 5 in favor, 22 opposed, and no other testimony. In executive session, the bill was later advanced subject to signatures. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6128 on independent medical exams, which would require IME recordings to be made through an L&I-approved third-party app and prohibit independent local recording. Supporters said the change would improve security, consistency, and reliability of recordings and reduce cancellations and disputes; opponents said it would burden injured workers and undo the 2023 right to record IMEs on their own devices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6068, which would make owners and direct contractors jointly liable for unpaid wages and related damages on construction projects, with a notice-and-cure process before suit. Workers and labor groups supported it as a tool against wage theft and labor trafficking, while contractors and industry groups opposed it as overbroad and costly. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices, with testimony split between sustainability advocates and industry supporters on one side and public health and poison center witnesses on the other, who warned that loosening individual edible packaging could increase child poisonings. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for SB 6053 and moved it forward, and also passed SB 6134, SB 6147, SB 6106, and SB 6045 subject to signatures, with SB 6045 amended before passage to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• better cancer treatment programs.
• And so how do you separate the small businesses from the microbusinesses in this entrepreneurship program
• then kind of pivoted our programs to really benefit those who are real small businesses.
• And, you know, with the assault on DEI, a lot of the programs that are these pre-college programs that
• So the MSP program that I was part of was not a scholarship program per se.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held a hearing on the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, with no bills heard. Chairs Bud Williams and Miranda opened by framing the issue as a structural, long-standing disparity affecting Black and brown communities, citing major gaps in wealth, income, housing, and opportunity. Members noted this was the fourth hearing in a series on federal impacts on racial equity, and public written testimony was invited by the posted deadline. Administration witnesses Secretary Lauren Jones, Secretary Kiami Mahania, and Assistant Secretary Juan Vega described how labor, health, and economic development policy intersect with wealth-building. Jones pointed to higher unemployment, wage gaps, and underemployment among Black and Latino workers, and highlighted ESOL, workforce training, MassHire, and skills-based hiring efforts. Mahania argued poverty drives poor health, linking medical debt, Medicaid instability, maternal health, and chronic disease to wealth loss, and said federal changes could worsen both health and wealth gaps. Vega focused on entrepreneurship and procurement, citing disparities in business ownership and revenue, and described state efforts such as small business technical assistance, founder pipelines, place-based grants, and the Business Front Door; members also pressed him on microbusiness definitions, supplier diversity, and whether state programs were reaching firms that had received prior grants. Nicole O’Bean of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts testified that Black-owned businesses face a hostile environment due to tariffs, DEI rollbacks, immigration enforcement, capital barriers, and federal funding cuts that reduce contracts from education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. She emphasized that certification alone is not enough and called for stronger inclusive procurement outcomes, better data, and more support for microbusinesses. Dr. Melissa Colon and Dr. Fabian Torres-Dal of the Mauricio Gaston Institute testified on Latino wealth gaps, especially low homeownership, high rent burden, limited access to credit, and occupational segregation; they said structural racism, wage gaps, and education inequities are central drivers and urged housing, labor, and education reforms. Committee members repeatedly linked the hearing’s themes to redlining, medical debt, single-parent households, financial literacy, and the need for legislation and state programs to close the gap, but no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, with this bill, as we heard, is about sanctuary cities.
• Madam President, with this bill, as we heard, is about sanctuary cities.
• We're defining as being formally or informally having a sanctuary city or policy.
• This type of a program will allow us to be able to do that.
• So it's a matching grant program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a very small program.
• It was a very small program, about $5 million was initially appropriated up until another $4 million
• to date in that program.
• to date in that program.
• Chairman—it's a loan program.

Bills: SB21, SB42, SB81, SB101, SB139

Keywords: SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation, senior health coverage, elderly, retiree, Medicare beneficiaries, preexisting conditions, underwriting restrictions, premium discrimination, New Mexico insurance law, superintendent of insurance, health care coverage, policy portability, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• In our small school district, it costs about $410,000 a year.
• Okay, so within the PASS program, Okay, so within the PASS program, there are four phases.
• So within that PASS program, we keep the academic focus.
• She said, PASS has been an incredible program for Andy.
• We have an old-school phonics program.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by welcoming a new Senate Page, Caleb Williams of Shelley, and briefly asking about his plans after graduation. The committee then approved minutes from February 10, 12, 16, and 17, 2026, by voice vote. It next took up Senate Bill 1317, which would create regional service centers to help school districts and charter schools share hard-to-fill special education and related support staff, with startup funding proposed from $1 million redirected from the driver training account. The bill’s sponsor and Department of Education staff said the measure would help rural and small districts comply with IDEA by pooling services such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, school psychology, and administrative support, while preserving local control and reducing duplication and costs. Testimony was broadly supportive from superintendents, teachers, a parent advocate, and others, who described staffing shortages, high contract costs, and service gaps in rural districts. A few senators raised concerns about the fiscal note, the use of state funds, and the lack of clarity about how the centers would be structured and where they would be located. The committee voted to send Senate Bill 1317 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation; Senators Zito and Carlson voiced reservations, with Zito stating he would vote no. After that, the committee heard an informational presentation from Idaho Falls School District 91 on its PASS program, a behavior-support model for young students that uses tiered interventions, check-in/check-out, behavior academies, and a self-contained classroom to reduce disruptions and keep students in general education longer. The committee also heard from Kootenai Classical Academy about its Hillsdale-based classical education model, emphasizing virtue, Socratic discussion, phonics, no phones or screens, and strong literacy and civics instruction, with the school highlighting spelling bee success and strong academic outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program is one of the few incentive programs in California that
• We are fully compliant with environmental regulatory programs.
• Downtown's rebirth is a core priority for the city.
• I can see the value in this legislation, not only in cities like Fresno, but also in the city of Palmdale
• So we're not talking about like the small airports.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• These small community events throughout the state.
• I know it wasn't a small effort, so appreciate your work. Absolutely.
• This is a great education program.
• So both the city is involved.
• And that discrepancy is just because of the four-year program versus the two-year program.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council approved the April 6 meeting minutes and authorized two additional grant awards for the city of Eden and Elmore County, completing the Celebration Fund grant approvals. Staff reported that the fund now has a remaining balance of about $64,685, with most of the original $250,000 already distributed to local celebrations across the state. The committee also reapproved the treasurer’s $30,000 spending authority. Members received updates on the ambassador program, which now includes nearly 2,000 ambassadors across 170 cities, 44 counties, 50 businesses, 31 schools, and 23 veterans organizations. Treasurer Ellsworth highlighted strong turnout and publicity for recent events statewide, including museum programs, lectures, and community celebrations, and reported progress on the Liberty Bell restoration and carriage project, including a donated truck from Kendall Ford. The council also discussed the upcoming Liberty Grove designation in Payette and the continued display of quilts and other promotional materials. Secretary McGrane gave a detailed logistics update on the July 4 Capitol celebration, noting the event is about 75 days away and will include a veterans pancake breakfast, the Boise parade, a concert, booths, and space for protests at the old Ada County Courthouse. He asked to release previously reserved Capitol dates now that the main event date is set, and members agreed. He also said the committee is seeking private fundraising support through the Community Foundation and a dedicated IdahoA250.com link, with any contracts to be routed through the co-chairs. Andrew Finstuin of Boise State provided an update on the statewide higher-education civics initiative tied to America 250, describing course and program efforts at Idaho’s universities and colleges, including civic dialogue tools, Canvas modules, orientation workshops, patriotic music programs, civics badges, and community reads. Members praised the work as a lasting legacy beyond the 2026 celebration. The committee tentatively scheduled its next meeting for 10 a.m. on the 4th and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pichanga is located on a small vestige of our aboriginal lands in South.
• , youth programs, scholarship funding, energy projects, and more.
• It’s a bilingual program.
• Large portions of the cities of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City are on our reservation
• And so from the time that I was on the city council and your guys' investment in the city of Fresno,

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization held an informational hearing on seven tribal-state gaming compacts and compact amendments executed by Governor Newsom and several federally recognized tribes. Chair Blanca Rubio noted that no formal vote would be taken at the hearing, but that the ratification bills — AB 1579, AB 2173, SB 542, and SB 1235 — would later go to the Assembly floor. Much of the discussion focused on how the compacts were updated in response to the Ninth Circuit’s Chicken Ranch decision, which limited the state’s ability to bargain over certain topics in gaming compacts, and on preserving government-to-government relationships while reducing litigation risk. The committee heard first from the Pechanga Band of Indians and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians on first amendments that added gaming-device flexibility, revised revenue-sharing terms, and included commitments not to sue over certain revenue provisions. Both tribes emphasized their role as major employers and public-service providers, including fire, health, education, and cultural programs, and described the amendments as modernization measures. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe presented a new compact replacing an expired 2004 agreement, allowing up to 1,200 gaming devices and a possible future site near Needles through a federal two-part determination process, while the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians sought a fifth amendment extending its existing compact during ongoing litigation. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians each supported amendments that increased device flexibility, adjusted revenue-sharing obligations, and updated compact terms to reflect current law. San Manuel also highlighted supplemental payments to the revenue-sharing trust fund, philanthropic work, and local public-safety agreements, while county and city representatives spoke in support. The Chumash amendment included a longer compact term and narrowed liability provisions, including self-insurance language. Finally, the Yurok Tribe presented a new compact replacing a 1999 agreement, allowing up to 349 devices at up to three facilities; tribal counsel explained that gaming is not the tribe’s primary economic driver but that the compact would preserve limited-gaming status and provide needed flexibility. The hearing ended with no committee questions or votes, and the chair adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to fund Recycling and reuse programs to fund Recycling and reuse programs Washington<00:18:35.679
• </c><00:19:53.120><c> for</c> the additional costs paid by cities for the additional costs paid by cities
• </c> waste to recycling and Organics programs waste to recycling and Organics programs but<00:20:36.280
• </c><00:50:52.760><c> you're</c> you give the lake and the city you're you give the lake and the city
• We're a very valuable part of our small communities.

Bills: HF1359, HF1829, HF290, HF1933, HF926

Keywords: solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• We do city beautification contracts, so we work with the city of Tacomsa, the city of Shawnee, and the
• that for the cities.
• I know that program.
• We’re looking at this program expanding into perhaps this could be an entry point to the program.
• I mean, I'm a small female.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have the modal program. Programs, David Harris. Go ahead and proceed. Good afternoon, Mr.
• The program was enacted in 2021 as a supplement to communities to be able, beyond the federal programs
• I have a motorcycle program as well.
• We also have our education enforcement and community DWI programs; however, those programs are no longer
• Congestion mitigation, air quality improvement program, or the carbon reduction program are the best

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis City, among others.
• My house is 600 yards from there in the city of St. Louis.
• But even in small towns, I was just talking with a gentleman today outside of Crystal City.
• But even in small towns, I was just talking with a gentleman today outside of Crystal City.
• And for me, growing up in that small town was very special.

Summary: The Commerce Committee first took up House Bill 1845 in executive session and voted it do pass unanimously. The committee then moved into a public hearing on House Bill 3080, sponsored by Representative Riggs, which was presented as a technical/emergency fix to restore Missouri’s historic preservation tax credit provisions after a court ruling invalidated prior legislation because of unrelated “chicken coop” language. Riggs said the bill was needed to protect more than $300 million in projects already underway and noted companion legislation was moving in the Senate. Committee members expressed support and emphasized the importance of historic redevelopment, especially in St. Louis and other communities. Supporters testified that the bill would stabilize financing for projects already in progress and preserve a key tool for redeveloping vacant historic buildings, schools, theaters, and other properties statewide. Witnesses described specific projects including Delmar Devine in St. Louis, a vacant school in Hermann, the Englewood Theater in Independence, Cooper House, and Elliott School, explaining that tax credits were essential to making the projects financially feasible and to leveraging private investment, grants, and other financing. Several speakers said the credits help address housing shortages, neighborhood blight, and community revitalization, and that uncertainty after the court ruling was threatening construction and financing commitments. One witness, Arnie C., testified in opposition, calling the measure a corporate giveaway and arguing the state could not afford the program. Committee members responded that the bill was a corrective measure, not an expansion of credits, and that it was necessary because projects had already been approved and were in various stages of completion. After hearing testimony from supporters, one opponent, and no additional witnesses, the chair closed the hearing on House Bill 3080 and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• A small 9.9% slice from earnings after $1 million is a very small contribution from the ultra-wealthy
• Since we're a small district in a rural county, we've never had after-school programs.
• Since we're a small district in a rural county, we've never had after school programs.
• I'm here today with AGC, ACEC, and a small coalition of small business owners who stand in opposition
• And a small coalition of small business owners who stand in opposition of this bill.

Summary: House Finance held a public hearing on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax beginning in 2028 on Washington taxable income over $1 million for individuals, with related rules for residents, nonresidents, pass-through entities, estimated payments, penalties, credits, and revenue distribution. Staff explained that the bill would also fund several tax changes, including an expanded Working Families Tax Credit, sales tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, higher small business B&O credits, an early end to the B&O surcharge on very large businesses, and repeal of most retail services sales tax changes from last session. The fiscal note projected about $2.53 billion in additional state revenue in FY 2029 and $3.21 billion in FY 2030, with local revenue losses and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The chair also announced concerns about apparent fraud and duplicate records in the public sign-in system and set testimony rules limiting questions and shortening testimony time as the hearing progressed. The prime sponsor, Senator Jamie Peterson, said the bill was intended to make Washington’s tax system less regressive and to raise revenue for schools, health care, higher education, and other public needs while reducing the burden on lower- and middle-income residents. Supporters from labor, education, health care, child care, housing, poverty-reduction, and social service organizations argued that the bill would help fund essential services, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and improve fairness by asking the wealthiest households to contribute more. Several individual supporters, including business owners and workers, said they were willing to pay more and described the need for better-funded schools, health care, child care, and public defense. Opponents, including former Attorney General Rob McKenna, business groups, construction and real estate representatives, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as an unconstitutional income tax, would be unstable and likely expanded over time, and would harm small businesses organized as pass-through entities. They said the bill would reduce investment, discourage entrepreneurship, and could drive businesses and high earners out of Washington. Some local government representatives supported the public defense funding but asked for more dedicated revenue and protection against local revenue losses from the bill’s sales tax exemptions. No committee vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• travel perks, but the cost of those programs is borne by the small business owner.
• or 12 other small businesses.
• or 12 other small businesses.
• We operate in 130 cities across towns in the cities and towns in the Commonwealth.
• We're a small business.

Summary: The commission met to hear testimony on the future of credit card payments and swipe fees, with a focus on impacts to small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members and witnesses discussed interchange fees, processing fees, chargebacks, fraud risk, rewards programs, and the growing use of card-not-present and digital wallet transactions. Several witnesses urged the commission to support legislation that would prohibit fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions and allow businesses to pass credit card fees on to customers if they choose, while others warned that state regulation of interchange could reduce fraud protections and harm consumer rewards programs. Small business owners and trade groups described rising costs and thin margins, saying card fees are now among their largest expenses and are often charged on money that is merely passing through the business, such as sales tax and gratuities. Restaurant representatives said the current system shifts fraud and chargeback losses onto merchants, with little ability to negotiate rates or recover disputed funds, and argued that transparency and fee relief would help keep independent businesses open. Retailers gave similar testimony, citing rising swipe fees, complex statements, and the burden of online and phone transactions. A representative from the airline industry opposed interchange reform, arguing that airline credit card rewards are popular with consumers and support travel and jobs in Massachusetts. Credit union representatives cautioned that state-level interchange limits could weaken fraud prevention and force higher rates or reduced services, while the National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that banks and networks already operate under fee caps in other contexts and that interchange rates are fixed rather than competitive. Commission members asked questions about how chargebacks work, how fees are broken down, whether businesses can negotiate with processors or POS providers, and how consumer behavior has shifted toward cards, online ordering, and delivery since the pandemic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will also point out that this has a mentoring program that is a mandatory mentoring program with regular
• limits, even if the city disposal entity had a contract with an entity.
• So this just changes the wording from city to county.
• Let's say when the city-owned libraries—there are 163 in the state, and of those, 55 are city-owned.
• program directives are.

Summary: The House convened with 64 members present, approved the previous journal, and received several communications, including substitute appointments and messages from the Governor and Senate. Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, and the House also received and referred several newly introduced bills covering manufactured homes, land use, execution procedures, highway districts, dental hygiene, physician assistants, Medicaid, immunization and medical mandates, child welfare terminology, and elections. The House also advanced engrossed bills and placed others on second or third reading calendars. On third reading, the House passed House Bill 711, which creates an alternative authorization pathway for school principals and superintendents with mentoring requirements, and House Bill 658, which lets counties appoint cemetery district board members when all vacancies occur and requires county maintenance until a board is seated. It also passed House Bill 661 on county waste disposal contracting, House Bill 715 on city library director hiring and termination with city council approval, House Bill 662 on dairy testing and payment rules, House Bill 687 restricting state AI contracts from incorporating DEI principles, House Bill 665 revising an Appaloosa horse specialty plate program, House Bill 666 requiring new Idaho residents to obtain a license and vehicle registration within 30 days, House Bill 712 creating a voluntary state seal of excellence in civics, House Bill 762 giving charter schools priority options for foster children and military families in lotteries, House Bill 777 updating the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and House Bill 688 making knowing installation or sale of counterfeit airbags a misdemeanor. Most of these bills passed with clear majorities, though HB 715, HB 687, HB 666, HB 762, and HB 688 drew notable opposition. Debate centered on school administrator qualifications, local control over libraries and cemeteries, AI procurement standards, military family access to charter schools, and the scope of the counterfeit airbag bill. Members raised concerns about whether alternative administrator pathways could weaken preparation standards, whether the AI bill could affect procurement or proprietary systems, and whether the airbag bill might unintentionally criminalize sales of used vehicles with nonfunctioning airbags; supporters framed each measure as a targeted response to practical problems. One member declared a Rule 80 conflict on the airbag bill because a family member works in the field. The House also adopted a motion to hold remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, enrolled HCR 28, referred HCR 31 for printing, and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. the next day.