Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to tell you to put a guaranteed income, direct, unrestricted cash payments program for
• Put language in the budget that puts a guaranteed income direct cash payments program in the budget for
• Today, I stand here to tell you to put direct, unrestricted cash payments programs to the descendants
• I'm here to ask you to put a Direct Unrestricted Cash Payment Program for the seniors and descendants
• I'm here today to tell you to put a guaranteed income, direct unrestricted cash payments program for

Transcript Highlights:

• two bona fide discount points that allows the consumers to capitalize on a lower monthly mortgage payment
• Um, my payment is going to be $1,800 a month and I'd really like for it to be just maybe $1,600 a month
• by reducing the interest rate by payment by reducing the interest rate by purchasing<00:02:33.360><c
• </c><00:26:16.720><c> I</c><00:26:16.880><c> give</c> I want to have cash in my pocket.
• I give I want to have cash in my pocket.

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> directed payments facing out in 2028. directed payments facing out in 2028.
• Payments have started.
• payment you get.
• Uh, we did receive payment yesterday, and we're expecting another payment today.
• And these payments may fall payments.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Eliminate the ethanol production cash fund. Harmonized provisions provide forage funds.
• The National Statuary Hall Cash Fund and the National Statuary Hall are referenced again.
• her family; effectual payments; the automobile owned by a candidate.
• Three, mortgage or rental payments to a permanent residence; the satisfaction of personal payments of
• It includes an appropriation of $50,000 in cash funds for the stated purpose.

Bills: LB764 , LB815A , LB839 , LB888 , LB955 , LB972A , LB1029 , LB1087 , LB1091 , LB1126A , LB1181A , LB1237A , LB1261A , LB304A , LB762 , LB889 , LB929 , LB966 , LB1022 , LB1187 , LR508

Transcript Highlights:

• You may have heard the term cash basis, which cash equals revenue.
• You may have heard the term cash basis, which cash equals revenue.
• It's not a very common use. term cash basis, which cash equals revenue.
• its existing expenses with cash on hand.
• its existing expenses with cash on hand.

Committee: Joint Joint Higher Education Committee

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met for a work session on higher education accounting practices and financial transparency. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state accounting rules and higher education reporting differ, including what data is captured in AFRS today and what will move into Workday, with universities generally reporting summary-level fund data, mandatory codes, and most balance sheet and income statement activity, but not transaction-level detail or vendor payment information. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University described the complexity of their own accounting systems, the many entities and business lines they must track for audits and compliance, and the need to reconcile university-level accrual accounting with state reporting requirements. The committee also heard from the Education Research and Data Center on the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512; ERDC said the dashboard is based on publicly available data, is best used to examine institutions individually rather than compare them directly, and will be updated with additional metrics in 2025 and 2026. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended uses for higher education, financial aid, and workforce development. He said recent legislation significantly increased WIA revenues and that, in the 2025–27 budget, the account is being used in new ways, including to replace general fund support for University of Washington operations and to fund a larger share of the Washington College Grant and some faculty compensation costs. Anderson said roughly 98% of current WIA appropriations go to higher education, but the share used to supplant other higher education funding has grown, and he estimated about 60% to 70% of current spending still aligns with the account’s original intent. He also described a new effort to track WIA appropriations across biennia in more detail and noted the WIA Oversight Board’s role in recommending uses of the account and monitoring outcomes. No votes were taken; the committee ended by moving into executive session for staffing issues and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also major security concerns with digital payments that don't exist with cash payments.
• Companies cannot misuse your data after a cash payment.
• Cash should continue to be the one form of payment that is truly universal, accepted everywhere, by everyone
• American than cash.
• It requires brick-and-mortar businesses that accept in-person payments to accept cash for purchases up

Transcript Highlights:

• direct cash payments for our senior community.
• So please, again, I implore this body. to implement direct cash payments for American Freedmen seniors
• In addition, in 2024, there was an item on the California budget to allocate cash payments for seniors
• You can do it in a couple of different ways; you can add to the existing check. and cash payments that
• That line item, unrestricted cash payments for descendants of those slaves.

Transcript Highlights:

• told, "No, we don't accept cash payments."
• told, "No, we don't accept cash payments
• purchase</c> making a cash payment for the purchase making a cash payment for the purchase of<00:25:07.720
• in cash in inoperable accepts payments in cash in accordance<00:25:34.080><c> with</c><00:25:34.320>
• 00:26:26.640><c> at</c><00:26:27.160><c> the</c> payment in lieu of cash at the payment in lieu of cash

Transcript Highlights:

• Our beginning cash balance in 2026 is $357 million.
• They're also running up their credit card payments.
• Sugar beet cash receipts for 2025 are down 17%.
• When you talk about trends on the cash receipt side, where do those cash receipts come from?
• I've got government payments forecasted flat, and that's going to depend a lot on payment timing.

Summary: The committee was convened to review Idaho’s economic outlook and general fund revenue projections for fiscal years 2025-2028, with members instructed to submit “homework” revenue estimates by noon the next day so staff could compile committee averages and medians for deliberations and a final recommendation to JFAC. Opening remarks emphasized the committee’s constitutional charge, the use of the binder materials and online packet, and that the committee would meet again the next day to discuss and vote on the revenue projection recommendation. Staff and agency presentations focused on the state’s budget and revenue picture. Legislative Services Office staff described structural imbalance concerns, noting that statutory spending changes and earmarked sales tax distributions have crowded out flexibility, while cash reserves remain substantial. The Division of Financial Management’s economist explained the official revenue forecast, including revised treatment of sales tax and tax relief fund accruals, and said the forecast largely held steady overall even as corporate and individual income tax categories shifted. She also discussed the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act on SALT deductions and said recent corporate collections had rebounded sharply, suggesting timing and behavior changes rather than a broad economic downturn. Outside economists and labor experts painted a generally stable to positive economic picture. Zions Bank’s economist said the Federal Reserve is likely near the end of major rate cuts, long-term rates and mortgage rates remain elevated, tariffs have risen sharply, but inflation has not yet shown broad tariff-driven acceleration; he described the national labor market as slowing but not contracting and said 2026 could be a rebuilding year. The Idaho Department of Labor reported that Idaho’s unemployment remains historically low, job growth is steady, wage growth is moderating from overheated pandemic-era levels, and the state’s labor market remains healthier and more balanced than the national picture. The committee also heard from Idaho Power’s economist, who began a presentation on broader economic conditions and utility-related demand trends before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I agree. it's I'm not sure if they have cash available.
• This is not a solution for cash-strapped Washingtonians.
• installment payment system.
• I mean, it reduces $30 cash payments to zero.
• I mean, it reduces $30 cash payments to zero.

Bills: HB2361 , HB2542 , HB2629 , HB2394 , HB2274 , HB1078 , HB2294

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: small loans, consumer protection, financial regulation, lending limits, credit access, animal testing, alternatives, ethical research, animal welfare, scientific methods, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime, penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:13.680><c> assistance</c><00:30:14.240><c> payments</c> and amount of cash assistance payments
• and amount of cash assistance payments did<00:30:15.120><c> not</c><00:30:15.480><c> change</c><00:30
• -2023, when we made the changes to the regs. uh the TANF payment TANF payments uh the TANF payment TANF
• So again, with the adjustments and the changes to the cash assistance payments and the transportation
• A payment error rate is the rate of errors in payments to recipients.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:57:08.000><c> for</c> Minnesota paid leave payments for Minnesota paid leave payments for pension
• So uh versus at the pension payments.
• </c> Is it because you don't have enough cash Is it because you don't have enough cash flow<01:08:40.960
• So, we can't those pension payments.
• to have cash reserves on the side. to have cash reserves on the side.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and cash. and cash.
• </c> and cash are on those lines. and cash are on those lines.
• </c> received on the cash 1.8 million. received on the cash 1.8 million.
• There are the cash fund those.
• fund of cash expenditures of the cash fund of cash non-bonded<00:46:25.680><c> dollars</c><00:46:26.560

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not just cash; it's cash, tokens, or other consideration.
• It's not just cash. yield is broadly. It's not just cash.
• other</c> It's cash, tokens or other It's cash, tokens or other consideration.<00:17:40.160><c> So</c
• </c> Genius Act is very clear that payment Genius Act is very clear that payment stable<00:26:34.720>
• One is like programmable payments.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call and introductions of commission members and guests, followed by approval of the agenda and a motion to approve the February 10 minutes with a correction clarifying that one quoted statement was misattributed. The commission then moved into presentations. The main presentation came from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors on implementation of the federal GENIUS Act for stablecoins. The speaker reviewed the OCC’s recent 367-page proposed rule, noting it raises many open questions and design choices for states, and discussed expected upcoming rulemaking from the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and Treasury. The presentation focused on six areas: permissible issuer activities, reserve assets and redemption, risk management and supervision, treatment of state-qualified issuers, capital/operational backstops, and foreign issuers. It also flagged unresolved issues around Bank Secrecy Act/AML requirements and the meaning of “digital asset service provider” activities. A substantial portion of the discussion addressed yield restrictions, with the presenter explaining the OCC’s broad definition of yield and its rebuttable presumption against issuer-affiliated or related third-party yield arrangements. The speaker said this likely forecloses many existing white-label structures but leaves some room for third-party payments depending on distance from the issuer, and noted ongoing Senate debate over similar provisions. The presentation also covered reserve valuation, liquidity and diversification requirements, redemption timing, and supervisory expectations such as third-party oversight, IT security, exam cycles, and reporting. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're run on a cash reserve right now of about a 5 to 6 week window.
• We don't want our providers to get into a cash flow problem. That's one.
• That's for just the standard payment.
• Now, there is the value-based payment, which was referenced earlier.
• And then, thirdly, have you made the transition 24 months ago to put cash reserves back to cash flow

Transcript Highlights:

• payment.
• using cash.
• It means they live off cash.
• It means they live off cash.
• People to have cash, use the cash, and some folks don't have a bank or a credit card.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on multiple bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, create a process for minors or adults to request takedown of content, and add restrictions on sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google supported it as model legislation; members raised questions about compliance, age 13 access to earnings, and removal rights at 18. It passed 9-0 with 2 present. HB 2501, an agency bill conforming Arizona’s appraisal management company definition to federal law, also passed unanimously 11-0. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements through statewide chambers or business leagues, passed 8-1 after an amendment; one member cited possible federal preemption in opposing it. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill requiring clearer “buy/purchase” language and prorated refunds when access changes, passed unanimously after amendment, with supporters calling it a consumer protection measure and retailers warning about compliance burdens and possible preemption. The committee then considered HB 2279, which would exempt commercial river outfitters in Grand Canyon National Park from liability for injuries or deaths arising from inherent risks of river trips, while preserving liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Supporters said it aligns Arizona with other western states and reflects existing federal oversight; opponents argued it could violate Arizona’s anti-abrogation clause and improperly define inherent risk. The bill passed 7-4. HB 2690, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring more work-search actions, weekly reporting, and pre-claim data cross-checks, drew strong opposition from advocates who said it would add red tape and harm eligible claimants; supporters said it would reduce fraud and encourage work. It passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. The committee also approved HB 2555, requiring retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and prohibiting cash fees, after an amendment exempting rentals and mobile home vendors; supporters emphasized access for unbanked consumers and small purchases, while one member objected that businesses should self-govern. It passed 10-0. HB 2199, which requires RV park managers to complete education on landlord-tenant laws similar to mobile home park managers, passed 7-0 with 3 present after testimony from homeowner advocates and park groups in support. Finally, HB 2459 was introduced at the end of the meeting; it would allow landlords to pass through utility charges actually imposed by providers and add an administrative fee for submetering, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• checks, gift cards, or other non-cash methods.
• This is strictly for those that pay with cash.
• I got a tour of the place, and the first thing that I noticed when I went up to the cash register was
• It provides fairness because it makes it so that there's a state standard for cash transactions and non-cash
• , ensuring that electronic payments remain unaffected.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on two bills: House Bill 5138, concerning consumer protections for cash transactions amid penny scarcity, and House Bill 5036, concerning consumer information related to tariffs. Chairs Tackey Chan and Senator Payano opened the hearing, noted the committee’s one-year anniversary, reviewed procedures, and explained that the Senate and House were both in session, with Senator Payano prepared to take over if needed. The committee heard from several industry and legislative witnesses, and the hearing was eventually closed by motion and voice vote. Supporters of H. 5138, including Senator Paul Feeney, the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, said the bill would create a clear statewide rounding standard for cash transactions if pennies become scarce. They argued it would improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion, provide legal clarity, and protect businesses and consumers by requiring notice and limiting the rule to cash payments. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts also supported the concept but suggested amendments, including changing mandatory rounding language to allow flexibility and clarifying that taxes and fees would not be affected. Witnesses were largely opposed to H. 5036. The Retailers Association, the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association said tariff-related shelf or price disclosures would be difficult or impossible to implement because tariff costs change frequently and are hard to trace through complex supply chains. Auto dealers emphasized the challenge of calculating tariff impacts across thousands of vehicle parts and models, while retailers said the proposal would add burdens and could increase costs. No votes on the bills were taken during the hearing; the only formal action was adjournment of the hearing after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The advanced payment option included in the bill likely has a cost that needs to be determined through
• -12 credit assignment program, which would no longer be needed if the parents effectively have the cash
• So, um, I think for me, um, I'm interested in this idea about advanced payments.
• </c><00:20:05.880><c> um</c> in this idea about Advanced payments um in this idea about Advanced payments
• and giving cash to families.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:50.960><c> Um,</c> other forms of payment. Um, other forms of payment.
• Uh, the bill makes clear rounding would only apply to cash transactions, not other forms of payment.
• ><c> payment.
• as a payment option.
• Senator Bar. as a payment option. What I uh while I as a payment option.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Only individuals are subject to the payment of this tax, and the first tax payments and returns would
• of Revenue under rules that are aligned with the federal estimated tax payment requirements.
• Penalties and interest may apply to underpaid estimated taxes unless the estimated tax payments are at
• It supports payroll during tight cash flow periods and while contractors are waiting for payments from
• This is a tax on cash flow that keeps small and medium-sized contractors operating.

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.