Transcript Highlights:

• authority to remove the remarriage penalty that currently strips surviving spouses of benefits, bringing fairness
• These changes ensure the Fund remains fair, sustainable, and responsive to the people who have earned
• Times chasing cats are... but it worked out this freedom. You leave the food out, they come back.
• those tools in place for us to combat it and... before we wait too much farther, and we're always chasing

Bills: HB3014 , HB3109 , HB3126 , HB3474 , HB3594

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: gift card fraud, counterfeit gift card, gift card tampering, gift card theft, prepaid card, stored value card, retail fraud, financial crimes, consumer protection, organized retail crime, gift card skimming, magnetic stripe, chip card, redemption information, gift card packaging, Penal Code, felony theft, state jail felony, third-degree felony, second-degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill gives policymakers a clear, fair way to measure whether that promise is being kept.
• Representative Chase, did you have a question? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Could you state that again, Representative Chase?

Bills: HB2730 , HB2713

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: aerospace, tax preferences, effectiveness, economic impact, state revenue, private detention facilities, business tax, occupation tax, financial impact

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill gives policymakers a clear, fair way to measure whether that promise is being kept.
• Representative Chase, did you have a question?" "Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Could you state that again, Representative Chase?

Summary: The House Finance Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 2730 would clarify how JLARC evaluates the effectiveness of existing aerospace tax preferences by requiring a rolling five-year comparison of Washington aerospace employment with other states and asking JLARC to consider broader aerospace-sector changes and economic conditions. The prime sponsor and labor testifiers said the bill would add needed clarity and accountability for major tax investments supporting aerospace jobs. A committee question raised whether JLARC would be directed to make recommendations for improving the incentive, and staff and the sponsor said the bill does not specifically require that. HB 2713 would impose a 1% B&O tax surcharge, beginning July 1, 2026, on operators of private detention facilities with more than $1 million in annual Washington gross receipts. The sponsor said the bill is intended to respond to harms associated with private detention and to help fund services and legal support for affected families and communities. A remote testifier urged a much higher surtax on GEO Group, which operates the Northwest Detention Center, while county representatives testified that the bill as written could unintentionally apply to Martin Hall, a juvenile facility in Spokane County that is publicly governed and operated day-to-day by a nonprofit contractor. They asked for an exemption for Martin Hall, and the sponsor said that inclusion of nonprofits was not intended and that she would work with them on amendments. No votes were taken on either bill. The committee closed testimony on HB 2730 and HB 2713 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern is we're cutting to the chase too quickly.
• I worry about cutting to the chase too quickly because if you're going to have a hearing that's held
• Is that a fair assessment from what you've seen? The same officers will testify.

Bills: HB537 , HB474 , HB527 , HB449 , HB380 , HB449 , HB380

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: preliminary hearing, criminal procedure, Aniah's Law, pretrial detention, defendant rights, property rights, law enforcement, removal procedures, unauthorized occupancy, trespassing, liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, DNA, genetic testing, privacy, consent, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• We all know the pay and chase model is really challenging.
• We are in the chasing part of the pay and chase business to help safeguard these monies.
• We're always going to be in the chasing down business.
• On the front end, stop this pay and chase methodology.
• Which is usually private equity chasing money.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ask, I think it would be more than fair ask, I think it would be more than fair uh<00:33:47.519>
• </c> public is not getting a fair deal. public is not getting a fair deal.
• </c> their fair their fair share?
• Is it fair?
• </c> taxes and get out of paying their fair taxes and get out of paying their fair share<01:26:50.880

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• and this is all about about fairness and this is all about speed<00:03:06.680><c> of</c><00:03:06.959
• </c><00:10:21.279><c> and</c> create a more favor a more fair and create a more favor a more fair and
• But he thought it was fair for the counties to share in some of this.
• So we are losing revenue overall because we are chasing people out of the state.
• </c> passing away I think we are chasing passing away I think we are chasing people<01:46:30.480><c>

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, I want to recognize UCF legislative scholar Chase Thompson. He's in the West Gallery.
• I want to recognize my UCF legislative scholar, Chase Thompson. He's in the West Gallery.
• Chase is originally from Cocoa Beach, my area, and is a junior at UCF majoring in political science.
• After Chase graduates in the spring of 2027, he plans to pursue a career in space research and space
• UCF has done such a great job with the internships, and I look forward to what Chase has to do in the

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, this bill is not about chasing championships with public dollars.
• It's about giving our student athletes a fair opportunity to compete, to stay here, and to represent
• Madam Speaker, this bill is not about chasing championships with public dollars.
• It's about giving our student athletes a fair opportunity to compete, to stay here, and to represent
• championships with public about chasing championships with public dollars.<00:56:30.319><c> It's</c>

Bills: HB2198 , HB2021 , HB1881 , HB1964 , HB1990 , HB2151 , HB2599 , HB2414

Transcript Highlights:

• The explanation continues that the purpose is to make sure there is some fair chase.
• <00:14:23.600><c> sure</c><00:14:23.759><c> there's</c><00:14:23.920><c> some</c><00:14:24.040><c> Fair
• </c> just want to make sure there's some Fair just want to make sure there's some Fair Chase<00:14:24.720
• Is that a fair statement? That would be a bond increase as far as actual cost.
• ><c> would</c> that is that a fair statement that would that is that a fair statement that would be<00

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of administrative regulations, most of which were advanced with staff-suggested amendments and no objection. Early items included the Kentucky Public Pension Authority’s 105 KAR 1:451, which updates reporting language and adds the contractor wizard for certain employers, and a large package of Board of Veterinary Examiners regulations that revise fees, facility and AHP registration requirements, continuing education, liability, and practice rules. The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s compact-related regulation and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors’ complaint and compact rules were also reviewed and approved with amendments, along with fish and wildlife rules affecting elk hunting, youth deer season length, bear-dog approvals, and foxhound enclosure permits. The committee also approved transportation, education, workplace standards, horse racing, and several health and human services regulations, including Medicaid waiver reimbursement updates and a child care regulation that sends certain large claims to the Office of Inspector General for review. Several agencies briefly explained their regulations when members asked questions. Fish and Wildlife said the elk population is strong and the baiting change is intended to support harvest monitoring and fair chase, while the longer youth deer season was meant to give young hunters more opportunity. The Department of Community-Based Services said the $10,000 and $5,000 claim thresholds were meant to clarify rare cases involving possible fraud or unresolved recoupment issues. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 5:305 drew the most discussion: it would allow certain state-chartered credit unions with a low-income designation to participate in federal programs, including limited non-member deposits and supplemental capital, but the regulation was deferred again amid continued discussions. The Kentucky Bankers Association testified against the credit union regulation, arguing that allowing non-member deposits conflicts with existing statute limiting credit union deposits to members and other credit unions, and that an administrative regulation cannot override that statutory restriction. Committee members heard the agency’s explanation that the proposal is intended to help underserved communities and that the non-member deposit authority would be limited, but no final action was taken because the item was deferred. The meeting otherwise concluded with the remaining regulations being called, discussed briefly, and approved or advanced without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shoves him out of the driver's seat, then takes this 18-wheeler on a high-speed chase.
• First, let's talk about local decision making and fairness.
• Finally, let's talk about basic rights and fairness.
• It creates a system where wealth... determines freedom, not fairness or safety.
• Thank you. of offenses, including some misdemeanors. to assess risk and ensure fair outcomes.

Bills: SB9 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR17 , SJR49 , SB40 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 1

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Draig Sabinsky, Elijah Fob, Logan Bourne, Chase Ube, Aidan Luke, Ty Forsyke, Blair St.
• Draig, Sabinsky, Elijah Fob, Logan Bourne, Chase Ube, Aidan Luke, Ty Forsyke, Blair St.
• We also have the captain, Christy Fair, and her husband, Brad, who is a former king.
• maximum fees, notification penalties, provide relative to liability and unlawful payments, penalties on fair
• maximum fees, notification penalties, provide relative to liability and unlawful payments, penalties on fair

Bills: HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , SCR24 , SCR36 , SCR39 , SB64 , SB107 , SB152 , SB185 , SB217 , SB232 , SB278 , SB290 , SB294 , SB320 , SB321 , SB419 , SB424 , SB436 , SB440 , SB468 , SB470 , SB476 , SB482 , SB489 , HCR32 , SCR11 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB679 , HB745 , HB749 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1193 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB256 , SB180 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB31 , HB225 , HB608 , HB664 , HB897 , HB977 , HB1003 , HB1160 , HB1180 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB181 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB772 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1189 , HB1234 , HB1240

Summary: The House met with a quorum and handled a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reports, and floor action on a large number of bills and resolutions. Members recognized several championship high school teams, including Northlake Christian, Archbishop Hannan, St. Scholastica, Lutcher, and St. Louis, and also designated or commended groups and individuals such as Ascension Parish, the Louisiana Counseling Association, LSU, Dr. Paul Correll, and others. The chamber adopted several resolutions without objection, including measures naming Counseling Day at the Capitol, LSU Day at the Capitol, and honoring Dr. Correll’s retirement, while also receiving and referring various other resolutions and Senate bills to committees or laying them over. The House then took up and passed a series of bills, many with amendments. Major measures included HB 159 creating a Caddo Parish home incarceration pilot program with court, sheriff, and district attorney coordination; HB 364 directing public safety PSAs about celebratory gunfire; HB 414 on background checks for certain health care workers; HB 74 creating a Spectrum Alert program for missing children with autism; HB 568 increasing penalties for visible marijuana use in school zones; HB 786 prohibiting extrapolation in Medicaid provider audits; HB 1033 expanding the definition of critical infrastructure; HB 1041 limiting medical-intervention-based discrimination and mandates; HB 1062 revising the Special School District board; HB 1079 giving charter-school enrollment preference to certain preschool, military, foster care, and custody-ordered students; HB 1139 on discharge planning for involuntarily admitted behavioral health patients; HB 1182 changing occupational therapy licensure credentialing; HB 1214 creating an Office of State Health Care Facilities; and HB 1241 requiring insurers to check for child-support arrears before paying certain settlements. Most of these bills passed by wide margins, often after technical or substantive amendments. Several local and administrative measures also advanced, including bills on utility district per diem, abolishing a police chief position in Edgefield, a crime prevention district fee, and New Orleans historic preservation penalties. The chamber also referred or temporarily returned a number of bills to the calendar, and one local bill on historic preservation in New Orleans was introduced at the end of the transcript. Overall, the meeting was marked by broad bipartisan support for many measures, with recorded roll-call votes on the more contested bills and no major procedural disputes beyond extended questioning on the marijuana-in-school-zones bill and the medical-intervention bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask for Your guidance in every decision, striving to serve with fairness, justice, and a heart for
• trying to arrest a guy, tackled him as he was running from him after a disturbance and, I guess, a chase
• A guy tackled him as he was running from him after a disturbance and, I guess, a chase.
• of his injuries. a guy tackled him as he was running from him after a disturbance and, I guess, a chase
• Is that a fair characterization? No.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journals for the 65th and 66th legislative days. Members also spent time on personal privilege and special guest introductions, including a recognition of law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty and several interns serving in House offices. The chamber then took up several fiscal review committee reports and moved to conference and Senate bills. House Bill 2818, dealing with annexation and related local government language for St. Joseph Airport, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, was explained as a compromise on voluntary annexation standards; after debate it was adopted and then third read and passed by a vote of 136-7. House Bill 1825, concerning county salary commissions and county classification changes for Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline counties, drew debate over county pay and the exclusion of coroners, but the Senate substitute was adopted 109-35 and finally passed 106-39. The House also considered House Joint Resolution 87, the so-called constitutional sheriff resolution, which would place sheriff duties and the office itself in the Missouri Constitution. Members debated its scope, including concerns about the term “traitors,” possible effects on Kansas City’s police governance, and whether the measure was necessary; a St. Louis City amendment clarifying the City of St. Louis sheriff provisions was adopted. The resolution then passed 100-47. Finally, Senate Bill 878 on pharmacy practice and rural health access, including pharmacist treatment for common illnesses, emergency waivers, and access to certain medications and supplies, passed 132-13 after an amendment on blood pressure cuffs for pregnant women and opioid-alternative language was adopted. Senate Bill 903, addressing telecommunications infrastructure and copper theft, passed 137-5. The House then announced upcoming committee work, including a born-alive bill, and adjourned until May 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just want to give you a fair warning.
• So I want to make sure we were fair with the...
• So it's a, the part-time component, I think, is also very fair.
• And I held a massive job fair there, about 26 employers.
• Chase was part of it. And it was a total group.

Bills: SB241 , SB145 , SB241 , SB145 , HB2

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• Taylor asked where that was stipulated and how it was determined, noting that it seemed to be ordinary fair-market
• And so what we chased on this was a win-win. Are there any other questions?
• And so what we chased on this was a win-win. Are there any other questions?

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• It's really about what is the preference of the group and whether they have a fair chance to exercise
• the example of the 15th is good in the sense that it, what the Voting Rights Act guarantees is the fair
• If you had a fair voting system in Sunnyside, it is just plainly true that in the districts that would
• And because the system is not fair, they can't choose that candidate.
• Representative Chase. Thank you, Representative Chase. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Summary: The committee held a work session on voting rights, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County and Brnovich have weakened those protections. They said state-level action is increasingly important, pointing to the Washington Voting Rights Act as a tool to address discriminatory election systems, with examples from Yakima, Sunnyside, and other parts of the Yakima Valley. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, remedies under the WVRA, ranked-choice voting, and how statistical evidence is used in vote dilution cases. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a joint presentation from the Office of Equity and several commissions, including the Hispanic Affairs Commission, Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, and LGBTQ Commission. The panel described their role in advising state government, working with communities, and helping agencies improve equity and service delivery. They focused on the new immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to coordinate across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, communications, and protections for immigrant communities. Members asked about accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act, the use of NGOs, and the sub-cabinet’s goals. The panel said the effort is meant to make Washington residents feel safe, protected, and included. Next, researchers from the University of Washington presented findings from the Elections Database Project on vote-by-mail outcomes from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, about 60% of those ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are around 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. They said younger voters and voters of color are more likely to have ballots rejected, and that cure rates do not fully eliminate those disparities. Committee members asked about tribal reservation data, turnout patterns, and access to election data. The researchers said they use publicly available data and will follow up with additional turnout information. The final panel featured Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA, who described voter education and leadership development work in Yakima County and Sunnyside. They said their organization helps residents understand ballot mechanics, language barriers, and misinformation, and they described harassment and intimidation tied to their civic engagement work. They supported stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections and said at-large election systems continue to dilute Latino voting power in some jurisdictions. They also said turnout in Yakima County has risen modestly, which they attributed in part to community education and candidate recruitment. The committee thanked the presenters and adjourned the work session without taking action.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an hour and 40 minute drive from Bell Chase without traffic, right?
• We're in Bell Chase. It's a one road town.
• And in all fairness, I hope you're right.
• And in all fairness, I hope you're right.
• And it just needs to be a fair playing field for us.

Bills: HB165 , HB175 , HB198 , HB272 , HB457 , HB488 , HB566 , HB603 , HB763 , HB902 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• That is not fairness. That is not neutrality. That is not equal protection.
• Members, you don't have to agree with homeschooling to agree with fairness.
• To make it fair, I've run it every which way but loose.
• I think it's something we, I mean, I chase a lot of rabbits, try not to, but I think that's one that
• I can definitely follow up and chase down the hypotheticals.

Bills: HB3674 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB3029 , HB2963 , HB3551 , HB2973 , HB3019 , HB3461 , HB2961 , HB3261 , HB3759 , HB3429 , HB3069 , HB3372 , HB3705

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody

Transcript Highlights:

• Our bill is about fairness.
• ,</c> that rewards talent, values fairness, that rewards talent, values fairness, supports<01:01:39.599
• to do its fair share in their<02:15:47.840><c> recovery</c><02:15:48.320><c> process.
• Instead of sending the money out and then chasing it, we are going to run every bit of this data and
• Instead of sending the money out and then chasing it, we are going to run every bit of this data and

Bills: HB9238 , HB8340 , HB8467 , HB8464 , HB8312 , HB7892

Keywords: financial management, accountability, government oversight, taxpayer funds, federal agencies, budget, performance metrics, improper payments, fraud prevention, payment integrity, government waste, waste, fraud, and abuse, financial loss, federal spending, federal programs, OMB Circular A-123, Do Not Pay Initiative, Treasury Department, Office of Management and Budget, Inspector General

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a fair statement or not? The science is catching up. It is a fair statement.
• And it's not fair. It's not fair for him to relapse and potentially lose.
• Sam Hariri, Heather Fazio, Judy Corrigan, Chase Rimes. Susan Hayes.
• My name is Chase Rimes, I'm from Houston, Texas.
• Adriano Mungioli, Chase Bearden.

Bills: SB3 , SB810 , SB965 , SB1073 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB 3

Committee: Senate State Affairs