Transcript Highlights:

• First, the bill provides that the director of fire protection within the Washington State Patrol has
• DCYF and the Washington State Patrol estimate no fiscal impact.
• Nearly 20 years ago, Washington State had a Washington Learns Initiative.
• As an international program, I want to emphasize that Washington state employers and universities are
• This bill would allow Washington state students the same opportunity.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several education bills. SB 6078 would provide pre-licensing supports for prospective child care providers through DCYF, fire protection consultations, and a licensing resource guide; the sponsor, DCYF, and a community nonprofit all supported it, emphasizing that it would reduce fragmented permitting barriers and help expand child care access, while a senator raised the possibility of overlap with existing early learning facilities support. SB 6089 would create a public-private partnership account to support coordination across the P-20W system and fund a public-facing data dashboard; the sponsor and many advocates supported it as a way to align early learning through workforce systems and improve transparency, while some testifiers urged stronger public oversight, caution about private influence, and explicit inclusion of early learning. SB 5859 would expand competency-based assessments as graduation pathway options; supporters said it would better reflect how students learn and provide flexibility, while the State Board of Education and school principals urged caution and suggested waiting for the board’s broader Future Ready graduation review. SB 5861 would require more school board directors to be elected from director districts in larger districts; supporters said it would improve community representation, while some districts and WSSDA warned about local control, added costs, and governance disruption. SB 6065 would allow districts in binding conditions or under enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds for temporary loans or transfers with OSPI approval; supporters said it could help districts recover financially without harming transportation needs. After the hearings, the committee moved into executive session and acted on two bills. It adopted a proposed substitute to SB 5956, which restricts certain automated decision systems, surveillance technologies, biometric data, and facial recognition uses in student discipline and school safety decisions, and then advanced the bill with a do-pass recommendation to Rules. It also adopted a proposed substitute to SB 5901, which concerns state funding for on-base school construction, and advanced that bill with a do-pass recommendation to Ways and Means. Both measures were reported out subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We serve those, including those 29 tribes in Washington State.
• I'm Nora Sealander, representing Western Washington University.
• Connor Haggerty, with Washington State University, here today, signed in other.
• Those are a big deal for salmon recovery in the state of Washington.
• Those are a big deal for salmon recovery in the state of Washington.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held its first meeting of the 2026 session to hear Governor Ferguson’s proposed supplemental capital budget from OFM. Budget staff said the proposal uses nearly all of the roughly $400 million in available bond capacity, leaving about $5.4 million unused, and includes additional funding from the Common School Construction account, the Climate Commitment Account, and federal funds. OFM described housing as the largest priority, with $237 million total, including $225 million for the Housing Trust Fund for affordable rental housing, homeownership, preservation, and manufactured home community acquisition; it also highlighted urgent state facility needs, climate and clean energy investments, natural resource projects, and education funding for school seismic safety, small district and tribal compact school modernization, lead pipe remediation, and higher education preservation projects. Committee members asked about the timing of housing production, and OFM said the proposed supplemental projects would not be completed within the biennium. Public testimony in the housing section strongly supported the governor’s housing investments, especially the Housing Trust Fund, manufactured housing preservation, and homeownership programs, while several speakers asked for larger appropriations for workforce housing, community land trusts, right-to-counsel, and specific local projects such as Thrive Center Tacoma, Alliance Place, Casa Mia, and Native and immigrant community facilities. One testifier criticized overall state tax policy, but the chair clarified that the capital budget is bonded and does not directly raise taxes. Testimony on K-12 education generally supported the proposed funding for small school modernization, seismic safety, and Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools lead remediation, with rural districts emphasizing the importance of planning and construction grants for aging facilities. Higher education witnesses supported preservation and deferred maintenance funding but asked for additional support for projects at Cascadia College, WSU Spokane, UW’s decarbonization work, and other campus infrastructure needs. Natural resources testimony backed Salmon Recovery Funding Board and community forest investments, while asking for more funding for ranked RCO projects. In the final section, local governments and utilities opposed a proposed $75 million transfer from the Public Works Assistance account to the operating budget, warning it would reduce infrastructure lending capacity; other speakers supported the Washington State Green Bank, public works financing, and several local economic development and utility projects. No votes or formal committee action were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, she also has Canadian citizenship and yet is mayor of a small town in Washington state.
• In fact, she also has Canadian citizenship and yet is mayor of a small town in Washington state.
• We so enjoy Canada coming down and enjoying our part of Washington State, but us enjoying theirs, and
• In the end, I support this resolution because it reminds me that Washington State and Canada are neighbors
• Delegate Ruiz, Mayor Stewart, and representatives of Western Washington University, please stand and

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions. Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

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:

• And we have terrorist cells In all 50 states.
• Guarantee you they're state operators in the state of Oklahoma who work for the Iranian regime.
• I am legally here in the state of Oklahoma.
• Had a gentleman who moved in from out of state.
• His former state allows self-certification.

Bills: HB1016, HB1453, HB1992, HB2015, HB2940, HB2959, HB2997, HB3037, HB3045, HB3053, HB3087, HB3267, HB3301, HB3453, HB3495, HB3521, HB3581, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3662, HB3691, HB3695, HB3697, HB3742, HB3743, HB3845, HB4058, HB4125, HB4198, HB4227, HB4425

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• I guarantee you there are state operators in the state of Oklahoma who work for the Iranian regime.
• I am legally here in the state of Oklahoma.'
• I had a gentleman who moved in from out of state.
• His former state allows self-certification.
• I can't state why.

Bills: HB1016, HB1453, HB1992, HB2015, HB2940, HB2959, HB2997, HB3037, HB3045, HB3053, HB3087, HB3267, HB3301, HB3453, HB3495, HB3521, HB3581, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3662, HB3691, HB3695, HB3697, HB3742, HB3743, HB3845, HB4058, HB4125, HB4198, HB4227, HB4425

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large number of bills covering tort claims, criminal law, child protection, licensing, housing, and public transparency. Early measures included HB 3037, adding students in curricular activities to the Government Tort Claims Act definition of employee; HB 3581, revising riot statutes and removing a no-bail provision; HB 458, allowing voluntary blood type notation on driver’s licenses; HB 2929, tightening mandatory child abuse reporting by school employees; and HB 3087, extending garnishment notice and objection timelines. All of those bills received unanimous or near-unanimous due-pass recommendations. Several bills drew more substantial discussion. HB 4227, the Cindy Clemishire Act, was amended to allow minors to discuss sexual abuse with health care providers and was named after a survivor; it passed 13-0. HB 4125, restoring Second Amendment rights to certain nonviolent felons, passed 13-1 but members raised concerns about federal law and asked for further explanation before floor consideration. HB 1453, which would criminalize hostile foreign nationals and entities owning Oklahoma real property and agricultural land, generated extensive debate over indirect ownership, foreclosure timelines, logrolling, and constitutional concerns, and it ultimately failed 3-10. HB 3521, modernizing money transmission regulation and adding payment processors and digital asset kiosks, passed 13-0. Other measures advanced after questions or minor amendments, including HB 3691 on self-certifying medical fitness for a Class D license, HB 2015 on landlord-tenant repair and tenant remedies, HB 2940 on recording public meetings, HB 1016 on trust protections for minors appearing in monetized online content, HB 3267 making breaking and entering an occupied dwelling a felony without needing proof of another intended crime, HB 3695 expanding the definition of great bodily injury for DUI cases, HB 3453 shifting the burden in eminent domain cases to the condemning authority, and HB 3053 creating parole review criteria for older eligible inmates. The committee also advanced bills on self-defense definitions, straw purchasing of land for prohibited foreign parties, human trafficking parole guidelines, child welfare/adoption terminology, outpatient treatment, child support-related license revocations, workplace violence protective orders, and protections for charities reporting sexual misconduct. The meeting ended with several bills laid over and the committee adjourning, with a note that it would meet again Thursday.

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:

• 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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Holub, is confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission.
• King Lowe, is confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission. Yolanda K.
• King Lowe is confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission.
• President. of the Washington State Women's Commission. Remarks, Senator Schumann. Thank you, Mr.
• They are champions in the state of Washington for the second time in three years.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the Honorable Senator of the State of Washington: Dear members of the Senate, I have the honor to
• Holub, is confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission.
• King Lowe, is confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission. Yolanda K.
• King Lowe is confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission.
• They are champions in the state of Washington for the second time in three years.

Summary: The Senate opened by approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages on House Bill 2487 and House Bill 1983, and transmitting signed Senate bills 5252 and 5858. It then read first-reading measures, including Senate Bill 6358, which was referred to the Law and Justice Committee, and engrossed House Bill 2487, which was referred to Ways and Means. The chamber also suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during the floor session and briefly stood at ease. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8690, recognizing the contributions of the Chinook Tribal Nation. Senator Jeff Wilson spoke in support, emphasizing the Chinook people’s historical role in southwest Washington, their peaceful trade and diplomacy, and their continuing cultural and civic importance. After adoption, the Senate welcomed Chinook Indian Nation leaders and representatives who were present in the chamber. The Senate then considered gubernatorial appointments to the Washington State Women’s Commission. Allison F. Holub, Yolanda K. King Lowe, Malia Mullen, and Christina Cobbittish were each confirmed by roll call vote, with Holub and Cobbittish confirmed unanimously and King Lowe and Mullen confirmed on 30-19 votes. Senators also used points of personal privilege to recognize recent state basketball championships, including Colfax, Nia-Bay, Richland, and Lemmy Nation teams, before the Senate recessed for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• State University Extension offices.
• Washington State right now has the second highest taxes on wireless communication in the United States
• Washington State right now has the second highest taxes on wireless communication in the United States
• Since fiscal year 2022, Washington State has funded 426 projects across the state addressing a variety
• I'm the Washington State Forester.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2579, which would create a Public Media Broadcaster Program and a Digital Equity Program funded by a 20-cent-per-line monthly tax on wireless, prepaid wireless, VoIP, and landline service. Staff explained that 80% of the revenue would support public media grants, 20% would support digital equity grants, and a small share could be used for administration. The prime sponsor, Rep. Chris Stearns, and many public media, community media, and digital equity supporters testified that public radio and television provide emergency alerts, local news, education, training, and community connection, especially in rural and underserved areas, and that federal funding cuts have made state support more urgent. Several witnesses described how public media helped with emergency communications, youth training, Indigenous programming, and access to local information. Opposition came from CTIA and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes. CTIA argued the tax would add to already high wireless taxes in Washington and would be regressive because low-income residents rely heavily on wireless service. Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes objected to the bill as another tax increase and said it would worsen affordability. One supporter said an amendment would be offered to address a misunderstanding in the fiscal note. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then received a cybersecurity and critical infrastructure briefing from state emergency management and cybersecurity officials. They described Washington’s layered cybersecurity model, the role of state agencies, the Fusion Center, WOTEC, the National Guard, and the Emergency Management Division, and the growing threat from ransomware, supply-chain attacks, and AI-enabled attacks. Members asked about volunteer cyber response capacity, the most vulnerable sectors, and whether the legislature should fund more real-time threat monitoring and intelligence sharing. Officials said the state is working to establish a volunteer cyber incident response team and that the main gap is real-time monitoring across participating local and private networks. The committee also heard updates on the December 2025 flooding response and wildfire resilience. Emergency management officials reported widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and infrastructure damage, but said mitigation investments helped prevent worse outcomes. They identified gaps in statewide alerting, search and rescue coordination, and local emergency management capacity, and said a statewide alert system like Oregon’s would require ongoing funding. In the wildfire update, DNR and partner agencies described increasing wildfire risk, the use of aircraft, AI-enabled detection cameras, and common operating pictures, and ongoing work on hazard and risk mapping, community wildfire preparedness, and home hardening. Members asked about predictive technology, sediment removal, and other mitigation tools, and officials said they are working with universities and federal partners to improve prevention and response.