Transcript Highlights:

• and see how are other states funding their research universities or how are they funding their universities
• to come to the university but to not come to our state in general.
• to come to the university but to not come to our state in general.
• Next up, we have Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
• We're the fourth-largest higher education system in the United States, behind the State University of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the University of Chicago.
• and one year here in Washington.
• And he told me five, five things at the university, maybe six things that the university was really good
• The state of Washington has brought manufacturing back.
• So, for example, in my state, we have a lot of three different fusion companies.

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many states are cannabis states which desire to enter the Idaho market where we have a zero THC policy
• So with the additional states, that was about a third additional budget is what we brought in with Washington
• So each one of our state commissions is audited at a state level annually.
• one of the states.
• Chairman, yes, we are a cheese production state.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 771, which would create licensing and inspection requirements for retail sellers of hemp/CBD products and give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture authority to test products for THC. Representative Shirts said the bill was still being worked on and asked that it be held at the call of the chair. Testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau, Boise Police Department, and the Idaho Retailers Association generally supported the goal of closing loopholes and improving oversight, but several witnesses and members raised concerns about clarity in the bill’s language, especially the lack of an explicit THC threshold and the potential impact on mainstream retailers selling non-consumable hemp items. The ISDA director explained existing hemp and controlled-substances definitions and said the department already handles similar product regulation in other areas. A motion was made to hold HB 771 in committee at the call of the chair, and the committee agreed to do so. The committee then heard House Bill 772, which would clarify when hemp producers growing for grain or fiber do not commit a negligent violation if their crop exceeds THC limits, so long as they made a reasonable effort to comply and the crop does not exceed 1% THC. Representative Shirts said the measure aligns state law with federal rules and does not change the 0.3% THC standard, but instead addresses how negligent violations are treated. The Idaho Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members discussed how heat stress can cause THC levels to rise late in the season. A motion to send HB 772 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed without opposition. After the hemp bills, the committee received an informational presentation from Dairy West and the Idaho Dairy Products Commission on the regional dairy checkoff program. Dairy West leaders described the organization’s expansion to include Washington and Oregon, its funding structure, board governance, and major program areas such as marketing, export promotion, nutrition, research, and producer outreach. They highlighted Idaho’s large dairy sector, recent growth in milk production and processing investment, and efforts to support exports and consumer demand. Committee members asked a few questions about the state’s dairy processing mix, and the presenters said Idaho remains primarily a cheese-producing state, with yogurt production also growing. The committee then approved the minutes from February 26, 2026, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• impact our state.
• be open for the state.
• , but also on the level of states and sister states and cities, economic cooperation and the interests
• You know, there are a number of states in the United States that have these reciprocal driver's license
• We've supported more than 333,000 jobs in the state and helped small businesses in the state bring in

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• value across Washington State.
• Universal hepatitis B vaccination has been a resounding success in the United States.
• I hope Washington State continues to offer vaccines recommended by such experts.
• We don't need any additional barriers in Washington State.
• , and the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three health care bills. HB 1496 would cap charges for electronically stored medical records at $50 for patients and certain authorized recipients, while removing a free-copy provision tied to SSI/SSDI appeals and changing attorney fee language to “prevailing patient.” Supporters, including patient advocates, attorneys, and injured workers, said current record fees can reach thousands of dollars and block access to justice; opponents, including hospitals, home care providers, and records vendors, argued the bill would not cover the labor and HIPAA compliance work involved in large third-party requests and could shift costs to providers and patients. The bill remained in hearing with testimony continuing after the committee moved through other bills. HB 2182 would change how the Department of Corrections distributes its stockpile of mifepristone and misoprostol, removing the requirement that the medications be sold at cost plus a $5 fee and instead allowing, but not requiring, payment while directing DOC and the Department of Health to coordinate distribution to providers and facilities. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill is needed so the state’s stockpile does not go unused or expire and to remove barriers to access for abortion and miscarriage care; opponents argued the bill subsidizes abortion, raises legal and taxpayer concerns, and should be rejected. Public testimony on HB 2182 was closed after hearing from both supporters and opponents. HB 2196 would require certain fully insured health plans to cover IVIG for PANS and PANDAS, with initial and medically necessary follow-up courses, and would bar denials based on prior treatment, age, out-of-state care when unavailable in Washington, or treatment guidelines that only address psychiatric symptoms. The sponsor, families, and physicians described severe, sudden-onset symptoms in children and said IVIG can be life-changing after other treatments fail, while insurers warned the mandate could add to already rising premiums and noted the treatment can be very expensive. HB 2242 would shift vaccine and preventive-service recommendation authority from federal bodies to the Department of Health, while preserving no-cost coverage for preventive services and updating the reference date for protected services; the governor, insurance commissioner, public health officials, and many physicians supported it as a way to preserve access amid federal instability and rising vaccine-preventable disease, while questions focused on whether the bill would change school or daycare requirements, which staff said it would not.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue we are here to discuss extends far beyond the borders of the United States.
• University Law School.
• University Law School.
• The Washington Post and New York Times routinely receive the highest marks.
• Stanford, University of Washington were involved in helping Flagpost.

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is yours pay at Washington and Canyon County.
• the United States saying it's time to govern again.
• the United States saying it's time to govern again.
• Washington State and other large apple-producing states filled the marketing channels early and often
• That way, we're not competing against those other states; we're promoting with those other states, which

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and then heard Senate Bill 1241 as amended, known as the Working Animal Protection Act or “Leilani’s Law.” The sponsors said the bill is intended to protect working animals used in agriculture, ranching, hunting, transportation, education, and related activities from local ordinances that would effectively ban or unduly restrict them. Testimony in support came from family members, FFA students, the Idaho Farm Bureau, and others who described working animals as well cared for and important to Idaho’s agricultural heritage. One testifier from Horse and Halo raised concerns that the bill could limit animal welfare oversight or create conflicts when inspections or local rules affect operations, but the sponsors said the bill does not override existing animal cruelty and care laws and still allows the Department of Agriculture to enforce them. The committee then passed SB 1241 as amended to the House floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered Senate Joint Memorial 110, which urges Congress and the President to update federal sugar policy, especially the tier-two over-quota duty, to better protect Idaho’s sugar beet industry from low-priced, subsidized imports. The bill sponsor and industry witnesses from the Snake River Sugar Beet Growers Association and Amalgamated Sugar said world sugar markets are distorted by subsidies in countries such as Brazil, Thailand, and India, and that Idaho growers are facing rising costs and market pressure. The committee approved the memorial and sent SJM 110 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The final agenda item was the annual report from Candy Fitch, executive director of the Idaho Apple, Cherry, and Hop commissions. She reviewed market conditions for hops, apples, and cherries, noting reduced hop acreage, continued pressure on apple prices, and a difficult cherry market affected by crop timing, pricing, and export uncertainty. She also described specialty crop grant-funded promotions, trade missions, and commission budgets, and announced her retirement at the end of June. Committee members thanked her for her long service to Idaho agriculture and to the committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington. And I'm earning my PhD in literacy from the University of Central Arkansas.
• I have worked with families across Washington State to help assess, advocate, and provide intervention
• I have worked with families across Washington State to help assess, advocate, and provide intervention
• Cummings, Washington State School for the Blind Board of Trustees.
• Cummings, Washington State School for the Blind Board of Trustees.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three K-12 bills focused on behavioral health, literacy, and review of education mandates. On House Bill 1634, staff and Rep. Milin Tai described a framework for OSPI and educational service districts to coordinate with state and local partners on behavioral health technical assistance and training for schools, aligned with the Washington Thriving prenatal-to-25 plan. Testifiers, including students and education/behavioral health representatives, said the bill would improve coordination, early intervention, and access to supports for students and families. The bill was presented as having no fiscal note because it relies on existing funding, and testimony emphasized parent and student engagement in the framework. On House Bill 2636, staff and Rep. Skyler Rude explained that the bill creates a Public Education Review Steering Committee to identify existing policies and funding provisions for JLARC review, with the goal of determining whether they achieve intended outcomes, improve student performance, are cost-effective, and should be maintained, modified, or repealed. Supporters said the bill is intended to help reduce burdensome or ineffective requirements on school districts and free resources for students, while some members questioned how the committee would define policy and whether it could affect future mandates. A representative of the Washington State School Directors Association supported the concept as a meaningful review of unfunded mandates. The committee also heard House Bill 1295, which would require evidence-aligned literacy curriculum updates after 2027, require comprehensive K-4 literacy programs using structured literacy practices, direct PESB to revise literacy endorsement standards, require literacy-related continuing education, and direct OSPI to develop educator literacy training. Supporters, including parents, educators, students, dyslexia advocates, and district staff, argued that structured literacy is supported by research and would improve outcomes for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. One witness from the Washington Education Association supported the bill but raised concern about adding another continuing-education requirement. Testimony on the bill was extensive and largely in favor, with some discussion about whether the approach would address older students and how it would interact with existing district and ESD efforts. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and approved three gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation. It adopted an amendment to House Bill 1796 and advanced the bill to Ways and Means, passed Engrossed House Bill 2317 to Rules, and adopted a striking amendment to Substitute House Bill 2594 before advancing it to Ways and Means. All actions were taken by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the number one profit eater is a high cost of labor in Washington State.
• Labor in Washington State.
• of Washington, particularly companies who do business out of the state.
• They build products or they provide services outside the state of Washington.
• For cash receipts and for expenditures, the University of Washington, Central Washington University,

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on February 9, 2026, first hearing a staff briefing on Senate Bill 6346, which would impose a tax on individuals earning over $1 million. Staff described the bill’s revenue and spending impacts and reviewed a proposed substitute and 11 amendments addressing items such as public defense funding, charitable deductions, out-of-state tax credits, small business credits, diapers, constitutional issues, and a contingent constitutional amendment. The committee later took up the bill and rejected all of the offered amendments, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. Members supporting the bill argued it would help address tax fairness and fund public services, while opponents raised concerns about constitutionality, economic harm, and the effect on businesses and charitable giving. The committee also acted on a series of policy bills. It advanced a substitute bill on grocery store closures in food deserts after adopting a narrower substitute, despite concerns from some members about burdening grocers. It approved a substitute bill expanding voting access for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, adopting a second substitute that removed a cybersecurity review requirement. The committee also advanced bills on tort claim arbitration against governments, victim and witness protections in sexual assault and domestic violence cases, JLARC review of student aid fraud, agricultural collective bargaining, labor relations if federal preemption ends, a cost-of-living adjustment for Plan 1 retirees, workers’ compensation and medical care access, line-of-duty death reimbursements, law enforcement background checks and eligibility, veterans’ discharge definitions, and extraordinary medical placement. Several of these bills had amendments adopted, including changes to tort claim oversight, victim-requested standby counsel, agricultural labor definitions, workers’ compensation penalties, law enforcement volunteer support, and extraordinary medical placement criteria. In the second group of bills, staff briefed measures affecting property taxes, housing, cannabis, disaster-related tax relief, technical tax code changes, aircraft fuel tax revenues, the estate tax, and a pesticide tax exemption. The committee heard that a substitute for the fire protection district bill would alter how city or town levy capacity is reduced and include consultation requirements and board-creation provisions. It also heard that the property tax relief expansion for seniors and disabled retirees needed a substitute to make the consolidated school levy revenue-neutral. Other bills would expand tax exemptions for low-income housing and nonprofit homeownership, authorize local cannabis excise taxes, extend disaster repair tax relief, expand housing-related local sales tax uses, make technical tax code changes, redirect aircraft fuel tax revenues to aeronautics, reduce the estate tax rate, and extend a pesticide tax exemption. The transcript ends during the committee’s consideration of Senate Bill 6346, with the committee debating and rejecting amendments before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• State.
• You talked about the state auditor.
• Hello, I'm Megan Larkin, advocacy director for the Washington State PTA.
• In fall 2024, she was the first student in her family to enroll in a four-year university, Harvard University
• Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to the students of Washington State.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education-related bills. Senate Bill 6130 would move public high schools’ voter registration events from Temperance and Good Citizenship Day in January to National Voter Registration Day in September, with schools offering Future Voter registration to eligible students in history or social studies classes. The sponsor, Sen. Krishnadasan, and supporters from King County Elections, Pierce County, OSPI, and the Legislative Youth Advisory Council said the change would better match student interest and improve youth civic engagement at no fiscal cost. A senator asked about community service opportunities, and the sponsor said that could potentially fit within existing community service recognition programs. Senate Bill 6247 would expand financial oversight and training for school districts, especially those in financial distress or binding conditions. It would require additional ESD involvement, add WASDA training on budgeting and financial health for school directors, and impose stronger consequences for knowing financial misconduct, including future employment bars and state reimbursement of certain unrecovered damages. Sen. Dozier said the bill responds to district financial problems, including Prescott School District. OSPI supported the bill, while the Association of Educational Service Districts, WSSDA, and WEA raised concerns about ESDs being placed in an oversight role, the need to align the bill with other pending training legislation, and whether some enforcement duties should instead rest with the state auditor. Senate Bill 6268 would require OSPI to keep an online record of final special education community complaint decisions for 20 years instead of the current five years on its website. OSPI supported the bill, saying it would improve transparency and help families, educators, and policymakers identify patterns and understand how complaints are resolved; the sponsor said the retention period may be amended. Advocates from Washington Autism Alliance, The Arc, and parent advocates testified in favor, saying the records help families avoid repeated disputes and reveal systemic issues. Senate Bill 6278 would change how PESB reviews teacher and principal preparation programs and adjust student-teaching field placement plan submission timing; the sponsor said the goal is to ensure educators are better prepared, and PESB testified neutral, saying many of the review elements already exist and the bill would add flexibility. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6260, a budget-savings bill affecting public education. It would lengthen school bus depreciation to 15 years, withhold up to 1.9% of MSOC funds to pay for the High School and Beyond Plan platform, and reduce Running Start funding from 1.4 to 1.2 FTE. OFM supported the bill as part of the governor’s budget approach, but many testifiers opposed it, arguing it would cut district resources, keep older buses on the road longer, shift costs to schools, and reduce access to Running Start—especially for low-income, rural, and technical-program students. School district, college, PTA, counselor, and student witnesses said the current 1.4 FTE model has expanded access and completion, while supporters of the bill emphasized state budget pressures and said the changes would preserve other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• He earned his BA in math from Geneva College and his MA and PhD in math from Washington State University
• </c><02:13:26.079><c> Before</c><02:13:26.719><c> his</c> Washington State University.
• Before his Washington State University.
• He at Bowling Green State University.
• ><c> students</c> State University, killing four students State University, killing four students and

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kara Whitman, Washington State University.
• the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
• State Tree Fruit Association, and Danny Madrone, who is the legislative director of the Washington State
• We are co-conveners of the Food Policy Forum alongside the Washington State Department of Agriculture
• I'm serving as the administrative chair for the Washington State Food Policy Forum.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this amendment says is Washington State Patrol, 94% increase is allowed under this amendment,
• Asking for a no on this amendment, the underlying bill directs Washington State Patrol to cover their
• It directs Washington State Patrol to cover their costs.
• Garry earned a Juris Doctorate at Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2005.
• Be confirmed as a member of the Washington State Women's Commission.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We rank the ninth worst nationwide in Washington state when it comes to wage theft, and it's estimated
• We rank the ninth worst nationwide in Washington state when it comes to waste theft.
• Currently, there are 54 agricultural cooperatives in the state of Washington, organizations where farmers
• But as far as we know, this would be a very preventative bill in the state of Washington.
• Fiscal note shows an interim cost of $150,000 for Washington State Patrol, and there are no amendments

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Second Substitute House Bill 2479 would create a wage recovery program within L&I to advance part of unpaid wages to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship, funded by civil penalties, while also increasing and restructuring wage theft penalties and complaint prioritization. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, labor advocates, and employer representatives from the work group, said it would help workers get paid faster and was a consensus proposal; questions focused on how the current complaint process works and whether general fund money would be needed. Engrossed House Bill 1941, as amended, would allow licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural cooperatives, with the striking amendment limiting any cooperative to three producer licenses; supporters said cannabis producers should have the same cooperative tools as other agricultural sectors, while some testimony urged future changes for interstate commerce and warned against consolidation. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476 would expand the spirits, beer, and wine theater license from 120 to 200 seats per screen and add stronger alcohol-control measures when minors are present; theater operators and LCB supported the change, and committee questions focused on youth access and enforcement. House Bill 1526 would allow snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass in addition to beer; the sponsor said it simply modernizes the license, and LCB noted a likely fee alignment issue and a small revenue impact. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 would void non-compete agreements and expand related notice and non-solicitation rules, with testimony split between labor and worker advocates supporting broader worker mobility and business and health care groups seeking narrower exemptions for executives, physicians, and financial institutions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting or coercing employees to accept microchip implants, with no testimony offered. Substitute House Bill 2405 would create a three-year pilot for earlier PTSD treatment coverage in workers’ compensation for eligible occupational disease claims, with L&I supporting it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs. The committee also took public testimony on these bills, with strong pro and con positions noted on the wage recovery, cannabis cooperative, and non-compete measures. In executive action, the committee adopted a striking amendment and passed House Bill 1069, narrowing it to Department of Corrections employees and making supplemental retirement bargaining mandatory, despite concerns from one member about the change. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on House Bill 1347 concerning cannabis testing labs, then passed it to Rules; passed Second Substitute House Bill 1701 on liquor licensees sharing property; passed House Bill 291 on employee information for public employers to Ways and Means; passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229 updating engineer registration provisions; passed House Bill 2264 on unemployment eligibility for workers in employer-initiated layoffs; passed Substitute House Bill 2472 adding enforcement for sprinkler contractors and fitters; and passed Second Substitute House Bill 2345 on paid family and medical leave premium allocation. A striking amendment to Second Substitute House Bill 1128 creating a child care workforce standards board was not adopted, and the bill then passed to Rules. The committee also announced it would hold House Bill 1066 for later action and planned to return the next day for its final executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis, the illustrious Harris-Stowe State University. I would like to present Dr.
• I spent 28 years of my police career in Washington State. The state of Oregon has no sales tax.
• The Washington State Patrol is consistently among the top two or three state agencies in the nation.
• We heard a little bit about Washington, and that is an interesting state.
• We heard a little bit about Washington, and that is an interesting state.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a bunch of small locally owned propane gas distributors across Washington State.
• , out-of-state corporate suppliers, and it will hurt Washington consumers.
• The State of Washington is a steward of the United States Treaty of 1855 with the CTUIR, and per the
• There's no reason for Washington State to promote nuclear power of any sort.
• There's no reason for Washington State to promote nuclear power of any sort.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2272 would update state park inspection language for ski lifts and related equipment to better match current equipment and federal standards; the sponsor and State Parks said it was a simple modernization bill, and there was no opposition. House Bill 2245 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to port districts that distribute electricity, utilities with a single customer, and certain affected market customers such as data centers; supporters said it closes loopholes and applies clean-energy rules more fairly, while ports, business groups, and some utilities warned of unintended consequences, added reporting burdens, and impacts on cogeneration and rural economic development. Ecology and Commerce supported the goal but raised concerns about allowance allocation, fiscal impacts, and possible double counting, and WAPUDA asked that existing single-customer PUDs be grandfathered. House Bill 2215 would lower Climate Commitment Act thresholds for gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and propane suppliers and extend coverage to some purchasers; supporters said it would prevent entities from gaming the system and cover significant emissions now below the threshold, while Ecology, fuel distributors, propane suppliers, grocers, and business groups warned of compliance costs, supply-chain impacts, possible linkage issues, and the need to preserve existing reporting authority for natural gas. Ecology estimated about 50 additional covered entities could be brought in, and several opponents argued the bill would sweep in small family-owned businesses not intended to be regulated. House Bill 2090 would direct Commerce to develop a nuclear strategic framework for inclusion in the state energy strategy, contingent on outside funding. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill is only a planning measure to ensure Washington considers advanced nuclear as a firm, low-carbon, small-footprint resource amid rising demand, grid constraints, and land-use concerns; supporters included Energy Northwest, local governments, labor/environmental Democrats, and pro-nuclear groups. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and several environmental advocates, said the bill gives nuclear special treatment, relies on private funding that could bias the study, and risks advancing projects at Hanford without early, meaningful tribal consultation. Tribes requested explicit consultation, independent and publicly funded analysis, and attention to treaty rights and historic nuclear impacts. Testimony also sharply divided over cost, waste, and land use, with supporters emphasizing reliability and footprint and opponents citing high costs, unresolved waste disposal, and the immaturity of small modular reactors. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 03:50.000><c> budget</c> Janice Thomas, deputy state budget Janice Thomas, deputy state budget director
• </c> funded 50% federal funds and 50% state funded 50% federal funds and 50% state maintenance<00:05:
• </c> On the very first one, Kentucky State On the very first one, Kentucky State Pentry<00:09:25.839>
• </c> compliance states. compliance states.
• </c><00:32:44.000><c> is</c> Uh, so Western Kentucky University is Uh, so Western Kentucky University

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:49 Approval of Minutes 02:06 Information Items 03:48 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 14:38 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:50 OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 26:40 OFM – Cabinet for Economic Development 31:50 Office of Financial Management 40:40 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 41:25 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we're going to suspend the... ...and help make our businesses in Washington state work.
• State or having to move their materials out of Washington State for storage and then back in for distribution
• We're the nonprofit trade association for the Washington state wine industry.
• We showcase world-class wine from Washington in all 50 states and many countries across the globe, and
• We showcase world-class wine from Washington in all 50 states and many countries across the globe, and

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on several alcohol-related bills. HB 2128 would expand the sports entertainment facility liquor license to cover publicly or privately owned facilities where patrons engage in sports, amusement, or recreational activities, such as the Leavenworth Adventure Park. The prime sponsor and supporters said it would modernize the license while keeping LCB safety controls in place; one member questioned whether it amounted to an expansion of alcohol access. A fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, and the public hearing was closed without action. The committee then heard HB 2207, which would create a bonded beer warehouse license and make related changes to bonded wine warehouse law. The sponsor said it would help a Ridgefield logistics warehouse store beer the same way it can already store wine and spirits, while supporters from the Washington Brewers Guild said it would give breweries parity with wineries. Distributors and other opponents raised concerns about direct-to-consumer shipping, public access to warehouses, and federal tax-and-trade restrictions; the sponsor said amendments were being considered to address some of those issues. The hearing was closed without action. HB 2536 would allow wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses, or beer and/or wine restaurant licenses, at additional winery locations. The sponsor and winery representatives said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let wineries operate tasting rooms and restaurant-style spaces more flexibly, while opponents argued it could broaden alcohol access and create tied-house concerns. HB 2476 would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for theaters seeking a spirits, beer, and wine theater license; the sponsor and theater operators said existing alcohol control plans and other safeguards would remain in place, and the change would help theaters compete and attract patrons. The committee also heard HB 1701, which would allow multiple liquor licensees to operate within a shared facility and was described as a way to support a mixed-use winery/brewery/restaurant project; the sponsor said he was willing to remove the Public Records Act exemption again, and distributors urged transparency and guardrails. In executive action, the committee took up HB 2229, revising the Professional Engineers Registration Act. After adopting Amendment CLA 407 to restore current law on the board’s name, the committee voted to report the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation. Several members supported the bill as a modernization of registration and continuing-education provisions, while some members voted no, citing concerns about changes to board membership requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:32:44.880><c> ATF,</c> Washington State Patrol, the FBI, ATF, Washington State Patrol, the FBI
• After graduating from Washington State University and earning his law degree from the University of Washington
• State University and earning his law degree<00:33:43.440><c> from</c><00:33:43.679><c> the</c><00:33
• Research from Washington State University shows Active for Youth participants have better attendance
• Research from Wash State<00:35:08.320><c> University</c><00:35:08.720><c> shows</c><00:35:09.040><c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the state of Washington.
• For the Washington State LGBTQ Commission.
• Washington State is not a Voting Rights Act state.
• You can go to the UW bookstore or to the Washington State University bookstore, go, and you can sign
• You know, you can go to the UW bookstore or to the Washington State University bookstore, go cooks, and

Summary: The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, 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 v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems. The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities. The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.