Transcript Highlights:

• doing with this money and how successful we have been in stopping the spread of AIS in our cherished water
• ><00:02:27.680><c> in</c><00:02:27.920><c> our</c><00:02:28.080><c> cherished</c><00:02:28.560><c> water
• </c> AIS uh in our cherished water resources. AIS uh in our cherished water resources.
• </c><00:10:32.720><c> on</c><00:10:32.880><c> which</c> conserve the lands and waters on which conserve
• SFIA works to store carbon and provide multiple benefits for water quality, water quantity, habitat,

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just that now, as we're looking at it, it seems like they could be reaching something of a high-water
• Water Martinez here on behalf of Western Dental. We're the largest Medi-Cal dental provider.
• Marissa Hagerman with Traton Price Consulting on behalf of Water Foundation.
• Action, Community Water Center, and the Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability.
• Housing and water, improve air quality, and improve clean energy. Thank you.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , or allowing the free flow of the water to occur along the river.
• This is something that happens over the water.
• So I'm curious, have you looked at the effect of the water?
• The model has built into it all the rail, all the water, and all the roads.
• Would it be like a sewage fee, a water fee?

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Landfills, utility systems, water supply projects, water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants
• Some water issues, which are a big concern right now around the state of Texas.
• There's water treatment, piping, you name it.
• asset, whether it's water. ...sewage; they pay for that right to use it.
• Therefore, if you decide to issue revenue bonds or water bonds, for example, through the Texas Water

Bills: HB1453 , HB1718 , HB2043 , HB2207 , HB2798

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: local governments, anticipation notes, certificates of obligation, public works, flood control, financial management, local government, municipal financing, private activity bonds, closing definition, real estate finance, bond issuance, government regulation, bond election, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, political subdivision, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Brian Murdoch, and if you've watched him a little bit on social media, he is talking a lot about water
• He's here this week because the Idaho Water Users Association is having their meetings this week in Boise
• It's Brian Murdoch, and if you've watched him a little bit on social media, he is talking a lot about water
• He's here this week because the Idaho Water Users Association is having their meetings this week in Boise

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard a prayer focused on integrity, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal for the prior day was read and approved as corrected. The chamber then received gubernatorial appointment messages for John Weber to the State Insurance Fund Board, Ryan Lanham to the State Athletic Commission, Robert Cuyo to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Alan Kavanaugh to the Commission of Pardons and Parole; each appointment was referred to the appropriate committee for confirmation review. During miscellaneous business, senators introduced guests from the College of Eastern Idaho and a constituent from Rockford, and announced upcoming events including a bipartisan civil discourse town hall at Boise State University and a PTA-sponsored Taco Tuesday discussion on education. Senator Hartog also noted an upcoming chairman’s meeting and wished Senator Tave a happy birthday. No legislation was debated or voted on beyond the journal approval and referral of appointments. The Senate adjourned by motion and voice vote until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with notice that the next day’s agenda would include the State of the Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the systems, the portable water systems we run are very expensive, and those are the water that
• </c> then the systems the portable water then the systems the portable water systems<01:39:05.840><c>
• that's the water those are the water that's the water that<01:39:12.159><c> are</c><01:39:12.560><c>
• Let's say it's 100% water for all of you guys. This is the DNA. Now, this is 100% water.
• Let's say it's 100% water for all of you guys. This is the DNA. Now, this is 100% water.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next bill, House Bill 306 relating to water code penalties.
• </c><01:25:53.159><c> Resource</c> the commission on Water Resource the commission on Water Resource
• pollution violation in order to protect our valued water resources.
• </c> maximum penalty of 60,000 per water maximum penalty of 60,000 per water pollution<01:28:28.119><
• Ernie Lao, manager and chief engineer for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• total of $13.25 million from the PPRF with three identified funds: $6.25 million for the Drinking Water
• The state match, the $6.25 million that will go to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, will leverage
• I am the deputy director for the Water Protection Division with the New Mexico Environment Department
• here to stand in support for House Bill 64 today, very important, of course, for all of our drinking water
• In particular, our rural communities really rely on this funding to ensure a safe drinking water supply

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and includes a political subdivision definition and ensures language does not conflict with state water
• Our city is already working diligently to upgrade aging water, sewer, and road systems.
• Each new water line, wastewater plant, and road is aligned with our planned growth, our capital plans
• If enacted, this bill could overwhelm our water, our sewer systems, and our road systems, as well as
• We would have to invest $200 million to retrofit our water and sewer systems, which were never sized

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• These water fee increases are needed to improve the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) permitting
• The water use fees have not been increased since 2008.
• Co-Chair Heintzeman and members, I'm John Jaski, Executive Director with the Minnesota Board of Water
• Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Zoo, and the Board of Water
• from tree nurseries to state parks and trails, to the Minnesota Zoo, to fish hatcheries, to clean water

Bills: HF2439

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to recognize Senator Waters. Well, thank you so much. Welcome to Public Works.
• Thanks, Senator Waters and Senator McConkey for bringing it forward and pushing it through the Senate
• Thanks, Senator<00:25:14.160><c> Waters</c><00:25:15.200><c> and</c><00:25:15.280><c> Senator</c><00:
• 25:15.520><c> McConkey</c><00:25:16.040><c> for</c> Senator Waters and Senator McConkey for Senator Waters
• </c> regional drinking water infrastructure. regional drinking water infrastructure.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 1096 by Assemblymember Connolly, an act relating to water. Assemblymember Connolly.
• Stafford in the water. Assemblymember Bennett, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Now, I don't think that asking water districts to— have water pumps and generators in high-fire risk
• , firefighters are still able to pump water.
• rather have our water districts go ahead and let the pump burn up when the fire comes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the protectorless, a guide for those who travel on the road, and for those who wish to cross the water
• tax; HB 4996, appropriation diminished value; HB 499, child care state lottery; HB 4100, municipal water
• Your Natural Resource Energy and Water Committee will meet in Hearing Room 3 upon adjournment or recess
• Speaker, your Natural Resource Energy and Water Committee.
• Your Natural Resource Energy and Water Committee will meet in Hearing Room 3 upon adjournment or recess

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Fred Kogan. Members also introduced numerous guests and groups, including Lunar New Year celebrants, Freedom Academy students, local officials from Nogales and Santa Cruz County, and representatives of Phoenix Ballet, which was honored in a proclamation recognizing National Ballet Day and the company’s contributions to Arizona’s arts community. The chamber also announced committee assignments, upcoming committee meetings, and several birthday and event notices, including African American Legislative Day and a statehood celebration for Arizona. On third reading, House Bill 2190, relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants and the Physician Assistant Compact, failed on a 20-38 vote after debate over licensing compacts and rural health workforce needs. House Bill 2206, relating to SNAP rulemaking, passed 33-25 after a dispute over whether it created new rulemaking authority; supporters said it clarified existing authority and would help administer the program, while opponents argued it improperly delegated legislative power. House Bill 2396, also relating to SNAP and food restrictions, passed 34-25 after extensive debate about whether the state should limit purchases by low-income families; supporters framed it as promoting healthier choices and responsible use of public funds, while opponents argued it was paternalistic and harmful in food deserts. During the SNAP debate, members on both sides cited food access, nutrition, personal freedom, and the cost of living. Supporters referenced WIC restrictions, school lunch standards, and concerns about taxpayer-funded benefits, while opponents emphasized food deserts, rising prices, and the need for families to make their own choices. After the votes, the House recessed briefly, then returned for additional announcements and procedural business, including committee substitutions, bill referrals, and first reading of HB 4097. The House then adjourned until Monday, February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibits establishing a family burial ground within 100 feet of an existing well source of drinking water
• or 200 feet of an existing spring source used for drinking water.
• substitute prohibits establishing a family burial ground within 100 feet of existing well source of water
• of drinking water or 200 feet of an existing spring source used for drinking water the existing spring
• source used for drinking water the bill currently makes it a civil infraction to a violation of the

Bills: HB2548 , HB2453 , HB2640 , HB2095 , HB2386 , HB2239

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: health care market standards, hospital consolidation, merger review, health care transaction notice, attorney general review, antitrust, provider organizations, hospital systems, contracting affiliation, material change, nonprofit conversion, for-profit conversion, health care acquisition, asset sale, Washington RCW, health care competition, price transparency, market oversight, premerger notification, antitrust revolving fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Amy Walen, Jim Walsh, Kevin Waters, Sharon Wylie, Alex Ybarra, Janice Zahn. Madam Speaker, Mr.
• Further remarks, the good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr.
• tribes to harvest all these invasive California sea lions, which historically were never in those waters
• A good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• A good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, recognized visitors from the Colville Tribal Business Council, and then caucused briefly before taking up bills. The chamber also received a Senate message announcing passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5000. Members advanced and passed several bills. House Bill 1269, raising pawnbroker interest rates and fees modestly, passed 83-14 after supporters said it would help small businesses serving unbanked customers and maintain operations amid inflation. Substitute House Bill 2123, changing foreign national campaign contribution reporting rules, passed 68-29 amid debate over whether it appropriately reduced burdens on candidate campaigns while still protecting initiative campaigns. Substitute House Bill 2178, a technical court-rules and procedure cleanup bill, passed 89-8; House Bill 2120, which removes two duplicative JLARC reports to free staff for higher-value audits, passed unanimously 97-0; House Bill 2309, eliminating postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to reduce employment barriers, passed 97-0; and Substitute House Bill 2158, allowing electronic remote notarization of physical documents, passed 96-0. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2411, expanding shared leave eligibility to include absences related to hate crimes and immigration enforcement actions, by a vote of 60-36 after supporters framed it as support for public employees and opponents raised cost and policy concerns. House Joint Memorial 4004, a nonbinding request to Congress concerning sea lion management to protect salmon and treaty fishing rights, passed 80-16 after debate focused on salmon restoration and tribal rights. Finally, Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001, honoring Russell Blount by naming the future East 34th Street overpass over I-5, passed 96-0. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• WSDOT issues permits and franchises for use of highway rights-of-way for utility facilities such as water
• Scott Hazelgrove on behalf of the Washington Association of Sewer Water Districts in support of the bill
• Sewer water districts are local governments, but unlike many local governments, they do not have taxing
• They have small water systems.
• PUDs and other utilities, sewer and water districts obviously have a role to play, but to put those kinds

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5690 would require WSDOT to give utility owners advance notice of fish barrier removal and other projects, seek federal funding for those projects when available, and report back to the Legislature; supporters said it would help small utilities plan for costly relocations, while WSDOT said the bill would not achieve its intended effect and that federal reimbursement for these costs is limited. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5746, which would create or continue an advisory process on EV charger infrastructure property crime; the sponsor and supporters said it would help address vandalism and theft affecting charging access, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor. Senate Bill 5750 would authorize state facilities to charge fees for privately owned EVs using state charging stations and deposit the revenue into the motor vehicle fund; the sponsor said this would make charging costs fairer and recover expenses, with broad support and some questions about whether the policy could be implemented administratively without legislation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6148, which would increase the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years, affecting Sound Transit. Sound Transit and transit advocates argued the longer term would better match debt to long-lived assets, help accelerate construction, and reduce near-term financial pressure without raising taxes, while opponents warned it would increase long-term costs and shift repayment burdens to future generations. Committee members asked about interest costs, asset values, and examples of eligible long-lived projects such as tunnels and bridges. No votes were taken during the hearing, and each bill closed with testimony counts recorded on the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• How do you get water systems online so to meet that demand?
• Next year, DBIA is going to be having a water and transportation conference right here in Texas.
• We build water trucks, dump trucks, rollbacks, and we put that on the chassis, and then we deliver those
• You put on a water tank, a crane, whatever, dump belly.
• So at the end of the day, you buy a cabin chassis and you add water tanks, with all this other stuff.

Bills: SB 35 , SB 1113 , SB 1365 , SB 1394 , SB 2243 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2199 , SB 2200

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• Boundary Waters Care Center Grant appropriation, if I remember right.
• Yes, we have talked about the Boundary Waters Care Center many, many times.
• The Boundary Waters Care Center has faced financial challenges much like nursing homes all across the
• However, the Boundary Waters Care Center has had to do private fundraising in the community in order
• excuse me The however the boundar water excuse me The Boundary<00:23:14.919><c> Waters</c><00:23:15.360

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When flood waters rose and from Dallas.
• </c><01:30:22.159><c> One</c> circles for hours without water. One circles for hours without water.
• As waters, and saving American lives.
• </c><07:39:04.240><c> and</c> been forced to drink poisoned water and been forced to drink poisoned water
• And when you surface of that water.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , water purification, and impending water shortfall in the state of Texas as well.
• Own your water.
• Expand the capacity to generate more water from desalination, to desalinate more water at a time, and
• As strong science on water availability, recharging, and projection is often lacking, water resources
• The West Texas Water Research Center will lead the development of collaborative solutions to the water

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all