Transcript Highlights:

• The gap keeps growing, and we need transformational change.
• And it demands that we fundamentally change how we work.
• And it demands that we fundamentally change how we work.
• And why I highlight this one is our 2018 zoning changes.
• And then this is the result of that code change.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee work session focused first on Civic Commons’ “starter home production plan,” a statewide strategy intended to increase production of homes affordable to households roughly between 60% and 120% of area median income. Presenters said the Covenant Home Ownership program will not succeed without more starter homes, and outlined recommendations including a temporary cross-sector crisis task force, a developer network, new financing tools, public seed funding, and a multi-site demonstration program to test off-site construction and standardized designs. Committee members asked about silos in the current system, the role of off-site and modular construction, target income ranges, and where the plan would be most useful. Civic Commons said the plan is meant to be statewide, community-informed, and respectful of local context, with pre-approved plans and standardized approaches for both single-family and multi-unit housing. The Department of Labor and Industries then gave an update on factory-built housing oversight. Officials said residential factory-built structures are a small but important part of their work and described progress in prioritizing residential plan reviews, which they said has reduced review time from months to about two days. They also reported creating a plans examiner supervisor position, moving forward with rules for third-party plan review and inspection, and beginning analysis of national standards from the Modular Building Institute to see whether they align with state code. Committee members and L&I discussed the value of standardized plans, real-time tracking for applicants, and the role of state inspection in reducing local jurisdictional variation. The Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council testified that it supports efforts to reduce permitting delays and increase housing production, but warned against weakening safety standards or labor protections. The labor representatives said prefabrication and modular construction can help if the workforce is protected, wages and apprenticeship opportunities are preserved, and projects use tools such as community workforce agreements. They also raised concerns about wage theft, misclassification, and unlicensed contractors in residential construction, and suggested stronger front-end contractor education or licensing. Committee members responded that the goal is to expand production without sacrificing safety or good jobs. The committee also heard city perspectives on local housing reforms. Olympia described its affordable housing emergency ordinance, which gives qualifying projects priority in the permitting queue, and said success depends on communication among housing staff, planners, engineers, and developers. Walla Walla, an early adopter of middle housing, reported increased ADUs, duplexes, and smaller-lot development after eliminating single-family zoning and expanding tools such as MFTE and ADU flexibility. Des Moines described adopting middle housing and ADU ordinances in June 2025 after a lengthy public process, while Poulsbo described proactive code changes including duplexes on corner lots, unit lot subdivisions, manufactured home protections, expanded ADU allowances, and pre-approved ADU plans shared with neighboring jurisdictions. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• If if you feel be important to change, you know, and have a conversation about changing underrepresented
• You're changing the name there as well.
• This change codifies current state fire marshal rules.
• We've made a lot of change. Since then.
• They are definitely in here. There are some here.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:38.160> the<00:07:38.319> fact to past action cannot change the fact to past
• action cannot change the fact that<00:07:38.639> a<00:07:38.800> bill<00:07:38.960>
• on the question of whether definitively on the question of whether a<00:08:08.319> conflict<00
• established definitively on Tuesday. established definitively on Tuesday.
• <00:21:07.360> of<00:21:07.840> conflict<00:21:08.240> of a broad definition

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> That position has changed. The state's position on that has changed. Um, much to our chagrin.
• . definitely. definitely.
• the people who aspire to keep changing the people who aspire to keep changing and<01:18:28.560><
• <01:51:14.400> a easy access so this is uh definitely a easy access so this is uh definitely
• I think that this change, and changing it to be more equitable to the cost to restaurants, makes some

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1810, Berman, firearm dealers, do pass with author amendments to add a definition, among other changes
• AB 1810, Berman, firearm dealers, do pass with author amendments to add a definition, among other changes
• AB 1881, Ramos, California Indian Freedom Act, do pass as amended to clarify definitions.
• AB 1903, Wix, construction defects, do pass as amended with clarifying changes.
• AB 1903, Wix, construction defects, do pass as amended with clarifying changes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did we go over the specific changes that were being discussed for the compact?
• So this is a summary of what has, what the changes are for Port Gamble.
• Basically, their changes include compact changes for Appendix F, which is the Limitations Appendix.
• You will note that there are also some changes that are in these that...
• That was a huge change historically for the tribes.

Summary: The joint House and Senate committee meeting heard public testimony on tentative tribal-state gaming compact amendments for the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. Staff from the Washington State Gambling Commission explained the compacting process, the role of ex officio legislative members, and that the amendments would next go to the Gambling Commission for a January 8, 2026 vote before possible governor review. The Port Gamble S'Klallam presentation emphasized how gaming revenue supports tribal government services, health care, housing, education, language revitalization, natural resources work, and community investment projects in Kitsap County. For Port Gamble S'Klallam, the proposed changes include expanded credit and wager limits, more gaming stations and player terminals, language for a second facility, and adoption of an electronic table games appendix similar to other tribes. Members asked about pre-screening for high-limit tables, including how the tribe would define problem gambling and self-exclusion; tribal counsel said internal minimum control standards were still being developed and more detail would follow. A question about green crab removal in Port Gamble Bay was deferred for follow-up because the natural resources director was not present. The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe described its history, sovereignty, gaming operations, and how gaming revenue supports member programs such as nutrition assistance, education aid, homeownership down payment help, and charitable giving in Skagit County. Its amendment would allow electronic table games after the tribe removed traditional table games due to staffing and cost pressures, with the goal of remaining competitive. Committee members also asked about air quality and smoking-related provisions in the compact; the tribe said it maintains separate smoking and non-smoking areas and supports smoking cessation efforts. Chairs from both chambers closed by thanking the tribes for their contributions to members, local communities, and natural resource protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is obviously changing the commission.
• And your definition of stakeholder meeting and my definition are probably different, but conversations
• it, we're never going to see any results or change.
• Definition. Mr.
• Did anybody change their name between now and then?

Bills: SB1041, SB1088, SB1118, SB1128, SB1168, SB1176, SB1189, SB1207, SB1250, SB1272, SB1274, SB1286, SB1428, SB1457, SB1461, SB1503, SB1519, SB1537, SB1582, SB1618, SB1654, SB1713, SB1827, SCR1012, SCR1020

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Transcript Highlights:

• As we know, artificial intelligence is an emerging and rapidly changing technology.
• So I definitely appreciate it.
• I do definitely appreciate it.
• So we came up with the definition that very much mirrors the definition in our collective bargaining
• We couldn't, we didn't think it was necessary to include that entire definition.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• changes below that table.
• We definitely would have done so.
• We made changes with the quality rating and improvement system bonuses, and that estimate changes with
• You have seen very little change, and all of a sudden there is a little change just because the pressure
• You have seen very little change, and all of a sudden there is a little change just because the pressure

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the state I Voted sticker to be changed the state I Voted sticker to be changed at<00:04:49.080>
• There's one change here.
• There's one change here.
• It amends the definition of Bill.
• There were some changes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :31.440> existing<00:54:32.160> uh were several changes to existing uh were several changes
• Um the big change things internally.
• So uh some of that has not change.
• So that's a big change um in taken away.
• Yeah, we can definitely follow up on that.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Electricity as a Vehicle Fuel Working Group. Commissioner Nancy Doenberger opened with introductions from members representing state agencies, legislators, utilities, local governments, industry groups, advocacy organizations, and others. The group then elected its leadership: Senator Anne Johnson Stewart was nominated and unanimously elected chair, and Representative Steve Elkins was nominated and unanimously elected vice chair. Senator Johnson Stewart said she would ensure all viewpoints are heard and asked MnDOT to continue running the meeting for practical reasons. Austin Turman of the Legislative Coordinating Commission reviewed the authorizing legislation. He explained that the working group must analyze electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, develop a roadmap with policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding consistent with the Minnesota Constitution, and study other states’ approaches to equitable fuel assessment methods for electric vehicles. The group’s report is due February 13 and will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. Turman also briefly reviewed open meeting law requirements, noting the group must operate publicly when a quorum discusses official business, though public comment is not required. Members then discussed the purpose of the group and the need to find a fair replacement or supplement for declining gas tax revenue as EVs increase. Senator Johnson Stewart emphasized balancing system funding needs with user-based fairness, including differences in vehicle weight and road use. Representative Murphy stressed the need to consider rural Minnesota, taxpayer impacts, and current science, including climate and CO2 issues. Drive Electric Minnesota said EV drivers should pay their fair share and not be overburdened, while the Department of Revenue said it wants to administer the new EV charging-station tax fairly. A trucking representative highlighted that passenger vehicles and freight vehicles have very different operating and charging needs, suggesting the group consider those differences in any fee structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• definition in the code.
• We are going to have to change our ways to make sure we are We are going to have to change our ways to
• You can change your mind. You can.
• Yes, you can change your mind. You can.
• Vote changes from the dais. Vote changes from the dais.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There may be changes that may bring...
• to the regulations and how these EPZ zones may change.
• that we need any changes in our budget to accommodate this.
• Are you recommending any changes to that? Yeah, Mr.
• The fact that we change our state law does not mean that it happens.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wondered why the change from 7 to 3 on page four. Is there something that has changed?
• <00:13:58.880> about and confusing definition about and confusing definition about who<00:
• So that means I can change it to the generic atorvastatin.
• So that means I can change it to the generic atorvastatin.
• <00:54:24.160> that legislative level before a change that legislative level before a change

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• US HAS NOT CHANGED NOR DIMINISHED.
• Nothing has changed.
• There's been no change, no significant change or deviation in the circumstances that existed when the
• FOR ALL RESIDENTS' CHANGES.
• BUT PEOPLE ARE GIVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME TO MAKE CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES, SO THAT DEFINITELY GIVES

Bills: SB 2, HB 2, HB 2000, HB 2196, HB 213, HB 222, HB 645, HB 1458, HB 1022, HB 141, HB 502, HB 643, HB 3093, HB 1700, HB 117, SB 503, SB 2, HB 120, HB 20, HB 150, HB 6, HB 100, HB 210, HB 215, HB 1393, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB 142, HB 451, HB 124, HB 2, HB 2000, HB 2196, HB 213, HB 222, HB 645, HB 1458, HB 1022, HB 141, HB 502, HB 643, HB 3093, HB 1700, HB 117

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• changes and why that took place.
• , according to legislative counsel, were those changes in definition?
• Just wondering why that change. were those changes in definition? Sorry, Mr.
• Just wondering why that change. Mr.
• So we don't want to change their process.

Bills: HB2424, HB2608, HB2775, HB2805, HB2908

Keywords: Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:50.120> the without kids group um changing the without kids group um changing the federal
• <01:04:46.400> of and prepare them for this change of and prepare them for this change of
• The system is changed by those people that want to change the system.
• ><01:15:48.320> that system is changed by those people that system is changed by those people
• Change upsets me.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not going to close the gaps that are being created by these changes in the... ...rural hospitals
• , it's not going to close the gaps that are being created by these changes in the funding.
• Definitely when we talk about the 84th District, we have no level one trauma centers, which creates a
• So this is definitely something I am quite passionate about.
• But year two, year three, year four, what are those systems changes?

Keywords: House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This just honors and says that we change the day to a day of civic engagement, condemning all political
• If Florida's going to designate this day, let it honor a legacy that caused the major change that brought
• I read the definition of dehumanizing.
• The bill introduces a formal definition for ball machines and refines the definition for retailers.
• This change will allow a juvenile to receive an evaluation and treatment rather than just a punishment

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry. The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition. Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to be life-changing for Minnesota victims of frauds and scams and something that I hope you
• It's going to be life-changing reality.
• This data is changing.
• This<00:17:52.880> data<00:17:53.120> is<00:17:53.360> changing.
• I would hope we This data is changing.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an update on the Consumer Protection Restitution Account, also called SPRA, from the Minnesota Attorney General’s office and AARP Minnesota. AARP described the fund as a first-of-its-kind consumer fraud restitution program that should encourage scam reporting, give the AG’s office more incentive to pursue cases, and provide financial recovery to victims, especially older adults. The AG’s office explained that the fund is financed by 50% of consumer enforcement recoveries up to $5 million per year, plus unclaimed or undistributable restitution, and said about $4.6 million had been deposited since July 1, 2025, largely from a Johnson & Johnson settlement. Jessica Whitney outlined how claims are processed: consumers file complaints, the office obtains a court order, then determines whether defendants have collectible assets before distributing funds in chronological order based on the date of the court order. She said the first major case is Woodbury Dental Arts, a defunct dental clinic whose patients filed more than 300 claims; the office estimates about 75% are likely valid, is reviewing them, and hopes to issue checks within a month. She also described upcoming cases involving High Road Builders and another home remodeling contractor, along with more than 100 individual fraud complaints, including nine claims totaling more than $5.2 million. Committee members raised concerns about delays, communication with constituents, and whether victims know if their cases are being processed. Whitney said the office is trying to improve outreach through press releases, community visits, senior centers, AARP, and Commerce senior outreach. She also flagged two possible legislative issues: restitution that cannot be distributed may not be subject to the $5 million cap, and the statute’s prohibition on pro rata payments may need reconsideration because available funds appear insufficient to pay all claims in full. The office said it would provide a fuller report in October and continue processing claims this fiscal year.