Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes, you know, health care, uh, you know, increased cost of input, you know, things like that.
• Sometimes, you know, health care, you know, increased cost of input, you know, things like that.
• </c> regulated by state and federal entities. regulated by state and federal entities.
• The 2024 data demonstrates public library usage continues to rise.
• if we have that data with the state library services team and get back to you.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and Judge, I'm not trying to add more regulation. I'm here to eliminate regulation.
• It would be a quick and easy, cost-effective way to get that data.
• It would be a quick and easy, cost-effective way to get that data.
• It would be a quick and easy, cost-effective way to get that data.
• HB 2226 is a good bill that was crafted carefully with stakeholder input.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which expands military leave protections by aligning state law language with federal military orders and clarifying that state and non-state employees called to service or training are covered. Representative Pena said the bill was intended to remove confusion and had no material impact on benefits. After brief supportive discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2663 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill establishing due process requirements before state or county entities can alter a justice of the peace’s statutory authority and clarifying the limits of administrative control over justice courts. Representative Hernandez and two Pima County justices of the peace testified in support, describing administrative orders that had removed local control without notice, findings, or a clear path to restoration. Leanna Garcia of the Arizona Supreme Court opposed the bill, arguing it conflicted with the Constitution’s grant of administrative supervision to the Supreme Court and that the court already uses complaint-driven oversight, education, and intervention when needed. After extensive debate over constitutional authority, due process, and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to recommend HB 2976 do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 2406, which directs the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study veterans’ awareness of available state, local, and federal benefits and report recommendations to improve outreach. Supporters said many veterans do not know the full range of benefits and that the study could identify gaps in awareness and help guide future outreach. Members questioned what exactly would be studied and whether a study was necessary, but several said the testimony clarified the bill’s purpose. The committee approved HB 2406 with a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance to ask whether a defendant is a veteran so eligible cases can be referred to veterans programs or treatment/diversion options. Testimony in support said the inquiry would help identify veterans early and connect them to services at no cost. A member raised a Fifth Amendment concern that veteran status could be incriminating in some cases; the bill’s supporter agreed to an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The transcript ends during discussion of that proposed amendment, before a final committee vote on HB 2226 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The data shows the opposite.
• And the second data point is about participation in the trade ecosystem in the world.
• So we have some data to go off of, and that's what we wanted to do is take a look at that and really
• So you can all listen to our takeaways and then provide more input going forward.
• And looking forward to, again, your continued input.

Summary: The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and California’s economic dependence on trade with Mexico and Canada. Members emphasized that California exports more than $183 billion globally, with roughly a third going to Mexico and Canada, and argued that the agreement supports jobs in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, and ports. The hearing was framed as preparation for a legislative report and possible resolution on California’s priorities for the upcoming USMCA review. Academic and policy witnesses described the USMCA as essential to North American competitiveness, affordability, and regional security. Dr. Rafael Fernández de Castro said the agreement is central to a stronger North American alliance, helps keep food and other goods affordable, and supports the Cali-Baja region’s integrated economy. Dr. Ismael Placencia argued that California and Mexico co-produce value through integrated supply chains and nearshoring, and proposed ideas such as specialized technician visas, cross-border innovation zones, binational certification standards, and a technology fund. Members asked about the uncertainty around the agreement’s sunset/review clause and the possibility that investment is being delayed while businesses wait for clarity. Go-Biz representative Diana Dominguez said USMCA gives businesses, especially small and medium-sized firms, predictability, market access, and stronger digital trade and supply-chain integration, while also noting challenges such as regulatory barriers and financing. California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Julian Canante said the agreement benefits small businesses but also creates complexity through stricter rules of origin, compliance burdens, and tariff uncertainty, and he urged more trade assistance and education. Mexican officials Miroslava Pérez-López and Pedro Casas Alatriste said the treaty remains the cornerstone of North American trade, that Mexico’s public consultation process generated nearly 800 submissions, and that the region should deepen integration rather than weaken the agreement. A later panel from San Diego regional organizations reinforced the same themes, citing the border region’s co-production economy, the importance of border infrastructure, and the need to protect integrated supply chains from tariff shocks. Witnesses urged investment in ports of entry, energy reliability, talent development, and smoother review processes, while members repeatedly stressed that any renegotiation should preserve labor and environmental standards without harming small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I really appreciate all the input and feedback that we've gotten.
• Our emissions are measured and controlled and well within clean air regulations.
• We also provide a unique Our emissions are measured and controlled and well within clean air regulations
• So I look forward to working collaboratively with utilities, regulators, and community organizations
• That amount is, in the most recent data point, $270 million.

Summary: The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on three bills. HB 2426 would allow the Pollution Control Hearings Board, with unanimous agreement of the parties, to use alternative board compositions for appeals, including a single member or other qualified environmental adjudicators, so long as one member is a Washington-licensed attorney and the panel has environmental law expertise. The bill sponsor and supporters from business and conservation groups said it was a narrow, consensus-based change intended to improve efficiency and predictability. ELUHO’s director supported the concept but flagged technical issues in the bill language about attorney and Growth Management Hearings Board member qualifications. HB 2416 would provide no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act to Spokane’s waste-to-energy facility, which is not currently covered until the second compliance period. Supporters, including Spokane officials, labor, and local partners, said the facility protects a sole-source aquifer, provides waste disposal and electricity for about 13,000 homes, and faces large compliance costs that could raise rates and threaten jobs. Opponents from environmental groups and Ecology argued the bill would give the facility preferential treatment, subsidize most of its emissions through 2050, and fail to ensure real emissions reductions; AWB raised concern about market impacts if new allowances are added. No vote was taken. HB 2373 would require electric utilities to offer monthly bill discount programs with tiered income levels, expanded outreach and enrollment, and updated reporting on low-income energy assistance. The sponsor said the bill is meant to make assistance more consistent and accessible statewide, while utilities and rural co-ops warned it could create unfunded mandates and significant rate increases for non-low-income customers, especially in smaller systems. Supporters from community action agencies, Commerce, and some utilities said monthly assistance is needed because energy burdens are rising and current programs are patchwork, though several urged pairing the bill with state funding or amendments. The committee heard extensive testimony but took no final action on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• ensure that students left their time with me having learned, and what we know about learning, what the data
• Not through the over regulation of the classroom.
• thank J-PAC, the sponsors here, the many, many, many Jewish organizations that have actually given input
• of anti-Semitism in our schools are far exceeding any other category of students that we know from data
• . and state civil rights laws and regulations.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• involved in emergency medical services, such as the Department of Health, none identify, track, or regulate
• The audit found that nearly all programs collected and analyzed data to gauge performance.
• Others said data analysis was not an area of expertise, and the limitations with their software made
• This engagement might involve seeking input from businesses, community leaders, and potential customers
• These recommendations include seeking input from stakeholders in the planning process, analyzing internal

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s State Auditor Subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two Initiative 900 performance audits. The first audit examined CARES programs run by fire agencies to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems. Auditors reported there are 52 such programs statewide, but many communities still lack one despite need. Key barriers identified were unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, lack of statewide guidance, and inconsistent access to patient records. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended legislative action to consider private insurance reimbursement and to convene a statewide CARES work group. Fire agency representatives largely agreed with the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain, while some noted support from accountable communities of health and hospitals. Committee members asked about why only a small share of programs receive Medicaid or accountable community of health funding, and auditors clarified that the 10% figure referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the payment is too low relative to the administrative effort. Agency witnesses said ACH support can help but is often temporary and uncertain. Members also asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help fund these programs, but fire district representatives said it is generally not a direct option for them. The second audit focused on improving performance management in the Department of Commerce’s economic development programs. Auditors found the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness lacks a division-wide strategic plan and has inconsistent performance management across its 16 programs. They recommended stakeholder engagement, clearer goals and measures, alignment between program and division goals, and stronger contract and grant performance provisions. Commerce officials agreed with the findings, said work on a statewide economic development plan is already underway, and described efforts to align divisional planning with broader agency strategy. The chair asked Commerce to return next year with progress updates, and the meeting ended with notice that written testimony could still be submitted and that another JLARC meeting would occur in November.

Transcript Highlights:

• involved in emergency medical services, such as the Department of Health, none identify, track, or regulate
• The audit found that nearly all programs collected and analyzed data to gauge performance.
• Others said data analysis was not an area of expertise, and the limitations with their software made
• This engagement might involve seeking input from businesses, community leaders, and potential customers
• These recommendations include seeking input from stakeholders in the planning process, analyzing internal

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• The CEM benchmarking report covers administration of the retirement systems and provides some data and
• the big climate financial risks that are becoming much more examined by economists and federal regulators
• Thanks for the comments, and thanks for reaching out and sharing that data with us.
• two bills were heard, and one bill was, of course, passed by the legislature that had no presence or input
• Or input from the SCPP, which runs counter to everything we've been told about how to be successful.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy opened its 2025 interim with roll call, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief administrative update on meeting procedures, new members, and a planned change to hold officer elections in June rather than immediately. Staff then presented a high-level recap of the 2025 legislative session, focusing on pension-related bills affecting Plans 1, 2, and 3, including the failed Plans 1 COLA and month-of-death bills, enacted changes on retire/rehire rules, state actuary appointments, service credit purchases, excess compensation, and a budget proviso directing study of proposed LEOFF 1 merger/termination concepts. Staff also highlighted ESSB 5357, which changes funding policy and the assumed rate of return, and noted that a deeper briefing on that complex bill may be needed. The committee then received an interim kickoff presentation explaining the SCPP’s role, membership, meeting structure, public participation, and the typical process for studying issues. Staff reviewed the draft interim work plan, which will be shaped by statutory studies, annual agency reports, legislative outcomes, stakeholder requests, and committee goals. Key upcoming work includes the mandated study of LEOFF 1 merger and termination concepts, the state actuary’s odd-year economic assumption recommendations, annual updates from DRS, OSA, the LEOFF 2 Board, and the State Investment Board, and other recurring reports such as the DRS benchmarking study and actuarial valuation materials. Members also discussed the importance of understanding asset smoothing and long-term funding impacts, and staff said updated contribution projections will be available later in the fall. During public comment, several speakers urged the committee and the State Investment Board to address climate-related financial risk and divest from fossil fuels, arguing that current coal, oil, and gas holdings are too large and that existing screening methods undercount exposure. One commenter also asked the committee to consider climate risk in the upcoming long-term economic assumptions study. Another public commenter, representing school retirees and administrators, urged continued study of COLA proposals and asked the committee to review the recently enacted funding bill and a separate bill related to COLA financing. The meeting concluded with a short break and adjournment of the full committee portion before the executive committee session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and come up with rules and regulations and come up with rules and regulations um<00:13:42.959><c
• </c> see any of the other data in the system. see any of the other data in the system.
• Uh, it was just updating some language just to make sure that we had 311205 inputed into the correct
• :48:03.920><c> and</c> section one to make compatibility and section one to make compatibility and data
• exchange a minimum requirement of data exchange a minimum requirement of this<00:48:07.119><c> system

Bills: SF0058 , SF0061 , SF0095 , SF0107

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Existing SEC regulations require a... Existing SEC regulations require a finally...
• As a member, the main piece here is: do we have access to the data?
• Thanks to CPOC, we are having LSC-by-LSC application-level data today.
• centers and looked at historical data and how they're showing up.
• And so one that is new that I wanted to share with. ...related to data centers.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard SB 1259, which would require refineries to provide advance closure and remediation planning information, and SB 1425, which would authorize the High-Speed Rail Authority to create a permit process for encroachments in its right of way. The committee also held an informational hearing on California electricity reliability and the future of the Strategic Reliability Reserve. The chair opened by noting the hearing room change, testimony limits, and that the committee would proceed without a quorum at first, then later established quorum for votes. On SB 1259, Senator Blake Spear argued the bill would give communities and state agencies needed information to plan for refinery closures, cleanup, and land reuse, comparing the requirement to estate planning. Supporters, including Benicia City Councilmember Carrie Birdseye and UC Santa Barbara professor Ranjit Schmook, said the bill would help communities facing refinery closures avoid being left without information and better prepare for redevelopment and remediation. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill could send negative market signals, create conflicts with federal reporting, and potentially accelerate refinery closures. The committee passed SB 1259 on a 7-3 vote, later reopening the roll and recording additional votes before moving it out as amended to Appropriations. On SB 1425, Senator Cortese and sponsor Robert Pearsall said the bill would help the High-Speed Rail Authority manage utility, broadband, drainage, and vegetation encroachments along the project corridor and reduce delays. Labor and construction groups supported the measure as a way to add certainty and speed project delivery. Utilities and local agencies, including LADWP, Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, PG&E, and others, opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer language on emergencies, existing agreements, and potential impacts on their own rights of way and service obligations. After discussion about emergency language and utility coordination, the committee passed SB 1425 as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote. In the oversight hearing, CEC, CPUC, CAISO, and DWR officials reported that California’s summer reliability outlook is better than in prior years, with substantial new procurement, storage, and demand-response resources added since 2020. They said the state is projected to meet its summer reliability standard and has not needed a flex alert for three straight years, but cautioned that extreme heat, fire, hydro conditions, and federal policy uncertainty still pose risks. Officials emphasized that the current Strategic Reliability Reserve remains important as a backstop, while longer-term planning must address rising demand from electrification and data centers and the eventual retirement of emergency resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a very robust data analytics center.
• We'd be happy to data analytics center.
• It would allow legislative input for projects that are utilizing state funds.
• </c> well attended by citizens wanting input well attended by citizens wanting input in<01:18:05.240>
• :18:12.760><c> projects</c> allow legislative input for projects allow legislative input for projects

Summary: The chairman opened by explaining that the committee would hear proposed interim topics and then rank them by written submissions rather than debating them one by one. The Public Service Commission presented two topics: an educational session on small water utilities, citing maintenance needs, water-quality compliance, and difficulty accessing capital, and a review of civil penalties for pipeline safety violations because Wyoming’s statutory penalties are far below federal levels and could affect compliance and funding. Members and outside presenters then outlined a range of additional topics. Representative Campbell proposed work on fire protection districts and EMS districts, focusing on financial stability, mill levies, and possible county authority to combine districts and levies. He also raised public records at meetings, corporate filing fees, and fraudulent corporate filings. The Community College Commission proposed updating annexation statutes so communities can join community college districts more easily, especially where current mill-levy rules create funding issues. Senator Crago supported the fraudulent corporate filings topic and noted related technology-based solutions and overlap with blockchain issues. Other proposals included CPA “Pathways” licensing changes to address a shortage of accountants, a review of public meetings and public records laws, continuation of the electricity study with emphasis on grid reliability and large-load capacity constraints, and a broader review of the public meetings and records act. Ashley Harpstreith of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities supported extending municipal audit deadlines and described a statewide shortage of auditors and CPAs. Healthy Wyoming proposed studying health coverage options for low-income working adults, including state-sponsored or cooperative models. Representative Chestek proposed making most nonpartisan county offices elected on a nonpartisan basis. No votes or final selections were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and discussed whether topics should be assigned to this committee or another one.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Office of Workers' Compensation Administration; mandate reporting of medical and pharmacy claims data
• , Office of Workers' Compensation Administration; mandate reporting of medical and pharmacy claims data
• Bill 1255 by Representative Muscarello: zoning restrictions, building restrictions, subdivision regulations
• I appreciate their input, and I think we have a good compromise bill here.
• They ask for a couple changes to their current regulations.

Bills: HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , SCR40 , SCR60 , SB112 , SB131 , SB145 , SB194 , SB268 , SB307 , SB312 , SB319 , SB333 , SB341 , SB346 , SB464 , SB466 , SB488 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , HR9 , HR196 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR20 , HB123 , HB251 , HB625 , HB662 , HB709 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , SB97 , SB105 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , HCR32 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB59 , HB955 , HB1191 , HB1234 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , SB397 , SB442 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB926 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB47 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, adopted the journal, and received a large number of Senate messages, committee reports, and bill referrals. Members also introduced several resolutions and recognized guests, including students from Allen Parish, federal appointees Brandon Beach and Paul Hollis, and other visitors. The chamber then moved through a lengthy agenda of House and Senate measures, with many bills and resolutions reported favorably, amended, or referred to committee. Among the notable floor actions, the House adopted H.R. 32 urging the Port of New Orleans to obtain backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge. It also passed bills on a wide range of topics, including local court and ordinance procedures for Alexandria, prohibiting reporting criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus, veterans’ lottery benefits, police chief residency in Tickfaw, fire marshal plan review authority, expanding the definition of first responder to include public works employees, NIL protections for student athletes, salary increases and additional positions for assistant district attorneys, limiting OMV debt referrals for unpaid reinstatement fees, watershed restoration and flood control funding, a sexual assault survivor task force, elderly consumer protection education, recreation of the Public Service Commission, Medicaid reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation, local sales tax audit procedures, alcoholic beverage definitions for salons and similar businesses, transfer of removed monuments to state park property, hearing aid dealer regulation updates, a permit fee for small in-state distillers, expanded city court jurisdiction in Avoyelles Parish, and a narrowed version of the Alexandria administrative adjudication bill. Several measures were amended on the floor before passage, including the Alexandria ordinance bill, the sales tax audit bill, the alcohol/beverage bill, and the monument transfer bill. The House also temporarily returned some bills to the calendar for later consideration. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, though House Bill 153 on criminal court debt reporting passed with 67 yeas and 18 nays, House Bill 660 on assistant district attorney salaries passed 94-1, House Bill 719 on additional ADA positions passed 95-0, House Bill 883 on the sexual assault task force passed 86-2, House Bill 1028 on non-emergency medical transportation passed 81-15, and House Bill 1215 on monuments passed 78-14.

Transcript Highlights:

• a little bit of background, the federal government, through the Americans with Disabilities Act, regulates
• I don't think I've gotten more media or social media input from any other bill.
• bill that would have had this apply statewide, because it's hard to imagine a full FTE reviewing the data
• bill that would have had this apply statewide, because it's hard to imagine a full FTE reviewing the data
• When they're trying to regulate e-motos. Thank you very much. Are there any questions? Seeing none.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. ESSB 6262 would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for vehicles subject to gross weight license fees; the sponsor and city representatives said it would close a loophole, make fees more equitable, and help fund road maintenance, while the fiscal note was described as indeterminate. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, aligning Washington with other states and supporting RV dealers; the bill drew support from the RV industry. SB 6110 would exclude certain faster electric vehicles from the e-bike definition and create a Department of Licensing work group to recommend a framework for electric motorcycles; testimony generally supported the effort but urged clearer e-motorcycle definitions and earlier work-group action, with some concern about youth safety and local enforcement. SB 5833 would allow a person to leave a vehicle running for up to 30 minutes to heat or cool a pet inside, with locking and brake requirements; the sponsor and a sheriffs’ association witness discussed balancing pet safety with auto-theft concerns, and the committee heard no fiscal impact. The committee also heard ESSB 6066, which would establish crash prevention zones in areas with unusually high serious-injury or fatal-crash rates, initially for a specific stretch of U.S. 395 and later more broadly beginning in 2029. The bill would allow local governments and WSDOT to designate zones, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, use speed cameras in the zones, and dedicate related revenues to safety improvements; supporters from Pasco and county risk pools backed the approach, while the sponsor asked for broader geographic coverage. ESSB 6311 would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school routes, with temporary routes, safety plans, inspections, and enforcement tools such as stop-work orders and penalties; the sponsor said it was modeled on local practices and aimed at protecting pedestrians during construction, and contractors and transportation advocates supported it with a requested amendment clarifying design responsibility in design-bid-build projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed each public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are making a high priority To ensure that our rules and regulations are not only up to date but
• Legislation like HB 71 and HB 224 would regulate student loan services and private education lenders
• The legislation charges the director of the Financial Institutions Division and the New Mexico Regulation
• I know that my students learned self-regulation, their reading skills improved, and their confidence
• criticisms I've heard, and I'll bring it up a little bit later, is that with EMIRA, the amount of data

Transcript Highlights:

• And only so much regulation as is necessary.
• This bill does not shift liability or introduce new regulations.
• First, the data is collected by the acquirer.
• The second step is the data processed by the credit card networks.
• Do y'all have any input on that? Y'all are experts.

Bills: SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• It's management's inaccurate data.
• Update the to ensure data accuracy.
• That's what I believe the data says. it? That's what I believe the data says.
• input input there.<01:31:30.199><c> There's</c><01:31:31.199><c> there's</c><01:31:31.520><c> no</c>
• Thank you. came uh for your valuable input. Very came uh for your valuable input.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to hear the Legislative Budget Assistant Office’s performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Auditors said the commission was inefficient and ineffective in investigating discrimination complaints and closing cases in a timely manner during fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The report contained 25 observations; the commission fully concurred with 24 and concurred in part with one. Auditors highlighted major problems with case processing delays, inaccurate case data, lack of a case management system, weak strategic planning and risk assessment, outdated and disorganized policies, confidentiality issues, expired administrative rules, fee-setting practices, incomplete financial-interest filings, and failure to complete required reports and reconciliations. Two recommendations, involving complaint screening and conciliation, may require legislative action. Several observations focused on the commission’s intake and investigation practices. Auditors said complaints may have been screened out before docketing, potentially preventing commissioner review required by statute, and that the investigation process lacked clear rules and guidance. They also found investigators were assigned non-investigative tasks, training was inadequate, interview requirements were unclear, supervisory duties were burdensome, and confidential information was not always protected by encrypted email. The audit recommended clearer administrative rules, better internal controls, more focused staffing, a supervisory investigator position, and improved training and documentation. Commission representatives said they had already made progress on several items since the audit began, including posting overdue biennial reports and moving toward a case management system expected to go live in June. They said they were working with EEOC counterparts and legal counsel, but emphasized staffing shortages and high turnover, noting the commission currently had nine people working out of 15 authorized positions, with three investigator vacancies and a vacant paralegal position. Committee members thanked the auditors and commission staff, discussed the history of the audit request, and raised concerns about how long the recommended corrective actions might take. The committee took no vote or formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires plans and insurers that exceed OHCA cost targets to report to regulators a detailed list
• necessary for regulator reports in aggregate and by plan if the rates exceed the Affordable Care Act
• To be clear, this bill does not tell cities, Site, grounded in real data.
• Unfortunately, the court recently struck down critical life-saving regulations.
• Unfortunately, the court recently struck down critical life-saving regulations.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long daily file and concurrence agenda. Early procedural actions included withdrawing AB 1555 and AB 2221 from engrossing and enrolling, suspending rules to move SB 813 to second reading, re-referring several bills to committees, and approving committee meeting notices. The chamber also adopted a rules waiver for chaptering-out amendments and handled several other procedural motions before turning to floor votes. On the Senate third reading file, members approved a wide range of bills covering housing, health care, education, transportation, energy, public safety, taxation, and local government. Measures discussed included EV charger liability in HOAs (SB 1267), local public benefits authority (SB 1099), special needs trusts under Proposition 19 (SB 974), infant formula tax treatment (SB 1151), mutual water company rate transparency (SB 1417), Alzheimer’s treatment coverage (SB 950), protections for mental health professionals in correctional settings (SB 993), development fee transparency (SB 1014), climate literacy in schools (SB 1048), illegal dumping enforcement (SB 1218), homeowner repair timelines for unpermitted work (SB 1272), EV charging station permitting (SB 1283), nonprobate asset distribution (SB 1288), DCA sunset cleanup (SB 1311), wildfire and disaster-related measures (SB 742, SB 904), nitrous oxide sales restrictions (SB 936), PrEP access (SB 1023), early math assessments (SB 1067), firearm restrictions for certain serial-number offenses (SB 1220), and several licensing, education, and health-related bills. Most measures passed with strong margins; a few drew notable opposition, including SB 993, which failed, while SB 222, SB 1037, SB 1220, SB 1255, and SB 1279 passed with narrower votes. The Assembly then took up concurrence on numerous Assembly bills with Senate amendments. Among the bills concurred in were AB 2075, AB 431, AB 1153, AB 1328, AB 1486, AB 1573, AB 1591, AB 1617, AB 1738, AB 1749, AB 1789, AB 1802, AB 1818, AB 1820, AB 1829, AB 1877, AB 2010, AB 2011, AB 2160, AB 2178, AB 2262, AB 2310, AB 2349, AB 2422, AB 2481, AB 2504, AB 2580, AB 2640, AB 1705, and AB 1793. These concurrence items covered forestry, aviation, illegal dumping, Medi-Cal, climate resiliency, housing, health professions, hazardous waste reporting, domestic violence protections, mental health parity, lactation support, community college programs, air quality response, student aid, beverage containers, teacher credentialing, state mandates, privacy, cash payments, and more. The transcript ended while the Assembly was beginning consideration of SB 1412 on remote parent-teacher conference participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's it's if you look at the data, there's no there's nothing in if you look at the data, there's no
• On the instances Avt ease using inpatient, outpatient and ambulatory surgical data from 7/1/2024. to
• If no one ever thought to systematically create data for heart disease or cancer is huge.
• This Bill Parton's only to those who are currently covered by state regulated, have plans that already
• Also for your input on this bill for what you have contributed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it research data on individuals.
• </c><00:24:56.400><c> collected</c> also uh clarifies that data collected also uh clarifies that data
• "We don't want that data sold.
• </c> of violence having their data exposed. of violence having their data exposed.
• data privacy 101.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chief Roy is an excellent resource for specific information about the victim impact program, the data
• </c><00:56:34.400><c> and</c> of page two is to study regulation and of page two is to study regulation
• we give a freight train to regulation we give a voice<00:58:46.960><c> to</c><00:58:47.200><c> those
• Human trafficking prosecution relies heavily on victim input.
• And we're happy to take any questions. input. You heard um from Lieutenant input.

Committee: Senate Judiciary