Transcript Highlights:

• I move when the clerk's desk is clear, the senate stands in adjournment until Wednesday, February 11,
• When the clerk's desk is clear, the senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:

Bills: SB1265 , SB1198 , SB2046 , SB1415 , SB1714 , SB1962 , SB26 , SB172 , SB260 , SB264 , SB1525 , SB1332 , SB1998 , SB1378 , SB1771 , SB1919 , SB2018 , SB1936 , SB1612 , SB1543 , SB1260 , SB1988 , SB1859 , SB2041 , SB1257 , SB1726 , SB1236 , SB1633 , SB1413 , SB1317 , SB1360 , SB1342 , SB1477 , SB1189 , SB1546 , SB1524 , SB1338 , SB1193 , SB1812 , SB1617 , SB1638 , SB504 , SB2072 , SB1283 , SB1216 , SB1655 , SB2011 , SB1643 , SB1446 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB1448 , SB1496 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1827 , SB2066 , SB2104

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, Oklahoma, municipalities

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 4, beginning on line 11, beginning with C, strike all material through basic. Last line.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House considered and passed a series of bills on topics including public employee bargaining communication, condominium and middle-housing development, building code changes for scissor stairs, substance use disorder monitoring for nursing assistants, pet insurance continuity, liquor licensing flexibility, voter registration challenges, concealed pistol license records exemptions, social housing public development authorities, services for people with developmental disabilities, rent increase notices, and unlawful detainer notices. Members repeatedly described the housing bills as efforts to increase supply, improve affordability, and fix prior statutory problems, while the health-related bills were framed as improving patient comfort, provider flexibility, or workforce consistency. Several measures were advanced without amendment, while others were substituted with committee recommendations before final passage. The most debated item was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 on voter registration challenges. Supporters said it would curb mass or frivolous challenges, protect voters, and give election officials clearer standards and more accountability. Opponents argued it would make legitimate voter challenges harder, reduce citizen oversight of voter rolls, and weaken election integrity. Multiple amendments were offered to reduce penalties from felony to gross misdemeanor, allow electronic challenges, remove county-residency limits, and strike sections of the bill; most were rejected, though one amendment removing the same-county requirement was adopted. The bill ultimately passed after a divided vote. Other notable debate included House Bill 2152, which would allow terminally ill patients in hospitals and similar facilities to use medical cannabis; supporters emphasized dignity and comfort at end of life, while one opponent worried about added burdens on rural hospitals. House Bill 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions tied to concealed pistol license records and a permit-to-purchase framework, passed with strong support. House Bill 1687 on social housing public development authorities passed after an amendment restored city council involvement in housing cooperation decisions, while House Bill 2249, relating to Washington Technical employees and civil service treatment, passed with a larger number of nays. The House then placed additional bills on second reading and adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• R.C.W. 11. Correct the title.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer. Members approved the prior day’s minutes, referred introduction-sheet bills, and later took up several second- and third-reading bills. Early in the day, the chamber also announced that members could wear Seahawks apparel during floor action the next day. The House passed House Bill 1155, which bans non-compete agreements, after adopting amendments clarifying tribal worker relationships, replacing references to “customer” with “patient” in certain contexts, and requiring notice to current and some former employees that non-competes are void. An amendment to exempt senior executives earning over $350,000 was rejected. The bill passed 65-29. The House also passed House Bill 1002, allowing certain coroners and medical examiners to seek workers’ compensation for PTSD; an amendment to isolate costs to their own risk class was rejected, and the bill passed 70-24. House Bill 2264, clarifying unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. Later measures included House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without also holding EMT licenses, which passed 94-0 after an amendment clarifying training; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology, which passed 94-0; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy, which passed 83-12 after a technical amendment narrowing agency scope; and House Bill 2445, aimed at preventing profiteering in probate estates, which passed 67-28 after a technical amendment. The House also passed House Bill 2109 on securing vehicle loads (95-0), House Bill 2492 requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction workers and apprentices (79-16), House Bill 2472 on licensed contractors for fire sprinkler work (92-3), House Bill 288 joining the dietician licensure compact (93-1), and House Bill 2229 updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring five years of Washington practice for board members after an amendment (68-26).

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560><c> now</c><01:11:00.719><c> at</c><01:11:00.880><c> the</c><01:11:01.040><c> joint</c><01:11
• We are talking<01:11:04.960><c> about</c><01:11:05.280><c> not</c><01:11:05.600><c> having</c><01:11:
• </c> to 11. to 11.
• </c><02:11:30.560><c> And</c><02:11:30.719><c> it</c><02:11:30.880><c> would</c><02:11:31.119><c> say
• I think we're<02:11:43.119><c> all</c><02:11:43.280><c> acceptable</c><02:11:43.679><c> to</c><02:11:

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm here to urge<00:11:24.480><c> you</c><00:11:25.040><c> to</c><00:11:25.360><c> please</c><00:
• 11:25.839><c> pass</c><00:11:26.399><c> the</c><00:11:26.640><c> stop</c><00:11:27.120><c> super</c>
• c> bill</c><00:11:28.320><c> and</c><00:11:28.560><c> require</c><00:11:29.279><c> intelligent</c> speeders
• If<00:11:35.839><c> it</c><00:11:36.079><c> weren't</c><00:11:36.399><c> for</c><00:11:36.959><c> a</
• ,<00:11:39.040><c> and</c><00:11:39.279><c> negligent</c><00:11:39.920><c> driver,</c><00:11:40.800><

Transcript Highlights:

• wait a mission 9 11 minute to as you wait a mission 9 11 minute to me, Connie.
• So, apparently<00:11:36.600><c> the</c><00:11:36.680><c> speaker</c><00:11:36.960><c> doesn't</c><00:
• speaker doesn't have the list<00:11:37.840><c> unless</c><00:11:38.680><c> Representative</c><00:11:
• Lee would like<00:11:39.680><c> to</c><00:11:39.760><c> give</c><00:11:39.880><c> that</c><00:11:40.040
• So, Representative<00:11:41.520><c> Vang</c><00:11:41.720><c> is</c><00:11:41.840><c> the</c><00:11:41.880

Transcript Highlights:

• 10th and Thursday, September 11th in the Swing Space Room 1100.
• Item number 11, AB 806 by Assembly Member Connolly. The clerk will read.
• Ayes 43, noes 11. Senate amendments are concurred in.
• The session schedule is as follows tomorrow, Tuesday, September 9th...
• : Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 9th, floor session at 10 a.m. promptly.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests. The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills. A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the agency has had their plan approved as of September of this year.
• In September, the LFC Subcommittee met to provide an overview of the system and ground everyone.
• I have been in this position since September, and we have made progress in several areas.
• An 11% increase for the month of November over 2024.
• Today, we're only serving 11.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Consideration of the minutes for the February 11, 2026, meeting.
• Do we have to be done with meetings by September 1st? Is that usually the rule?
• Yeah, I believe September 1st. Anyway, so just a heads up on that.
• That means that there are no choices for children who are older than 11.
• Section 21 of House Bill 1015 approved or appropriated $11 million.

Committee: Joint Human Services Committee

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• We started in it really last September.
• The first thing that happens in the September before we start bargaining is we invite all of our state
• Then from June to September, we continue to bargain, and at that point in time, we're usually bargaining
• As we've said, we start in March and end in September. This occurs on a rolling calendar year.
• So just on some of those dates, the next caseload forecast will be June 11.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Employment Relations

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment. Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1. The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we not meeting in September? Thank you. Mr. Chair, just a quick question.
• Are we not meeting in September? I don't believe I have a meeting scheduled in September.
• That's a lot happening at one meeting if we're not meeting in September. Sure.
• And would that be in a time in which if we needed to have a meeting in September to—because if everybody
• Because I see in your presentation that I found it annotated on page 11 within the fuller report that

Summary: The Joint Education Committee met to approve prior minutes and adopt an interim study proposal before moving into presentations on school health insurance funding and the 2026 adequacy study. Siegel actuaries reported that the Public School Employees health plan is facing rising medical and pharmacy costs, with expenses running about 17% above prior projections and projected deficits growing in future years if funding stays flat. They said the current $400 minimum district contribution would not be enough to maintain reserves, and outlined scenarios showing that keeping the district contribution as the only funding lever would require large annual increases, while spreading increases across the state, districts, and employees would require a smaller but still significant increase. Committee members asked about impacts on small districts, employee premium amounts, prescription drug costs, and whether cost containment or plan design changes could reduce the need for higher contributions. EBD officials said they are working on contract renegotiations, post-claim review, formulary management, and other cost-control measures, but that additional funding would still likely be needed to keep the plan solvent. BLR then presented the preliminary final report of the 2026 adequacy study, summarizing findings from reports on funding, resource allocation, achievement, and stakeholder input. Staff said Arkansas has made some progress since Lake View, including higher teacher pay and improved test performance, but student proficiency remains below the committee’s adequacy goals and no subgroup has met the 2030 target of 80% proficiency. The report also found that districts spend more from local and other sources than in previous years, and that superintendents consistently identified mental health services, school safety, dyslexia support, and special education as areas needing more funding. Members asked for more detail on how non-matrix spending is categorized, how funds are sourced, whether survey responses could be broken down by district characteristics, and whether the committee should study the cost of homeschooling or legislation that created new requirements without funding. Department of Education staff said districts have broad discretion over spending, that recent legislative changes and the new state assessment are beginning to show gains, and that the committee can make recommendations or request additional studies if it wants more information. The committee was reminded that recommendations are due August 24, with final approval and report deadlines in October and November, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• relies<02:11:29.679><c> on</c><02:11:29.920><c> these</c><02:11:30.239><c> programs</c><02:11:30.639
• Since<02:11:32.239><c> December</c><02:11:32.800><c> 2024</c><02:11:33.520><c> alone,</c><02:11:33.920
• 11:38.800><c> and</c><02:11:39.520><c> 131%</c><02:11:40.400><c> rise</c><02:11:40.719><c> in</c><02:
• <03:11:32.399><c> as</c><03:11:32.720><c> part</c><03:11:32.800><c> of</c><03:11:32.960><c> this</c><
• forward.<03:11:41.120><c> U</c><03:11:42.399><c> that</c><03:11:42.640><c> is</c><03:11:42.800><c> all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• sheets that<00:11:02.240><c> you</c><00:11:02.399><c> can</c><00:11:02.959><c> She</c><00:11:03.279>
• She would<00:11:04.240><c> not</c><00:11:04.399><c> let</c><00:11:04.560><c> me</c><00:11:04.800><c>
• 06.720><c> afraid</c><00:11:07.040><c> some</c><00:11:07.200><c> of</c><00:11:07.279><c> us</c><00:11
• :11:17.680><c> you'll</c><00:11:17.920><c> go</c><00:11:18.000><c> to</c><00:11:18.160><c> the</c><00
• office<00:11:18.880><c> and</c><00:11:19.120><c> get</c><00:11:19.279><c> that</c><00:11:19.519><c>

Summary: The committee met in work session and focused only on SB 291; SB 249 and SB 83 were postponed for at least two weeks, and the chair said there would be no meeting next week. The chair also announced a deadline of the 22nd for clearing out drawers and lockers, and reminded members about a field trip to Nashua the next day and mileage paperwork for attendees. For SB 291, the chair distributed Amendment 2025-1925H, explaining that it was intended to simplify the bill and address concerns about church parsonages by allowing a church to rent out a parsonage and apply the net income to a pastor’s housing allowance. Members discussed whether the language could unintentionally exclude non-Christian denominations, whether the bill was too narrow, and what guardrails would prevent abuse. Several members said the amendment was clearer and supported it, while one member preferred retaining the bill for more study. The discussion also touched on how “church” and “parsonage” are defined under existing law and IRS rules, with the chair and others saying the language was broad enough and that no testimony from other religious groups had raised concerns. After the discussion, the chair took a straw poll showing support for the amendment and then closed the work session. In executive session, a motion was made and seconded to ought to pass SB 291.

Transcript Highlights:

• These bills were signed into law in September 2025, less than eight months ago.
• Finally, on September 1st, Finally, on September 1st, the proposed amendments would go into effect if
• Now, when we voted for the reauthorization, it was just in September.
• Now, when we voted for the reauthorization, it was just in September.
• But I think we need an 11% annual reduction in GHG emissions between now and 2030.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on CARB’s proposed April amendments to California’s cap-and-invest regulations, adopted under AB 1207 and SB 840. Committee members repeatedly framed the issue as a balance between climate ambition, affordability, leakage prevention, and the Legislature’s budget priorities. Several senators argued the proposal would weaken the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), reduce funding for transit, affordable housing, drinking water, wildfire prevention, and other programs, and potentially undermine the Legislature’s intent in last year’s reauthorization. Others emphasized that the program’s core purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that any changes should preserve the cap’s integrity and the state’s climate targets. CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez said the amendments were designed to implement legislative direction while responding to public comment and economic uncertainty. She described four main changes: increasing electric bill credits, expanding the manufacturing decarbonization incentive (MDI) to $4 billion, adding about $800 million in additional compliance support for industry, and removing post-2030 allowance allocations from the current rulemaking. CARB said the proposal would still maintain declining caps aligned with 2030 and 2045 targets, provide near-term affordability relief, and support businesses and jobs while reducing emissions. In response to questions, CARB said the MDI has guardrails, is limited to emissions-reducing projects, and would require reporting and repayment if projects do not materialize. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the amendments are significant and could affect several legislative priorities. LAO highlighted that the MDI would add allowances above the cap, creating uncertainty about environmental ambition and 2030 compliance, while also shifting more allowances to industry and fewer to the GGRF. LAO said the proposal could significantly reduce GGRF revenues and noted that, if revenues fall to CARB’s estimated level, some tiered programs could go unfunded. The Department of Finance explained that GGRF revenue estimates are updated three times a year and are difficult to predict because they depend on auction outcomes and market conditions. Senators pressed both agencies on whether the proposal would raise consumer costs, whether industry savings would be passed through, and whether the Legislature should receive updated revenue estimates before voting on the budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• :07.440><c> you</c><00:11:07.600><c> know</c><00:11:07.920><c> not</c><00:11:08.079><c> too</c><00:11
• <00:11:11.519><c> with</c><00:11:11.760><c> our</c><00:11:12.000><c> commission</c><00:11:12.320><c>
• :15.360><c> to</c><00:11:15.519><c> have</c><00:11:15.839><c> say</c><00:11:16.160><c> what</c><00:11
• c><00:11:25.519><c> you</c><00:11:25.600><c> know</c><00:11:25.760><c> we</c><00:11:25.920><c> could<
• simply<00:11:27.040><c> say</c><00:11:27.360><c> yeah</c><00:11:27.760><c> it's</c><00:11:28.000><c>

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> correct</c><01:11:15.040><c> other</c><01:11:15.280><c> than</c><01:11:15.679><c> that</c><01:11
• ><c> right</c><01:11:28.199><c> on</c><01:11:28.320><c> the</c><01:11:29.280><c> if</c><01:11:29.400>
• ><c> what</c><01:11:36.120><c> this</c><01:11:36.320><c> says</c><01:11:36.679><c> is</c><01:11:37.239
• ><c> uh</c><01:11:37.639><c> and</c><01:11:38.120><c> pay</c><01:11:38.360><c> it</c><01:11:38.560><c
• :10.760><c> lad</c><03:11:11.319><c> yes</c><03:11:12.319><c> okay</c><03:11:12.840><c> so</c><03:11:

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to review a large package of bills, with the first four—HB 717, 742, 773, and 603—focused on special education aid, formerly called catastrophic aid. Chair Ladin explained that the committee needed to move a special education bill forward by March 4 and was trying to determine which bill would serve as the vehicle. He described the current formula and the difficulty of estimating the fiscal impact of lowering the threshold from 3.5 times the statewide average cost per pupil to a lower level, noting that DOE did not have reliable data on how many students would fall into the lower-cost bands. The committee also noted that several other bills in the package addressed SWEP and adequacy issues, and that HB 510 dealt with due process rather than funding. Mark Mello of the Bureau of School Finance testified that the department only has reliable data for special education expenditures above $70,000 per student, since claims are submitted for reimbursement at that point. He said the bureau was trying to estimate how many students might fall between 2.5x and 3.5x or 3x and 3.5x the average cost, but that the basic answer was they did not know and that any estimate would be difficult. He explained that moving the threshold from 3.5x to 2.5x would create a minimum additional cost of about $13.6 million based on existing claims, not counting new students who would enter the range. Members discussed whether districts already had the underlying data, whether a survey should be required, and how districts know when to begin tracking costs for reimbursement. The committee also discussed proration and the state’s share of special education aid. Mello explained that the current 80% state share is modeled in the formula, but the actual payment has been prorated because appropriations have not matched the statutory liability; he said the state liability was about $50 million, while the budget had provided $34 million, resulting in a 68% payment rate. HB 742 was described as a bill that would eliminate proration by paying the liability directly from the education trust fund with an overflow mechanism. Members also discussed possible alternatives such as changing the state share, using a lower threshold in a transition period, or requiring districts to submit data. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the committee was still in discussion and considering which bills to advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be used to capture speeders who are driving 11 mph or more in excess of the speed limit; in
• Speeders<00:04:58.800><c> who</c><00:04:58.919><c> are</c><00:04:59.080><c> driving</c><00:04:59.759><c> 11
• 00:05:00.240><c> mph</c><00:05:01.199><c> or</c><00:05:01.440><c> more</c> Speeders who are driving 11
• mph or more Speeders who are driving 11 mph or more in<00:05:02.080><c> excess</c><00:05:02.400><c>
• time frame or early fall September time frame or early fall um<00:30:58.799><c> so</c><00:30:59.039>

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to Montreal in September. So. Or something. Oh yeah, yeah.
• I'm going to Montreal in September. So. And don't forget Chicago in July. In Chicago in July?
• So we are planning to move the first or second week of September.
• There's going to be some kind of grand opening open house for the building September 24th.
• September is an excellent time for us to move.

Committee: Joint Statute Law Committee

Transcript Highlights:

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• continue</c><00:11:10.079><c> to</c><00:11:10.240><c> spend</c><00:11:10.639><c> $4</c><00:11:11.120>
• $4 billion so that's<00:11:12.480><c> what</c><00:11:12.639><c> the</c><00:11:12.920><c> uh</c><00:11
• <00:11:24.279><c> cosic</c><00:11:24.720><c> moves</c><00:11:25.000><c> to</c><00:11:25.200><c> amend
• :11:37.440><c> who</c><00:11:37.560><c> will</c><00:11:37.760><c> explain</c><00:11:38.160><c> the</c