Transcript Highlights:

• It's the promise we made, and most DV survivor resources right now are done in Washington State.
• Most... there's no programs like that in the state of Washington. I mean, very few.
• Burnett had said about their desire to represent and uphold the integrity of Washington State.
• America, Washington state, it's their beautiful places. We're no different than any other country.
• America, Washington state, it's their beautiful places. We're no different than any other country.

Bills: HB1591, HB2146, HB2220, HB2430, HB2526, HB2641, HB2648

Keywords: domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, survivor protections, legal remedies, defendants, sexual exploitation, minors, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, criminal justice training commission, CJTC, law enforcement training, peace officer certification, decertification, corrections officer certification, tribal police certification, police accountability, police oversight

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session to act on several bills previously heard. On House Bill 1591, the committee considered a substitute that would provide sentencing alternatives, resentencing, and record vacation relief for defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, with tighter eligibility standards and reporting requirements. Members discussed concerns about the scope of the relief and whether the abuse must be closely connected to the offense, but the substitute was approved and reported out 7-2 with a do pass recommendation. The committee also adopted Amendment 348 to House Bill 2146, which clarifies the offense of sexual exploitation of a minor to cover situations where a person causes a minor to view sexually explicit conduct knowing the minor’s viewing will be photographed or part of a live performance. The bill was then reported out unanimously. House Bill 2220, dealing with Criminal Justice Training Commission oversight and certification hearings, advanced on a substitute that removed a higher burden of proof, adjusted hearing panel membership, and directed rulemaking; it passed 7-2 after debate over whether the changes were a rollback of prior reforms. House Bill 2430, concerning the crime victim penalty assessment, was amended to increase assessment amounts, add a possible surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources, tighten indigency exemptions, and preserve an indigent exception removed in the underlying bill. Supporters said the bill was needed to restore funding for victim services after prior budget cuts, and it passed unanimously. House Bill 2526, on prostitution, advanced on a substitute that renamed the offense, increased penalties for repeat buyers, directed most fee revenue to survivor-led organizations, and added an emergency clause; Amendment 275 was adopted to require law enforcement referrals to services before arrest in the first two investigative detentions and to add protections for people reporting other crimes. The bill passed 5-4 after substantial disagreement over whether the measure would help survivors or effectively decriminalize prostitution. Finally, House Bill 2648, addressing state and local law enforcement interactions with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to require body camera and dash camera activation during certain encounters, reporting to agencies, and indemnification protections for officers. Supporters framed the bill as clarifying duties and protecting civil rights, while opponents argued it could interfere with law enforcement and federal cooperation. The committee reported the bill out 6-3. House Bill 2641 was deferred, and the committee adjourned after completing action on the listed House bills.

Bills: HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5

Keywords: memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations, Cedar Creek Lake, community celebration, Texas pride, outdoor recreation, local identity

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your inquiry.
• State your inquiry.
• United States still means something, even in the state of Texas.
• state.
• State your inquiry.

Bills: SB 1, HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Bills: SB 1, HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• You may ask why this action from Washington State.
• We are asking Washington State to act where the federal government has failed.
• My name is Juliet Majid, and I am a graduate of the University of Washington.
• I met her, and I saw how deeply she was loved at the University of Washington.
• I met her and I saw how deeply she was loved at the University of Washington.

Bills: SB5837, SB6011, SB6009, SB5868, SB5974, SB5720, SB5833, SB5936, SB5993, SB6070, SB6002, SJM8014, SB6086

Keywords: guardianship, conservatorship, protective arrangement, protective arrangements, supported decision-making, supported decision making, court visitor, adult guardianship, limited guardianship, full guardianship, adult conservatorship, less restrictive alternative, capacity, legal capacity, respondent rights, due process, vulnerable adults, disability rights, elder abuse, estate management

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee met on January 22 and first took up a series of bills in executive session, hearing staff descriptions of amendments and proposed substitutes on measures dealing with guardianship, consumer debt judgments, medical debt interest, human trafficking, missing persons, driver privacy, and law enforcement/sheriff-related issues. Members generally asked few questions during the briefing stage, but several bills drew substantive debate during final action, especially Senate Bill 5974 on sheriffs and law enforcement volunteers, Senate Bill 5993 on medical debt interest, Senate Bill 6070 on missing persons alerts and investigative tools, and Senate Bill 6002 on ALPR data and privacy protections. The committee also considered Senate Bill 5837 on guardianship, Senate Bill 6011, Senate Bill 6009, Senate Bill 5868, Senate Bill 5720, and Senate Bill 5936, with multiple amendments and substitutes discussed and adopted or withdrawn. In executive action, the committee adopted proposed substitutes for SB 5837, SB 6009, SB 5720, SB 5833, SB 5936, SB 5993, SB 6070, and SB 6002, and sent those bills forward with due pass recommendations, most to the Rules Committee and some to Ways and Means. SB 6011 also received a due pass recommendation to Rules, and SB 5868 was sent to Ways and Means. On SB 5974, Amendment Charlie was not adopted, Amendment Delta was adopted, and Amendment Echo was withdrawn; the bill then received a due pass recommendation to Ways and Means. On SB 5993, several proposed amendments were offered and then withdrawn after discussion about medical debt interest rates and repayment incentives. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6086, which would strengthen protections for judicial officers and court personnel by expanding who can seek removal of personal information, broadening Address Confidentiality Program eligibility, and authorizing AOC security consultants to conduct threat assessments. Proponents, including AOC, judges, clerks, and other judicial-system representatives, described rising threats and safety concerns, while county officials, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ representatives raised implementation, constitutional, and data-access concerns. The hearing also included public testimony on Senate Joint Memorial 8014, which asks for a U.S.-led investigation into the killing of Aishanur Esgi; the family, supporters, and several advocates testified in favor, while two opponents raised factual and contextual objections. The committee closed public testimony after time expired, noting large numbers of signed-in supporters and opponents for both measures.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2125, HB2134, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2245, HB2283, HB2406, HB2501, HB1544, HB1834, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2544, HB2551, HB2262, HB2298, HB2351, HB2401, HB2593, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2157, HB2311, HB2325, HB2552, HB1343, HB1707, HB2361, HB2389, HB2468, HB2521, HB2720, HB1591, HB2092, HB2176, HB2255, HB2281, HB2438, HB2685, HB1960, HB2236, HB2364

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:

• And whereas, in 1979, Washington State Congressman Mike Lowry introduced H.R. 5977 to provide reparations
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Washington State House of Representatives pause to acknowledge
• Even at the time, there were voices warning here in Washington State.
• People like the University of Washington...
• People like the University of Washington student Gordon Hirabayashi, born in Auburn, and a military veteran

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2125, HB2134, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2245, HB2283, HB2406, HB2501, HB1544, HB1834, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2544, HB2551, HB2262, HB2298, HB2351, HB2401, HB2593, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2157, HB2311, HB2325, HB2552, HB1343, HB1707, HB2361, HB2389, HB2468, HB2521, HB2720, HB1591, HB2092, HB2176, HB2255, HB2281, HB2438, HB2685, HB1960, HB2236, HB2364

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:

• And whereas, in 1979, Washington State Congressman Mike Lowry introduced H.R. 5977 to provide reparations
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Washington State House of Representatives pause to acknowledge
• Even at the time, there were voices warning here in Washington State.
• People like the University of Washington...
• People like the University of Washington student Gordon Hirabayashi, born in Auburn; a military veteran

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2125, HB2134, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2245, HB2283, HB2406, HB2501, HB1544, HB1834, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2544, HB2551, HB2262, HB2298, HB2351, HB2401, HB2593, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2157, HB2311, HB2325, HB2552, HB1343, HB1707, HB2361, HB2389, HB2468, HB2521, HB2720, HB1591, HB2092, HB2176, HB2255, HB2281, HB2438, HB2685, HB1960, HB2236, HB2364

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 with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized. Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal. The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.

Bills: HF2431

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Bills: HF2431

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State Life.
• There are four university campuses in statute: University of Washington, Washington State University,
• Vancouver; Washington State University Tri-Cities; and Washington State University Vancouver.
• Where we don't have enough housing in Washington State right now.
• State you could talk to any professional actually involved in it Here in Washington State, you could

Bills: HB1073, HB1128, HB1316, HB1408, HB1591, HB1592, HB1634, HB1906, HB1960, HB2073, HB2145, HB2248, HB2266, HB2301, HB2333, HB2365, HB2401, HB2416, HB2421, HB2438, HB2474, HB2475, HB2515, HB2517, HB2523, HB2548, HB2597, HB2637, HB2640, HB2660, HB2675, HB2685, HB2720, HB1742, HB2104, HB2186, HB2405, HB2557, HB2593, HB2636

Keywords: national guard, military support, defense, state security, veteran services, child care, workforce standards, education, child development, training requirements, postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, community preservation, development authorities, funding, local governance, state resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Troxel 1 was actually a Washington State Supreme Court case and went to the U.S.
• I'm a Lake Shlam, born and raised resident of Washington State, and I'm a mother who's being asked to
• I am the chair of the National Parents Organization here in Washington State, and I am here to support
• The two things I think that the United States of America and Washington State are founded on are this
• Senate Joint Memorial 8006 would request the Washington State Supreme Court to reinstate the limited

Bills: HB2735, SB5868, SJM8006

Keywords: family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a good question, but I can tell you that Washington State University is actively looking for alternatives
• Last year, Feeding Washington was one of the first organizations that the Washington State Department
• That food touched nearly every county in the state of Washington.
• I'm the advocacy director for AARP here in Washington State.
• It is legal in the state of Washington, as per the voters of this state.

Bills: HB2279, HB2463, HB1941, HB2238

Keywords: PFAS chemicals, agriculture, environmental impact, regulation, food safety, farmers, food security, Washington, support for farmers, cannabis, cooperatives, marijuana industry, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to establish a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that pose environmental and health risks and said Washington should begin acting now, while some members questioned whether the bill would duplicate federal EPA review and could disadvantage Washington agriculture. WSDA testified that the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; agricultural and pesticide industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of federal oversight and warned of market impacts, while environmental groups supported it as a needed step to reduce PFAS exposure in food and agriculture. The committee took no action on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2463, which would expand and rename the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a farm-to-food pantry program to help hunger relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill responds to reduced federal food security support and is intended to strengthen local food access and support farmers. Testimony was broadly supportive from food banks, hunger relief organizations, tribal farms, AARP, and several growers, who said the program helps move fresh produce, dairy, and protein to people in need and supports local agriculture. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns that language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” do this work could exclude many existing food hubs, distributors, and regional partners; others requested amendments to include tribally owned small-scale farms, food hubs, and broader distribution networks. No vote was taken on HB 2463. After the hearings, the committee recessed for caucus and then held executive session on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations and engage in collective processing, handling, and marketing. The sponsor and chair described it as a parity measure to help smaller cannabis producers organize and compete, while opponents argued it was premature given ongoing federal marijuana scheduling issues and that the bill’s scope was too broad. The committee approved the bill on a 6-5 vote and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. The chair also announced that executive action on House Bill 2238 would be deferred until the following day due to pending amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, in order to practice nursing in the state of Washington, a person must be licensed
• I'm the president of the Washington State Nurses Association, and I practice clinically as an urgent
• However, it is not a covered benefit for Washington State public employees.
• In Washington State, emergency medical services use the Washington Emergency Medical Services Information
• We live and work in 48 of the 49 legislative districts, so we are throughout Washington state.

Bills: SB5904, SB5915, SB6025, SB5933, SB5990, SB5981

Keywords: nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several bills. SB 5904 would clarify that only human beings may use nursing titles, including in the context of AI or chatbots; the sponsor and nursing witnesses said it would protect transparency, patient safety, and the nursing profession, and testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. SB 5915 would change the Health Technology Assessment Program’s review criteria and timelines, giving priority to technologies already recommended by Medicare or national guidelines; supporters, including educators and patients with rare or serious conditions, said the current process is too rigid and can block access to needed treatments. SB 6025 would update the definition of fetal death to use the best clinically accurate gestational age rather than last menstrual period; the sponsor and clinicians said this would align the law with medical practice and reduce emotional and financial burdens on grieving families, though the hearing drew substantial opposition sign-ins. SB 5933 would require the Department of Health to share EMS overdose data in near real time with ODMAP, with privacy protections and limits on law-enforcement use; public health, local government, recovery, and youth witnesses said it would improve overdose response and save lives, while the Poison Center asked for amendments to include its data and avoid conflating overdoses with poisonings. SB 5990 would allow APRNs or physician assistants to serve as local health officers in counties under 100,000 population; the sponsor said rural counties need more flexibility, while local public health groups supported broader access but raised concerns about qualifications, and naturopathic physicians argued they should also be included. SB 5981 would prohibit drug manufacturers from limiting 340B drug access through contract pharmacies or requiring extra data as a condition of sale; safety-net hospitals, health centers, rural providers, and patients said it protects access and funds care, while manufacturers, employer groups, and some industry representatives argued the program lacks transparency, can raise costs, and should be narrowed. No final votes were taken in the excerpt, and the committee closed each hearing after testimony, with sign-in counts noted for several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• state or local governments.
• state or local governments.
• My name is Mike Gempler, and I'm executive director of the Washington Growers League in Yakima, Washington
• , as well as Jason Hewitt from the Washington State Association of UA Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVACR service
• I’m Jason Hill at the Washington State Association of UA Plumbers and Pipefitters.

Bills: SB6134, SB6136, SB6188

Keywords: unemployment insurance, UI benefits, striking workers, strike, labor dispute, retroactive wages, overpayment assessment, overpayment recovery, Employment Security Department, ESD, claimant notice, benefit recoupment, Washington unemployment law, worker notice, federal unemployment tax credit, state unemployment fund, workers' compensation, industrial insurance, premium rates, rate transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington state alone employs 150,000 people in Washington.
• Washington state is a Washington state is a substantial employer with a substantial IT system.
• As we know, we're the beneficiaries in Washington State of the vast internet revolution.
• Washington State is geo-blocked from another country.
• Washington State could have received $816,000, but there's a match.

Bills: HB2186, HB2351, HB1170

Keywords: economic development, federal funds, state funding, infrastructure, grants, local government, emergency responders, emergency response, disaster response, obstruction of law enforcement, gross misdemeanor, public safety, incident command system, emergency operation zone, emergency management, law enforcement restrictions, warrant requirement, search and seizure, civil liberties, due process

Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1170, which concerns informing users when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence and data provenance. Staff described a proposed second substitute and several amendments. The committee rejected amendments that would have included public entities and tribal nations in the covered-provider definition, added a technical and commercial feasibility standard, added geo-blocking language, and created a right to cure, while adopting amendments that allowed compliance through reasonably similar tools and provided a safe harbor for unintentional removal or alteration of disclosures. Members supporting the bill said it would promote transparency and consumer trust in AI-generated content; opponents argued the bill was premature, overly broad, and could hinder innovation. The committee then passed the amended bill out with a do-pass recommendation by a 7-4 vote, with two excused. The committee next opened a hearing on House Bill 2186, which would support the acquisition of federal funds for economic development by requiring Commerce to help applicants, expand the Fund Hub Washington website to all economic development grants, create a matching-funds account, and direct a study of available federal grants and matching needs. The prime sponsor and several testifiers from economic development groups, local government, and Commerce said the bill would help Washington capture more federal dollars, especially for underserved communities, broadband, maritime, workforce, and infrastructure projects. They emphasized that matching requirements often prevent smaller organizations and local governments from applying for grants and cited examples of potential federal funding that Washington is not fully accessing. Commerce testified that the bill aligns with efforts to improve federal grant competitiveness but noted fiscal impacts were still being developed. The final hearing was on House Bill 2351, which would protect emergency responders and emergency response operations. Staff explained that the bill would bar local governments and incident command systems from assisting in enforcement actions targeting emergency responders based on protected status, create emergency operation zones with restrictions on law enforcement activity, and change the obstruction statute to cover emergency responders. The prime sponsor and many local officials, firefighters, and advocates supported the bill, citing incidents where federal enforcement actions interfered with wildfire response and other emergencies, and arguing that coordination and life safety must come first. Some testifiers raised concerns about administrative burdens, possible conflicts with federal law, and the need for clearer language, including a possible mental-health defense and clarification of responder identification. No vote was taken on House Bill 2351 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a great day to talk about the historical history of Washington State and our Washington tribes
• The agreements that have been made between the Washington tribes and Washington State in preserving the
• We also have organizations out of state, and we're having Washington state students that are shipped
• We also have organizations out of state, and we're having Washington state students that are shipped
• Please vote yes on this bill to save Washington State taxpayers $30 million.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2471, HB2478, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1903, HB1941, HB1982, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2345, HB2350, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2588, HB2636, HB1128, HB1408, HB1570, HB1742, HB1823, HB2089, HB2104, HB2114, HB2172, HB2192, HB2207, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2294, HB2298, HB2319, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2354, HB2374, HB2401, HB2405, HB2429, HB2431, HB2442, HB2451, HB2479, HB2496, HB2515, HB2523, HB2540, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552

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 with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, heard a prayer, and received a Senate message that the Senate had passed second substitute Senate Bill 5061. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading action on several bills, with debate centered on salmon treaty history, cannabis cooperative rules, inmate commissary and legal financial obligations, collective bargaining protections, and school restraint/isolation policy. Members also took up a bill to adjust Paid Family and Medical Leave funding to address a projected $30 million tax liability, and later reconsidered one education bill after initial passage. House Bill 2554, dealing with repeal of RCW 77.110 and salmon-related history and tribal treaty issues, saw a proposed striking amendment from Representative Walsh that was rejected on a voice vote. The bill then passed 64-28. Engrossed House Bill 1941, authorizing cannabis producer cooperatives, adopted an amendment limiting any one entity to 30% market share in a co-op; a second amendment adding guardrails was rejected. The bill passed 66-27. Substitute House Bill 2539, raising the indigency commissary threshold from $25 to $100 for incarcerated people, passed 57-36 after debate over inmate needs versus victim and child-support concerns. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471, a trigger bill creating state collective bargaining protections if the federal NLRB is weakened, adopted an amendment clarifying agricultural coverage and then passed 58-35. The most extensive debate was on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1795, which would phase out isolation and restrict certain restraint practices in schools. Members adopted amendments adding professional development intent language, expanding reporting to authorized entities and out-of-state placements, and clarifying positive behavior intervention planning; several other amendments on parental consent, property damage, and isolation-room definitions were rejected. Supporters emphasized student safety, trauma reduction, and de-escalation, while opponents argued the bill removed useful tools from educators and was premature without broader training. The bill initially passed 58-36, then the House reconsidered it and passed it again 57-37. Second Substitute House Bill 2345, which reallocated Paid Family and Medical Leave premium shares to avoid a $30 million tax cost, passed unanimously 94-0. The House then recessed for caucus after placing additional bills on the second-reading calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we look at our current situation, not only within our state, but nationally as well, Washington
• is not alone in the state.
• Is it going to be the Washington State or the owner of this home or the people actually running this
• My name is Kelly Canary, and I'm the managing attorney for the RCW 71.09 program at the Washington State
• I live in District 2 of Pierce County and went to the Washington State Sheriff Sex Offender website this

Bills: SB6339, SB6184, SB6224, SB6255, SB5977, SB5979, SB6249, SB6007, SB6186, SGA9299

Keywords: alternative placements, individual ownership, restrictive policies, healthcare, operational control, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction, intergenerational poverty, WorkFirst, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, self-sufficiency, economic justice

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day to finish executive action on several bills and then hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 6339. In executive session, the committee advanced Senate Bill 6224, which creates a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council and an executive coordination officer, sending it to Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6255, which updates the Lupro poverty-reduction task force and related council duties, was amended and passed to Rules. Senate Bills 5977 (near-fatality reports), 5979 (in-home dependencies), and 6249 (DOC supervision for stalking convictions) also passed, with 5977 and 6249 sent to Rules and 5979 sent to Rules as well. Senate Bill 6007, directing WSIPP to evaluate child welfare screening and risk assessment tools, was amended and sent to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. The committee then waived the five-day notice rule to hear Senate Bill 6339, which would require that a less restrictive alternative placement for a sexually violent predator be owned and operated by the same person or persons providing or monitoring treatment. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, the City of Kennewick, and several residents, argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, especially in response to a proposed placement in Kennewick near schools and homes. Opponents, including the Department of Social and Health Services, public defense attorneys, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making release to the community unrealistic. Committee members asked questions about liability, supervision, and how LRAs are currently reviewed and monitored. Agency witnesses explained that DOC investigates proposed LRA sites, that residents remain under conditions and monitoring, and that ownership and treatment are typically separate functions. The chair closed the hearing without taking action on Senate Bill 6339, saying more work and discussion were needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds certain Washington State Department of Transportation workers and removes public officers from
• Protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations in Washington State.
• Washington State resident who has spent most of my career working in workforce development.
• Washington state resident who has spent most of my career working in workforce development.
• We've got the Washington State Broadband Office.

Bills: HB2157, HB2351, HB2365, HB2357, HB2446, HB2523, HB2606

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met on January 27, first in executive session and later for public hearings. In executive session, the committee considered House Bills 2157 (high-risk AI systems), 2351 (protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations), 2365 (digital equity), 2357 (establishing the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol), and 2446 (developing the quantum technology industry). Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. The committee adopted amendments to HB 2157 exempting activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA, and then advanced the bill. HB 2351 and HB 2365 also advanced after debate and amendment votes; several definition-related amendments to HB 2365 were adopted, while others, including a data-sharing amendment and a rural-area amendment, were rejected. HB 2357 passed without amendment, and HB 2446 advanced after adoption of an amendment extending the strategy deadline, broadening eligible contractors, and making a technical correction. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, and economic mobility, and urged continued investment. Some witnesses suggested technical changes, including stronger accountability and clearer reporting. Commerce staff said the program had reached many organizations and people and supported the bill with technical recommendations. A second public hearing was held on House Bill 2606, which would update the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures in response to a JLARC audit. The bill would remove certain reporting requirements, add measures tied to privacy training, public contacts, staff education, and privacy assessments, and expand the office’s duties to include review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor and the state chief privacy officer both said the bill aligns the office’s statute with its current capacity and JLARC’s recommendations, and the hearing concluded with no further committee action before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas today we join together in the state of Washington and across the nation to commemorate, honor
• Whereas today we join together in the state of Washington and across the nation to commemorate, honor
• From Boston University in 1955. And whereas Dr.
• His dream, so profoundly stated, is a call for all of us to be better.
• King reminded us that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Bills: HB1160, HB1187, HB1289, HB1339, HB1345, HB1501, HB1604, HB1798, HB1069, HB1347

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 with a quorum, the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance by Pastor Pamela Bowman, and a prayer by Senior Pastor Joseph Bowman of Integrity Life Church in Federal Way. The prayer and musical selections focused on Martin Luther King Jr. Day themes of justice, unity, service, and hope. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes without objection. House Resolution 4672, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was read and adopted. Representative Penner moved adoption and spoke about remembering both the promise and the struggle of the civil rights movement, while Representatives Reeves, Lowe, and Thomas also offered remarks emphasizing King’s legacy, the ongoing work of justice, the importance of nonviolence, and the need for public service and respectful disagreement. Representative Thomas also described personal experiences with racism and called for continued action rather than platitudes. After the resolution passed by voice vote, the House handled routine business: introduction-sheet items and committee reports were referred as designated, and the Rules Committee was relieved of several bills, moving House Bill 1160 and House Bill 1798 to second reading and Substitute House Bill 1066 and Engrossed House Bill 1574 to third reading. Democrats and Republicans announced caucuses after adjournment, and the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, January 20.