Transcript Highlights:

• Know, a home or someone's primary residence, and you need to take pictures of a roof or there's damage
• When the state closed down a camping ground down on South Street, we had three people move to the end
• When the state closed down a example.
• And with that, I will close my testimony. Thank you.
• And with that, I will close my testimony. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Dunn?

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're tracking them closely on our data tool.
• Its primary use and purpose allow us to...
• So the scale score is a primary score, the primary piece of information that then, like I said, puts
• So the scale score is a primary score, the primary appreciative information that then, like I said, puts
• At this time, I think we're pretty close to... At this time, I think we're pretty close to...

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is as close as we can get to in-home dependencies.
• And as we think about things like primary, secondary, and tertiary services and supports, what level
• And we don't do a lot as much on the prevention end or the primary as I would like, I know.
• And we don't do a lot as much on the prevention end or the primary as I would like, I know.
• The next slide outlines our primary recommendations to continue moving this work forward.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session on child welfare dependency, focusing on implementation of HB 1227 (Keeping Families Together) and SB 6109 (the fentanyl response bill), along with related data and system updates. DCYF first reviewed the dependency process, explaining intake, shelter care, fact-finding, disposition, and review hearings, and emphasized that removal standards are separate from service provision and that children may be in-home or out-of-home at different stages. DCYF said 1227 raised the removal threshold to imminent physical harm and strengthened kin placement, with nearly 60% of children now placed with relatives or suitable others. The department also said 6109 directs courts to give great weight to fentanyl’s lethality and added legal liaisons to support staff in court preparation. DCYF presented data showing that entries into out-of-home care declined after 1227 but rose again after 6109, returning close to pre-1227 levels. The agency also reported a sharp increase in reviewable critical incidents in 2022-2025, especially near-fatalities, which it linked to the opioid and fentanyl crisis, parental stress, and system complexity. DCYF said it has responded with statewide Safe Child Councils, staff consultations, hotspot monitoring, and additional training, and noted that some contracted services authorized under 6109 were not implemented because of fiscal constraints. Senators asked about where children are in the process, who participates in court, the timing of data releases, age breakdowns, and geographic hotspots. Advocates and lived-experience witnesses from LCYC and a family intervention clinic argued that 1227 has not prevented courts from removing children when necessary and said the law appropriately requires the state to show a causal link between home conditions and risk. They said 6109 appropriately highlights fentanyl’s danger, but stressed that the larger issue is lack of prevention and treatment resources, inconsistent county-by-county practice, and insufficient supports such as inpatient beds, family treatment, housing, transportation, and third-party safety plan participants. A parent ally described how early support, peer guidance, and kin placement helped her achieve recovery and stability after losing parental rights in an earlier case. The committee also heard an update on SB 6068 from the Administrative Office of the Courts and K Implementation and Evaluation. The report identified 15 dimensions of relational permanency and child well-being, found that some data already exist while other measures need development, and recommended a phased data collection plan, a restored data-sharing agreement between AOC and DCYF, and a standing cross-agency work group. AOC said its dependency data system lapsed when the prior agreement expired in June 2025 and needs to be rebuilt. The meeting also included a brief update on bridge housing for youth exiting inpatient treatment, with presenters saying two programs are now open, one in King County and one in Spokane, and a short introduction to juvenile rehabilitation capacity updates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public testimony is closed. Close. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1442.
• We're not closing the barn door after it's already out; we're closing it ahead of time.
• Okay, I just want to close. All right.
• Public testimony is closed.
• Public testimony is closed. All right.

Bills: SB34 , SB119 , SB261 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB1245 , SB1247 , SB1267 , SB1442 , SB1930 , SB1948 , SB2078 , SB2112 , SB2143 , SB2155

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• But my primary focus is retail.
• They outweigh the ridiculous decision to close down that mine.
• We do work closely with our labs, and I will let Dean Corbell respond to those.
• Closing us out will be Representative Duncan. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We were closed during those COVID years.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It serves as the primary constitution. that are not eligible for AUF or Puff support.
• Although you would never know it by our football fans, we also work closely with Texas A&M.
• The people themselves are really the primary when you're recruiting your 100.
• Let me close this out. Is there any other business come for the committee?
• Let me close this out. Is there any other business come for the committee?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met to review interim charges on the Permanent University Fund (PUF), the Available University Fund (AUF), the Higher Education Fund (HEAF), and the Texas University Fund (TUF). Legislative Budget Board staff outlined how each fund works, including PUF’s constitutional role for UT and Texas A&M, HEAF’s capital support for institutions outside those systems, and TUF’s research funding for eligible universities. They also described TUF’s growing corpus and distribution changes, and noted which institutions are nearing eligibility. Committee members asked about distribution formulas, comparisons to other states, and how funds are allocated among system institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will close the roll. There being 83 ayes and 47 nays, the motion prevails.
• It has affected some of us very close to home.
• </c> very close to home. very close to home.
• The clerk will close the roll. "I can't. I just closed it." [clears throat] "Mr. Speaker." "Mr.
• Speaker, you had closed the roll.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think over the last year we've developed a very close working relationship built on shared goals and
• working relationship built on very close working relationship built on shared<00:08:04.879><c> goals
• The second primary reason why this will be a superior program is that, unlike Michigan, our community
• </c><00:14:53.839><c> The</c><00:14:54.160><c> second</c><00:14:54.560><c> primary</c><00:14:55.120><
• The second primary reason are released.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And you and the primary subsource was Igor Danchenko, right? That's correct, Senator.
• This is someone close to the President. This is inappropriate." What would you do? Simple.
• I have to tell you, I saw up close and personal how politically weaponized the FBI had become.
• Do you really think that closing the intel branch will make Americans safer?
• Before I close the meeting, do you have anything you want to say?

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• In each of these cases, the Supreme Court acted on the principle that parents have the primary right
• </c> ensuring they Remain the primary ensuring they Remain the primary decision<01:24:51.639><c> makers
• Keep the doors closed; we're going to clarify that vote. Members, take your seats.
• </c> absente ballots from 5:00 to the closing absente ballots from 5:00 to the closing and<03:55:08.520
• Although she continues to work, she is the primary caretaker for their children.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further discussion on debate, Senator Laird, would you like to close?
• Seeing no further discussion on debate, Senator Sivantes, would you like to close?
• Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Grove, would you like to close?
• Seeing no further discussion on debate, Senator Blakspere, would you like to close? Yes, thank you.
• Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Cortese, would you like to close?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They provide warranty service, recalls, and repairs close to home, something families on tribal lands
• They provide warranty service, recalls, and repairs close to home, something families on tribal lands
• And then, if I may, just a closing comment on this one particular question. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I have close to $750 million in requests. $750 million in requests.
• This situation here, and hopefully with a closing statement, I'll be able to get into a little bit of

Bills: SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They will hold their first annual meeting upcoming in March, and we will be working closely with them
• They will hold their first annual meeting upcoming in March and we will be working closely with them
• I am starting to feel I've been up here talking for a long time, but I will just close with these last
• So I'll close with this slide, hopefully being a little bit responsive to Representative Mickelsen's
• The primary objective with lining that canal is for safety.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee met to consider several RS drafts and receive agency updates. The committee introduced RS 33151, described as a federalism bill intended to clarify state and federal roles in Idaho code; RS 33217, which would clarify distribution of the big game depredation fund so remaining money is paid pro rata to farmers and ranchers; RS 33284, proposing hunting as Idaho’s state sport; and RS 33287 C1, a revised version of a prior bill related to notice language and fish and game issues. RS 313185 was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. The committee also approved pending rule docket 24-3501-2501 for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. The committee then heard an extensive update from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Officials said the division now oversees more than 259,000 licenses across 44 boards and three safety programs, has consolidated offices and systems to improve efficiency, and is moving toward two-year renewals and more function-based organization. They also outlined upcoming executive legislation on controlled substances, board consolidations, and unified disciplinary procedures, and reported on fee reductions, zero-based rulemaking, and board cash-balance corrections under prior legislation. The Department of Water Resources and the Idaho Water Resource Board provided lengthy presentations on budget holdbacks, water administration, groundwater conditions, recharge, cloud seeding, the Bear River Compact, and a proposed merger with the Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Director Weaver described budget reductions, staffing challenges, delivery-call enforcement on the Eastern Snake Plain, expansion of groundwater administration into tributary basins, and new monitoring and modeling work in the Treasure Valley. Chairman Raybould reviewed state water funding, recharge and canal-efficiency projects, cloud seeding, and the ESPA sustainability program, including grants for groundwater-to-surface-water conversion and telemetry. The committee asked questions about aquifer management, canal lining and recharge, Bear River depletion rights, and conversion projects. The meeting ended with approval of the February 3 minutes and notice that another RS would likely be taken up at the final meeting later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• When a close family member exchanges blood, it can make a future organ transplant between them harder
• So I think in closing, less than 50% of the population is even eligible to give blood to begin with.
• Representative Bruce, any closing comments? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, the committee. Thank you, Mr.
• Excuse me, I have to hold my notes very close to my face.
• Representative Redmond, do you care to close? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 528, which would codify the ability for patients to use self-donated or directed donor blood under federal testing and collection guidelines. Representative Chris Bruce said the bill was intended to ensure Idaho patients have that option in state law after some hospitals or facilities had denied requests. Supporters testified that the bill protects patient autonomy, religious freedom, and medical choice, and described personal experiences where directed donation was difficult or impossible to arrange in Idaho. Opponents, including representatives from Vitalant and the Red Cross, said directed and autologous donations are already available when medically indicated, that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist, and that it could add cost, complexity, and strain to an already severe blood shortage without improving safety. After debate over terms such as “detrimental” and “gross negligence,” a substitute motion to send the bill to amending order failed 7-9, and the original motion to send HB 528 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation passed 7-6. The committee then approved a rules docket for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Business Enterprise Program, which updates and streamlines rules governing vending and food service facilities operated by blind entrepreneurs. The committee next took up House Bill 550, a midwifery bill updating Idaho’s existing statute to allow licensed midwives to administer additional medications within their training and scope of practice. The sponsor and several midwives, nurses, and other supporters said the changes would modernize outdated law, improve care in rural areas, reduce unnecessary hospital transfers, and better address postpartum hemorrhage and other maternal or neonatal needs. One testifier described a tragic homebirth outcome and urged stronger safety limits, while the Idaho Medical Association said it had worked with the sponsor on compromise language. At the sponsor’s request, HB 550 was held in committee and the related revised RS was moved forward. The committee then approved RS-33-250, which incorporated agreed-upon changes defining a formulary and protocol and clarifying maternal and neonatal care language, sending it to the second reading calendar with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will hold their first annual meeting upcoming in March, and we will be working closely with them
• They will hold their first annual meeting upcoming in March and we will be working closely with them
• I am starting to feel I've been up here talking for a long time, but I will close with these last two
• So I am starting to feel I've been up here talking for a long time, but I will just close with these
• The primary objective with lining that canal is for safety. That canal sits on a hillside.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me close by saying that we hope, Inspector General, in both your opening statement and then in the
• letter or report, because of the timing of this hearing, the public nature of the matter, and how close
• But I think part of that is for exactly the reason that I said in the beginning: we're very close, but
• And out of respect for... ...we're very close, but we're not done, and out of respect for a team that
• Well, I was close. Yeah. Um, how long is that training program?

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a workforce shortage in this area, but that is not the primary reason for me bringing this
• All right, with that, we're going to close the hearing on House Bill 2286.
• All right, to close us out is Cheryl Harrison. Cheryl Harrison: Oh, can you hear me?
• And our colleges, universities, and programs will start to close.
• And with that, we're going to close the public hearing on House Bill 2098. Ms.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing. HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, we will close the hearing on 2365.
• I don't anticipate the governor overriding our primary federal mission.
• I don't anticipate the governor overriding our primary federal mission.
• And so with that, we will close the hearing on House Bill 2357.
• It's remained the same since 2011, when the state tourism agency was closed.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Close out the presentations.
• I did have a quick announcement just as we close up here.
• So, please, all the presenters stay close. Be ready to come up.
• So, please, as you respond back to me, please be brief because these are kind of closed questions.
• And so certainly I was paying very close attention.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, will close up shop, right? They'll, they'll turn off their, their campaign phone.
• They'll stop, they'll close their PO box, and they might not get noticed that they have this accruing
• And in August is when you had the consultant close down the pack for you, sir?
• Uh, we did, we did not close down the pack.
• Um, obviously the office was closed. I started calling the office that, that following Monday.