Transcript Highlights:

• If not, public testimony is closed.
• If not, public testimony is closed.
• Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
• Public testimony is closed.
• Hearing none, public testimony is closed.

Bills: HB 33 , HB 45 , HB 48 , HB 1261 , HB 1465 , HB 1778 , HB 2596 , HB 5238 , SB 2969

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary beneficiaries of this bill are, like I said, our schools, but also our townships and small
• ><c> this</c><00:05:04.400><c> bill</c> The primary beneficiaries of this bill The primary beneficiaries
• We've worked closely with our local school district and appreciate the challenges they face.
• He bought a closed storefront and reopened it as Blackbear Bakery. Now he's expanded to Hibbing.
• So, it was really actually really close.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the other aspect close to unanimous.
• I think those are the primary points that I want to hit.
• I think those are the primary points that I want to hit.
• Um, I think those are the primary points that I want to hit.
• Um, I think those are the primary points that I want to hit.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to 700 iners response we hosted close to 700 iners participants<00:12:14.600><c> our</c><00:12:14.800
• Across Maui Nui, we completed close to 420 permanent units in 2024 and are committed to building over
• I thought the way we won in the primary was historic.
• I thought the way we won in the primary was historic.
• Usually the departments at a local level work very closely with us.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 99 closes these gaps with three key common sense provisions.
• Would you like to close? Yes.
• Would you like to close?
• So would you like to close?
• Would you like to close, Senator?

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, obviously, I'll close with saying... It's very important here in Texas.
• And public testimony is closed, leave the bill pending.
• Public testimony is closed. Leave the bill pending. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• That concludes public testimony on this bill and public testimony is closed.
• Yeah, and I agree, it's close.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The administration is looking at closing that department entirely.
• You know, the tie breakers, how close are you to like a, the average of like a.
• It's not even close. Is that right? Yes sir. It's a tough job. I get it. I do, sir.
• So you were looking at close to $2.73. $2,300 per day for a mental health inmate.
• So it is a document that they sign on at the closing table.

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's say that I make a motion, a primary motion, of what I stated. I'll do that.
• Substitute motion is voted on first, and if the substitute carries, the primary fails.
• There will be a primary motion most likely from here, from the chair. That motion be made.
• I'm nowhere close to any of these sites. And I don't ever want to be close to them.
• I'm nowhere close to any of these sites. And I don't ever want to be close to them.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee continued discussing recommendations for chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance and response in Louisiana’s wild and captive deer herds. Members and staff reviewed current surveillance results, noting that LDWF had met goals in 32 of 64 parishes and that voluntary hunter-harvest sampling was falling short in other areas. Several ideas were raised to improve sample collection without making it broadly mandatory, including incentives for hunters, taxidermists, and possibly processors; use of DMAP properties and mobile sampling units; and targeted sampling of older bucks and other higher-risk animals. Members also discussed whether to use parish-level or other geographic control areas, and whether to mirror aspects of Arkansas’s approach, including testing to reduce or remove restrictions when prevalence remains low. The committee also heard from LDWF and LDAF about captive herd surveillance and reporting. LDAF described its licensed deer facilities, a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish that led to depopulation and quarantines, and follow-up testing that has remained negative at quarantined farms. Witnesses said the agencies currently share information informally and through USDA/NVSL channels, but there is no specific law or regulation requiring 24-hour notification between agencies. The Wildlife Federation and several members recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory reporting of positives, and clearer coordination between LDWF and LDAF. Members also discussed the cost of testing, with LDWF saying USDA grants covered diagnostic testing for the last two deer seasons, while department self-generated funds covered earlier costs. A major portion of the meeting focused on how to respond when a positive wild deer is found. Some members favored immediate restrictions, while others argued for keeping existing season rules in place through the season and using the positive as a trigger for intensified sampling, with the goal of avoiding unnecessary penalties and encouraging hunters to submit samples. There was also discussion of whether baiting should be prohibited, allowed during hunting season, or phased based on testing results, with Arkansas’s statewide baiting allowance and county-based disease management zones used as a comparison. The chair emphasized that no final recommendation would be adopted at this meeting; instead, staff was directed to compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April meeting, when the committee expects to vote and the commission may need to act quickly through its notice-of-intent or emergency rule process before the next hunting season.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the main primary focus of this bill is kind of to...
• The purpose of HB 270 is simply to clarify how the requirement works while closing loopholes.
• Why this bill matters in particular: it clarifies regulations already in place and closes loopholes to
• As a local contractor, last year we employed close to 215 employees and worked 450,000 man-hours.
• But we're working closely with Public Works Director Elias Archuleta on it. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• Primary witnesses must be those accompanying the author or those who have officially registered their
• Massetto, would you like to close?
• Chair, would you like to close? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Chair, would you like to close? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• With that, Madam Secretary, we'd like to close and call the roll. AB 1166, the motion is due pass.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then proceeded with bill presentations and later formal votes once enough members arrived. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including how to submit written testimony and rules for witnesses and conduct. The agenda included AB 771, AB 1507 on the consent calendar, and AB 1166. AB 771 by Assemblymember Massetto was presented as a technical fix to California’s Uniform Commercial Code. Supporters said it would allow a mortgage or deed of trust to serve as a fixture filing without requiring an exact match to the debtor’s ID, reducing duplicate filings, fees, and administrative burdens. There was no formal opposition, and the committee voted due pass. AB 1507 was then adopted on the consent calendar with a due pass recommendation. AB 1166 by Chair Valencia addressed debt settlement protections for small business commercial financing recipients by extending existing California debt settlement standards from consumer loans to business loans. Supporters, including the Responsible Business Lending Coalition and several financing providers, said the bill would curb harmful practices and align incentives, while still allowing debt settlement services. Members asked about the private right of action and statutory damages, and the bill was approved due pass. The committee later reopened the rolls for absent members, recorded additional aye votes, and adjourned after completing the agenda.

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.