Transcript Highlights:

• and non-skilled providers and simplify the process.
• They must use evidence-based practices and procedures for pediatric emergency care.
• Health care providers cannot discriminate based on vaccination status. It's that simple.
• The way it's written, it says solely based on that.
• But it's solely based on the vaccine.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment. The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes. The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the base ongoing.
• Um and that the 4 million in the base.
• We work skills before they get hired.
• This experience leadership skills.
• </c><01:47:46.239><c> in</c> African-Americans with skills in African-Americans with skills in construction

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And customer service skills. And last but certainly not least, the U.S.
• that they need, so shouldn't it be changed to laws and skills?
• Like, is this just going to teach them the laws, or is it also skills that we're teaching them?
• And high school is a place where we are supposed to grow these skills, where we're supposed to learn
• real-life skills that will help us in the future and help us prepare outside of high school, because,

Committee: All GIRLS STATE

Summary: The meeting was a Girl State House session in which members received procedural guidance on chamber rules, recognition, voting, and decorum, then moved through a series of bills. The first bill, House Bill 1001, would have prohibited over-the-counter diet pills from being sold or transferred to minors; supporters argued it would protect teens from eating disorders and misuse, while opponents raised concerns about medical exceptions and the age cutoff. It failed 42-55. House Bill 1002, allowing lottery winners to keep their identities confidential for a period of time, was amended during discussion to a three-year confidentiality period and passed 79-17 after a motion for immediate consideration. House Bill 1003, requiring schools to provide resources and courses on child labor/workplace laws and readiness, drew debate over whether it should be mandatory, what age group it should cover, and whether schools could support it; it failed 22-73. House Bill 1004, the Arkansas Head Injury Act requiring helmets and protective gear for motorized cycle riders, passed 94-4 after testimony focused on safety for riders, other drivers, and first responders. Members then considered House Bill 1005, which would require a year-long personal finance course before graduation to teach budgeting, taxes, credit, and related life skills. Supporters said it would better prepare students for adulthood, while opponents argued the material is already covered in existing classes and raised concerns about scheduling and implementation; it failed 35-60. House Bill 1006 increased the teacher classroom investment income tax deduction from $500 to $1,000, with supporters emphasizing teachers’ out-of-pocket spending on classroom supplies and student needs; it passed 97-0. House Bill 1008 sought to limit the number of national franchise businesses in an economic zone to encourage local entrepreneurship and protect small businesses, but opponents argued it could hurt jobs, limit consumer options, and was unclear in scope; it failed 23-69. The House then passed House Bill 1009, creating a voluntary blue envelope program for people with intellectual disabilities to help law enforcement interactions, after supporters said it could reduce confusion and improve safety; it passed 87-5. The final bill introduced before the transcript ended was House Bill 2010, which would increase the income tax credit for Arkansas families supporting a child with special needs; the sponsor began by sharing a personal story about her brother with Down syndrome and the costs families face, but the discussion was cut off before debate or a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Medi-Cal is the primary funder for home and community-based services ranging from personal care aides
• So Medi-Cal home and community-based services can fill that gap.
• Medi-Cal managed care plans may not deny or limit care based on a member's gender identity.
• HIP program, which is employee-based premium assistance.
• When we do receive a complaint based on discrimination or other harassment based on LGBTQ status, we

Summary: The committee held an inaugural hearing on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, with members and witnesses emphasizing that this population has made major gains in rights and longevity but still faces discrimination, isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in services. Opening remarks highlighted concerns about older LGBTQ people entering nursing homes and feeling forced back into the closet, as well as the growing number of Californians aging with HIV. The hearing was structured into three panels, with public testimony considered if time allowed. The first panel focused on the overall health and support landscape. Justice in Aging described survey findings showing discrimination, poor health, difficulty with errands, and economic insecurity among older LGBTQ Californians, and warned that federal Medicaid cuts and broader federal actions could worsen access to home- and community-based services and culturally competent care. CalHHS and the Department of Aging described the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide LGBTQIA older adult survey, and efforts to support gender-affirming care, PACE, care management, and community supports. Witnesses stressed the need for better outreach, data collection, and a “no wrong door” approach so people can more easily find and access services. The chair and senators pressed the departments on how survey findings are being translated into concrete action and how state agencies are coordinating across silos. The second panel addressed health care for seniors living with HIV. A longtime survivor described severe financial and benefits consequences from a federal clawback and argued that California needs stronger legal, navigation, and housing supports, including HIV-specific housing funding. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, saying it has educated area agencies on aging, added HIV data to planning tools, and found that 20 of 33 area agencies identified HIV as a target population, with 16 including specific strategies. The Office of AIDS outlined Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, a Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and that local case managers are expected to coordinate whole-person care. Case managers and advocates said housing, food, transportation, mental health, and premium assistance remain major needs, and senators asked whether future ADAP rebate funds could support navigation, housing, and other gap-filling services. The final panel turned to transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex seniors. The Department of Social Services described protections under SB 219, including nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required records for preferred names and pronouns, and annual inspections of licensed facilities. The Department of Public Health and a TransLatin Coalition leader were introduced to discuss additional supports for TGI seniors. Across the hearing, members repeatedly returned to the themes of visibility, coordination, and implementation, asking departments to follow up on how they will better connect services, improve outreach, and ensure that existing laws and programs are actually reaching the people they are meant to serve.

Transcript Highlights:

• One, prohibit contingency or percentage-based fees for unlicensed claim agents.
• One, prohibit contingency or percentage-based fees for unlicensed claim agents.
• One, prohibit contingency or percentage-based fees for unlicensed claim agents.
• One, prohibit contingency or percentage-based fees for unlicensed claim agents.
• Prohibit contingency or percentage-based fees for unlicensed claim agents.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The blueprint was then based on those 13 regional strategies.
• that will blend some grants directly based on headcount and some that are based on some other factors
• And we assume everybody has the same starting base.
• And we assume everybody has the same starting base.
• We are a CDFI based in California that serves rural and tribal communities.

Summary: The hearing focused on the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and several related budget proposals. Director D.D. Myers described the California Jobs First economic blueprint, regional planning efforts across 13 regions, and the state’s strategy to target sectors such as ag tech, space, life sciences, semiconductors, and emerging technologies. She also discussed the California brand campaign, export promotion, film tax credits, and the California Civic Media Fund, emphasizing job creation, regional equity, and business attraction/retention. Members raised questions about support for journalism, arts and creative industries, AI’s impact on jobs, foreign direct investment, manufacturing, tariffs, and how the Jobs First framework is being implemented across regions. Go-Biz then presented trailer bill language to extend the encumbrance deadline for remaining Jobs First administrative funds and to codify the Office of Regional Economic Development Initiatives. The department said $95 million of the $100 million Jobs First appropriation had already been deployed to grants for counties and tribes, and members asked for more information on regional outcomes, including Orange County and the North State. Public comment supported Jobs First and the Small Business Development Centers’ role in helping businesses access capital and create jobs. The committee also heard a request for ongoing CalExport funding to replace uncertain federal STEP support; the LAO noted the Legislature may want to weigh whether to backfill federal reductions, while Go-Biz argued the state program is needed because federal support appears unlikely to continue and demand exceeds available funding. The committee next heard the film and television tax credit staffing request. Go-Biz asked for funding for three permanent positions to manage the expanded program, and the LAO recommended approval given the increased workload. The Film Commission reported a sharp rise in applications after AB 1138 and the program expansion, with productions taking place both inside and outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone and activity spread across the state. Finally, Go-Biz presented a request for one permanent position and one graduate student assistant to support innovation and emerging technologies, including quantum and fusion. Members asked about the use of the state’s quantum funding, and staff explained it would support microgrants, state capacity-building, and workforce education. No formal votes were taken in the portions provided, and the chair indicated some items would be moved and heard later in the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, in conversations with PED regarding New Mexico's school-based behavioral workforce, a common
• But I guess my first question is just based upon the education that we have for school counselors: Do
• We need to know what they're choosing and why, and what they think is necessary based on how they're
• Watching those leaders grow in confidence and skill, and seeing that growth reflected in our students
• Together, we are developing more than 30 New Mexico leaders who will have the knowledge and skill to

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They will be highly skilled, graduates.
• What factors may have contributed: skill deficits, student-staff skill deficits, sensory environmental
• </c> what factors may have contributed, skill what factors may have contributed, skill deficits<00:25
• ,</c> deficits student staff skill deficits, deficits student staff skill deficits, sensory<00:25:53.480
• to make it actually be and staff skills to make it actually be more<00:26:02.040><c> rare.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> develop um cursive handwriting skills develop um cursive handwriting skills and<00:20:25.120><c>
• And so, in making this amendment, we expanded it beyond cursive handwriting skills.
• and an important cognitive skill for students to adopt.
• and an important worthwhile skill and an important cognitive<00:24:25.120><c> skill</c><00:24:25.840
• standards are 2 through 8, which will provide a skill-based health education.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are potential game changers. We don't know which of these are going to hit.
• that will blend some grants directly based on headcount and some that are based on some other factors
• And we assume everybody has the same starting base.
• We are a CDFI based in California that serves rural and tribal communities.
• -based CDFI... Hi, good afternoon.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout high school, I had a work-based learning project, also known as an SAE, in which I raised
• So the idea here is you're taking the skills you learn in FFA and in the classroom, and you're taking
• And being on an officer team can teach you skills ranging anywhere from managing chapter finances and
• And being on an officer team can teach you skills ranging anywhere from managing chapter finances and
• So the idea here is you're taking the skills you learn in FFA and in the classroom, and you're taking

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard Senate Bill 1291 from Senator Carrie Semmelroth, a code-cleanup measure tied to the prior session’s Code Cleanup Act and reviewed by agencies, the LSO program impact team, and the DOGE Task Force. Semmelroth walked the committee through multiple sections of Idaho Code Title 33 that she described as obsolete, outdated, or orphaned, including provisions on public school appropriations, third-party contracts to improve student achievement, teacher recognition reporting, county school funding mechanisms, industry partner funds, asbestos abatement at Albion Normal School, and advanced opportunities. She also explained that two sections in the bill simply removed references to provisions being repealed. The committee asked no substantive questions and voted unanimously to send SB 1291 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. After the bill hearing, the committee received a presentation from Idaho FFA state officers, who described FFA’s role in agricultural education, leadership development, and supervised agricultural experience. The students outlined the three-circle model of classroom instruction, FFA activities such as career and leadership development events, and SAE projects ranging from beekeeping and welding to dairy work, greenhouse management, and livestock production. They highlighted statewide participation, leadership conferences, community service hours, and the upcoming state convention in Twin Falls, and invited legislators to attend. Committee members responded with supportive comments and a few questions about the students’ projects, including welding techniques, aluminum prep, and beekeeping. The students answered with details about MIG welding, cleaning aluminum before welding, hive management, honey production, and recordkeeping. The chair thanked the students for their work and emphasized values such as respect, responsibility, and resilience before adjourning the committee until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:34.200><c> interventions</c> to use evidence-based interventions to use evidence-based interventions
• </c> option of the science of reading based option of the science of reading based Ela<00:26:01.080><
• evidence-based evidence-based practices<00:26:18.320><c> again</c><00:26:19.320><c> our</c><00:26:19.679
• </c><00:32:43.480><c> in</c> instruction and foundational skills in instruction and foundational skills
• language-based language-based challenges<01:08:49.759><c> and</c><01:08:49.880><c> training</c><01:08

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• skills skills that<00:20:34.799><c> might</c><00:20:35.080><c> need</c><00:20:35.240><c> to</c><00:20
• I don't know if there is one, where a skilled board of examiners asks questions and puts people into
• I don't know if there is one, where a skilled board of examiners asks questions and puts people into
• I don't know if there is one, where a skilled board of examiners asks questions and puts people into
• We're trying to do, based on safety's knowledge of the review, to say what...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; bonafide qualifications based on sex. &gt;&gt; bonafide qualifications based on sex.
• Um, and you know, based on...
• And, you know, based on patterns, people would have raised so many millions of dollars.
• <03:13:50.080><c> information</c><03:13:50.560><c> and</c> evidence-based information and evidence-based
• we know are based on scientific data<03:47:39.199><c> and</c><03:47:39.520><c> findings.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , base housing to a home loan program.
• It directly affects whether veterans like me remain in California or take our skills, experience, and
• And again, the skills—I talk to trades and, you know, the average age...
• And again, the skills—I talk to trades and, you know, the average age for a tradesperson is 38 years
• All we have to do is look at the skills, the economy growth that would come in here that we would keep

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also an actuarial fiscal note showing an indeterminate impact that would vary based on the actual
• But based on the current projected costs of around $400,000 per year, that would not be expected to result
• There's a fiscal note from the Health Care Authority showing indeterminate impacts based on changes in
• They decline it, and that's based on this year's current employees.
• This is a narrow and technical clarification that protects the pension status of the skilled building

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 20, 2026, hearing several bills related to retirement systems, school employee health coverage, port district pensions, environmental fee accounts, developmental disability services, legislative budget transparency, and a new Apple Health employer assessment. Early in the meeting, the committee heard SB 5834, which would make permanent a temporary expansion allowing certain retirement trust fund earnings to pay broader administrative expenses, and SB 5835, which would raise the lump-sum retirement allowance threshold for Plan 2 members from $50 to $250. Both bills were presented by Department of Retirement Systems staff and supported by the department, with questions focused on the scope of the administrative-expense language in SB 5834 and the technical nature of SB 5835. The committee then entered executive session and moved three bills without recommendation to the Rules Committee: Substitute SB 5249, allowing kit homes as emergency housing; Substitute SB 5053, allowing certain counties to include school district boundaries when forming a public facilities district; and Substitute SB 5203, directing state agencies to develop a wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and creating related accounts. After returning to public hearing, members heard SB 5883 on SEBB eligibility for school employees in their second school year of employment. Supporters, including labor representatives and individual school workers, said the bill would reduce coverage gaps and improve recruitment and retention, while school district officials and administrators argued it would create an unfunded mandate, increase costs, and add administrative burden. No action was taken on the bill. The committee also heard SB 5905, which would exclude certain port district employees from PERS if they are covered by the federal Railroad Retirement Plan or a collectively bargained defined benefit pension plan. Port representatives, labor stakeholders, and the Department of Retirement Systems described it as a narrow technical fix to avoid duplicate pension coverage and retroactive liabilities, and the bill drew support. SB 6151 would create dedicated accounts for Ecology fee revenue tied to laboratory accreditation and landfill methane work; Ecology and county representatives supported the measure as a way to reinvest fees in the programs that generate them. SB 6163 would require the Individual and Family Services waiver for developmental disability services to be budgeted at maintenance level; advocates said it would stabilize services and prevent waitlists, and no opposition was heard. The final two bills were SB 6177, which would require LEAP’s budget website to display additional budget detail such as carry-forward data, program and subprogram expenditures, and balance sheets for all public accounts, and SB 6173, which would create an Apple Health employer assessment on larger private employers with workers enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage. SB 6177 was framed as a transparency measure, while SB 6173 drew extensive testimony both in support and opposition: supporters said it would help offset expected Medicaid losses after federal work requirements take effect and stabilize the health safety net, while opponents argued it would be an unfunded tax, create administrative and legal complications, and could discourage hiring or reduce hours. The committee heard no final votes on the public hearing bills, and staff reminded members that signature sheets would be held for 24 hours under Senate rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the nuclear industry expands, Texas faces a shortage of skilled professionals in health physics, a
• to attract clean energy and battery storage projects to their community so they can grow their tax base
• I refused to do so because each need to be looked at on their own merits based upon school districts
• I'm not based here in Texas. So my... Where are you based? The specific bill.
• I'm not based here in Texas. So my... Where are you based out of? I'm based in Atlanta. Okay.

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note that we'll be calling testifiers based on the bill number and your name as written on the
• You'll be called based on the first bill. ...you'll be called based on the first bill you listed as your
• I think that really has to be based on an interpretation of where we are.
• But based on the timing that you had mentioned before, within five minutes, ICE could be there.
• Now, this is not a political chess game between both parties. It's a public health issue.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is based on Tucker's law but directed to students enrolled in public institutions of higher
• Get the skills, go to work. And the national average for crew members right now is $107,000 a year.
• Get the skills they need and find themselves in an industry that they really enjoy.
• More or less modified into the specific industry related to the basic skills, it becomes very niche,
• Chairman, members, House Bill 5294 aims to address the consequential erosion of merit-based standards

Bills: HB232

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortive operates a large, ultra-long-range business jet based at Paine Field, Seattle.
• Because you're no longer based here, it's more expensive to come back and forth.
• We have one investment group based at our field.
• The Commission does have a few recommendations based on this.
• The Commission does have a few recommendations based on this pilot.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on House Bill 2410, which would establish a commercial truck safety and education council, increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, and direct the new revenue to a dedicated account for truck safety and training programs. Committee staff outlined the bill’s CDL and training requirements, council structure, confidentiality provisions, and fiscal impacts. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to improve truck safety through industry-led education and noted that a substitute was expected because details still needed work. Testimony from the Washington Trucking Associations, insurers, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission was generally supportive of the safety goals, though the commission said operational details and agency roles still needed clarification. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2347, which would repeal the recently enacted luxury aircraft tax on non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000. Staff explained that the tax is scheduled to take effect April 1 and that repeal would reduce revenue to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. Representative Dent, the sponsor, argued the tax is harming business aviation, emergency services, wildfire response, agricultural operations, and rural access, and said aircraft and related jobs were already leaving the state. Most public testimony came from aviation businesses, airport operators, industry associations, and related employers, all urging repeal and warning of aircraft departures, lost hangar tenants, reduced fuel sales, and job losses. One witness from the Port of Seattle supported addressing the tax’s impact but urged working toward a narrower fix rather than full repeal so sustainable aviation fuel funding would remain stable. After closing the hearing on HB 2347, the committee received a work session on tolling technology. Transportation Commission staff presented the results of a pilot using a smartphone app to support toll collection, explaining that the current tolling system remains accurate but that new technologies could reduce costs and improve flexibility over time. The pilot found high accuracy when the app was paired to a vehicle by Bluetooth, lower accuracy without pairing, strong customer satisfaction, and some privacy concerns. The commission recommended keeping the current system in place for now, conducting a more fully operational smartphone-based pilot in the near term, and eventually developing a broader technology marketplace for future tolling systems. Members asked about the role of tags versus apps, video tolling accuracy, and the timeline for replacing existing tolling methods. The meeting ended with adjournment for caucus.