Transcript Highlights:

• of the most powerful things you can do is send a policymaker out in a wheelchair to navigate their city
• of the most powerful things you can do is send a policymaker out in a wheelchair to navigate their city
• We have kind of bits and pieces scattered throughout Title 56 and in some other spots in code, but not
• And per Idaho Code, I know there's certain exceptions. They don't meet any of the exceptions.
• We're working with the health and welfare chairs on that, that it is up front in that section of code

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the January 21 and January 22, 2026 minutes, then heard a presentation from AARP Idaho on aging issues. AARP described Idaho’s growing 50-plus population, emphasizing concerns about Social Security, affordable health insurance, caregiving, housing, transportation, and fraud/scams. The presenter highlighted AARP’s age-friendly community work and grant program, and said older Idahoans are a major voting bloc whose needs should be considered across policy areas. In response to questions, AARP discussed education efforts on scams, including scam jams and outreach with law enforcement, and noted support for measures such as a bill targeting fraud through crypto kiosks. The committee then received a detailed Department of Health and Welfare update from Director Juliet Sharon on program integrity, fraud, waste, and abuse prevention. She said the department had recently created a department-wide fraud policy, an anonymous reporting line, a compliance committee, and mandatory staff training, and launched “impact reviews” to evaluate whether programs are still solving the intended problems. She also described ongoing fraud work in Medicaid, self-reliance programs, and the Idaho Child Care Program, including a 360-degree review of 775 child care providers that had already led to nine terminations and further investigations. Sharon said the department has limited staff and backlogs, and asked for additional resources, including five new child care staff and a contractor to assist with Medicaid provider reviews. Members raised concerns about child care providers receiving public funds while not registered with the Secretary of State, recovery of overpayments, and the visibility of recovery data. Sharon said the department is working with the Tax Commission and plans to codify child care program requirements and create a broader Title 56 program integrity chapter. She said recovered funds are returned to the appropriate program bucket, with federal shares returned as required, and that the department is working to improve public reporting. The committee also discussed single audit findings, the use of technology and possible AI tools to improve oversight, and the department’s efforts to reduce compliance problems before they become public issues. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• the map color-coded that you received?
• Petersburg, my home city.
• Ybor City, a 10-minute drive from downtown Tampa, in that district that is now in Plant City, is somehow
• And then there are the questions about cutting cities and counties.
• And cities with only one district?

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituting identical House Bill 1D, to establish Florida’s congressional districts. The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by procedural remarks, then extensive floor discussion focused almost entirely on the redistricting proposal, its timing, and its legal basis. Senator Gaetz, explaining the bill, said the Governor had transmitted the map two days earlier, argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is not prohibited by law, and said the Governor’s stated reasons were to address population growth and to draw race-neutral districts. He also said the legislature could accept, reject, or amend the proposal. Much of the debate centered on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Louisiana decision and whether it affected Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators Smith, Rouson, Sharief, Polsky, Arrington, Bracey Davis, Bernard, Nathan, and others questioned the short notice, lack of public hearings, the use of partisan data, the absence of sworn testimony, and whether the map diluted minority voting strength or fragmented communities of interest. Gaetz repeatedly said he was not offering legal opinions, that the Governor’s counsel believed the Fair Districts race-based provisions were inconsistent with federal law, and that any legal challenge would be for the courts. He also said the Governor’s mapmaker reported using census and demographic data, along with political data as one of many inputs, and claimed the map’s compactness was comparable to the current map. A motion by Senator Smith to temporarily postpone consideration of the bill failed on a 12-23 vote. After the Senate returned from a 30-minute break to review the new Supreme Court decision, debate continued. The chamber then substituted HB 1D for SB 8D, read the House bill, and advanced it to third reading. The transcript ends during debate on final passage, with Senators Rouson and Bernard speaking in opposition and arguing the map was procedurally rushed, legally vulnerable, and politically motivated.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Claims Act is a set of state statutes that determine whether and when a city or other government
• The Education Code 38.004 mandates schools adopt... Policies addressing sexual abuse.
• Though the bill currently points to a code that's very dispersed, your language in the education code
• Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City. OK, yeah, now I am.
• Can you provide the Teacher Code of...? ...ethics to the committee for us because I'm not...

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From Boise nights with a bright city glow to Coeur d'Alene's calm waters below.
• and Conservation Committee, an act relating to private forest land, amending Section 38-111, Idaho Code
• the Business Committee, an act relating to engineers and surveyors, amending Section 54-208, Idaho Code
• No. 515 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, amending Section 33-1631, Idaho Code
• No. 515 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, amending Section 33-1631, Idaho Code

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, and members noted the recent death of Representative Lyndon Bateman, offering condolences for his family. The journal for the prior legislative day was approved without objection. The chamber then moved to House Concurrent Resolution 22, which honors the nation’s 250th anniversary by declaring 2026 the Year of Volunteerism and the America 250 in Idaho Service Challenge, recognizing the song “Forever Idaho,” and encouraging Idahoans to sign the state’s replica Declaration of Independence. Before considering HCR 22, the House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote, 68 ayes and two abstentions. Representative Mitchell explained the resolution as part of a broader effort to promote service, community engagement, and celebration of American founding principles, including a goal of 250,000 acts of service tracked through IdahoKindness.com. The House then adopted HCR 22 by voice vote and transmitted it to the Senate. A performance of the “Forever Idaho” song followed, along with remarks thanking organizers, ambassadors, service groups, and the Sons of the American Revolution for the Declaration signing display. The House also received committee reports and introduced several bills and one joint resolution for first reading, including measures on private forest land, surveyor licensing, cosmetology licensure and exams, bullying prevention training, parental rights in education, repeal of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region statute, and a constitutional amendment on sectarian appropriations. During announcements, members highlighted a housing and affordability lunch-and-learn, an informational meeting on rats in the Treasure Valley, visits from a Pacific Northwest Economic Region delegation, and Sugar Day at the Capitol. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 8 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• PRES., I'D LIKE TO DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO THE EAST GALLERY, STUDENTS FROM SENATE DISTRICT 32 THE CITY
• COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 806 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
• COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1173 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
• COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1173 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
• COMMERCIAL CODE.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the House, we didn't believe that this needed to be in Century Code.
• We embedded in Century Code.
• We thought that the organizations, whether it be whatever organization, Code, we thought that the organizations
• But when you are in a larger city like Fargo, Bismarck, my not, your sixth-grade class, I mean, you could
• But when you are in a larger city like Fargo, Bismarck, my not, your sixth-grade class, I mean, you could

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate conference committee on Senate Bill 2330 met to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill, which concerns human trafficking and exploitation prevention and awareness education in schools. House members explained their amendments, including adding non-public schools, narrowing some statutory language, removing the appropriation section because funding had been moved into the Attorney General’s budget, and changing the bill’s structure to reduce what they viewed as an overly broad mandate. Senators and House members then debated whether the education should be required for all grades or limited to specific grades, and whether it should be delivered every year or every other year. Testimony from Amy Boyd-Bomey of YouthWorks and Stacey Schaefer of the 31A Project supported focusing the program on grades 6 and 10, with later discussion adding grade 12. They said sixth grade is a key entry point into junior high and social media exposure, tenth grade is important because of dropout risk, and twelfth grade would be the last opportunity to reach students before adulthood. They also said repeating the same material every year could dilute the message, that the curriculum should be thoughtful and trauma-informed, and that “best practices” may be preferable to the bill’s “evidence-based” language because of cost and feasibility. They emphasized that presenters must be prepared for disclosures from students after the training. Committee members also discussed logistics and funding. The witnesses said the Attorney General’s budget line for the program would fund third-party organizations through a grant process, with reporting requirements, and that the proposed amount was based on their cost estimates. Members raised concerns about whether the funding would cover all schools and grades, especially if non-public schools were included. Several members argued against mandating the program in non-public schools at this time, citing uncertainty about related legislation and the need to maximize available funds, while others said private school students also face trafficking risks and should not be excluded. The committee did not take final action on the bill; instead, members agreed to continue working on amendments, including grade levels, annual versus biennial implementation, the “may include” language, the “evidence-based” standard, and the non-public school issue, and to reconvene at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, your cities don't have the money to test.
• that, nor are we, because the penal code is the penal code is the penal code.
• They've got QR codes.
• The cities do not care.
• The cities do not care.

Committee: House Public Health

Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.

Transcript Highlights:

• like Kansas City and New York City in taking proactive steps to prevent another senseless tragedy.
• Includes learning the processes of insurance and CPT codes and ICD-10, et cetera.
• As I said before, those codes, those billing codes, belong to all health care providers.
• I'm a board-certified rheumatologist practicing in Kansas City, Missouri.
• I'm a board-certified rheumatologist practicing in Kansas City, Missouri.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 2365, 2490, and 2249, a bipartisan version of Elijah’s Law, which would require child care facilities to receive training and guidance on recognizing and responding to food allergies and anaphylaxis. Sponsors described the bill as a response to the death of Elijah, whose daycare did not administer epinephrine quickly enough after a food exposure. Witnesses in support, including a parent and food allergy advocate, said the measure would improve preparedness and save lives. Committee members asked about whether the bill should use broader epinephrine terminology, whether the requirements could also be handled through child care licensing rules, and whether the bill was already included in a larger measure. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on those bills was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 1965, which would require insurers to reimburse athletic trainers for covered services and add athletic trainers to the practitioner definition for billing purposes. The sponsor and athletic training witnesses said the bill would recognize athletic trainers as licensed health care providers, improve access in rural and underserved areas, and allow reimbursement when trainers work in clinics, hospitals, or other non-school settings. Committee members raised repeated questions about the difference between athletic trainers and physical therapists, whether school-based services were already paid through contracts, whether the bill would increase costs or create double payment, and how diagnosis and billing would work under the current scope of practice. Opponents from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Missouri Insurance Coalition argued the bill would create a mandate, increase costs, and expand billing before clarifying the underlying scope of practice. No vote was taken in public hearing. The committee then moved into executive session and voted several bills do pass. A substitute was adopted for House Bill 1826 and the committee substitute for House Bills 1826, 2560, 2349, and 2194 passed 17-0. House Bill 1783 also passed 17-0. House Bill 2372, which incorporated multiple related provisions including changes to epinephrine terminology and other committee items, passed 17-1 after a substitute and amendment were adopted. House Bill 1827, the occupational therapy bill related to disabled placards and license plates, passed 18-0. The committee then returned to public hearing and heard House Bills 1941 and 2279, which would prohibit copay accumulator programs for fully insured plans so that third-party assistance counts toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Sponsors and a rheumatologist testified that the bills would prevent patients with serious illnesses from being forced to pay the same deductible twice and said similar laws have been enacted in many other states. Opponents from America’s Health Insurance Plans argued the measure would affect only a minority of plans, raise costs in the individual and small-group market, and could worsen affordability for remaining enrollees. The hearing ended without a vote on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So just going through the bill, senators, it specifically amends Idaho Code 59-13-52B, and it includes
• public officers that are killed in this catastrophic injury section of code.
• You know, when I started my public service at the local level in the city of Meridian, I never really
• It also coincides well with our Code Cleanup Act.
• There are old code sections in here that note the AG is the legal counsel for the various boards.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the gubernatorial reappointment of Jeff Seleck to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) board, voting to send the nomination to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 544, which updates Idaho’s military leave statute for state employees serving in the Guard or Reserve. The bill increases military leave from 120 to 160 hours to align with federal guidance and cleans up conflicting statutory language. Representative Ted Hill and Idaho Army National Guard Lt. Col. Nate Peterson testified in support, and the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 642 was next, addressing PERSI death benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children of public safety officers killed as a result of catastrophic line-of-duty injuries. Senator Todd Lakey and firefighter representative Matt Smith explained that the bill clarifies and expands benefits, applies retroactively to July 1, 2021, and is funded by the public safety officer group rather than the general fund. The committee supported the measure and sent it to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 703, a DOPL cleanup and modernization bill that consolidates disciplinary procedures for licensed professions into a central code section while preserving profession-specific fines and fee schedules. After questions about legal counsel for the boards and a note that one surveyor-related fine had been inadvertently removed, the committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the City of Carlsbad, the City of Rancho Cucamonga, and the City of Thousand Oaks in opposed
• And in opposed and less-amended positions, we have Belmont, Redwood City, and the City of San Mateo.
• City of San Mateo.
• Shelter, housing, tiny homes provided mostly by the city within city limits in the city jurisdiction,
• Shelter, housing, tiny homes provided mostly by the city within city limits in the city jurisdiction,

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines. The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed. The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• He then served on the Nampa City Council. He was the church...
• He then served on the Nampa City Council.
• We thought it makes the most sense to codify this so that it's in code.
• He currently serves as the city administrator for the city of Sun Valley, a role that he started back
• I forgot to declare a 39-H since I work on housing policy with cities.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, opened with prayer honoring Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboom, and approved the journal. The chamber then handled routine committee and House messages, including referrals of several Senate and House bills to standing committees, reports of enrolled measures, and gubernatorial and House transmittals. Senators also briefly returned House Bill 545 to committee because it had not been properly reported. The main floor action centered on several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 1299, limiting government use of digital identification and protecting physical ID and device privacy, passed 35-0 after debate about privacy, enforcement, and whether it would affect agency accounts. Senate Bill 1335, extending service obligations for state-supported veterinary students, passed 33-2. Senate Bill 1330, raising the small-claims limit from $5,000 to $15,000, passed unanimously by reused roll call. Senate Bill 1359, the Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, drew the most debate over consumer protection versus regulation; it passed 19-16. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1348 on public outdoor target ranges and Pittman-Robertson funds, Senate Bill 1376 on declarations of candidacy, and Senate Bill 1378 modernizing off-road vehicle account and trail funding rules. Later, the chamber took up several appropriation bills: House Bills 868, 869, 870, 871, and 876 all passed, covering PERSI, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, OITS, the State Tax Commission, and the State Board of Education/higher education budgets. Those budget bills prompted extended debate over funding levels, tax collection, cybersecurity, and especially cuts to universities, community colleges, and career technical education, but each ultimately passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that city, we are known as the home of heroes.
• These are outlined in the New Mexico Administrative Code.
• As Alan pointed out, it is a city project.
• So, David Flores from the city of Albuquerque just joined me.
• We have a lot of city property. It's just a...

Transcript Highlights:

• So this report won't have any. about city and county property taxes. collect that data at all to know
• what you know how many cities and counties out there are for an optional homestead exemption?
• Of course, we have school districts, cities, counties, and special districts.
• cities and counties can do a percentage exemption but not a flat dollar one.
• I've even tried to color code them by type, articulate what the problem is. provide a solution.

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Highway Law and Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to renaming
• Sponsor, Senator Orlando, title and act to amend the highway law and administrative code at the city

Committee: Senate Investigations And Government Operations

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a light attendance and acknowledged committee members, clerk Joyce Andrea, and central staff from IGO and finance. The chair noted an 18-bill agenda, with 17 repasses and one new bill, S.8555, described as a local tax extender for Suffolk County that had been overlooked the prior year. Once three members were present, the committee proceeded with normal motions and seconds. The agenda included a range of measures on alcohol and cannabis regulation, public officers law, executive law, tax law, state law, and highway naming. Bills reported included S.315 on a temporary New York craft beverage permit, S.349 on expanding the definition of agency, S.566 on Address Confidentiality Program eligibility for election officials, S.1130 on renter protections tied to housing subsidies or public assistance, S.1787 on a veteran suicide awareness flag, S.2640 on including veterans in the definition of military status for discrimination purposes, and several cannabis-related bills including S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.6283. S.1418A, concerning attorney’s fees in certain proceedings, was referred to finance. Most bills were reported unanimously, though several had one nay or one without recommendation, including S.2271, S.234, S.2447, S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.8555. The committee also reported S.2364 designating the Honor and Remember flag as an official state flag, S.55 renaming a highway in New York City, and S.8276 regarding qualifications for an assistant county attorney in Rockland County. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and noting the committee would meet again in a few weeks.

Transcript Highlights:

• So any installation... ...our own health and safety code, any of our building standards.
• In my experience as a city planner, I know that there are so many different ways projects get delayed
• "Multiple cities and counties that are doing this, and it seems like they work.
• council member in the great city of La Mesa.
• Cities and counties are unable to count assisted living communities toward arena numbers.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is commonly used in New York City, for example. I visited a school that had three schools.
• This is commonly used in New York City, for example.
• It is such a wealthy city, and we can't provide lunches for kids that don't have them.
• It is like such a wealthy city, and we can't provide lunches for kids that don't have them.
• I represent 20 cities.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and took up several education bills. SB 1150, which would remove an unrelated exam barrier for school social workers to help districts retain them, was briefly explained and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1514 on anaphylaxis in public schools, which would require emergency action plans and training for school personnel; amendments narrowed and clarified the bill, including applicability to K-8 schools and FDA-approved epinephrine devices. Orange County Public Schools waived in support, and CS/CS/SB 1514 was reported favorably. The committee spent the most time on SB 1708, which expands Schools of Hope and creates a co-location framework allowing high-performing charter operators to share space in underused public school facilities, with the sponsor explaining that agreements would address safety, supervision, grade levels, emergency protocols, and liability. Members raised concerns about who would be served, lottery access, accountability, and whether the bill would worsen inequities or strain public schools; many public speakers opposed the bill on similar grounds, arguing it would divert resources from already underfunded schools. The sponsor clarified that Schools of Hope recruitment is exempt from lottery, that the bill would not use classrooms already in use, and that districts would receive $600 per student plus associated funding for vacant space. Despite mixed debate, CS for SB 1708 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 822, which updates charter school governance by limiting sponsor-imposed deadlines, preventing enrollment caps below facility capacity, improving data sharing, and allowing high-performing charter schools to assume existing charters. A charter school advocate supported the bill as a fairness and efficiency measure, while senators pressed him on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for the bill’s deadline changes. After brief debate, CS/SB 822 was reported favorably. The meeting ended with members recording votes on prior tabs and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, I'm Ed Orcutt, State Representative from District 20, which includes the City of Woodland
• If using the expedited rulemaking process, an agency must file notice with the Code Reviser’s office.
• The city of Des Moines recently officially declared itself the six-gill shark capital of the world and
• I also represent parts of Des Moines, Auburn, the cities of Pacific, Milton, and unincorporated King
• That structure while improving clarity across the code.

Bills: HB2447 , HB1364 , HB2632 , HB2637 , HB2520 , HB2235 , HB2401 , HB2574

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: shark conservation, marine life, state symbol, ecological importance, biodiversity, bingo, raffles, charity, nonprofit, amusement games, revenue threshold, licensing, fundraising, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, public records, public disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, I'm Ed Orcutt, State Representative from District 20, which includes the City of Woodland
• If using the expedited rulemaking process, an agency must file notice with the code reviser's office.
• The city of Des Moines recently officially declared itself the six-gill shark capital of the world and
• I also represent parts of Des Moines, Auburn, the cities of Pacific, Milton, and unincorporated King
• This bill preserves that structure while improving clarity across the code.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 1364 would raise from $5,000 to $15,000 the gross revenue thresholds for charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a gambling license, and would also raise related local tax thresholds; supporters said it is an inflation adjustment that helps volunteer nonprofits, while no opposition was heard before the hearing closed. HB 2632 would replace most uses of “alien” in state law with “non-citizen,” with exceptions for federal-law requirements and non-human uses; the sponsor described it as a dignity and accuracy measure rooted in refugee experience, while supporters and opponents debated whether it is respectful and clearer or instead unnecessary and potentially confusing. HB 2447 would designate the blunt-nosed six-gill shark as Washington’s official state shark; testimony from the sponsor, children, marine advocates, and scientists emphasized education, conservation, Puget Sound ecology, and local pride, and the hearing closed without opposition testimony. HB 2637 would exempt certain personal information from Public Records Act disclosure, including age, address, birthplace, precise location data, government identifiers, and consumer utility data; supporters framed it as privacy and safety protection, while opponents argued it would reduce transparency and could interfere with federal immigration enforcement. In executive session, the committee took action on three bills. HB 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions for concealed pistol licenses and permit-to-purchase firearm applications, was reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. HB 2401, establishing the Boys and Men’s Commission, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote, with some members supporting the concept but expressing concern about funding. HB 2574, which addresses removal of deceased candidates for nonpartisan office from ballots and related vote-count procedures, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote after members discussed the need to clarify election procedures in rare cases. The committee deferred action on HB 2520.

Transcript Highlights:

• and policies as put out by Chad's shop and our Fish and Game Code.
• there working on a cohesive management plan across all the cities.
• the mountains into the city there.
• As it's under code, it's imminent threat. So within policy.
• Next video is in Los Angeles, the city of Los Angeles.

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:06:09.599><c> and</c> cemeteries in the middle of cities and cemeteries in the middle of cities
• It's knowing codes. It's a whole broad range of things.
• It's knowing codes. It's a whole safety. It's knowing codes.
• of Manchester and the city of Nashua.
• of Manchester and the city of Nashua.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all