Transcript Highlights:

• N. and Austin Chamber BP State and Federal Relations Travis Kronkman.
• , aviation. bridges with a B-, broadband with a D+, ants with a D+, drinking water with a D+, energy
• With a recent record investment from the federal government, including the Infrastructure Investment
• The aviation road grades were the only two categories to improve since the 2021 road report.
• Aviation is now a B, the highest grade in our report.

Keywords: Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards

Summary: The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aviation Administration's request for proposal for electric vertical takeoff and landing in advanced
• Aviation Administration's request for proposal for the electric vertical takeoff and landing advanced
• Aviation Administration's request for proposal for the electric vertical takeoff and landing advanced
• House Bill 1197, by Representative Riser, regulation of plumbers; administrative fines; revocation of
• ; take over duties of the Department of the federal government.

Bills: HR91 , HR92 , HR93 , HCR44 , HR84 , HR85 , HR86 , HR87 , HR88 , HR89 , HR90 , HCR42 , HCR43 , SCR21 , HB483 , HB484 , HB893 , HB1087 , HB1088 , HB1089 , HB1090 , HB1091 , HB1092 , HB1093 , HB1094 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1097 , HB1098 , HB1099 , HB1100 , HB1101 , HB1102 , HB1103 , HB1104 , HB1105 , HB1106 , HB1107 , HB1108 , HB1109 , HB1110 , HB1111 , HB1112 , HB1113 , HB1114 , HB1116 , HB1117 , HB1118 , HB1119 , HB1120 , HB1121 , HB1122 , HB1123 , HB1124 , HB1125 , HB1126 , HB1127 , HB1128 , HB1129 , HB1130 , HB1131 , HB1132 , HB1133 , HB1134 , HB1135 , HB1136 , HB1137 , HB1138 , HB1139 , HB1140 , HB1141 , HB1142 , HB1143 , HB1144 , HB1145 , HB1146 , HB1147 , HB1148 , HB1149 , HB1150 , HB1151 , HB1152 , HB1153 , HB1154 , HB1155 , HB1156 , HB1157 , HB1158 , HB1159 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1163 , HB1164 , HB1165 , HB1166 , HB1167 , HB1168 , HB1169 , HB1170 , HB1171 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1178 , HB1179 , HB1180 , HB1181 , HB1182 , HB1183 , HB1184 , HB1185 , HB1186 , HB1187 , HB1188 , HB1189 , HB1190 , HB1191 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1195 , HB1196 , HB1197 , HB1198 , HB1199 , HB1200 , HB1201 , HB1202 , HB1203 , HB1204 , HB1205 , HB1206 , HB1207 , HB1208 , HB1209 , HB1210 , HB1211 , HB1212 , HB1213 , HB1214 , HB1215 , HB1216 , HB1217 , HB1218 , HB1219 , HB1220 , HB1221 , HB1222 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1225 , HB1226 , HB1227 , HB1228 , HB1229 , HB1230 , HB1231 , SB1 , SB54 , SB82 , SB87 , SB92 , SB93 , SB99 , SB104 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB123 , SB129 , SB133 , SB161 , SB162 , SB224 , SB236 , SB275 , SB280 , SB289 , SB305 , SB310 , SB325 , SB330 , SB339 , SB350 , SB359 , SB382 , SB410 , SB412 , HCR10 , HB54 , HB55 , HB67 , HB73 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB195 , HB205 , HB225 , HB245 , HB280 , HB283 , HB296 , HB319 , HB325 , HB339 , HB399 , HB407 , HB448 , HB482 , HB550 , HB591 , HB821 , HB826 , HB992 , HB995 , HB1085 , HB1086 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HB861 , HB889 , HB904 , HB907 , HB908 , HB929 , HB1009 , HB13 , HB23 , HB25 , HB32 , HB41 , HB90 , HB120 , HB121 , HB122 , HB127 , HB138 , HB139 , HB141 , HB179 , HB187 , HB213 , HB247 , HB286 , HB332 , HB344 , HB357 , HB367 , HB370 , HB462 , HB505 , HB527 , HB537 , HB605 , HB680 , HB681 , HB725 , HB780 , HB782 , HB847 , HB892 , HB911 , HB916 , HB1012 , HB81 , HB134 , HB154 , HB163 , HB170 , HB194 , HB217 , HB220 , HB254 , HB259 , HB290 , HB308 , HB311 , HB360 , HB382 , HB401 , HB410 , HB417 , HB463 , HB575 , HB592 , HB718 , HB723 , HB750 , HB755 , HB776 , HB812 , HB844 , HB882 , HB888 , HB961 , HB966 , HB980 , HB228 , HB289 , HB735 , HB796 , HB284 , HB301 , HB722 , HB468 , HB546 , HB746 , HB842 , HB923 , HB46 , HB166 , HB349 , HB352 , HB436 , HB588 , HB140 , HB429 , HB827 , HB953 , HB901 , HB9 , HB52 , HB58 , HB193 , HB400 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB733 , HB747 , HB868 , HB952

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then spent much of the day on personal privileges and resolutions recognizing groups and individuals. Members honored Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol, Tulane Day at the Capitol, and Landscape Architecture Month/Day, and also recognized the Liftoff Louisiana team for its work on an FAA advanced air mobility pilot program. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Representative Gene Durgey and adopted several condolence resolutions. The House then took up a long series of introductions and committee reports on bills, with many measures referred to committees and several resolutions adopted without objection. Among the more notable floor actions, the House adopted resolutions for Tulane University, physical therapy, landscape architecture, and the Liftoff Louisiana team, while other resolutions expressing condolences or commending individuals were either adopted or laid over. The chamber also received a large number of House and Senate bills on second reading for referral, covering topics such as education, health care, insurance, transportation, criminal justice, natural resources, taxation, and government administration. During floor consideration of bills, the House passed a number of measures, including a government clean-up bill removing inactive boards and commissions, an oyster tagging measure for alternative cultivation, a naloxone immunity bill, and a Secretary of State fee bill that drew some opposition but passed. Other bills approved included legislation on auto glass insurance practices, reckless driving at speeds over 100 mph, retirement system changes and cost-of-living adjustments, and several local crime prevention or improvement district measures. Some bills were amended or temporarily returned to the calendar for correction, including a firefighter retirement board governance bill, while most final passages were accompanied by motions to table reconsideration and, in some cases, requests for co-authors.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you're not an aviator, please take our word for it.
• This is a critical bill for our aviation, especially our general aviation pilots.
• And if you're not an aviator, please take our word for it.
• This is a critical bill for our aviation, especially our general aviation pilots.
• such administrative support.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• you is Substitute Senate Bill 5763, sponsored by Senator Lovick, relating to the Law Enforcement Aviation
• It provides reimbursement for search and rescue by aviation support units and provides remaining funds
• to the Washington State Patrol's aviation section.
• The amendment clarifies the definition of rotary wing aviation to mean helicopters carrying human operators
• It details specific state and federal laws that must be followed when making data available to the public

Bills: SB6084 , SB6044 , SB5950 , SB6046 , SB5763 , SB6215 , SB6160 , SB6123 , SB6049 , SB6164 , SB6313 , SB5784 , SB5046 , SB5489

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• the First Nations and tribes, the first peoples of both nations, who have upheld agreements with federal
• Ottawa as well, and learning about the important and those deep relationships on technology, on aviation
• Ottawa as well, and learning about the important and those deep relationships on technology, on aviation
• the real frustration that many Canadians have with what they see as unsportsmanlike conduct by our federal
• administration.

Summary: The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions. Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So typically interest income on federal debt obligations is included for purposes of federal taxation
• The Administrative Office of the Courts...
• On a federal level, there is no federal ban on kratom, and it's not listed as a controlled substance
• under federal law.
• You said there's no federal ban.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346. Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a student at UNM pursuing business administration and technology.
• Of some cool little aviation division bags from D.O.T.
• Senate Bill 199 may be used for the administration of the local DWI grant program.
• I know they have a federal accelerator program now.
• And I have to say this is in honor of Representative de Hochman Beale, Aviation Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Intimidation, but on August 13th, 1963, in federal court in Birmingham, Judge H.
• So I wanted to recognize her brother Ronnie, who is the administrator for the prosthesis agency.
• in the wake of Pearl Harbor, 18-year-old Stewart dropped out of high school and volunteered for Aviation
• His high marks on his interest and aptitude exams won him admission into the aviation Cadet program.
• Whereas... the aviation Cadet program.

Bills: SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 42 , SR 74 , SR 76 , HCR 5 , SB 710 , SB 710

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:47.120><c> over</c> required modeling administratively over required modeling administratively
• </c> process for determining administrative process for determining administrative completeness,<00:31
• the state and federal agencies.
• </c> engineers permit from the federal level. engineers permit from the federal level.
• administrator Carla Joe administrator administrator Carla Joe Susson.<01:10:16.640><c> So,</c><01:10

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason why they cobbled community together around the complex, the program started with federal dollars
• brother taught the alternative learning center for Waimea High School in '86 and '87 while it was federally
• 00:20:18.000><c> the</c><00:20:18.120><c> Pearl</c><00:20:18.360><c> Harbor</c><00:20:18.680><c> Aviation
• </c> through the Pearl Harbor Aviation through the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
• Mahalo nui for the support of administrators, staff, parents, and community members whose efforts empower

Bills: HB1576 , HB2490 , HB1546 , HB1588

Transcript Highlights:

• This program has effectively partnered federal agencies with private sector entrepreneurs to scale research
• We should not limit the number of contracts that a large defense contractor receives from the federal
• We don't tell Raytheon or Lockheed Martin, you've had enough federal contracts, we're going to start
• It is small but a mighty force, just like Siber within federal R&D.
• It was optimal for female pilots, female aviators, actually, and also for male aviators now.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Major commercial service airports are defined in the bill as airports which the Federal Aviation Administration
• Trump International Airport is subject to approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and execution
• Trump International Airport is subject to approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, execution
• federal, but we left it pretty wide for federal recognition.
• aviation across Europe, really, and it was not good; it really destroyed general aviation.

Bills: S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of bills, many of them retained from the prior week. The most debated measure was CS for SB 706, which would preempt naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designate Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and a trademark agreement. Amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to prevent private financial benefit from the naming. Several senators spoke in opposition, citing concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and the trademark/licensing arrangement; supporters argued there was no cost to the airport and that the bill simply set a state naming policy. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements, CS for CS for SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, CS for SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, SB 962 on excluding farms from certain zoning definitions, and CS for SB 820 on problem-solving court reporting requirements. The committee then approved several bills from Senator DiCeglie and Senator Arrington. SB 840, addressing land-use regulations for local governments affected by natural disasters, was supported by local-government and environmental advocates who said it would restore local control after SB 180’s hurricane-related restrictions; the sponsor said it was intended to correct unintended consequences of last year’s law. CS for SB 856, requiring online listing platforms to show estimated ad valorem taxes on residential listings, was amended to exclude social media platforms and broaden liability protections; the sponsor and a county property appraiser described it as a consumer-transparency measure. CS for SB 110, clarifying homestead exemption treatment for long-term leases that end at death, was also reported favorably. The committee took up a controversial strike-all amendment to SB 212, which focused on public swimming pools and added residency and related restrictions for certain sex offenders and offenders on community control or probation. The amendment drew strong opposition from advocates and affected families, who argued it would worsen homelessness, impose broad geographic restrictions, and lack evidence of improving child safety; supporters said it was a targeted public-safety measure. Despite the objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, SB 434 on property tax assessment treatment for wind-hardening improvements, CS for CS for SBs 658 and 608 on water-safety requirements for rental properties with pools or nearby water, SB 748 on adding voting-rights restoration information to sentencing score sheets, and CS for SB 824 requiring school districts to inventory unimproved real property. The meeting ended while the committee was beginning SB 848 on stormwater treatment, with an amendment being introduced as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some disaster relief for TIB and for Crab that are loans, that we hope the federal government
• We have some disaster relief for TIB and for Crab that are loans, that we hope the federal government
• Disaster relief for Tibb and for Crab that are loans that we hope the federal government will pay us
• And so we're confident and hopeful that we will get federal relief.
• And the Sustainable Aviation Fund was the original recipient. That's right.

Summary: Senate Transportation Committee leaders presented a bipartisan transportation budget package made up of three bills: a supplemental budget, a bond proposal, and a resources bill with technical updates. Chair Mark Olius and Ranking Member Curtis King said the plan is balanced over six years, uses conservative assumptions, and includes no new taxes, relying instead on bonding and existing revenue changes. They emphasized three priorities: preservation and maintenance of highways, bridges, ferries, and flood-damaged infrastructure; safety, including more funding for State Patrol staffing and tribal traffic safety; and job creation through infrastructure investment. The supplemental budget would add about $1.7 billion for preservation over six years, including roughly $1.3 billion for highways, plus $100 million for preservation-related safety improvements. It also includes funding for ferry preservation, flood recovery loans for local transportation infrastructure, Columbia River dredging, the Fairfax Bridge, and State Patrol staffing. Questions from members and reporters focused on how much roadwork the preservation money would cover, why the proposal does not include funding for three additional new ferries, and how federal FEMA aid and ongoing mediation over treaty obligations factored into the budget. The senators said the first three ferries are fully funded, that future vessel purchases will be revisited later, and that flood recovery funds were included now so local governments can repair roads without waiting for federal action. The resources bill would create a mobile driver’s license program for 2028 and dedicate a portion of future sales tax revenue to ferry operations. It also repeals the luxury aircraft tax and replaces it with higher aviation fuel taxes and annual registration fees, which the senators said better avoids unintended consequences for aircraft businesses while still requiring transportation users to contribute. The package also includes studies on hydrogen ferries and updating the in-state shipyard bid credit, and it proposes more efficient ferry maintenance and emergency response capacity at Eagle Harbor. No votes were taken in the transcript, and the senators said they would continue presenting the proposal to caucus members for support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the next wave of innovation in aviation.
• </c> the next wave of innovation and Aviation the next wave of innovation and Aviation this<00:05:26.199
• is manufacturing these aircraft Aviation is manufacturing these aircraft of<00:05:35.479><c> flying<
• Big picture, aviation, aerospace, and logistics is one of our top exports in Kentucky, $6 billion in
• </c> and cannot be operated on a Federal and cannot be operated on a Federal Highway<00:21:42.039><c>

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes. The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• proposed substitute Senate Bill 5763, sponsored by Senator Lovick, relating to the Law Enforcement Aviation
• It provides reimbursement for search and rescue by aviation support units and provides remaining funds
• to the Washington State Patrol's aviation section.
• The amendment clarifies the definition of rotary wing aviation to mean helicopters carrying human operators
• specific state and federal laws that must be followed when making data available to the public.

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 3, 2026, for executive session on 13 bills and a public hearing on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541. One published bill, Senate Bill 6123, was not moved forward. The executive session covered election integrity, holiday recognition, agency reporting and disclosure, veterans and state government administration, and several memorial or symbolic designations. Staff briefed each bill and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to Senate Bills 5763, 6215, 6160, 6049, and 5784. Members discussed policy and fiscal concerns on some measures, including the cost of the aviation support grant program in SB 5763 and the inclusiveness of holiday recognition in SB 5950. The committee adopted amendments or substitutes where offered and advanced all of the bills it took up, generally by due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee or, for fiscal measures, to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Bill 5950’s amendment was withdrawn before final action, and Senator Hasegawa stated he would be without recommendation on that bill because a Buddhist observance was missing from the list. Other bills passed with little or no opposition, including SB 6084 on voting more than once, SB 6044 on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 6046 creating a Civil Air Patrol division, SB 6160 on agency reports, SB 6049 on public disclosure exemptions, SB 6164 on WOTEC information, SB 6313 creating a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account, SB 5046 designating Kim Chie Day, and SB 5489 naming the Wilkinson sandstone the state sandstone. In the public hearing on ESHB 1541, staff explained that the bill would reorganize the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee by increasing at-large seats, reducing the number of VSO-designated seats, and allowing appointments to reflect military experience and personal attributes. The prime sponsor and Representative Simmons described the bill as a compromise developed after prior concerns, including representation for formerly justice-involved veterans, and said it would broaden advice to the governor. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill, saying it would provide more flexibility in appointments and preserve a 17-member committee. The hearing closed with 57 pro and 1 con sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal taxpayers, Senator.
• But people are being paid with federal funds to fly these flights. Okay, so.
• Okay, so as a former federal judge and a former felony federal prosecutor, we don't have purview over
• federal law.
• Again, I would just reiterate the federal taxpayers are paying for it.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health for 15 years, so I'm very aware of the state revolving fund monies that come down from the federal
• come down revolving fund um monies that come down from<00:08:44.200><c> the</c><00:08:44.279><c> federal
• government um and I am from the federal government um and I am concerned<00:08:46.720><c> with</c><00
• </c><00:22:16.360><c> gas</c><00:22:17.120><c> uh</c> way to gasoline uh Aviation gas uh way to gasoline
• uh Aviation gas uh diesel<00:22:17.960><c> jet</c><00:22:18.240><c> fuel</c><00:22:19.240><c> yes</c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, Red Hill cleanup, water testing, environmental governance, and beverage container recycling. For SB 472, SB 501, SB 675, and SB 958 on cesspools, most testimony supported accelerating cesspool conversion and expanding Department of Health capacity, though the Attorney General flagged a single-subject issue on SB 472 and the Department of Health and others raised concerns about funding, program structure, and coordination. Supporters emphasized cesspools as a major water pollution source and urged earlier deadlines, while some testimony questioned the tax credit approach and asked for clearer grant and staffing language. For SB 639 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill cleanup, the Department of Health asked for clearer cleanup standards and noted limits on laboratory detection and sampling, while supporters argued the bill would create a binding legal standard for remediation and help prevent reopening of the facility. Testimony also stressed the need to remove all contamination to the extent practicable and protect aquifers and drinking water. SB 664 on water quality testing drew strong support from residents and water advocates, but the Department of Health warned the measure could duplicate existing authority and create significant cost; the Board of Water Supply supported the concept while noting it would expand responsibilities into private-property testing. SB 674 on environmental advisory council and waste reduction received mixed testimony: supporters said it would help address landfill siting and protect water resources, while industry groups requested changes to advisory council membership and exemptions for certain products, and one witness opposed the measure. For SB 1067 on deposit beverage container recycling, the Attorney General said the grant language may be constitutionally problematic because it lacks standards, while industry testimony both supported the recycling goals and asked for amendments, including broader representation on the advisory council and clearer treatment of compostable and packaging-related issues. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have questions about how this bill might conflict with federal law.
• So is there concern about a potential preemption from the federal government that this is in conflict
• The NLRA, the National Labor Relations Act, is federal law that generally governs in this area.
• So in two parts, the federal law says 13 is the age of consent, right?
• aviation airports across the country, including many here in But the majority of general aviation airports

Bills: S0198 , S0422 , S1236 , S1356 , S1456 , S1722

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, she went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from John F.
• Additionally, she went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from John F.
• We will be the first state in the nation that is investing in the future of aviation.
• And it is important to sustainable aviation.
• Sustainable aviation fuel is a very valuable thing for the future. I hope it pans out.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for the Melbourne Administration Building roof replacement.
• This is amendment nine to an existing federal grant.
• This is also a federal grant.
• It's a federal grant.
• How is it going to help general aviation going forward? Sure. Two things.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The committee first considered an $88,000 used tire program contract for District 4 with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could worsen cash flow before funding was confirmed. Questions were also raised about procurement language in the RFP that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. After discussion, a motion was made and approved to hold the contract until next month so the tire board could appear and answer questions. Members then reviewed a large slate of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included capital projects at ASU Mid-South, Arkansas Tech, Ozarka, UA Fayetteville, UA Little Rock, UAMS, and UCA; a new UCA multi-purpose arena project estimated at $75.5 million; and DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, and rural hospital quality improvement. All of these items were reviewed without objection. The committee also heard a ratification request from UAMS for a Family and Medical Leave Act outsourcing contract with FMLA Source. UAMS said an amendment had been prepared but never submitted for review, and payments continued after expiration; members expressed frustration and asked UAMS to review whether other contracts had similarly lapsed. The committee then reviewed numerous construction-related, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including airport economic impact study work, parking guidance technology at the University of Arkansas, veteran nursing services, and multiple DHS service contracts. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after reports of routine contract amendments and minor contracts were presented for information.