Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we are going to structure debate on SP 1255.
• Rizo moves the rules be waived and CS for HB 875...
• We are going into structured debate on CS for HB 875.
• We are going into structured debate.
• We are going into structured debate on CS for CS for HB 351.

Bills: SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972 , SB 365 , SB 1786 , SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 106 , HB 18 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 1 keeps the basic structure of these rules, but significantly expands who is subject to them by
• And as a result of this 90-10 structure, kind of being more of a penalty structure, it makes qualification
• Well, you have wage structures that are set based on anticipated rates.
• The access rule allows us to shift to a more person-centered, outcome-driven model.
• Now, while structure is important, many grievances are urgent and cannot wait.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will now go over some key elements of the structure of today's hearing.
• We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings.
• We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings, regardless of the
• The rules for today's hearing include no talking or loud noises from the audience.
• You can do a Rule 88. Let's not pretend like we're going through a deliberative process here.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met in a special hearing on SB 638 by Senator Padilla, a workforce development bill aimed at creating a new coordinating entity, the Middle Class Pipeline Project, to streamline education and workforce programs and improve career pathways, especially in high-unemployment and low-income regions. The author and supporters argued California’s current workforce system is too siloed and disjointed, and that the bill would better align education, training, and employer needs while expanding access for underrepresented communities. Support testimony came from the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California EDGE Coalition, National University, Long Beach City College, and United Ways of California, all backing the idea of stronger statewide coordination and data-driven planning. Committee members raised significant concerns about the scope of the proposed entity, its overlap with existing bodies such as the California Workforce Development Board and other education agencies, and whether $1.5 million would be enough to staff and operate it. Several members questioned whether the bill was duplicative, too broad, or should be delayed for a more deliberative process or audit. Senator Padilla responded that the bill was intended to keep an operational coordinating entity on the table for tri-party negotiations with legislative leadership and the Governor, and that the final structure and priorities were still to be worked out. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 638 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed five ayes, with DeMaio and Tangipa voting no and Celeste Rodriguez not voting at that time. The chair later noted the record would remain open for additional members to add on, and the meeting adjourned after a courtesy vote and closing remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• with witnesses and public comment, I want to make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules
• The rules for today's hearing include not talking or loud noises from the audience.
• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement actions
• On June 17th, a structure fire broke out at the Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights.
• SB 716 raises the ceiling on city and county ordinance fines for large non-residential structures so

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard several measures, with testimony focused on local government authority, environmental justice, groundwater monitoring, redevelopment, district governance, and detention facilities. SB 716 by Sen. de León would increase local ordinance fines for large non-residential properties, especially after state or federal disaster declarations, in response to the Boyle Heights warehouse fire; supporters said stronger penalties are needed to compel cleanup and protect public health, while business and property groups argued the bill was too broad, could duplicate existing enforcement, and needed clearer limits. The bill failed on the committee vote, though reconsideration was noted. AB 1457 by Assembly Member Bryan would set a June 30, 2031 deadline for jurisdictions that have not adopted an environmental justice element under SB 1000 and add transparency and public engagement requirements. DOJ sponsored the bill, environmental justice advocates supported it, and county and planning groups raised implementation concerns but did not maintain opposition after amendments. AB 2728 would clarify that groundwater monitoring fee exemptions under SGMA comply with Proposition 218 and Proposition 26; Monterey County and rural/county groups supported it, and no opposition was heard. Both bills were approved and the Senate amendments were concurred in. SB 328 by Sen. Grayson would create a limited exemption within the Surplus Lands Act and federal base-closure disposition process for qualifying projects in the Concord Reuse Project Area, to advance the former Concord Naval Weapons Station redevelopment. Supporters emphasized the long-planned housing, jobs, and infrastructure benefits, while public interest advocates said they remained concerned about enforceability of affordable housing obligations. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 912 by Assembly Member Wilson, supported by the Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District and the City of Vallejo, would modernize the district board structure to reduce conflicts and quorum problems; it passed unanimously. SB 1367 by Sen. Cervantes would prohibit local approval of new land uses for detention facilities or conversions into such facilities, with ACLU Cal Action in support and no opposition heard; it also passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:03.840><c> that</c> there's there's statutes and rules that there's there's statutes and rules
• An essential by rule part of our court operations, this audiovisual system.
• And some are Supreme Court rules.
• </c> &gt;&gt; And some are Supreme Court rules. &gt;&gt; And some are Supreme Court rules.
• If you'all have any questions, a structural assessment that was done of a structural assessment that

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do continue to evaluate the most appropriate path forward for fee structures as these matters are
• The rules, final rules were literally, I mean that, I do mean that literally, earlier this week.
• , final rules were literally, I mean that, I do mean that literally, earlier this week.
• the finalization, as I mentioned, of the federal rules earlier this week.
• We are in the process of reviewing the final rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:17.680><c> which</c> comprised of a co-chair structure which comprised of a co-chair structure
• </c> Staffing approval and funding structures Staffing approval and funding structures to<00:09:42.160
• </c><00:47:54.319><c> and</c> involved in fines and fees rules and involved in fines and fees rules and
• </c> fines for small violation of rules fines for small violation of rules forclosure<01:03:29.200><c
• I said, make up your own rules—rules that are so great, let's set that as the bar.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Overhead systems are at risk of direct structural damage caused by wind and also indirect damage caused
• Number of poles, about 84,000 transmission structures, and 1.4 million distribution poles.
• I mentioned the transmission structures, and then the smart grid technology.
• We're also scalable on our ICS structure.
• We put a structure team here in the Panhandle to respond to the storm.

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The committee met to hear invited presentations on storm recovery and storm protection from the Florida Public Service Commission, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, Chesapeake Utilities, and the Office of Public Counsel. The PSC reviewed the history of storm restoration financing and utility hardening efforts after major storms such as Hurricane Andrew, the 2004-05 hurricane seasons, Irma, and Michael, explaining storm reserve funds, storm recovery bonds, and the current three-year storm protection plan process. The commission’s role in approving plans and later reviewing prudence of actual costs was emphasized, along with the types of work included in the plans such as vegetation management, pole replacement, undergrounding, feeder hardening, and substation flood protection. The utilities described their own storm-hardening investments and recent storm performance. FPL said it has spent about $4.9 billion on storm protection and recovery-related efforts, highlighted improved restoration times during Helene and Milton, and said it is expanding undergrounding, feeder hardening, and smart-grid technology. Duke Energy reported more than 40,000 hardened poles and structures since 2021, major gains from self-healing grid technology, and faster restoration during recent storms. Tampa Electric described a roughly $200 million annual storm protection effort, including vegetation management, undergrounding, substation hardening, and new storm surge protections, and Chesapeake Utilities discussed its smaller-scale hardening program, vegetation work, pole replacement, and rapid restoration after Helene in Nassau County. Committee members asked about how utilities prioritize neighborhoods for lateral hardening, whether maps of planned projects could be shared, how much each utility has spent on undergrounding and hardening, and how reliability comparisons are normalized against the national average. Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler argued that storm recovery and hardening costs fall too heavily on investor-owned utility customers, said the current framework lacks a meaningful cost-benefit or prudence check at the planning stage, and urged broader sharing of storm costs because the benefits extend to the whole state. Senators also discussed whether the commission can review the reasonableness of approved programs and whether future reports or recommendations from Public Counsel would be helpful. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I ultimately followed was a thoughtful, structured, educational program with appropriate oversight
• They are structural, and there is, I don't know.
• A more sustainable and effective approach is to allow rest homes to invest in a structured, formalized
• Residents are accepted precisely because they require assistance, supervision, and structured support
• Shalive, I haven't been enforcing the three-minute rule, but I think you're approaching twice that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on Senate 3057/House 5376, a bill to create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund and implement recommendations from the Assisted Living Residence Commission. Supporters, including AARP and the state long-term care ombudsman, backed the trust fund for certification staffing, compliance reviews, investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, and appeals. The assisted living industry, represented by MassALA, supported the affordability task force and certified medication aides, but asked for amendments to expand career paths and to remove or limit fines as a funding source, arguing fines should be capped and tied to health or safety risks. The ombudsman emphasized the need for more staffing and resources, noting the current caseload and travel burden across the state. The committee also took testimony on Senate 3056/House 5243 concerning medication administration in rest homes. Rest home operators, MARCH, and LeadingAge Massachusetts opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would replace the long-standing responsible person model with a MAP-based framework or require more licensed nursing staff. They argued the current model has been used for decades, is safe and affordable, and is better suited to rest homes than MAP, which they said was designed for different settings. They urged the committee to preserve responsible person medication administration while improving training and oversight, and several witnesses asked for a task force or substitute language to study best practices rather than impose immediate regulatory changes. Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works in practice, and whether other states use similar systems. Chair Stanley said the committee was still reviewing building code-related recommendations for assisted living and noted that those issues may require more time. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department absolutely has a responsibility to ensure safety and structure, and I wholeheartedly..
• Absolutely has a responsibility to ensure safety and structure, and I wholeheartedly respect that.
• They are structural, and there is...
• Residents are accepted precisely because they require assistance, supervision, and structured support
• Shalive, I haven't been enforcing the three-minute rule, but I think you're approaching twice that.

Bills: H5243 , H5376 , S3056 , S3057

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Keywords: rest home, rest homes, medication administration, medication management, assisted living, long-term care, elder care, older adults, senior care, nursing home, resident care, self-administration, licensed facility, Chapter 111, section 71, Responsible Person, caregiver, direct care staff, care facilities, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• . the rule of law and actually paying their employees the wages that they have earned, that they have
• for factory-built housing and commercial structures.
• It also allows L&I to establish options by rule for factory inspections to be conducted by qualified
• for factory built housing and commercial structures.
• As a firefighter, one of my fire stations is currently a prefabricated structure.

Bills: HB2479 , HB2091 , HB2105 , HB2107 , HB2151 , HB2190 , HB2191 , HB2218 , HB2243 , HB2303 , HB2345

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: unpaid wages, wage theft, wage recovery, labor standards, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, worker protection, low-wage workers, back pay, interest on wages, civil penalties, retaliation, immigration status coercion, gig workers, transportation network companies, rideshare drivers, app-based drivers, employment law, wage complaint, payroll enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings, regardless of the
• We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings, regardless of the
• So we want to really defer to AB 8 on just those basic definitions and structures. Right on. Ms.
• ... ...to be successful is for AB 8 to set up the basic foundational structure and rules.
• Oh, this is a member services in the 1,100 for business and the rule right now.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll get to that, but we also moved to one single salary structure.
• So we had an engineering salary structure, we had an attorney's salary structure, we had a social services
• salary structure, and we had a general salary structure.
• Of the salary structure is. It used to be all over the place.
• Personnel board rule.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The states are entering a rule-making authority, and I think they will revisit that as it relates to
• However, if you do that, then that is increasing the cost of innovation. and a fee structure; there's
• The gas utilities in Texas are receiving, in rates, equal to their actual capital structure.
• Is that by statute or is that by Commission rule?
• The manner of this disclosure will be governed by rules established by the Texas Ethics Commission.

Bills: HB551 , HB 1281 , HB1378 , HB1617 , HB2868 , HB2881 , HB3374 , HB4439 , HB4726 , HB4732 , HB4878 , HB4914 , HB4921 , HB4958 , HB5200 , HB5318 , HB5360 , HB5402 , HB5568 , HB5573 , HB5623 , HJR218

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules are suspended. The clerk will read the resolution.
• They ruled out a heart attack and ruled out all of the serious issues. Thank you very much.
• In this context, the caption complies with the rule.
• The current height of that structure is about a little over 500 feet, so the current structure that's
• The current height of that structure is about a little over 500 feet.

Bills: SB1637 , SB1 , HB300 , SB2601 , SB37 , HB2011 , HB3595 , HB3071 , SB12 , HB3372 , SB457 , HB2067 , SB2337 , SB447 , SB1506 , SB1566 , SB763 , HB3556 , SB13 , SB2018 , SB331 , SB379 , HB145 , SB441 , SB2878 , HB2885 , HB2017 , HB5246 , SB8 , SB2308 , SB1540 , HB 119 , SB1405 , SB3059 , SB15 , SB568

Keywords: SB 1637, deadly conduct, Texas Penal Code, Section 22.05, firearm, gun, pointing a gun, recklessness presumption, peace officer, law enforcement, police, officer-involved shooting, use of force, justification, self-defense, defense of others, Chapter 9, criminal prosecution, Penal Code amendment, appropriations

Summary: The House met in a late-session floor session that began with prayer, pledges, quorum, and a series of excused absences and Senate messages reporting action on numerous bills, conference committee appointments, and conference reports. Members also adopted a memorial resolution honoring Mark James Hanna, a Capitol lobbyist and advocate for nurses, and a congratulatory resolution for Rishi Tarumalasetti, an eighth-grade civics bee winner from Katy. The chamber also received and recorded a parliamentary colloquy about an unusual Senate request on SB 293, with the Chair stating the House could not recede from only part of its amendments and could not suspend the rules because the bill had not been returned from the Senate. The bulk of the session was devoted to taking up conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions, especially the state budget. The House adopted a resolution allowing the SB 1 conferees to go outside the normal bounds, then adopted the SB 1 conference report on a 107-21 vote. Debate on the budget centered on public education funding, tax relief, health care, corrections pay, and judicial compensation, with supporters calling it a responsible compromise and opponents arguing it was overly expansive and insufficient on property tax relief. The House also adopted a technical correction resolution tying judicial pay increases in SB 1 to the House version of SB 293, and members discussed at length the relationship between judicial salaries and legislative pensions. The chamber then adopted a long series of conference reports on measures covering topics such as school library review and book challenges (SB 13), SNAP restrictions on sweetened drinks and candy (SB 379), hospital price transparency (SB 331), nursing home accountability (SB 457), school district personnel compensation conflicts (HB 3372), property notice rules (HB 2011), research and development tax credits (SB 2018), and several other bills affecting elections, permits, education, and criminal justice. Most reports passed by wide margins, though some drew significant opposition, especially SB 13 and SB 379. The House also granted several Senate requests for conference committees and introduced additional resolutions to suspend conferee limits on various bills as the session moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the court ruling that retired out.
• </c><00:03:43.519><c> um</c> until the time of the court ruling um until the time of the court ruling
• For us, we have a tiered structure with our sub pay.
• </c> tiered structure with the our sub pay. tiered structure with the our sub pay.
• >> I don't believe the same rules would apply.

Summary: The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Via my remarks, I will outline the CalFresh time limit rules for 8 million.
• H.R. 1 keeps the basic structure of these rules, but significantly expands who is subject to them by
• And as a result of this 90-10 structure, kind of being more of a penalty structure, it makes qualification
• While structure is important, many grievances are urgent and cannot wait.
• Now, while structure is important, many grievances are urgent and cannot wait.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard testimony on Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and related budget and trailer bill proposals, with a major focus on the impacts of H.R. 1 on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). DDS and the Department of Social Services (DSS) said H.R. 1 could affect Medi-Cal and CalFresh access, but that people with disabilities and caregivers are exempt from the work requirements; the administration is working on data matching and automation through the statewide eligibility system to identify exemptions, with June 1, 2026 as the implementation date for CalFresh changes. Witnesses and advocates warned that any loss of Medi-Cal could create fiscal pressure on regional centers and households, while public commenters described the real-life consequences of losing services. Committee members repeatedly expressed concern about cost shifts to counties and asked for harm-mitigation strategies before the May Revision. The committee also reviewed the governor’s IHSS-related proposals. DSS said the budget would set a baseline for authorized hours, align IHSS disenrollment/reinstatement with Medi-Cal eligibility processes, and eliminate the IHSS backup provider system, while emphasizing that individual service hours would still be based on assessed need. DDS said if a person loses IHSS or Medi-Cal, regional centers may have to step in as payer of last resort for some services, potentially at higher state cost. Members and the Legislative Analyst’s Office questioned whether counties could absorb the proposed shifts without reducing services, and asked for more detail on implementation, data quality controls, and how regional centers could help families navigate disruptions. A separate trailer bill on DDS rate reform and the Quality Incentive Program drew mixed reactions. DDS proposed extending a contract exemption and delaying final rate reform regulations to 2030, saying the changes are budget-neutral and needed for implementation. DDS reported that about 81% of providers had completed the current Quality Incentive Program requirements, but providers and advocates argued the 90-10 structure can function like a penalty and may destabilize services if providers lose 10% of funding. Committee members asked for clearer assistance to providers, possible flexibility for good-faith efforts, and a redlined version of the language before the May Revision. The committee also heard DDS’s proposed trailer bill on regional center governance and provider capacity. DDS said the language would consolidate regional center contracts and performance measures, strengthen board training and oversight, require consumer advisory committees, expand independent legal support, raise the threshold for board approval of contracts, and remove barriers such as physical-office requirements and duplicate vendorization. DDS said the goal is to improve accountability and efficiency while preserving person-centered services, and members indicated they wanted further refinement and stakeholder input before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a case currently on appeal right now that we're awaiting a ruling on.
• K.P. is going to talk about the current sentencing structure and integration of parole.
• And it wasn't just the imprisonment, but the structure of the sentencing.
• structure of parole supervision.
• So that's kind of the biggest concern is how do you build this structure?

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Summary: The committee work session began with a staff presentation on state tort liability, focusing on why Washington’s tort payouts and claims have risen and how sovereign immunity, statutes of limitation, damages rules, and case law shape state exposure. Staff and the Attorney General’s Office highlighted that DCYF, DSHS, and DOC account for the largest share of claims and payouts, with Washington’s broad waiver of immunity and lack of caps on non-economic damages making it unusual compared with many other states. The discussion emphasized childhood sexual abuse claims, foster care and juvenile rehabilitation liability, and the impact of recent cases and the 2024 statute of limitations changes. Agency witnesses from DCYF, DSHS, and DOC described rising claims, delayed payout timing, difficulty defending older cases with limited records, and efforts to reduce future liability through practice changes, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, staffing, and early resolution programs. The committee then shifted to parole and sentencing. Staff from the Sentencing Guidelines Commission and Public Safety Policy and Research Center reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing and parole to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained that parole can coexist with sentencing guidelines in other states through different models. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to three-strikes, persistent offender review, and a second-chance review process, noting that the task force did not reach consensus on those ideas. Judges Veronica Galvan and Cindy Larson, speaking for the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association, supported considering a parole or review-board model as a way to address racial disparities, improve fairness, and create a more centralized and transparent review process with data collection and judicial review. The final panel began with prosecutors, with Eric Eisenger introducing himself and indicating he would speak from both his role as Benton County prosecutor and as a former defense attorney. The transcript cuts off before the prosecutors’ full testimony or any committee action on the parole topic, and no votes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> The Senate Bill 191 should pass to rules The Senate Bill 191 should pass to rules with<00:09:02.720
• </c> now is in the possession of the rules now is in the possession of the rules committee<00:10:08.959
• </c> now in the possession of the rules now in the possession of the rules committee<00:10:24.240><c>
• Now, generally, these apply for structural buildings, bridges, types of structures that are loadbearing
• They actually had a structure at a school collapse.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Genius Act establishes common-sense rules that require stable coin issuers to maintain reserves backed
• and each can be addressed by adopting the bill. straightforward amendments that apply the same basic rules
• The Genius Act has gained this bipartisan support because it presents common-sense rules that protect
• This bill to market structure, we decided to talk about this in a narrow manner, and a number of the
• things that have been raised will be addressed, but they need to be addressed in market. structure.

Bills: SB875

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Keywords: banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual

Summary: This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.