Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2203, Reckless Interference with Emergency Operations. Thank you, Mr.
• House Bill 2203 concerns reckless interference with emergency operations.
• We were also co-located with multiple agency swiftwater rescue operations.
• We were also co-located with multiple agency swiftwater rescue operations.
• We’re running 24-hour operations.” “We’re already stretched thin.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2203 would create the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving on a roadway known to be closed due to hazardous conditions, with gross misdemeanor penalties, a possible Class C felony enhancement if a rescue leads to injury or involves a minor or vulnerable adult, license suspension, and emergency-response cost recovery. The prime sponsor described recent flooding rescues in Orting as the impetus, and local police support emphasized responder safety and limited resources. The Sentencing Guidelines Commission opposed the felony section, saying the conduct did not warrant felony treatment and recommending a traffic infraction for the first level and a gross misdemeanor for the second. House Bill 2293 would bar Washington law enforcement agencies, the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and related personnel from training with foreign militaries, intelligence agencies, or security services, or funding travel for that purpose. The sponsor said civilian policing should not be trained like military service and argued officers should be trained under U.S. constitutional standards. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association argued the bill was too broad and unclear, could block valuable counterterrorism and best-practice training, and might need exemptions for Canada, Mexico, and other legitimate international partnerships. Members discussed possible amendments and clarification language. House Bill 2165 would create a new gross misdemeanor for false identification as a peace officer, covering possession or creation of realistic badges, insignia, or other items identifying someone as an officer when they are not commissioned, while preserving defenses for honorary, reserve, posse, and protected expressive uses. The sponsor and governor’s office said current law is too limited because it often requires an active impersonation before enforcement can occur; law enforcement groups supported the goal but raised concerns about definitions, vehicle markings, federal-agent coverage, and whether the offense could be plea-bargained away. House Bill 2173 would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public, with exceptions for undercover work, SWAT protective gear, and medical or environmental masks, and would allow civil suits for violations. Supporters said the bill promotes transparency and trust and responds to concerns about masked immigration enforcement; opponents warned it could expose officers to doxxing, create liability and recruitment problems, and raise constitutional issues, especially as applied to federal officers. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Metro is now the second-largest public transit operator in the country.
• They will operate as if they're operating today, as long as they meet the spacing requirements in the
• They operate under different safety standards. And again, Mr.
• There has been zero negative impact on freight operations or the passenger operations that utilize freight
• It's a process of the operation that they have.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• adjustment for um can see an operating adjustment for um operations<00:07:17.360><c> and</c><00:07:17.599
• You can see an operating buildings.
• Then you can see operating tales.
• </c><00:12:57.279><c> 307</c><00:12:57.920><c> for</c> operating adjustments on line 307 for operating
• </c><00:38:21.440><c> of</c> situations in which uh the operator of situations in which uh the operator

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• We could not get an operating levy passed by our voters. As Dr.
• Local voters should decide the operating levy of a school district. Thank you.
• Your 4.00, almost 9.6, that's your operating levy, right? Yes.
• So that's, and we don't want to lose our operating.
• And then when we go to them with the operating levy, we can just address the operating levy.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Bill 2709, including a substitute that combined language from HB 2709 and HB 2671. Members debated an amendment that would have separated the Hancock-by-subclass portion from a personal property tax provision; supporters said it would make the bill cleaner and preserve a separate property tax issue already addressed elsewhere, while opponents argued it would create inconsistency. The amendment failed, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for HB 2709 and HB 2671 was voted do pass by a roll call of 14 yes and 5 no. The committee then passed HB 1759 do pass by a vote of 12 yes and 7 no, with one member noting that additional tweaks were expected on the floor. Next, the committee considered HB 2925, where Representative Fowler offered Amendment 04H to remove the requirement that property tax elections be held in November and replace it with an affirmative-consent standard requiring both a majority of votes cast and at least 25% of registered voters voting yes. Supporters said the change would avoid forcing local tax elections into a narrow election window and would require broader voter buy-in for long-term tax obligations; opponents argued it would be a major change that should receive more public review and could distort local election participation. The amendment failed 5 yes to 14 no, and HB 2925 was then voted do pass 11 yes to 8 no. In public testimony, Representative Van Schoiack presented HB 2415, which would require assessors to use a cost approach rather than a market approach for valuing buildings, while still valuing land through the market approach. He said the bill was intended to address over-assessment in larger counties and under-assessment in rural counties, and to make valuations more objective. Testimony was mixed: a public advocate supported the idea as a way to address rising taxes and tax sales, while county assessors and other witnesses said assessors already use multiple approaches, that cost approach works best for new or rural properties but can be subjective for older buildings, and that forcing one method statewide could create inaccuracies and large valuation swings. No action was taken on HB 2415 during the hearing. The committee also heard HJR 148 and HJR 111, presented by Representatives Coleman and Taylor, to bring Kansas City Public Schools under Hancock limits like other districts. Sponsors said KCPS is the only district still operating under a special court-imposed arrangement from desegregation-era orders and that the proposal would keep the district at its current levy while requiring voter approval for future increases. KCPS Superintendent Jennifer Collier opposed the measure as written, saying the district does want to come under Hancock but needs to do so on its own timeline and with a planned April 2027 levy proposal that would maintain the current rate; she said the district is now fiscally stronger and has community support, including passage of an 85% bond issue. Committee members questioned the legal basis, the effect on KCPS and charter schools, and whether the proposal would interfere with the district’s planned ballot strategy.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're a freighter operator.
• It's crane operators, foremen.
• And he talked about shifting his operation from an export operation to an import or to a domestic operation
• operators in Bellingham and Everett.
• There is a terminal operator who left the North Harbor and consolidated operations in the South Harbor

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Financial Institutions, and Trade met off-site at SEA Airport for a work session focused on Washington’s air and maritime cargo economy. The first panel featured Port of Seattle air cargo manager Tom Green, Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe, and Washington Public Ports Association executive director Eric Fitch. Green described SEA’s air cargo mix, emphasizing the importance of belly cargo on passenger flights, the airport’s international freighter and domestic cargo operations, and the value of air cargo to exports, imports, and jobs. Wolfe outlined the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s role as a joint Seattle-Tacoma maritime gateway, the competitiveness of West Coast ports, recent volume volatility tied to tariffs and supply chain shifts, and regional partnerships such as inland logistics efforts in the Tri-Cities and work with tribal and city partners. Fitch then presented a broader trade strategy effort led by public ports and industry groups, centered on making Washington the most competitive West Coast gateway through partnership, workforce support, truck parking, site readiness, foreign trade zones, permitting, and land-use protections for industrial areas. Committee members asked about whether a separate cargo airport would relieve pressure at SEA, how cargo is measured, the role of Moses Lake and Paine Field, truck parking, and the effects of tax increment financing and international trade planning. The witnesses generally said cargo relocation would not solve the need for belly cargo at SEA, that kilograms/metric tons are the industry standard, and that smaller airports can capture some charter or niche cargo but SEA remains the main hub. Fitch said truck parking is a major unmet need and that tax increment financing has helped some port projects, especially in Pasco. Chair Kauffman and members also raised workforce development, manufacturing incentives, and coordination with broader state trade planning. The committee then heard from the Department of Commerce on small business export assistance and international investment promotion. Commerce staff said exports are critical to Washington’s economy, but tariffs and trade uncertainty are raising costs and threatening competitiveness, especially in aerospace and agriculture. They highlighted the state’s overseas consultant network, the Paris Air Show delegation, and participation in Fruit Attraction in Madrid as examples of trade promotion work that can generate business leads and jobs. They also warned that federal funding for overseas representation and the STEP export program is at risk, which could reduce Washington’s visibility in global markets and limit support for small exporters. A roundtable followed with Washington Farm Bureau’s Brianna Elsie, ILWU longshore worker Ali Vekich, and Eric Fitch. Elsie said specialty-crop agriculture has been more resilient than some other sectors but is still under severe pressure from high labor and input costs, farm losses, and market uncertainty; she urged broader policy solutions beyond mental health support. Vekich described how tariffs, zoning changes, and industrial land pressures are hurting longshore jobs and argued for stronger protections for maritime industrial lands. Fitch closed by stressing that Washington’s trade economy depends on cooperation among ports, labor, agriculture, and state government, and that maintaining competitiveness will require active policy support rather than complacency."}

Transcript Highlights:

• Autocycle operators would standards.
• And therefore he got charged with interference with governmental operations.
• And therefore he got charged with interference with governmental operations.
• And therefore he got charged with interference with governmental operations.
• Your bill has a favorable report. jeopardizing life, if the operator is a jeopardizing life, if the operator

Bills: HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114 , HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• But the economic damage from Operation But the economic damage from Operation Metro<00:07:00.320><c>
• . operations. operations.
• </c> guidelines within which we operate. guidelines within which we operate.
• </c> Operation Metro Surge. Operation Metro Surge.
• Now, Now, Now, the<01:33:35.240><c> operation</c> the operation the operation Metro<01:33:37.280><c>

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• next audit cycle, we had operational audits at six of the universities, our next operational audit cycle
• As far as the operational audit process goes, once we engage a, you know, As far as the operational audit
• . operational audits in the findings.
• An operational audit is a broad operation where we can go in and identify any scope area that we would
• We've been performing the operational audits for years.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Florida Auditor General’s office on recent operational audits of four universities and to discuss how audit findings are handled. The Auditor General explained that financial audits occur annually and operational audits at least every three years, with universities required to respond in writing to findings; the office generally follows up in the next audit cycle, though it can audit sooner if needed. Members asked about accountability, whether findings are referred to other bodies, and how internal university audit functions interact with the state audit process. The chair emphasized the committee’s oversight role in ensuring public funds are used appropriately. The audit findings highlighted issues at New College of Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. At New College, auditors cited invoice/payment errors, delinquent student account collection delays, prohibited extra compensation, exceeding state remuneration limits for certain employees, weak purchasing card controls, construction management cost documentation issues, and subcontractor licensing documentation gaps. At FAMU, auditors found investment accounting classification issues, delayed bank reconciliations, late vendor payments, and incomplete annual employee evaluations. At UF, auditors reported concerns over a $6.4 million consulting contract, event and catering spending, president’s office hiring and salary practices, bonus and relocation payments, continued high compensation after the president transitioned to another role, travel expenses including charter flights, and remote work agreements. At FAU, auditors found distance learning fee revenue exceeded allowable costs by about $2.8 million, carry forward funds were underreported by about $77 million, and credit card controls needed improvement. Members pressed the Auditor General on whether overpayments were refunded, whether any findings involved statutory violations, and what enforcement exists beyond the audit report. The auditor said some issues were corrected by the universities, such as New College recovering excess compensation from foundation funds, but others would be revisited in future audits; if potential fraud were identified, it would be referred to the state attorney’s office. The chair closed by noting that accountability for public spending rests with the Legislature and the committee, and the meeting adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trucks, they all operate on diesel.
• In state operations or specifically to pro rata? State operations. State operations.
• In state operations or specifically to pro rata? State operations. State operations.
• So certainly each year when the budget happens, the, State operations? State operations.
• Oh, the... the state operations, yeah. Yeah, state operations. Very good. CARB. Yes. Very good.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The programs currently operated at the Whitehall campus operate under a state-issued health care facility
• In other words, the operation of these programs is discretionary.
• HHS operates and inhabits buildings that are owned and operated by the State Building Division administrator
• So combined, slightly over $1 million in savings to not operate Whitehall, but some of those operating
• You have to have the program fully operational.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee held an invited-testimony hearing on LR 425, which examines the Whitehall campus in Lincoln and possible long-term options for youth currently served there. Chair Brian Hardin explained that Whitehall houses two separate programs for adolescent males: a substance use program and a youth-who-sexually-harm program. Testimony from DHHS officials described Whitehall as a Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides about 40 hours of weekly programming, family involvement, school services, and community reintegration activities. Officials said the department is evaluating whether the programs should remain at Whitehall or move to another state-owned facility, with Hastings described as the department’s preferred alternative because it is more residential in design than a youth rehabilitation treatment center (YRTC).

Transcript Highlights:

• The programs currently operated at the Whitehall campus operate under a state-issued health care facility
• HHS... ...actually owners and operators of their facilities.
• HHS operates and inhabits buildings that are owned and operated by the State Building Division administrator
• So, combined, slightly over $1 million in savings to not operate Whitehall, but some of those operating
• You have to have the program fully operational.

Committee: Unicameral Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it fair to say that most of the operators are responsible, take care of the animals, operate safely
• I've been operating a business for 30 years. Brian back here, he's operated for 30 years in Dallas.
• I am a board member for the Carriage Operators of North America.
• Sincerely, Carriage Operators of North America.
• We are being regulated out of being able to operate our companies.

Bills: HB386 , HB1449 , HB1701 , HB2142 , HB2675 , HB2857 , HB3063 , HB3171 , HB3641 , HB3732 , HB4045 , HB4370 , HB4491 , HB4505 , HB4626 , HB5267 , HB5356

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million

Transcript Highlights:

• It looked like it was operating funds, but it was not.
• We'll treat it as operational funds.
• If it's operational dollars, it's another.
• If it's operational dollars, it's another.
• operational funds.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Transcript Highlights:

• Metro is now the second largest public transit operator in the country.
• They will operate as if they're operating today, as long as they meet the spacing requirements in the
• There has been zero negative impact on freight operations or the passenger operations that utilize freight
• Rail operations, particularly around Metrolink in my area.
• It's a process of the operation that they have.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard SB 220, which would require the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to submit an earlier governance reform report to the Legislature in light of Measure G, including consideration of the new countywide executive and future board changes. Senator Allen argued the bill was only a vehicle to prompt a locally driven discussion before 2028, while Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and several committee members opposed it as premature and unnecessary because local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After debate over local control and timing, the committee voted 3-2 to send SB 220 to Senate Appropriations, with the bill left on call for absent members. The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require wayside detector systems on freight rail lines at specified intervals, with exceptions for some short-line railroads, and would require railroad response plans to be submitted to the CPUC. Supporters, including rail unions and labor groups, said the bill was a needed response to the East Palestine derailment and other safety risks, while opponents from freight railroads, passenger rail operators, business groups, and agricultural interests warned it could raise costs, slow freight and passenger service, and create a disincentive to invest in faster track. Members questioned the cost, implementation timeline, preemption issues, and possible impacts on passenger rail and the supply chain. The committee approved SB 667 on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations, with the bill also left on call. Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which would designate a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. The Assembly Member author and community witnesses described the designation as a recognition of San Jose’s large Vietnamese American community and its history as refugees and contributors to the region. Numerous supporters from the community, local government, and the public testified in favor, and there was no opposition. Members praised the cultural significance and noted connections to other Vietnamese communities, including Westminster. The resolution was adopted unanimously, with 10 votes, and sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> specifically earmarked for operational specifically earmarked for operational and<00:20:49.880><
• </c> specific definition for operational specific definition for operational expenses<00:20:56.520><c
• </c><01:14:51.719><c> and</c> the system is currently operating and the system is currently operating
• I still feel like we're Swiss, or we're operation time X, or maybe even operation teu, when we get to
• I still feel like we're Swiss, or we're operation time X, or maybe even operation teu, when we get to

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> many of which are small operations. many of which are small operations.
• and our illegitimate operators.
• and our illegitimate operators.
• and our illegitimate operators.
• and our illegitimate operators.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The general fund is a district's primary operating fund for financial reporting purposes.
• Did it significantly disrupt the operations of the school district? No.
• As Megan mentioned earlier, we combined the operating budget limit reserve, the operating margin ratio
• She's also human resources, payroll, and many other operational responsibilities.
• She's also human resources, payroll, and many other operational responsibilities.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• China and Russia to actively develop capabilities aimed at disrupting our mobility and sustainment operations
• Lethality, readiness, and ability to sustain operations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
• operational energy programs and do you think they have benefits that increase lethality and readiness
• In this way, we can keep them ready and trained to operate with us.
• As you know, the operations to go intercept these incursions take a lot of work.

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support

Keywords: Transcom, logistics, military readiness, air refueling, KC-135, KC-46, strategic infrastructure, geopolitical threats, Alaska

Summary: During this meeting, the committee hosted an extensive discussion on the operations and logistical challenges facing the U.S. Transportation Command (Transcom). General Reid provided testimony on key areas including the importance of maintaining robust logistical capabilities in contested environments, particularly in relation to geopolitical threats posed by adversarial nations. Various members emphasized the necessity for modernization of the air refueling fleet, addressing issues such as the readiness of the KC-135 and the procurement of the next-generation KC-46 aircraft, which has experienced delays and technical challenges. The dialogue further extended to the strategic importance of U.S. ports and transportation infrastructure, especially in regions like Alaska which play a crucial role in military logistics and power projection.

Transcript Highlights:

• You fund us, you keep us operating, thank you for that.
• The viability ratio shows and operational expenses.
• Again, and it compares available assets to operating expenses.
• That is still roughly going to higher ed programs, operations, compensation, other initiatives.
• for $1.15 million. ...in the 2023-25 operating budget for $1.15 million from WIA.

Committee: Joint Joint Higher Education Committee

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met with introductions from members and then held a work session on higher education and statewide accounting practices. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state and university accounting/reporting differ, including current AFRS/SAM requirements and the transition to Workday/WAM, and described what higher education data are currently included in state reporting versus what will remain excluded, such as transaction-level detail and vendor payment information. University of Washington and Washington State University officials then described the complexity of their institutions’ financial structures, including multiple campuses, auxiliary enterprises, component units, hospitals, clinics, bonds, and other reporting obligations, and how they submit summarized data to the state while maintaining more detailed local accounting systems. The Education Research and Data Center also presented the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512, emphasizing that the metrics are best used to examine trends within institutions rather than direct comparisons across schools; members asked about data availability and federal reporting delays, and ERDC said it was on track to update the dashboard with newer data and additional metrics. The committee then heard a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended purpose of supporting postsecondary attainment, high-demand fields, student aid, and workforce education. He said WIA revenue has grown substantially, especially after recent tax changes, and noted that most current appropriations go to higher education, including the Washington College Grant, community and four-year institutions, and some workforce-related programs. Members asked whether WIA supports apprenticeships and trades, and Anderson said it has in some cases, though nearly all current appropriations are now within higher education. Anderson also highlighted a major policy shift in the 2025-27 budget: WIA is now being used to supplant some general-fund higher education spending, especially a large transfer for University of Washington general operations. He said this has reduced the general fund share of higher education funding and increased the share from WIA, raising concerns about whether the account is still being used as originally intended. He also described how WIA is increasingly covering Washington College Grant caseload growth and faculty compensation costs, and said WSAC is working to improve public documentation of ongoing and carry-forward appropriations. The committee did not take any substantive votes on the presentation topics and then moved toward executive session and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> structure we're required to operate structure we're required to operate within.<00:21:39.679><c>
• </c> would potentially allow us to operate would potentially allow us to operate one<00:21:56.240><c>
• </c> actually operates. actually operates.
• </c> licensed operation. licensed operation. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> owner of these operations. owner of these operations.

Committee: Senate Judiciary