Transcript Highlights:

• The more I read and analyze this bill and the RCWs that are attached to it, the more it seems like this
• The more I read and analyze this bill and the RCWs that are attached to it, the more it seems like this
• information under our This seems to be a workaround if the county auditor cannot find false information under RCW

Summary: The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week. The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sex offenders is provided in RCW 4.24.550. Senator Dhingra. Thank you, Mr. President.
• An act relating to the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act and adding a new chapter to Title 61 RCW.
• to making adjustments to the schedule for reporting campaign finance expenditure activity, amending RCW

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and a prayer by Sikh youth leader Gertit Singh Cocher, followed by recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Germath Center. The chamber approved the journal and then adopted Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected as Washington’s representative in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.; senators praised the band’s dedication and rural-school achievement, and the band was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments by 49-0 votes: Ryan Moran as Director of the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham as Secretary of the Department of Health. Supporters highlighted Moran’s Medicaid and health system background and Worsham’s long public health career, including local health leadership and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. The chamber also advanced and passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding court bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments for the Court of Appeals, and Senate Bill 5831, creating safe harbors related to mortgage modification recording requirements. Several bills were debated and passed after amendment votes. Senate Bill 6188, concerning Labor and Industries’ asbestos training and certification rules, saw an amendment to align with federal standards rejected and then passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, dealing with access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, had multiple proposed amendments rejected before passing 32-17 after extensive debate over access, labeling, distribution limits, and emergency status. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality, then passed the bill 48-0-1 excused; passed Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on residential property marketing and fair housing by 49-0; and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5840 adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines by 46-3. The body then recessed for caucus and lunch.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current language in RCW 18.106.270, which addresses penalties and sanctions for plumbing contractors
• Washington's plumbing laws under RCW 18.106 were created with broad industry support.
• Concurrent jurisdiction with the courts to enforce RCW 49.32.020, which is the existing state law relating

Bills: SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5437, SB6117, SB5852, SB5847, SB6067, SB6152, SB6136

Keywords: SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement, infractions, administrative penalties, license suspension, certificate suspension, endorsement suspension, registration suspension, Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, penalty schedule, repeat violations, workplace standards, construction trades, professional licensing, Washington state, factory built housing

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony and took executive action on several labor, employment, workers’ compensation, and construction-related bills. Early in the meeting, the committee heard Senate Bill 6158 on factory-built housing and commercial structures, which would direct L&I to consider additional national consensus standards and allow approved qualified inspection agencies to conduct inspections. The sponsor said the bill is intended to make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, especially for units built outside Washington. L&I testified in support with a requested effective date of January 1, 2027 and noted an agreed amendment with utilities. The committee later returned to the bill after executive session, but no final action was taken in the portion provided before the transcript shifted to other business. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6197 on plumbing contractor requirements, which would separate repeat-violation penalties for residential and nonresidential plumbing work and allow suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential work. Supporters, including mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a commercial plumber, said repeat violators treat fines as a cost of doing business and that stronger enforcement is needed to protect safety and fair competition. Opponents, including contractor associations and several plumbing contractors, argued the bill is too punitive, does not adequately distinguish between construction and service plumbing, and could harm legitimate businesses; L&I said it needed an effective date of January 1, 2027 if the bill passed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6302 on misclassification in the finishing trades on public works projects, which would limit the use of independent contractors on covered finishing work. Labor groups supported it as a response to worker misclassification and lost wages and benefits, while contractor groups opposed it as a de facto ban on independent contractors that would raise costs and reduce flexibility, especially for small and rural businesses. In executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5437 on noncompetition covenants and advanced it to Rules, with some Republican opposition. It also advanced Senate Bill 6117 on PERC jurisdiction over labor relations if federal coverage changes, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed the bill further. Senate Bill 5852 on immigrant worker protections advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847 on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment also advanced after the committee rejected amendments to remove penalty provisions and to add claims manager positions, then adopted the latter amendment and sent the bill to Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6067 on workers’ compensation health care benefits advanced to Ways and Means, while Senate Bills 6152 and 6136 advanced to Rules. The committee then returned to public hearing and heard testimony on SB 6302, with the sponsor saying the bill is meant to address misclassification in a narrow set of finishing trades and that he is open to further discussion and amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• tracks or the undercarriage in order to, you know, to cover the law the way it is written right now, the RCW
• The part that we are really concerned about is the undercarriage, and that’s what the RCW is written
• For years, we've been limited by the current RCW guidelines, preventing us and other RV dealers from

Bills: SB5839, SB5824, SB5864, SB6032

Keywords: county authority, transportation, ferry district, infrastructure, government powers, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, state law, motor vehicle, insurance verification, automobile regulation, state compliance, traffic safety, highway safety, load limits, 904, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on Seattle’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from April Putney of the Seattle FWC 26 organizing committee and Travis Phelps of WSDOT. Putney described the event as a statewide, 39-day tournament with matches in Seattle, base camps in Renton and Spokane, fan zones across the state, and major transportation impacts centered in the Seattle area and on I-5 north toward Vancouver. She said planning goals focus on safe and seamless mobility, with a target of 80% of stadium attendees arriving by non-personal vehicle, and noted coordination with federal partners on border crossings and security. Phelps outlined roughly $225.65 million in state funding for tunnel maintenance, traffic operations, signage, transit support, and ferries, emphasizing overtime, incident response, wayfinding, and interagency coordination rather than new permanent hires. Senators asked about border staffing and ferry capacity, and WSDOT said it would follow up on ferry staffing concerns. The committee then held public hearings on several transportation bills. SB 5839 would remove the “passenger only” limitation for county ferry districts, allowing them to support vehicle ferries; supporters from Whatcom County and the Association of Counties said the change would help finance aging ferry systems like the Whatcom Chief and improve local funding transparency, while the hearing ended with five pro and five con sign-ins. SB 6032 would amend the secure-your-load law so muddy or debris-covered vehicles being towed on paved highways must be cleaned or fully covered; the sponsor and witnesses from the construction industry said the change would save time and water by allowing track covers for excavators and similar equipment, and the hearing closed with 137 pro and 2 con sign-ins. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, allowing 46-foot fifth wheels by measuring from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer; RV industry and dealer witnesses said the bill would align Washington with other states, improve safety clarity, and help dealers compete, and the hearing closed with 146 pro and 1 con sign-in. Finally, the committee heard SB 5864, which would create an online motor vehicle insurance verification system at DOL and require insurers to provide policy data, with a pilot period before full implementation in 2029. The sponsor and supporters from Grange, PEMCO, the Northwest Insurance Council, sheriffs and police chiefs, subagents, and county auditors said the bill would help reduce uninsured driving, improve roadside verification, and lower costs for insured drivers, while noting implementation concerns about real-time system performance and workload at licensing offices. The hearing ended with 57 pro, 158 con, and one other sign-in, and the committee adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• tracks or the undercarriage in order to, you know, to cover the law the way it is written right now, the RCW
• The part that we are really concerned about is the undercarriage, and that's what the RCW is written
• For years, we've been limited by the current RCW guidelines, preventing us and other RV dealers from

Summary: The committee began with a work session on transportation planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Western Washington. April Putney of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee described the event as a statewide, 39-day tournament with six Seattle group-stage matches, additional possible matches, fan zones across the state, and major transportation impacts centered in the Seattle area, including street closures, increased I-5 traffic, and heavy use of transit, shuttles, ferries, and active transportation. She said the goal is safe, seamless mobility with 80% of stadium attendees arriving by non-personal vehicle, and noted coordination with federal agencies on border crossings and security. WSDOT’s Travis Phelps outlined roughly $25.65 million in World Cup-related funding for tunnel maintenance, traffic operations, signage and digital messaging, public transit support, ferries, and related staffing and training, emphasizing use of existing staff, overtime, and current fleets rather than new hires or vehicles. Senators asked about border staffing and ferry capacity, and WSDOT said it would follow up on ferry staffing concerns. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 5839 would remove the “passenger only” limitation for county ferry districts, allowing them to support vehicle ferries; supporters from Whatcom County and the Association of Counties said the change would help aging ferry systems, improve funding flexibility, and support essential island access, while some testimony was opposed. SB 6032 would amend the secure-your-load law to allow vehicles with mud, rocks, or debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before being towed on paved highways; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would save time and water for construction equipment operators, and the hearing closed with strong support and little opposition. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, allowing up to 46 feet measured from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer; RV industry, dealer, and business groups supported it as a safety-neutral clarification that would align Washington with other states and improve competitiveness, and the hearing closed with overwhelming support. Finally, SB 5864 would create an online motor vehicle insurance verification system at the Department of Licensing, require insurers to provide policy data, and use the system at registration renewal beginning in 2029 after a pilot period. The sponsor and supporters from insurers and law enforcement said the bill would reduce uninsured driving, improve roadside verification, and lower costs shifted to insured drivers, while county auditors and vehicle subagents supported the policy but warned that implementation must be technically reliable and adequately funded so renewals are not slowed. The public hearing closed with substantial support and some operational concerns raised, and the committee adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• RCW 18.122.030 defines credential as either registration, certification, or licensure.
• A license action based on a violation of the Uniform Disciplinary Act, RCW 18.13.200, was enforced by
• she was advertising care that she did not have the legal authority to provide, another violation of RCW

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2261, which would require health care providers to wear badges showing name, credential, and relevant degrees, require similar disclosure in advertising, and restrict use of the title “physician surgeon” to certain physicians and osteopathic physicians. Supporters, including the Washington State Medical Association and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and informed consent. Opponents from nurse, naturopathic, and adult family home groups argued it was overly broad, burdensome, confusing, and could harm access to care or residential home settings; several also said existing disciplinary laws already address misrepresentation. No vote was taken on HB 2261 during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2283, which would raise the medical loss ratio for fully insured individual, small group, and large group health plans to 90 percent. Supporters, including small business, patient, and physician groups, said the bill would push more premium dollars toward patient care and lower costs or increase rebates. Insurers and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner warned it could destabilize the market, reduce flexibility for administrative services, and lead to carrier exits, though OIC said it was working on amendments. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. House Bill 2425, an agency-request bill on nurse delegation, would broaden what tasks registered nurses may delegate, remove some setting and training restrictions, expand emergency medication authority, and adjust liability and retaliation protections. The Board of Nursing, long-term care providers, and skilled nursing/assisted living representatives supported the bill as a modernization that could ease workforce shortages and improve care access, while the Washington State Association for Justice opposed the immunity provisions and raised patient safety concerns. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 2425. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. HB 2110, with an amendment clarifying ambulance staffing and RN scope, passed 18-0 with one excused. HB 2113 passed 18-0 with one excused. HB 2122, as amended to require hospitals to offer flu vaccines with several flexibility and critical-access-hospital exemptions, passed 15-3 with one excused. HB 2152, as amended to require certain facilities to allow medical cannabis use for qualifying terminal patients and to add related exemptions and protections, passed 17-1 with one excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The DCCA was enacted in 2019 via Senate Bill 5748 and is governed by RCW 43.330.515 as well as .520.
• While RCW 43.330.515 does not explicitly state projects must have their source of non-state funding secured
• While RCW 43.330.515 does not explicitly state that DCCA projects must have other sources of funding

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Functionally, this removes the previous RCW reference to a definition of a qualifying discharge that
• Functionally, this removes previously these RCWs referred to a definition of a qualifying discharge that

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6289, which would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan by June 30, 2027, with updates every five years. Senator Kaufman said the bill is intended to create a more intentional, coordinated, data-driven statewide strategy to support businesses of all sizes and sectors. Supporters from the Washington Economic Development Association and the Department of Commerce said the plan is needed to align regional and local efforts, improve competitiveness, and address challenges such as capital access, infrastructure gaps, tariffs, and AI-related disruption. Both Commerce and WEDA supported moving the update cycle from two years to five years, and Commerce said the change would save money and help reduce the fiscal impact. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which would expand the definition of a rural county for public facilities funding and related programs to include counties with population density of 100 or more people per square mile if they have no city larger than 45,000 people. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to preserve rural eligibility for counties like Cowlitz as cities grow, so they do not lose access to grants and loans that support economic development. Members raised questions about how the new definition would affect counties and whether it would better capture rural areas within larger counties, but no testimony opposed the bill. In executive session, the committee considered three bills. For Senate Bill 5420, concerning access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, the committee adopted a striking amendment that broadened some eligibility language, including changing a reference from physical to medical discharge and updating employment preference provisions, then advanced the bill by a 12-0 vote with one excused. For Senate Bill 5649, creating a Supply Chain Competitiveness Infrastructure Program, members began debate on amendments that would add WSDOT scoring criteria favoring Washington-made or Washington-grown goods and limit grants and loans to projects not already eligible for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding. The committee also reviewed several amendments to the AI companion chatbot bill, including narrowing educational and gaming exclusions, adding protections around age inference and manipulative engagement techniques, and limiting data collection; one amendment was withdrawn before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the amendment makes a technical change to delete a duplicative RCW reference.
• ...RCW reference. Thank you very much.

Bills: SB6278

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, RCW 64. Last line. Correct the title. Remarks. Remarks.
• Section 1, RCW, last line. Correct the title.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and announced caucuses before moving through introductions, committee reports, and second reading bills. The chamber considered three bills on second reading: HB 1175, allowing small business establishments in residential zones; HB 1376, allowing voluntary prepayment of capital gains tax up to six months early; and HB 1500, concerning resale certificates for units in common interest communities. HB 1175 received Amendment 1461, which added a population-estimate reference for small communities, and then passed 94-2. HB 1376 passed 97-0 after supporters said it would let taxpayers capture a federal deduction by paying earlier, while still preserving state revenue. HB 1500 received a technical striking amendment updating condo-law language and then passed 85-12; supporters said it would improve access to complete resale certificates for condo sales, while some members raised concerns about added regulation and costs. The House then took up third reading bills. Substitute HB 1302, which would let local governments waive utility connection charges for certain green technology or industrial symbiosis projects, passed 76-21 after supporters emphasized environmental benefits and opponents warned it could shift costs to other ratepayers. HB 1796, allowing school districts to bond against capital levy collections to speed projects and reduce inflationary costs, passed 78-19; supporters said it would save taxpayers money and help districts complete needed construction sooner, while opponents argued it could bypass voter intent and increase indebtedness without renewed approval. Finally, Substitute HB 1980 was returned to second reading for a striking amendment, which was adopted, and then passed 97-0. Supporters described it as a pilot program to help employers and transit agencies work together to move workers more efficiently in congested areas, using existing transit/HOV infrastructure. The House also re-referred HJM 4010 and HB 2402 to different committees, then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1903, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB1570, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2515, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1906, HB2339, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2475, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, the Clerk called the roll, and a quorum was announced present. The chamber then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Representative Lauren Davis, which focused on compassion, the burdens carried by legislators and staff, and the importance of kindness, grace, and remembering the real-world consequences of policy decisions. After the prayer, the House approved the previous day’s minutes without objection. Representative Ortiz-Self announced that the Democrats would caucus immediately, and Representative Abbarno announced that the Republicans would caucus immediately as well. The Speaker then declared the House at ease for caucuses.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1903, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB1570, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2515, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1906, HB2339, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2475, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House was called to order, the roll was taken, and a quorum was declared present. The chamber then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Representative Lauren Davis, who spoke about compassion, the burdens members and staff carry, and the importance of kindness and remembering the real-world impact of legislative decisions. After the prayer, the House approved the previous day’s minutes without objection. Representative Ortiz-Self announced that the Democrats would caucus immediately, and Representative Abbarno announced that the Republicans would caucus. The House then stood at ease for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• acknowledge that the Director of Strategy is subject to the Washington State Ethics in Public Service Act, RCW
• In accordance with Washington state campaign finance and lobbying laws including RCW 42.17A, the Director
• deliberations and issue a written final decision or final order within 90 days, in accordance with RCW
• deliberations and issue a written final decision or final order within 90 days, in accordance with RCW
• stress that there is a strict 30-day deadline associated with filing such an appeal, consistent with RCW

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.

Transcript Highlights:

• acknowledge that the Director of Strategy is subject to the Washington State Ethics in Public Service Act, RCW
• In accordance with Washington State campaign finance and lobbying laws, including RCW 42.17A, the Director
• to explore those options and opportunities.” “...if this matter...” “...and that is consistent with RCW
• Within 90 days, in accordance with RCW 34.05.461 subsection 8A.
• stress that there is a strict 30-day deadline associated with filing such an appeal, consistent with RCW

Summary: The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case. The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding. Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.

Bills: HB2092, HB2114, HB2172, HB2251, HB2374, HB2410, HB2552, HB2588, HB2718, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill amends RCW 41.05.740 related to sub-eligibility, and while the intent may be positive, the fiscal

Bills: SB5834, SB5835, SB5883, SB5905, SB6151, SB6163, SB6177, SB6173

Keywords: Washington retirement systems, retirement trust funds, interest earnings, public employee retirement system, teachers retirement system, state patrol retirement system, judicial retirement system, judges retirement system, school employees retirement system, public safety employees retirement system, law enforcement officers and firefighters retirement system, PERS, TRS, LERS, legal expenses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, fraud prevention, overpayment recovery, trust fund protection

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 20, 2026, for public hearings on several Senate bills and to move three bills out of committee. The committee heard first on SB 5834, which would make permanent a temporary expansion allowing retirement system trust funds to pay certain administrative expenses from interest earnings; DRS supported the bill and noted an actuarial note showing an indeterminate impact. The committee then heard SB 5835, which would raise the lump-sum retirement allowance threshold for Plan 2 members to match Plan 3 and allow annual adjustment; DRS described it as a technical consistency change with a small one-time systems cost. Both bills were heard only, with no action taken in the transcript. The committee then entered executive session and moved Substitute SB 5249, Substitute SB 5053, and Substitute SB 5203 without recommendation to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures. Staff summarized 5249 as allowing kit homes for emergency housing, 5053 as allowing certain counties to include school district boundaries when forming a public facilities district, and 5203 as directing state agencies to develop wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and creating related accounts. All three motions passed without recorded opposition. Back in public hearing, the committee heard SB 5883 on SEBB eligibility for school employees in their second school year of employment. Supporters, including labor representatives and individual school workers, said the current two-year look-back causes gaps in coverage and hardship for substitutes and paraeducators; opponents, including school district officials and administrators, argued it would create an unfunded mandate, increase district costs, and add administrative burden. The committee also heard SB 5905, which would exclude certain port workers already covered by federal railroad retirement or collectively bargained pension plans from PERS membership; ports, labor, and DRS supported the bill as a narrow technical fix, and the bill was heard without action. The committee then heard SB 6151, which would create dedicated accounts for Ecology fee revenue related to laboratory accreditation and landfill methane work; Ecology and county representatives supported it as a transparency and reinvestment measure. Finally, the committee heard SB 6163, which would require the Individual and Family Services waiver for developmental disability services to be funded at maintenance level and tied to the caseload forecast. Disability advocates said the bill would stabilize services and reduce wait lists, while the fiscal note discussion indicated increased general fund costs. The committee also heard SB 6177, which would require additional budget information on the LEAP fiscal website, and SB 6173, which would create an Apple Health employer assessment on certain large employers with Medicaid-enrolled workers after federal work requirements take effect. SB 6173 drew strong support from health advocates, labor, and patient groups as a way to protect Medicaid funding, and strong opposition from business, retail, hospitality, and hospital groups, who called it an unfair tax and raised administrative and legal concerns. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a reminder that signature sheets would be held for 24 hours under Senate rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary two related to annexations are Chapter 35.13 RCW and 35A.14. 35A.14 is focused on code cities
• Chapter 35.10 RCW addresses both the consolidation of two or more cities or towns or the annexing of
• Finally, Chapter 36.93 RCW relates to the boundary review boards.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a few clarifying concerns about some wording and the changes suggested for RCW 80.50.060 that
• have Regarding the changes suggested for RCW 80.50.060 that have the potential to inadvertently change
• So, just a little misalignment in that RCW, and we want to make sure we correct that and then go forward

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5821, which would direct the Department of Commerce, if funded by gifts or grants, to develop a nuclear power strategic framework and integrate it into the state energy strategy. Supporters, including Sen. Braun, Energy Northwest, public power representatives, and several pro-nuclear advocates, said Washington needs to keep advanced nuclear on the table to address rising electricity demand, reliability concerns, and clean energy goals. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill gives nuclear special treatment, lacks sufficient guardrails on waste, safety, cost, and public process, and was rushed without adequate tribal consultation. Several tribal testifiers said the bill should require early, meaningful government-to-government consultation and stronger protections for treaty rights and cultural resources. The committee then held a work session on a Washington State Institute for Public Policy report reviewing state policies supporting small modular reactors. Staff and researchers explained that the report surveyed 79 policies in 35 states and found most states are still in preliminary planning stages, with policies focused on feasibility studies, siting, workforce development, permitting, financial support, and market integration. Members asked about water use, waste, footprint, and whether the report covered fusion; the researchers said it was limited to fission and that water needs vary by reactor design. Some senators noted the need to consider lifecycle impacts and compare nuclear with other energy technologies. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6010, which would change FSEC tribal consultation procedures by exempting most government-to-government consultations from the Open Public Meetings Act when there is no deliberation or commitments, requiring all FSEC members to participate in consultation, and giving tribes a chance to review and correct the consultation summary before it goes to the governor. Tribal witnesses and environmental groups supported the bill as a way to improve confidentiality and meaningful consultation, while the Association of Washington Business opposed it, saying it could add delays and suggesting timelines. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6004, which would update contracting statutes so public entities can contract for renewable or non-emitting generation capability under CETA definitions; utilities supported the update as a modernization, while consumer and environmental opponents warned it could shift financial risk to ratepayers, especially for nuclear projects. No votes were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an RCW 82.04.4281. This came up in a court case involving Antio LLC and 15 other LLCs.
• And then endowments, donations, et cetera, have their own B&O tax deduction under the next statute, RCW
• And then endowments, donations, et cetera, have their own B&O tax deduction under the next statute, RCW

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• strong track record protecting, stewarding, and restoring open space for a public purpose as defined by RCW
• And I'm here in strong support of Senate Bill 6097, which updates the RCW to add federally recognized

Bills: SB5919, SB5816

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, 904, all