Transcript Highlights:

• We welcome both of you to the committee and congratulate you on your nominations.
• You have been nominated at a very challenging time for rural America.
• When President Trump nominated him for the U.S.
• Thank you to this committee for its consideration. of my nomination.
• Clarkson, you've been nominated. You've been nominated to be the USDA's top lawyer. Same question.

Keywords: USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• someone who went through this process someone who went through this process and<00:04:49.039>
• I actually previously served on the workers' compensation nominating committee under the appointments
• But instead, if you are a newly appointed ALJ, then, you know, you will go through the Senate process
• But if you are a newly appointed ALJ, then you will go through the Senate process.
• If you are a newly appointed ALJ, then you will go through the Senate process.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:17 SB 129 Discussion 00:46 SB 129 Vote 04:27 SB 178 Discussion 05:48 SB 178 Vote 07:57 SB 151 Discussion 09:01 SB 151 Vote 11:24 SB 201 Discussion 15:17 SB 201 Vote 21:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression. Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• :10:26.560> Johnson to nominate Senator Anne Johnson to nominate Senator Anne Johnson Stewart.
• uh that nomination? uh that nomination?
• I will nominate second the nomination of Senator Stewart to be the chair. >> Commissioner. >> Yes.
• Any further discussion on the nomination or other nominations?
• would um support his nomination. would um support his nomination.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Electricity as a Vehicle Fuel Working Group. Commissioner Nancy Doenberger opened with introductions from members representing state agencies, legislators, utilities, local governments, industry groups, advocacy organizations, and others. The group then elected its leadership: Senator Anne Johnson Stewart was nominated and unanimously elected chair, and Representative Steve Elkins was nominated and unanimously elected vice chair. Senator Johnson Stewart said she would ensure all viewpoints are heard and asked MnDOT to continue running the meeting for practical reasons. Austin Turman of the Legislative Coordinating Commission reviewed the authorizing legislation. He explained that the working group must analyze electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, develop a roadmap with policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding consistent with the Minnesota Constitution, and study other states’ approaches to equitable fuel assessment methods for electric vehicles. The group’s report is due February 13 and will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. Turman also briefly reviewed open meeting law requirements, noting the group must operate publicly when a quorum discusses official business, though public comment is not required. Members then discussed the purpose of the group and the need to find a fair replacement or supplement for declining gas tax revenue as EVs increase. Senator Johnson Stewart emphasized balancing system funding needs with user-based fairness, including differences in vehicle weight and road use. Representative Murphy stressed the need to consider rural Minnesota, taxpayer impacts, and current science, including climate and CO2 issues. Drive Electric Minnesota said EV drivers should pay their fair share and not be overburdened, while the Department of Revenue said it wants to administer the new EV charging-station tax fairly. A trucking representative highlighted that passenger vehicles and freight vehicles have very different operating and charging needs, suggesting the group consider those differences in any fee structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• , who's been nominated.
• He's been nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, Mr.
• Senator Feinberg, you've been nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.
• In the process to do that properly, fairly, with the right people.
• You're in charge of this process. Yes, sir. I'd like to know the process you intend to follow.

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:31.680> Okay,<00:03:32.159> any nomination? Okay, any nomination?
• uh and how that might delay the process uh and how that might delay the process of<00:11:11.120>
• nomination? nomination?
• <00:55:23.920> Any to the nomination. Any to the nomination. Any discussion?
• nomination. Chair goes eye. Thank you. nomination. Chair goes eye. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered multiple gubernatorial nominations, beginning with several appointments to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. Testimony on the Hurricane Relief Fund nominees was overwhelmingly in support from the DCCA Insurance Division, Hawaii Insurance Council, Hawaii Insurers Council, the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, and various individuals and industry representatives. Nominees Michael Naka, Marie White, Raina Miamoto, Leslie Door, Edward Hike, and Gwen McDonald were discussed, with Miamoto and Hike offering brief remarks about the need to address hurricane insurance affordability, condo coverage, and the importance of attracting reinsurers. The committee spent substantial time questioning Hike about the fund’s strategy, including whether to keep eligibility broad in the first phase to move quickly into the reinsurance market, how much capital would be available, and whether later policy refinements such as owner-occupancy requirements could be added after an initial rollout. Hike said the fund intended to start with broad parameters to secure reinsurance and then consider more targeted changes later, and he indicated further responses to prior committee questions would be submitted later that day. No votes were taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then moved to other nominations. Terresa Hernandez was considered for the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic, with support from the board, and she said chiropractic had been a passion for her for seven years. Terrence Aratani was considered for the Board of Nursing, with support from the Board of Nursing, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others. During questioning, a senator raised concerns from constituents about a 2019 grant-related controversy involving a proposed resiliency hub project; Aratani responded that his organization had partnered on a grant-in-aid proposal, later withdrew when the project scope changed substantially, and said no money was transferred to the other group. Cheryl Schultz Hansen was also considered for the Board of Nursing and described her long nursing and teaching background, while a senator asked about alleged pressure on nurses to participate in employee give-back campaigns at Hawaii Pacific Health and the University of Hawaii; Hansen said the campaigns were voluntary and she was unaware of harassment, though she acknowledged managers may feel pressure to encourage participation. The excerpt ends before any final committee actions or votes on these nominations are announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Nominations will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
• Do you have a systematic process by which you determine that, because look, we give you, Process by which
• We have a very We have a very rigorous process at TCEQ.
• due process to be fair.
• I've been involved in that process before as a third party.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote. The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate. The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we are off to executive nominations. Today we have here the nominee for a seat on ABOR, Mr.
• So on the one hand, you are nominated by Democratic Governor Hobbs.
• So on the one hand, you are nominated by Democratic Governor Hobbs.
• I also appreciate the bipartisan support around this nomination. We have Gary Bay. Gary?
• Madam Vice Chair, would you move the executive nomination?

Bills: SB1026, SB1126, SB1143, SB1166

Keywords: alternative education, school funding, student accountability, education reform, school district governance, educational records, student privacy, FERPA, family educational rights and privacy act, Department of Child Safety, DCS caseworker, child welfare, abuse or neglect, juvenile justice, juvenile court, juvenile corrections, school records, discipline records, attendance records, school district

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first considered the executive nomination of James McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents. McCain described his military service, education at Arizona State University, and interest in serving rural, tribal, and veteran communities through ABOR. Senators from both parties praised his background and bipartisan support, and McCain said his experience would bring accountability, leadership development, and a focus on affordability and student safety. The committee voted 7-0 to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard SB 1026, which would limit how often alternative schools and alternative education programs must recertify and allow them to continue operating in good standing without repeated applications. An amendment added a five-year recertification limit, a 70% student-population threshold for qualifying alternative programs, an appeal process, and flexibility on instructional days. Supporters said the bill would reduce regulation for schools serving vulnerable students; opponents raised concerns about accountability and whether the bill clearly defined good standing. The committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill 4-3. Next, SB 1126 was heard, requiring schools to provide Department of Child Safety caseworkers with information about who withdrew a student or requested records, and barring schools from preventing employees, contractors, or volunteers from speaking with DCS during abuse or neglect investigations. Senator Werner said it was developed with DCS after reviewing child deaths and system failures, including the Rebecca Baptiste case. The bill passed 7-0. SB 1143, which would require schools and LEAs to submit federal civil rights data to ADE and require an annual school safety report posted publicly, drew opposition from the Arizona Education Association as redundant and burdensome, but it still passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1166 would allow county school superintendents to offer high school equivalency preparation through accommodation schools to students in grades 10-12 who are at least 16 years old, rather than only 12th graders. The sponsor said the bill simply expands access to the program, while one senator questioned whether it might encourage students to pursue a GED earlier than intended. The committee advanced the bill 5-2, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• constitutional law making process. constitutional law making process.
• competitive bidding process. competitive bidding process.
• Senate nomination number 21, Dr.
• Senate nomination number 21 and 20 21. Senate nomination number 21 and 20 21.
• . nominations. nominations.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 24 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee report titles. The main business was a lengthy exchange over Senate Bill 2632, the local governments disaster recovery emergency loan program bill. The governor’s veto message argued that the enrolled bill had been materially altered after conference adoption, specifically over the interest-rate language, and called for an investigation. Senate leaders responded that the veto message was inaccurate, saying the word “monthly” had been removed earlier by unanimous consent to avoid an unintended 12% rate and that the bill was intended to provide disaster relief financing for local governments affected by Winter Storm Erin. Senators McCaughn and others defended the process, criticized the governor’s accusations as false and offensive, and emphasized that the legislation was meant to help struggling cities and counties with no interest until FEMA reimbursement, followed by a 1% rate. After the veto discussion, Senator McCaughn moved to refer the bill back to the committee from which it began, and the motion carried. The Senate then moved through routine business, including introductions and recognition of guests. Visitors included the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Peanut Committee, the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, the doctor of the day, and an NCSL representative, along with a National Ag Day milking champions presentation and a large group of junior pages. The chamber also honored the Starkville Oktibbeha County School District’s varsity boys and girls basketball teams. Senate Resolutions 64 and 65 were called up to commend the Starkville High School girls and boys teams for winning the 2026 Class 7A state championships, and both coaches addressed the Senate briefly to thank members for the recognition.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge my colleagues to advance his nomination quickly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I would say the same for the nation that I've been nominated to deploy to.
• I'm grateful to Secretary Rubio for his support throughout the process.
• And congratulations to the nominees for your nominations.
• Huckabee's nomination be submitted for the record.

Keywords: Israel, Hamas, Panama Canal, U.S. foreign policy, terrorism, diplomacy, Chinese influence

Summary: The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.

Transcript Highlights:

• her nomination promptly and unanimously.
• President Trump made a great choice in nominating you.
• I want to congratulate you again on your nomination.
• Congressman Stefanik, congratulations on your nomination.
• Representative Stefanik, congratulations on your nomination.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have several nominations to take up tonight. They're listed on the agenda.
• , as I said, who receive nominations at the request of one committee member.
• As I said, received nominations at the request of one committee member, me.
• Any debate or discussion among members with regard to this nomination?
• And by your action, the nomination has been approved unanimously.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers. The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices. The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only people that will be allowed today, if you have a family, if you're an exact nomination, and
• I'll move to pass on his nomination, Mr. Chair.
• I may not let this nomination go through now that you said he's an Air Force guy.
• Process.
• We just want to facilitate the speedier process of FDA clinical trials.

Bills: HB3767, HB3934, HB4199, HB4336, HB2947, HB3834, HB4302, HB4095, HB3287, HB3649, HB4430, HB4431, HB2059, HB3647

Keywords: dentistry, licensing, dental hygiene, foreign-trained dentists, temporary license, public health, emergency response, child care, workforce, pilot program, affordable care, income eligibility, interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation

Transcript Highlights:

• The PSC application process came up numerous times in my thought process, and I just felt compelled to
• And that starts with the process.
• I think that's a step in that process.
• And that begins the process.
• And I think through that process, it’s important that consumers understand how the PSC process works,

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now move to the tier two executive nominations.
• Clerk will read the nominations.
• Madam President, that concludes the tier two nominations. That concludes the executive nominations.
• I declare the executive nominations to have been confirmed.
• That is a natural process in which the baby was miscarried.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm familiar with the administrative process.
• Where do you think you can bring improvements in processes to DRBA?
• I think that would improve the process of getting vehicles through.
• Congratulations on your nomination. I'm a big fan of social studies teachers.
• I think there is a typo on the nomination.

Bills: HB364, HB364

Keywords: film production, tax credit, Delaware, esports, video games, media projects

Summary: The Senate Executive Committee first considered several gubernatorial appointments. Heidi Gilmore was nominated to the Marijuana Appeals Commission and said her real estate and administrative-law background would help her support implementation of Delaware’s new marijuana framework. Lee Wynne Lynn and Ruth Tucker were both nominated to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; both emphasized long Delaware ties, public service, and experience in technology, transportation, and executive leadership, with committee members asking about modernization, cashless tolling, and potential conflicts of interest. Lindsay Alexic and Dr. Jennifer Hallman were nominated to the Professional Standards Board and described their classroom and administrative experience in Delaware public education, with discussion focused on supporting teachers, improving educator effectiveness, and helping schools address post-COVID classroom and student-support challenges. Jason Munion and F. Todd Collada were nominated to the Environmental Appeals Board; Munion cited his engineering and environmental background, while Collada noted his work as Milford’s mayor and a contractor. No votes on the nominations are reflected in the transcript excerpt. The committee then moved to legislation. House Bill 364 would create a Delaware Entertainment Production Tax Credit for film, television, e-sports, and video game production, with a $10 million annual cap, audit and reporting requirements, a 2031 sunset, and a focus on verified in-state spending and Delaware hiring; the bill was circulated after no public comment. House Bill 437 was described as a technical corrections bill affecting certain municipal charters and requiring a three-quarters vote; it also drew no public comment. The committee approved the previously circulated minutes by motion and second. House Bill 446 would reorganize the Delaware Forest Service chapter, consolidate authority in one section, and add definitions related to forests and urban forestry without creating new authority; House Amendment 1 was noted as clarifying existing authority for the Department of Agriculture. House Bill 180, the first leg of a constitutional amendment on voting, would limit felony-related voting loss to actual imprisonment or pardon, remove outdated residency and literacy provisions, update the voting age to 18, and eliminate a post-sentence voting ban; members raised a question about whether the change would apply retroactively, which was left for later clarification. No public comments were offered on the bills, and the committee adjourned after announcing written comments would be accepted for 24 hours.

Transcript Highlights:

• Greer's USTR nomination hearing.
• As we enter into this process of taking a second look at USMCA, which again was built into the process
• Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Greer.
• It's a refining process, environmental regulations.
• If there's a process, and Section 301 and other statutes have a process behind them, if I prejudge them

Transcript Highlights:

• Jerry Pollet has been nominated and seconded. Great. Jerry Pollet has been nominated and seconded.
• Is there any other nominations?
• I nominate Senator Wagoner. Is there a second? Second.
• Representative Orcutt has been nominated and seconded.
• I'd like to nominate Senator Solomon, who has been...

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any nominations for... ...down in his role.
• I'll put my hand up for a co-chair if someone wants to nominate me.
• I nominate you.
• No, I think we're very fortunate to have you nominate yourself.
• I will happily nominate Rachel Caprilyan and Leo Sarkisian to be...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, noting 102 of 132 members responded. The report showed continued improvement in staffing: overall vacancy rates fell from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across programs such as adult long-term residential, community-based day supports, supported employment, and day rehabilitation. However, vacancies remain high, especially for licensed practical nurses and clinicians, and nearly 4,000 positions were still unfilled. Providers also reported that almost 1,800 people remain waiting for day services. A major new focus in the survey was health insurance costs. Nearly 90% of respondents reported premium increases averaging 11%, and providers said those increases make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and hurt recruitment and retention. ADDP said the survey will be repeated in the fall and emphasized that while Chapter 257 investments appear to have helped reduce vacancies, rising insurance costs, immigration-related workforce pressures, and other affordability issues could threaten progress. Commissioners and presenters discussed the need to maintain gains, the importance of keeping the survey manageable while preserving historical comparisons, and the role of immigration and workforce policy in staffing stability. The subcommittee then elected new co-chairs, unanimously approving Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian. Members discussed possible topics and speakers for the next meeting, including training and turnover, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, PCA training, and workforce models from other states. Several names and organizations were suggested for outreach, including Josh Cutler, Juan Vega, JVS, HSRI, and NASDDDS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee for Senate Nominations will come to order.
• About their nominations.
• He will serve the commission through 2031 if nominated and confirmed.
• It is of great importance to hear his nomination.
• Goodwin to the Texas Senate Committee on Nominations.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whitaker, who has been nominated to be ambassador to NATO.
• There is a waiver process.
• You cannot process a waiver for life-saving humanitarian aid with no personnel.
• This idea of a waiver process is fine, except it's not working.
• I can tell you how I went about the process at OPM.