Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:00:35.280><c> This</c> and our commission and Dora. This and our commission and Dora.
• L004 is..." public utilities commission to refine public utilities commission to refine the<01:01:06.079
• </c> know because the to secure these rights. know because the to secure these rights.
• </c><01:20:15.360><c> the</c> these to help these owners secure the these to help these owners secure
• These bills until we secure the rights.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of China passed their national security of China passed their national security law<00:06:46.319
• So we're not just security threat.
• </c><01:51:24.000><c> is</c> kind of what this study commission is kind of what this study commission
• So, I mean, the be a commission.
• </c> legislative committees or commissions legislative committees or commissions that<03:35:53.600><c

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do most of our work there focused at the Public Utilities Commission.
• One way to utilities commission.
• Uh and then reliability and security.
• Seeing none, uh, we have the Public Utilities Commission here on Wednesday.
• My friend commission here on Wednesday.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:30.799><c> needs</c> you know addressing the security needs you know addressing the security
• </c><00:51:07.839><c> and</c> know their information is secure and know their information is secure and
• </c><00:51:47.240><c> taxpayer</c> 2020 uh next uh securing taxpayer 2020 uh next uh securing taxpayer
• </c> places that are safer more secure places that are safer more secure provide<01:28:25.360><c> uh<
• </c><01:36:05.880><c> things</c><01:36:06.280><c> in</c> security uh commission we have things in security

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the review commission. from the review commission. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> recommendations from the commission. recommendations from the commission.
• </c> by the campaign spending commission by the campaign spending commission rather<01:30:14.960><c>
• Christy Chang on behalf of the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supports this bill.
• </c> right, what has the commission right, what has the commission discovered?

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training opportunities for 287(g) agreements
• Senator Gruters: And finally, the memorial urges the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide guidance
• They don't have their birth certificate or their social security card.
• We had the Election Crimes and Security Office and I think it was 2022.
• prepackaged to investigators and Ethics Commission. 3 to 5 years to see the light of the day.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is $100,000 in recurring funding for the Aesakia Commission, different than the Asakia Ditch Fund
• This is 100,000 in recurring funding for the Aesakia Commission, different than the Asakia Ditch Fund
• This is an additional amount of funding to the Organized Crime Commission.
• This was discussed briefly during their hearing for a Space Commission work group.
• This was discussed briefly during their hearing for a Space Commission work group.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We secured her a bed at Child Study Treatment Center, and for 15 months, our family went twice weekly
• I sit on and have been sitting on a birth-to-25 commission in one of the counties, so I know the idea
• I'm Kathleen Whedemeyer with the Citizens Commission... Good afternoon.
• I'm Kathleen Whedemeyer with the Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
• facilities, state hospitals, the Child Study and Treatment Center, the Special Commitment Center, Secure

Bills: HB2429 , HB2171 , HB2314 , HB2364 , HB2415

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: behavioral health, youth support, mental health services, children's health, support services, foster youth, child welfare, education, mental health, dental care, habilitation centers, residential services, healthcare access, patient rights, poverty, task force, legislative, executive, social programs, fatalities

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that you presented to the Little Hoover Commission.
• We worked to secure the $54 million of funding necessary to take the project forward.
• In 2021, we successfully secured $5.5 million from the City of Elk Grove.
• With funding commitments of nearly $15 million in hand, we needed to secure the final $9 million to fill
• We could no longer extend the funding awards we had secured, and the church was no longer willing to

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs. Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs. Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• information in your packets today that we got from NCSL regarding security.
• The first is a state capital security overview.
• And maybe it's just saying, you know, follow all security alerts as directed.
• Saying, you know, follow all security alerts as directed.
• there's a beef commission.

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Summary: The Legislative Arrangements and Procedure Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up several follow-up items related to legislative security, public records, and the impacts of term limits. The Secretary of State’s office presented draft language to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records, with discussion of who would be covered, how the protection would work, and whether it should expire when a candidate’s term ends. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and whether the public should still be able to see enough information to evaluate residency requirements. Rather than act immediately, the committee set the draft aside for a future meeting and asked for an amendment reflecting the Secretary of State’s suggested changes. The committee also reviewed a security best-practices memo and NCSL materials on capitol security. The memo encouraged legislators to be aware of their surroundings, avoid real-time vacation posting, vary routines, report threats, and follow security alerts. Members discussed a recent incident and the need to improve alert distribution and update contact information so legislators and staff receive notices consistently. The Secretary of State and committee members noted that the alert system may need refinement, including a separate legislative notification channel. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on how to mitigate the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized interviews, surveys, and focus groups with legislators, the public, and stakeholders, identifying major themes such as loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, staffing pressures, and the need for stronger onboarding and training. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session, making interim committees more consistent with regular committees, adding office hours, formalizing mentorship and leadership succession planning, expanding staff and professional development resources, creating public-facing educational tools, and improving communication and virtual testimony options. Members generally appreciated the report and its phased implementation roadmap, while also debating the practicality of some recommendations and the tension between making service more demanding and keeping the legislature accessible to new candidates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank this committee for your wise decision to turn SB 615 into a study commission.
• I'm also the chair of the Portsmouth Police Commission.
• Since the beginning of this year, I've been on the police commission. This is my fifth year.
• </c><01:22:10.400><c> Um</c> the uh Portsouth Police Commission.
• Um the uh Portsouth Police Commission.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And since you told us about it, did you eventually secure the annulment?
• And, you know, they have a secure space, too.
• </c><04:13:03.359><c> If</c> they have a secure space, too. If they have a secure space, too.
• </c> almost three years as the security almost three years as the security manager<04:30:28.479><c> for
• I also agree with you that increasing security forces can help.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those first responders would know about that. they're securing and protecting this they're securing and
• </c> except to clarify that the commission except to clarify that the commission has<02:12:45.040><c>
• c> have</c><04:14:17.359><c> any</c> commission doesn't actually have any commission doesn't actually
• Yeah, typically when you form a commission, once it delivers its report, repeal the commission.
• </c> commissions could take up this study? commissions could take up this study?

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Served the physician as a physician advisor to the Workers' Compensation Commission during the transition
• that occurred from the court to the commission.
• I know that there have been some pretty significant security concerns.
• We have certainly faced challenges and will continue to face challenges operating the one secure Treatment
• I am really impressed with what we've been able to do in terms of safety and security for both staff

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , fines and fees, are I don't know. and commissions, appointed boards and commissions that levy taxes
• That commission, that's an appointed, non-elected board or commission, levies a tax.
• That commission that's appointed, non-elected board or commission, levies a tax.
• A state board, commission, agency.
• So any such board or commission is the boards and commissions that's currently in the statute.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public access, transparency, and campaign finance. HB 648, as amended, would allow early childhood providers and parents of children under five to participate virtually in certain boards and commissions when in-person attendance is not feasible; supporters said it would help short-staffed providers and busy parents, while an opponent argued participation is different from observation. The bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 615 would require certain public bodies with taxing, rulemaking, or fee-setting authority to broadcast meetings live and keep an online archive; supporters emphasized low-cost technology and broader access, while local government representatives warned of unfunded mandates, confusion over which bodies are covered, and concerns about archiving and platform dependence. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the recording/broadcast language and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 627, a similar live-streaming bill by Rep. Knox, was voluntarily deferred in favor of HB 615. The committee also considered HB 996, which would allow campaign funds to be used for clothing required for holding office and related cleaning/maintenance. The author said the bill was meant to offset required professional attire costs for legislators with modest salaries, but members raised concerns about public perception, possible abuse, and whether a cap should be added. The bill was voluntarily deferred so the author could work with members on a cap and narrower language. HB 540, dealing with disclosures for certain digital political communications and influencer-style campaign advertising, was discussed as a way to require disclosure when third parties are paid from campaign funds to promote or attack candidates online; members sought clarification that it would apply to paid campaign content rather than ordinary self-posted material. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 270, which would allow qualified incarcerated voters who have not been convicted of a felony to vote absentee by mail if they are first-time mail registrants and cannot vote in person. The author said the bill was intended to resolve a conflict between existing voting statutes and preserve already-existing voting rights for pretrial detainees and others not convicted of felonies. Supporters said incarcerated voters are highly verifiable and the bill would reduce confusion, while opponents raised concerns about administration. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to involuntarily defer the bill by a recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had presentations to the Oregon Transportation Commission and the Washington State Transportation
• Commission, specifically with the Oregon Transportation Commission most recently, at our meeting, had
• So it's an interim process where the bi-state commissions and subcommittees can recommend analyses as
• It's an interim process where the bi-state commissions and subcommittees can recommend analyses as we
• So the commissions will recommend toll policies.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the LGBTQ+ Commission. from the LGBTQ+ Commission.
• ><c> expressed</c> The Ethics Commission has expressed The Ethics Commission has expressed concern<01
• </c> statements with the Ethics Commission statements with the Ethics Commission just<01:59:33.480><c
• Instead, the Commission function.
• </c> national security threats. national security threats.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With me in support of AB 1940 are Alex Zucco at the California Commission on the Status of Women and
• I'm the policy director for the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and proud co-sponsor of AB
• For over 60 years, the commission has worked to provide gender equity in the workplace, and we urge you
• Sam Hood, on behalf of the Security Industry Association, respectfully opposed to the bill today.
• Sam Hood, behalf of the Security Industry Association, respectfully opposed to bill today.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning with Section 601, it requires the Traffic Safety Commission, in consultation with the Department
• for bicycle, pedestrian, and non-motorist safety improvements administered by the Traffic Safety Commission
• The change today adds safety and security enhancements for transit rolling stock, the buses, and their
• I am also a member of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.
• today speaking to Alaska's support for part one of the bill, which, if enacted, would enable the secure

Bills: SB6352

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, resources, funding, state law, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The order provides an opportunity to take steps toward long-term economic and strategic security for
• provide affordable health coverage options for Florida farmers and ranchers who face challenges securing
• So schools that are currently being built or have secured funds to be built will still have the ability
• So schools that are currently being built or have secured funds to be built will still have the ability
• and Exchange Commission financial filings or by submitting audited financial statements.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including visiting student groups, chambers of commerce, and apprenticeship participants. Senators also observed a moment of silence for a fallen Walton County deputy and later for the late John Pasadoma. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with most bills passing overwhelmingly and several amendments adopted along the way. Among the major measures, SB 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers passed 37-0 after debate and an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties; SB 7020 on open government and cybersecurity information passed 37-0; SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund was adopted by voice vote; SB 944 reducing insurance overpayment claim deadlines for psychologists passed 37-0; SB 878 expanding misdemeanor probation treatment provisions to controlled substances passed 36-1; SB 538, the state court system package, passed 37-0; SB 480 on nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans passed 32-4; SB 472 on correctional-facility education credit for licensure passed 37-0; and SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification passed 28-9 after extensive debate about enforcement, federal preemption, and the bill’s purpose. Later, the Senate passed CS/HB 421 on peer support for first responders 37-0 after substituting the House companion, and SB 164 on vessel accountability advanced with a technical amendment. SB 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools drew the most extended debate and multiple amendments; it changes testing, promotion, teacher evaluation, certification, and facilities rules, and passed 37-0. The chamber also passed SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements 36-0, SB 316 creating series LLCs 35-1, and SB 384 on annexing state-owned lands 36-0. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget schedule guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper for SB 2500 and SB 2502, and adjourned until April 9.