Transcript Highlights:

• care, and higher education.
• Educators understand that when students' basic needs are met, their capacity to learn expands.
• Because of where I work, I know firsthand how important a good education...
• I want to live in a Washington where everyone can get a good education.
• Additionally, I am very highly interested in education as well.

Summary: House Finance held a public hearing on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax beginning in 2028 on Washington taxable income over $1 million for individuals, with related rules for residents, nonresidents, pass-through entities, estimated payments, penalties, credits, and revenue distribution. Staff explained that the bill would also fund several tax changes, including an expanded Working Families Tax Credit, sales tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, higher small business B&O credits, an early end to the B&O surcharge on very large businesses, and repeal of most retail services sales tax changes from last session. The fiscal note projected about $2.53 billion in additional state revenue in FY 2029 and $3.21 billion in FY 2030, with local revenue losses and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The chair also announced concerns about apparent fraud and duplicate records in the public sign-in system and set testimony rules limiting questions and shortening testimony time as the hearing progressed. The prime sponsor, Senator Jamie Peterson, said the bill was intended to make Washington’s tax system less regressive and to raise revenue for schools, health care, higher education, and other public needs while reducing the burden on lower- and middle-income residents. Supporters from labor, education, health care, child care, housing, poverty-reduction, and social service organizations argued that the bill would help fund essential services, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and improve fairness by asking the wealthiest households to contribute more. Several individual supporters, including business owners and workers, said they were willing to pay more and described the need for better-funded schools, health care, child care, and public defense. Opponents, including former Attorney General Rob McKenna, business groups, construction and real estate representatives, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as an unconstitutional income tax, would be unstable and likely expanded over time, and would harm small businesses organized as pass-through entities. They said the bill would reduce investment, discourage entrepreneurship, and could drive businesses and high earners out of Washington. Some local government representatives supported the public defense funding but asked for more dedicated revenue and protection against local revenue losses from the bill’s sales tax exemptions. No committee vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:13:06.000><c> in</c> 19,000 early education teachers in 19,000 early education teachers in Kentucky
• House Bill 637, an act relating to prison educational an act relating to prison educational programs.
• </c> education and declaring an emergency. education and declaring an emergency.
• To Primary and Secondary Education, House Bills 564, 572, and 574.
• </c><00:47:08.480><c> 564,</c> Secondary Education, House Bills 564, Secondary Education, House Bills

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 06:06 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 09:21 HB 253 09:35 HB 508 16:18 HCR 44 29:09 HB 436 31:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 35:50 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 41:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:02 ConC/Rules Report 46:27 Floor Amendments 47:56 Adjournment 48:34, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval of the prior day’s journal. Committee reports were read for a range of bills and resolutions, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, an adult workforce diploma pilot program, parole board changes, alternative high school diplomas, campaign finance, child care, mental health treatment, gubernatorial transitions, unclaimed property, and state contracts. Those items received first reading and were placed on the calendar. The chamber then considered House Bill 253, relating to reading and language arts instruction. Supporters said the bill follows the earlier Read to Succeed law by requiring instruction grounded in the science of reading and phasing out the three-cueing system, which they argued encourages memorization rather than phonics. A member from House District 93 opposed the prohibition, saying teachers need flexibility and that some district-approved methods remain useful in classrooms. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 94-1, then laid a motion to reconsider on the table. House Bill 508, relating to the protection of veterans benefits, was also debated and passed unanimously 93-0. The sponsor said the bill regulates paid veterans-claims services, requires clear disclosures about free services, limits fees, bars certain practices, and adds annual reporting, while exempting attorneys and law firms. Several members spoke in support, citing personal experiences and the need to protect veterans from bad actors, though some also expressed concern about access to help and urged future federal accreditation language. House Concurrent Resolution 44, urging Congress to create a VA accreditation pathway for private claims companies, was adopted 95-0, and House Bill 436, creating a PGA HOPE-related state parks benefit for veterans and active-duty military participants, passed 94-0. At the end of the session, the House received Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustments and declaring an emergency, for first reading and return to committee. Members also made announcements about upcoming breakfasts, meetings, guest groups, and other events.

Transcript Highlights:

• , including completing at least four hours of education.
• education.
• education.
• But RV park managers will receive, well currently they get two fewer hours of education too.
• So this bill fixes that so that RV park managers are also receiving education.

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on multiple bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, create a process for minors or adults to request takedown of content, and add restrictions on sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google supported it as model legislation; members raised questions about compliance, age 13 access to earnings, and removal rights at 18. It passed 9-0 with 2 present. HB 2501, an agency bill conforming Arizona’s appraisal management company definition to federal law, also passed unanimously 11-0. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements through statewide chambers or business leagues, passed 8-1 after an amendment; one member cited possible federal preemption in opposing it. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill requiring clearer “buy/purchase” language and prorated refunds when access changes, passed unanimously after amendment, with supporters calling it a consumer protection measure and retailers warning about compliance burdens and possible preemption. The committee then considered HB 2279, which would exempt commercial river outfitters in Grand Canyon National Park from liability for injuries or deaths arising from inherent risks of river trips, while preserving liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Supporters said it aligns Arizona with other western states and reflects existing federal oversight; opponents argued it could violate Arizona’s anti-abrogation clause and improperly define inherent risk. The bill passed 7-4. HB 2690, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring more work-search actions, weekly reporting, and pre-claim data cross-checks, drew strong opposition from advocates who said it would add red tape and harm eligible claimants; supporters said it would reduce fraud and encourage work. It passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. The committee also approved HB 2555, requiring retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and prohibiting cash fees, after an amendment exempting rentals and mobile home vendors; supporters emphasized access for unbanked consumers and small purchases, while one member objected that businesses should self-govern. It passed 10-0. HB 2199, which requires RV park managers to complete education on landlord-tenant laws similar to mobile home park managers, passed 7-0 with 3 present after testimony from homeowner advocates and park groups in support. Finally, HB 2459 was introduced at the end of the meeting; it would allow landlords to pass through utility charges actually imposed by providers and add an administrative fee for submetering, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a statewide workers' rights organization that prioritizes advocacy, education, and enforcement
• People should not have to choose between their safety and accessing essential services like education
• I'm given the opportunity to work with these students similar to one-on-one education.
• They also go through education that mimics real-life situations that could put them at harm.
• One, definition of schools: does that include higher education institutions?

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on four bills. SB 5925 would expand the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand authority to investigate possible violations of the U.S. and Washington constitutions, certain labor and civil rights laws, law enforcement use-of-force issues, and jail-related statutes. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s office, Teamsters 117, and Working Washington, said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases. Opponents, including police, sheriffs, cities, counties, and retail and business groups, argued it would give the AG broad investigative power without enough threshold showing, could burden local governments and employers, and raised constitutional concerns about speech and search protections. No vote was taken. SB 5906 would codify and expand protections for non-public spaces in schools, child care facilities, health care facilities, higher education institutions, and county auditor election areas by limiting immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant or court order and restricting collection of immigration-related information about students and families. Supporters said the bill would reduce fear, protect privacy, and make existing Keep Washington Working policies clearer and more durable, with testimony from immigrant rights groups, faith organizations, students, PTA, and health advocates. Some organizations, including health care and child care stakeholders, supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify definitions, create model policies, add training and enforcement provisions, and adjust warrant/subpoena language. The committee also heard strong opposition concerns about federal immigration enforcement, but no action was taken. SB 6070 would expand missing-person tools by allowing certain digital investigative tools to be used in missing endangered person cases, creating new Abney and Purple Alerts for missing Black people and people with disabilities, and broadening the definition of missing endangered person. Supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, tribal and disability advocates, families of missing persons, and students who argued that faster alerts and better digital tools save lives and address racial and disability disparities in missing-person responses. Testimony described delays in prior cases and the need for more urgent, targeted alerts. The committee then heard SB 6002, which would regulate automated license plate reader systems, set registration, use, retention, audit, and disclosure rules, and prohibit certain uses such as immigration enforcement and surveillance near protected locations. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create statewide guardrails for a technology already in use, and testimony was expected to continue after the excerpt ended; no vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there's really no penalty per se, just more of an education process. Correct.
• So, there's really no penalty per se, just more of an education process. Correct.
• </c> is to educate our people on where to go. is to educate our people on where to go.
• </c> an education process. an education process.
• This is set up an education &gt;&gt; Correct.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:15 Member Comments 01:43 SB 29 Discussion 05:18 SB 29 Roll Call Vote 09:44 SB 49 Discussion 11:29 SB 49 Roll Call Vote 22:29, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">the Appropriations Committee </font> <font color="aaaaaa">on Higher Education
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">the Appropriations Committee </font> <font color="aaaaaa">on Higher Education
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">State for higher education.
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">State for higher education.
• Contracts and </font> <font color="aaaaaa">educational mission.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we feel it's our obligation to get out there, educate our community, and the children.
• This is a three-pronged approach: education, awareness, interdiction, and naloxone.
• If not, what does in terms of education?
• I feel that this education needs to be taught as early as elementary school.
• Sort of requiring this kind of education to Be available.

Transcript Highlights:

• food safety, to make available educational materials regarding food safety and handling.
• A big part of what we do is just promotion, education, and research.
• So, like I said, education, promotion, research, the one thing that we cannot use checkoff dollars for
• Education, promotion, research, the one thing that we cannot use check-off dollars for is to lobby or
• A big part of what we do is just promotion, education, and research.

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee opened by welcoming a new page, Isabella Frasheiser of Weiser High School, who described her FFA, school leadership, and agricultural background. The committee then approved the February 10, 2026 minutes without objection. The main item was Senate Bill 1283, presented by Senator Todd Lakey. The bill would create a framework for small-scale direct-to-consumer agricultural and homemade food sales, including cottage foods, farm stands, cooperative markets, and certain meat sales, with labeling, recordkeeping, and educational-material requirements. Supporters from Farm Bureau, Fair Idaho, and producers argued it would reduce burdens, expand local food access, help small farms, and improve market opportunities. Food Northwest and health district representatives raised concerns about food safety, labeling, lack of competency testing, limited remediation options, and possible liability changes. After discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1283 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then received an Idaho Beef Council update from J.W. Wood and Jody Mink. They described the council’s checkoff-funded promotion, education, research, consumer outreach, BQA training, Spanish-language materials, a national “Prime Rib and Prom” campaign, and the Idaho Beef Counts food assistance program. No formal action was taken on that presentation, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I do feel like this is overreach and that it should be within the purview of the educator before
• Back to my previous statement about just how different education language is from day-to-day language
• Back to my previous statement about just how different education language is from day-to-day language
• We also added Director of Special Education, which previously was under instruction, and now is here
• I mean, just as a comment, it is really important to me as an educator that we remove those concerns

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, then Representative, the policy bill sunsets the STEM education fund.
• So there was a report that was just published by the State Board of Education.
• There was a report that was just published by the State Board of Education that showed causal evidence
• Traditionally, people think of post-secondary education and you think about college, going to college
• America 250 is truly a time to think about education, reflection, and renewed civic responsibility.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations first for the Idaho Workforce Development Council. Analyst Brooke Dupree reviewed the agency’s statutory role, funding sources, staffing, and FY27 requests, including an ongoing transfer within the In Demand Careers Fund to increase trustee and benefit payments for Idaho Launch grants, a proposal to consolidate the STEM Action Center into the council, and requests for reappropriation authority for several grant funds. Director Wendy Sechrist said Launch, workforce training, semiconductor, and child care grants have produced strong participation and wage gains, and she explained that the proposed STEM merger would transfer remaining dedicated-fund balances to the Workforce Development Training Fund. Members asked about the effect of a $10 million cash transfer on Launch awards, repayment of grants by students who do not meet requirements, and the use of employer training funds; Sechrist said wording such as “up to $10 million” would avoid reducing awards and that the agency is still exploring debt collection options. The committee then reviewed the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dupree outlined the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and independent living services, its dedicated funds, and FY27 requests for additional appropriation to spend Social Security reimbursement revenue and for replacement vehicles from the adaptive aids fund. Administrator Beth Cunningham said the agency uses those funds to support clients’ employment and independence, and that the requested increases would help cover needed vehicles and offset other costs. She also said holdbacks would have a modest effect on services, including reduced site restoration funding and some cuts to client services and travel. Finally, the Idaho State Historical Society presented its budget. Dupree described the agency’s preservation mission, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY27 requests, including $450,000 for the second year of moving state records and collections into a new archives addition, plus IT hardware and reappropriation authority. Director Janet Gallimore emphasized stewardship of state records and artifacts, the importance of the collections move, and the agency’s role in America 250 activities. Members asked about archaeological review travel, the agency’s long tenure, and the use of miscellaneous revenue; Gallimore agreed to provide travel records and thanked the committee for its support. The meeting ended with a presentation of historical artifacts and adjournment until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• With regard to revenues to support education, it actually costs less to educate children through the
• On average, we spend about $20,000 a year to educate a child in Missouri.
• With regard to revenues to support education, it actually costs less to educate children through the
• On average, we spend about $20,000 a year to educate a child in Missouri.
• That's On average, we spend about $20,000 a year to educate a child in Missouri.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education Senator Wiggins. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Education Senator Wiggins. Thank you, Mr. President.
• On Thursday, Appropriation Subcommittee Number 6 will meet at 8:00 a.m. in Room 210, and Education will
• On Thursday, Appropriation Subcommittee Number 6 will meet at 8:00 a.m. in Room 210, and Education will
• On Thursday, Appropriation Subcommittee Number 6 will meet at 8:00 a.m. in Room 210, and Education will

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 28 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Adding things of needs out there, but you know, so healthcare facilities, public education, we are, we're
• But if you don't keep these people where they have healthcare and they have education.
• I think the needs are, are most great, uh, in, in the areas of transportation, healthcare, and education
• Through responsible planning, strategic infrastructure upgrades, and a continued focus on education and
• We'll spend it on impacts in local communities that may have extra need for roads, healthcare, education

Bills: HB188, HB 265, HJR35

Keywords: emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• We're adding things of needs out there, but in healthcare facilities and public education, we're having
• Education in that area is critical; you're not going to keep having the oil and gas produced from that
• I think the needs are greatest in the areas of transportation. healthcare and education.
• No, I think it's important to talk about, you know, Speaker Craddick has mentioned education several
• These challenges extend to health care, infrastructure, and our education system.

Bills: HB188, HB265, HJR35, HJR47, SB1901, HB188, HB265, HJR35

Keywords: Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Higher Education Committee is now called to order.
• colleagues for being here on time as well, and welcome to the sixth policy hearing of the Assembly Higher Education
• Whether you're in person or watching virtually, thank you for your ongoing work in higher education policymaking
• And with that, the Assembly Higher Education Committee meeting is adjourned.
• And with that, the Assembly Higher Education Committee meeting is adjourned.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met for a hearing with one item on the agenda, ACA 18, a constitutional amendment to expand student representation on the University of California Board of Regents. The authors, Assemblymembers Celeste Rodriguez and Anamarie Farías, said the measure would double the number of student seats on the board and ensure both an undergraduate and a graduate student voice, arguing that students are the primary stakeholders and should have more meaningful input on decisions affecting tuition, housing, basic needs, and other campus issues. The authors accepted committee amendments that cleaned up language and the appointment process for student regents and their nonvoting designates. Supporters included UC student leaders, alumni, and advocacy groups. Testimony emphasized that the UC system has far more students than the current single voting student regent can represent, that student input has helped shape policies on housing, basic needs, campus policing, and tuition, and that the UC should align with the CSU and community college systems, which already have two student voting members. No opposition testimony was presented. Committee members voiced support, with several noting the importance of student voice and representation. The committee then voted to pass ACA 18 as amended and re-refer it to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call ultimately finished at 9-0 in favor, and the measure was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a motion from the Vice Chair, which is due pass to the Senate Committee on Education.
• Urtado, due pass to the Senate Committee on Education. Please call the absent member.
• SB 1181, Urtado, do pass to the Senate Committee on Education. Please call the absent members.
• File item number 2, SB 1181, Urtado, due pass to the Senate Committee on Education.
• We'll go to file item number 2, SB 1181, Rortado, due pass to Senate Education.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several bills focused on emergency response, fire safety, and school threat prevention. SB 904 would codify and expand the coordinated permitting and rebuilding response used after major wildfire disasters, with the author saying it would standardize agency coordination without eliminating protections. Climate Action California opposed the bill, raising concerns about streamlining and permitting. SB 1299 would create a clearer statutory framework for State Fire Marshal certification, training, and enforcement for fire sprinkler fitters; supporters, including the Sprinkler Fitters Association and State Building Trades, said it would ensure qualified installation of critical life-safety systems, while no opposition was presented. SB 1181 would create a limited pilot allowing schools to communicate with regional threat assessment centers when there is a credible safety concern, with the author and supporters describing it as a privacy-protected way to connect warning signs and prevent violence; committee members generally supported the concept and discussed fusion centers, social media threats, and recent incidents. The committee also took up a consent calendar. After recesses to establish quorum and repeated calls for absent members, the committee voted to move all measures forward. SB 1299 was approved on a 9-0 vote to the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement. SB 904 was approved 9-0 to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. SB 1181 was approved 9-0 to the Senate Committee on Education. The consent calendar items were also approved 9-0. All measures were left on call briefly for absent members before the final votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a motion from the Vice Chair, which is due pass to the Senate Committee on Education.
• Due pass to the Senate Committee on Education. Please call the absent member. Senators Ashby.
• SB 1181, due pass to the Senate Committee on Education. Please call the absent members.
• Due pass to the Senate Committee on Education. Please call the absent members.
• We'll go to file item number 2, SB 1181, due pass to Senate Education.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several bills related to wildfire recovery, fire safety, and school threat response. SB 904 would codify emergency coordination procedures used after the L.A. County and Palisades fires, including identifying permitting and building code requirements that can slow rebuilding after wildfire disasters. The author said it would not eliminate protections but would streamline recovery; Climate Action California opposed the bill, while the chair noted concerns about balancing efficiency with safeguards. The bill was later advanced on a 9-0 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1299, which would create a clearer statutory framework for certifying and training fire sprinkler fitters. Supporters from the Sprinkler Fitters Association and State Pipe Trades Council said the measure would ensure only properly trained and certified workers install sprinkler systems, addressing safety risks and litigation that weakened existing regulations. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 9-0 to the Senate Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement Committee. SB 1181 proposed a voluntary pilot allowing schools to share credible safety concerns with regional threat assessment centers in several Central Valley counties, with privacy protections and a reporting requirement before expansion. The author tied the bill to youth violence, social media threats, and the need to connect warning signs before tragedies occur. Senators Rubio and the chair spoke in support, citing fusion center successes in preventing attacks; there was no opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar, and all measures were reported out on unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also served as Superintendent of Security Forces Inspections, Headquarters Air Education and Training
• Today is Social Workers, Legislative, Education, and Advocacy Day, and I'm going to ask all the social
• To study early childhood education. Let's give Kylie a big round of applause, please. Next, Ms.
• She was a freshman state qualifier for tennis and wants to attend OU to study early childhood education
• Tennis wants to attend OU to study early childhood education.

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and members proceeded through the day’s order of business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and routine floor announcements. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and Chief Master Sergeant Walter Kula Jr., U.S. Air Force retired, was recognized as Veteran of the Day for more than 26 years of service and continued civic leadership. The House also welcomed student pilots from multiple countries training at Vance Air Force Base, social workers and social work students for Legislative, Education, and Advocacy Day, and a group of pages introduced by the Majority Leader. Several honorees were presented to the chamber, including Doctor of the Day Chanel Gray of Tallahena Hospital/Choctaw Nation Hospital, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Mary Shepard, and Nurse of the Day Robin George. Members also recognized the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs palm squad for a fifth consecutive 6A large mixed state championship and the Dover Longhorns basketball team for winning the Class B-2 state title. Additional floor remarks included birthday greetings and a poem directed at Representative Anthony Moore. The transcript does not show debate on substantive legislation or recorded votes. The only formal action reflected at the end was a motion to adjourn, and the House agreed to stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee will come to order. Sarah, please call the roll.
• A quorum being present, I want to welcome everyone to the Higher Education Budget Subcommittee.
• We are considering a proposed higher education conforming bill by yours truly.
• How will we make up for effectively closing an elementary education school and a nursing school?
• Education degree starting in 2027, is there any changes to that? Chair Besada? Thank you, Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Three years ago, the House passed House Bill 299, which established education about Alzheimer's disease
• It will promote care provider education in partnership with the Department of Health to improve care
• it first starts, and this is going to be an important part in ensuring all Floridians have that education
• a single provider, and it also increases the maximum age of eligibility under the Postsecondary Education
• Specifically, it brings in the disciplines of education, healthcare, employment, and housing services