Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2236 Chen, digital financial asset fees, hold in committee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• commerce to promote the program and to promote support for businesses impacted by construction through digital

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• We appreciate the opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 2.
• Many of the district of innovation opportunities that we have.
• on this panel. that students need an opportunity to learn.
• it is about� ensuring students have that opportunity?
• Double-digit gains can compared to the state averages.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• In House Bill 3, there are also really good pre-apprenticeship opportunities, apprenticeship opportunities
• , scholarship opportunities.
• There are also really good pre-apprenticeship opportunities, apprenticeship opportunities, adult education
• opportunities.
• Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to work on 6 and 7.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, approved the House Journal by a 107-1 vote, and then spent much of the day on introductions of guests, family members, interns, and public servants. Members recognized visitors including family of legislators, a park ranger honored for life-saving work, substance-use treatment advocates, nonprofit and apprenticeship program representatives, students, and staff. The chamber also received committee reports and Senate messages, including a conference committee appointment on House Bill 2818 and fiscal review reports recommending passage of Senate Bill 1020 and Senate Bill 1062. The main floor action centered on the state budget, especially House Bill 2 on public education. The budget chair explained the conference report as providing $8.4 billion for K-12 and the Office of Childhood, with disputes over funding sources and the foundation formula. Several members argued the bill underfunded schools by about $190 million and objected to using blind pension and projected ARPA/lottery-related funds; others defended the budget as record-level funding and emphasized that the total education dollars were unchanged, only the funding mix differed. A substitute motion to reject the conference report and send the bill back to conference failed 62-89, and the conference report on House Bill 2 was then adopted 83-68; the bill was third read and passed 83-68. The House then adopted and passed House Bill 3 on higher education, after debate over a proposed performance-based funding model and language directing the department to develop a new formula by the end of the year. Members generally supported keeping funding flat this year while studying a longer-term model. House Bill 4, covering Revenue and Transportation, was adopted 128-21 and passed 127-27, with discussion of rural roads funding and transportation investments. The House also took up House Bill 5 on the Office of Administration and IT consolidation/accountability, with the sponsor describing it as the central state-government operations bill; debate on that measure began before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you very much to the committee for the opportunity to be here.
• sensitive information about Washington's over 5 million registered voters, including the last four digits
• making sure that every person in Washington state is treated in a fair way and has access to the opportunities
• making sure that every person in Washington state is treated in a fair way and has access to the opportunities

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing. The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown. Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies. Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

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• We were required to hold those funds for two years because they had the opportunity to come back and
• So I think, hopefully, too, you're working with communities to say you have an opportunity to go down
• I hope we can kind of get to that next level, just because I feel like there's missed opportunities with
• It’s an original contract to support paid digital marketing. Mr.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to you all today.
• Jones, Vice Chair Peters, and members of the Children and Families Committee, thank you for the opportunity
• It's also why I created my company, Nuru, a digital platform that centralizes medical records, school

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met in executive session first and approved two measures by roll call vote. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2610, relating to the Missouri State Legal Expense Fund, was amended to cap the fund for that bill at $1 million and then voted do pass by a 17-0 vote. The committee also adopted a substitute combining House Bills 1839, 29, 21, and 3015, described as age verification legislation, and voted the combined House Committee Substitute do pass by a 17-0 vote. The committee then held a lengthy public hearing on House Bill 1840, which would create a statewide Purple Alert system for missing persons with developmental disabilities. Representative Sherry Gallick and numerous supporters testified that the bill would fill a gap between Amber and Silver Alerts and help law enforcement and the public respond faster when vulnerable individuals wander or go missing. Family members, advocates, service providers, and first responders described personal tragedies involving autistic children and adults, emphasized the risks of water, traffic, exposure, and exploitation, and said specialized training for responders was important. No one testified in opposition. After a brief recess, the committee heard House Bill 2170, which would update Missouri child passenger restraint laws to require rear-facing seats for children under age three and tighten other child restraint requirements. The sponsor and supporters from MoDOT, pediatric, medical, and emergency physician groups said the bill would codify best practices and improve child safety, while committee members raised questions about enforcement, exceptions for larger children, and the cost of fines and car seats. The hearing ended with no opposition testimony and no final vote taken on HB 1840 or HB 2170 during the transcript.

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• As far as implementation goes, we currently have 300 million records in our digital archives.
• Chair, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify in opposition to SJM 8014 and
• Since this does not include Katzman, I’d like to take this opportunity to read a short letter from his
• Since this does not include Katzman, I’d like to take this opportunity to read a short letter from his

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee heard multiple Senate bills and took executive action on several of them. Bills discussed included SB 5837 on guardianship and conservatorship, SB 6011, SB 6009 on consent language in proceedings, SB 5868, SB 5974 on sheriffs and related law enforcement volunteers, SB 5720 on consumer debt default judgments, SB 5833 on leaving engines running to protect pets, SB 5936 on human trafficking remedies, SB 5993 on medical debt interest, SB 6070 on missing persons alerts and investigative tools, and SB 6002 on driver privacy and ALPR data. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments for each, with members raising concerns about scope, constitutionality, consumer protections, law enforcement authority, privacy, and debt collection practices. Several amendments were adopted, withdrawn, or rejected during the discussion. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes or amendments for SB 5837, SB 6009, SB 5974, SB 5720, SB 5833, SB 5936, SB 5993, SB 6070, and SB 6002. SB 6011 also received a due pass recommendation. SB 5974, after debate over sheriff certification and recall provisions, was advanced to Ways and Means. SB 5993, dealing with medical debt interest, drew multiple proposed amendments that were withdrawn, and the committee ultimately advanced the bill with the substitute. SB 6002 on ALPR privacy was advanced after discussion of retention periods, ownership of data, and evidentiary use. The committee then held a public hearing on SB 6086, which would strengthen security protections for judicial officers and court personnel by expanding who may request removal of personal information, broadening Address Confidentiality Program eligibility, and allowing AOC security consultants to conduct threat assessments. Proponents, including judges, clerks, and court officials, described rising threats and the need for stronger protections; county officials and prosecutors raised implementation, constitutional, and records-management concerns. The committee also heard Senate Joint Memorial 8014, requesting a U.S.-led investigation into the killing of Washingtonian Aishanur Esgi Yegi. The memorial drew extensive testimony from family members, advocates, academics, and community groups in support, while a few opponents argued the memorial was factually incomplete or politically selective. No final action was taken on SB 6086 or SJM 8014 during the hearing, and the committee closed after noting very large numbers of signed-in supporters and opponents for the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• said and I was found in violation of a REALTOR® rule, well, the real story, which they had the opportunity
• Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to bring it forward, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• verification measures to prevent minors from checking out sexually explicit... material, including through digital
• I really do appreciate the opportunity to be here. who 101 uses the definition from Texas criminal law

Bills: HB256, HCR19, SB2101, SB2334, SB2633, SB2637, SB2713, SB2781, SB2782, SB3059, HB1130

Keywords: severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to speak this morning.
• from the council, and I'm hoping that each of you had the opportunity to read that letter.
• Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak. My name is Nick Norman.
• And the amendment clarifies the definition of digital asset exchange.
• And the amendment clarifies the definition of digital asset exchange.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

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• Heavenly Father of all, each day, with the gift of freedom, you place before us the opportunity to choose
• , to choose to become... ...place before us the opportunity to choose, to choose to become great by serving
• But when he gave me that opportunity, he said, 'Joe,' he said, 'all my throughout my life, all my friends
• individuals who produce distribute or provide access to child sexual abuse material, including through digital
• There will also be the opportunity for a division of the question, or should the senator wish to vote

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He even had the opportunity to coach his son, Kirby. Mr.
• </c><03:30:43.160><c> in</c> strong economy represent opportunity in strong economy represent opportunity
• </c><07:33:58.718><c> to</c> my girls to have the opportunity to my girls to have the opportunity to
• I really appreciate the opportunity to serve with you and look forward to more opportunities in this
• We want to give the Senate an opportunity to vote on this.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, thank you for the opportunity to come and testify before you today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Daniel Hatcher.
• I'm very thankful to the committee for the opportunity to be here today.
• We fear Senate Bill 13 would take. away many of those opportunities.
• Digital curriculum with Chromebooks that also data mine.

Bills: SB12, SB1565, SB13, SJR12, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB112, SB400, SB813, SB 12, SB 13

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, school district, grievance procedure, public education, diversity and inclusion, funding penalties, school libraries, library advisory councils, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, constitutional amendment, school choice

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• The Federal Registry was created to give long-term residents an opportunity to apply.
• We have an opportunity today to use California. meaningful immigration reform is far too long.
• They deserve an opportunity. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SJR 8.
• It is digital astroturfing at a scale our existing laws were never designed to address.
• Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to present SB 1285 on behalf of Senator Durazo.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This public meeting will provide an opportunity for small business owners, restaurant associations, and
• Chair, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• It helps us fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, secure digital banking, financial counseling
• Chairman Murphy, Chairman Feeney, members of the commission, thank you for the opportunity to testify
• Thank you for the opportunity to present, to testify today. My name is Scott Talbot.

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete. No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to present Senate Bill 974.
• Missouri has the opportunity to do this the right way.
• Missouri has the opportunity to do this the right way.
• I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today regarding Senate Bill 974.
• Chairman, Vice Chair, and committee members, for this opportunity to speak to you today.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead. Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And red means please stop so that the next person gets an opportunity to share their comments with us
• Taifa Harris: Thank you, Chair Saldaña, and members of the committee, for providing the opportunity to
• I became aware of the opportunity, followed all standard application procedures, and earned the role
• And regardless of the particular agency they interpret for, they should have the same opportunity to
• In the digital world we live in, I know it's hard to imagine not being constantly connected, but I urge

Bills: SB5437, SB6152, SB6058, SB5944, SB6039, SB6117

Keywords: noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to share that with you. We're ready.
• That's the green bars there, which is in the double digits for most years and is also our most stable
• Right, and if you don't take advantage of the opportunity, then you Lose.
• You still have an Opportunity to do that.
• There's still opportunity for innovation and results-based kind of budgeting through the GROW.

Keywords: 996, all

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• temporary license and work under the supervision of a licensed dietitian until they have another opportunity
• I have a heart for people, in keeping them well and getting them well into their triple digits, and I've
• Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to share my testimony.
• Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to share my testimony.
• Just real quick, would you say that this also helps that one-time opportunity?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas there are opportunities<00:20:49.120><c> within</c><00:20:49.520><c> the</c><00:20:49.679
• ><c> Colorado</c><00:20:50.159><c> FFA</c> opportunities within the Colorado FFA opportunities within
• </c><00:21:12.640><c> of</c><00:21:12.880><c> agricultural</c> diverse opportunities of agricultural
• Frankly, you know, we fight over five and six and sometimes seven digits around here.
• Frankly, you know, we fight over five and six and sometimes seven digits around here.

Keywords: 981, all