Transcript Highlights:

• Line 153 we see a reduction in the telecommunications equity aid. This is a new item for March.
• Telecom equity aid.
• we're also not hearing is that this bill is talking about the greater needs of long-term facilities, equity

Bills: HF2430 , HF2433

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• lived experience, the Japanese American community has become an authentic and powerful voice for equity
• lived experience, the Japanese American community has become an authentic and powerful voice for equity

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, including approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages transmitting House Bill 73 and Second Substitute House Bill 1784, and referring Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. It then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and acknowledging the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, drew extensive remarks in support from several senators. Speakers emphasized the injustice of the internment, the contributions of Japanese American veterans and civil rights activists, the importance of remembrance, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 8688, recognizing Washington’s dairy farms and the role of dairy producers in the state’s economy and communities. Senators shared personal ties to dairy farming and praised the hard work of family farms, dairy workers, and industry representatives. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and visiting members of the Washington State Dairy Council, Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors were recognized in the gallery. At the close of business, the Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• and this replaces the requirement for agencies to follow the guidelines adopted by the Office of Equity
• state agencies to follow the guidelines and instead have these state agencies report to the Office of Equity

Summary: The State Government and Tribal Relations Committee met in executive session on policy cutoff day and briefed eight bills: HB 2514 creating a work group for the Global War on Terror Memorial; HB 2352 aligning the state conflict-of-interest threshold with the 1% municipal threshold; HB 2475 on language access implementation; HB 2206 on uniformed and overseas voting; HJR 4211 to remove directional limits on regular legislative sessions; HB 2447 naming the bluntnose sixgill shark the state shark; HB 2661 creating a Public Records Act modernization task force/work group; and HB 2572 on voting services for tribal members, overseas and service voters, and voters with disabilities. Members also asked about missing fiscal notes, including on HB 2475, and the chair noted they would try to move those along. The committee then took action on the bills. HB 2514 and HB 2352 were reported out with due pass recommendations, with HB 2352 receiving a 6-1 vote. HB 2475 was amended with Representative Mena’s amendment to require agencies to report how they would implement Office of Equity guidelines, then reported out 4-3. HB 2206 saw several amendments withdrawn or adopted: amendments narrowing the covered voter definition and clarifying overseas voter language were debated, with some proposals rejected and others adopted, and the bill was ultimately reported out 4-3. HJR 4211, which would amend the constitution to eliminate directional limits on regular sessions, was reported out 5-2. The remaining bills also advanced. HB 2447, designating the bluntnose sixgill shark as the state shark, passed unanimously after lighthearted support from members. HB 2661 was amended by a striking amendment shifting the task force concept to JLARC review and a possible JLARC work group, with remote meetings and a 2027 report deadline, then reported out unanimously. HB 2572, which would expand voting access for tribal members, overseas and service voters, and voters with disabilities, was reported out 4-3; supporters emphasized improved participation and access, while opponents raised concerns about the electronic ballot portal and security. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and noted the committee would return for an 8 a.m. hearing the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number four adds funding for salary equity increases.
• That's for those salary equity increases that were provided several biennia back as well as some operating

Bills: SB2012

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division

Keywords: transportation, funding, infrastructure, grants, municipal, 908, all

Summary: The Government Operations Division met to continue work on budget and bill amendments. The committee first took up the Attorney General’s budget and reviewed a detailed amendment package that adjusted FTE levels, salary equity funding, funding sources, and several one-time appropriations. Changes included removing some House-added items, adding contingent funding tied to other bills, restoring certain funding sources, increasing the electronic smoking device manufacturer fee, and adding a provision on 24/7 sobriety program fees. Senator Dwyer then offered a further amendment to make the electronic smoking device fee a $2,000 application fee with a $500 annual renewal fee, which passed. The committee then voted 4-1 to adopt the budget as amended and give it a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 1143, relating to Great Plains Food Bank funding. After testimony from Amy Cleary on behalf of Great Plains Food Bank, members discussed the organization’s statewide role and the project’s financing, including a planned $30 million facility and existing fundraising. Senator Burkhard moved to restore the appropriation from $5 million to $10 million, and the motion passed 4-1. The committee then voted 4-1 to give the bill a do pass recommendation as amended, with Senator Burkhard designated as carrier. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 1524, which would fund regional planning councils and authorize 16 FTEs. Members expressed sympathy for the councils’ work but concerns about approving new state-funded positions. No action was taken, and the chair asked to hold the bill over for further review. The committee then recessed, noting remaining budget work and upcoming hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regional assessment districts will create savings, efficiency, and equity in our reappraisal process,
• </c> create savings, efficiency, and equity create savings, efficiency, and equity in<00:54:07.440><c
• That is the new second home tax category. limited equity cooperative.
• If folks limited equity cooperative.
• That matters for both equity and public trust.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hunched over their screens lost in their devices if given the chance the vibrant energy that once filled
• Pray as on behalf of the test final half of Texas Center for justice and equity and yourself and you'll
• I'm the Youth Justice Policy Director for the Texas Center on Justice and Equity.
• This kind of drawn-out dispute not only waste taxpayer dollars but also diverts time and energy of our
• Doing this well means that central office staff must spend a significant amount of money. time and energy

Bills: HB6 , HB27 , HB 123 , HB210 , HB213 , HB222 , HB610 , HB 1085 , HB1481 , HB6 , HB27 , HB123 , HB210 , HB213 , HB222

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, financial literacy, high school education, curriculum requirements, economics, personal finance, HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Labor is using it to enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
• It's not a perfect Addiction Equity Act.
• </c><02:34:00.960><c> time</c><02:34:01.200><c> and</c> enormous amounts of energy time and enormous
• amounts of energy time and energy<02:34:01.600><c> in</c><02:34:01.760><c> trying</c><02:34:01.920><c
• shift energy away from actually<02:34:09.680><c> trying</c><02:34:09.840><c> to</c><02:34:10.080><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CHS is a diversified agriculture and energy cooperative governed by a 17-member farmer board based in
• a diversified committee CHS is a diversified agricultur<00:52:50.960><c> and</c><00:52:51.200><c> energy
• </c><00:52:51.720><c> Cooperative</c> agricultur and energy Cooperative agricultur and energy Cooperative
• </c><00:56:41.839><c> and</c> safety safely in agriculture energy and safety safely in agriculture energy
• individuals and motor vehicles, the vehicle class, powertrain, some other components, also social equity

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proposal of amendment on House Bill 757, which is an act relating to manufactured homes and limited equity
• </c> homes and limited equity cooperatives. homes and limited equity cooperatives.
• House Bill 757 is an act relating to manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives.
• that may exist, especially<02:28:19.359><c> for</c><02:28:19.600><c> limited</c><02:28:20.000><c> equity
• </c> especially for limited equity especially for limited equity cooperatives.<02:28:21.760><c> The</

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 21, SB 138, the legislative equity and oversight measures.
• I had other remarks, if time allowed, to talk about a forthcoming equity dashboard that we announced
• I have nine equity measures we could talk about today. There's lots of stuff that we can do here.
• So this is not about equity. At the end of the day, it's about being person-centered.
• Today, no, we don't know the practice, the equity, much less, correction, as to your work.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates opportunities for real equity.
• c> don't</c><01:21:39.280><c> know</c><01:21:39.480><c> the</c><01:21:39.600><c> new</c> for real Equity
• I don't know the new for real Equity I don't know the new definition<01:21:40.320><c> Equity</c><01:
• that people use but definition Equity that people use but when<01:21:41.440><c> we</c><01:21:41.600>
• </c><01:32:54.119><c> and</c> A major project goal of equity and public transportation for those who

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 21, SB 138, the legislative equity and oversight measures.
• I had other remarks, if time allowed, to talk about a forthcoming equity dashboard that we announced
• I have nine equity measures we could talk about today. There's lots of stuff that we can do here.
• So this is not about equity. At the end of the day, it’s about being person-centered.
• Today, we do not know the practice, the equity, much less the correction, as to your work.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the governor’s IHSS budget proposals and extensive testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, county representatives, labor, consumer advocates, and advocates for older adults and people with disabilities. The administration described IHSS as a large and growing program serving more than 900,000 recipients, and outlined three proposals: shifting the cost of growth in authorized hours per case to counties, eliminating the backup provider system, and aligning IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations. The LAO said the overall budget estimates appeared reasonable but raised concerns about the hours-per-case proposal, including the lack of a comprehensive root-cause analysis, the limited control counties have over statewide cost growth, and uncertainty about how the baseline and savings would work. CWDA, SEIU, and consumer advocates strongly opposed the hours cost shift, arguing that counties use state-designed tools, that demographic changes and rising need explain much of the growth, and that the proposal would pressure counties to cut services and destabilize care. The chair and members repeatedly questioned the administration about the proposed baseline, the claimed savings, and whether the measure effectively circumvents the county maintenance-of-effort agreement. On the backup provider system, the administration said the statewide program is underutilized and administratively expensive, and proposed eliminating it to save about $3.5 million. The LAO suggested the Legislature consider whether administrative costs could be reduced while preserving some version of the program. County and consumer advocates opposed the cut, saying the system is a critical safety net when regular providers are unavailable, especially in rural areas and for people with complex needs. They argued that low utilization reflects the difficulty of finding emergency backup care, not lack of need, and that many counties already rely on local backup systems or other models. Committee members also pressed for better data on requests, fulfillment, and administrative costs, and discussed whether the state could support local alternatives instead of eliminating the program. The final topic was the proposal to align IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations by automating the process when recipients fail to complete Medi-Cal redeterminations. The administration said this would reduce General Fund costs by about $86 million by preventing payment of IHSS in the residual program when recipients are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal, while also automating reinstatement when Medi-Cal is restored. The LAO noted the proposal has been rejected in prior years and suggested improved notice and communication to recipients as an alternative. CWDA and advocates warned that the change could create gaps in care, especially for people who lose Medi-Cal for procedural reasons, and urged additional safeguards such as better notices, faster reprocessing, and automatic reinstatement. Members questioned how many people would be affected, how the residual program currently works, and whether providers could go unpaid during the gap; the department said the automation is already built and would be activated if the proposal is approved. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the committee moved through public comment and questioning without final action on the proposals in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also a proposal in this group that establishes a ceiling of $1 million for home equity values
• for</c><00:05:20.240><c> for</c><00:05:20.800><c> um</c><00:05:21.320><c> home</c><00:05:21.600><c> equity
• </c><00:05:21.960><c> values</c> $1 million for for um home equity values $1 million for for um home
• equity values for for for um<00:05:24.200><c> individuals</c><00:05:24.960><c> when</c><00:05:25.160>
• </c><00:35:05.080><c> to</c> million for the allowable home equity to million for the allowable home

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Equity markets present both upside and downside risks for this forecast.
• Equity markets present both upside and downside risks as I have already mentioned.
• Equity markets present both upside and downside risks as I have already mentioned.
• Equity markets present both upside and downside risks as I have already mentioned.
• Equity markets present both upside and downside risks as I have already mentioned.

Bills: HF3425

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the key issues that came from our group discussion was that there need to be more equity and tools
• One of the key issues that came from our group discussion was that there need to be more equity and tools
• One of the key issues that came from our group discussion was that there need to be more equity and tools
• One of the key issues that came from our group discussion was that there need to be more equity and tools
• the probate committee, that is how I would respond. ...up with this as a targeted way of enhancing equity

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So taken all together, these challenges point to a broader issue of equity.
• </c> point to a broader issue of equity. point to a broader issue of equity.
• And so, you know, this is something that really, it is about equity and equality and our solution in
• And so, you know, this is something that really, it is about equity and equality and our solution in
• Um, it is about equity and equality and our solution in our community.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the commission's student success blueprint, our work focuses on three goals: equity in access,
• equity in support, and equity in success.
• I am the Office of Equity Director at the California Department of Social Services.
• This is how we build equity in our state.
• This is how we build equity in our state. 70% of the fellows have successfully transitioned into full-time

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that equity-based exemption was limited, thoughtfully crafted, and it's there for a reason.
• And so that equity-based exemption was limited, thoughtfully crafted, and it's there for a reason.
• model as anyone, you provide some assistance, they have some percentage that then they get in the equity
• It's about equity, sustainability, and recognizing housing as a human right.
• AB 1296 is a practical, equity-driven solution.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• say that the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts supports this legislation because it advances equity
• say that the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts supports this legislation because it advances equity

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents. Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And today we are hosting the Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee.
• can you remind me if you have also decided to become a subcommittee member of the LTSS and Health Equity

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the November 2025 minutes. Commissioner Charlie Carr then introduced Leslie Darcy, chief of LTSS at MassHealth, who provided an update on the PCA working group and on federal and state budget pressures affecting MassHealth and long-term services and supports. Darcy said the PCA working group had completed its work and submitted recommendations, including reinstating the 66-hour overtime cap, strengthening program integrity, and ending paid paperwork time for EVV users; she said those changes were implemented on 11/26 and were expected to save $7.4 million. She also described additional consensus recommendations to lower the overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours, create a seven-hour weekly meal-prep support limit, and continue exploring benchmarks, though the group could not reach consensus on a benchmark standard. Darcy warned that a federal bill enacted about six months earlier would significantly affect MassHealth, with an estimated $3.5 billion loss to the Commonwealth by 2028. She outlined upcoming changes including revised immigrant eligibility rules in October 2026, work requirements for certain non-disabled adults beginning in January 2027, six-month redeterminations for some adults, and shorter retroactive coverage periods. In response to questions, she said people with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries would be exempt from the work and six-month redetermination requirements. She also explained that reduced federal ACA subsidies were being offset in Massachusetts by state spending, including $250 million in additional state support to keep premiums lower for middle-income families. Members raised concerns about community hospitals, the health safety net, and the impact of federal funding changes on provider rates and uncompensated care. Darcy said restrictions on provider taxes would limit MassHealth’s ability to use those revenues to support rates, and she noted a current $300 million shortfall in the health safety net. She said FY27 would likely include a rate freeze, targeted reductions, one-time budget measures, and further work groups to examine programs such as adult foster care, which she said had grown 40% in two years. Carr emphasized that the situation was serious but potentially fluid, and the meeting ended with no further business; the subcommittee agreed to adjourn before the next meeting and noted an upcoming February presentation from the Department of Public Health.