Transcript Highlights:

• There's only 2,500 audiologists in the state for 39 million residents.
• They did recently, in the last month here, stating that 88% of respondents did state that they would
• Stating that 88% of respondents did state that they would hire an audiology assistant, and on average
• I'm a law student at the University of San Diego.
• I previously practiced in Washington State. I did not have to have these conversations.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those in my home state of Pennsylvania. those in my home state of Pennsylvania.
• ,</c><00:51:10.400><c> a</c> with a Jewish state is a pariah state, a with a Jewish state is a pariah
• </c> sent a clear message to Washington. sent a clear message to Washington.
• University.
• University and served his country as an intelligence officer in the United States Army.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know that Pierce County is the second most populous county in Washington State, and just a little
• My name is Luther Leonard, Seattle native, University of Washington alum, lived experience.
• We are the leads in Washington state. So we do provide that certification.
• First, this dispositional approach used in Washington state is anomalous.
• Our sentencing scheme in Washington State is too prescriptive.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session on juvenile rehabilitation trends and then a hearing on Senate Bill 6062. The work session featured a national overview from NCSL, DCYF updates on Green Hill, Harbor Heights, and community transition services, and local/community perspectives from Pierce County, Team Child, and Northwest Credible Messengers. The national presentation described broad juvenile justice trends, including limits on extreme sentencing, expanded diversion and due process protections, reduced fines and fees, record clearing, and changes in juvenile court jurisdiction. Committee members asked about juvenile crime trends and overcrowding, and the presenter noted that crime has generally decreased overall since 2020, though some offenses have risen in some places and overcrowding remains an issue in certain states. DCYF reported on its behavior management system, Harbor Heights opening as relief for overcrowding, Green Hill population pressures, and expansion of community transition services. Officials said the behavior management system is intended to improve safety, consistency, and restorative accountability, while Harbor Heights has added programming and family engagement but still faces space, IT, and medical-infrastructure challenges. Green Hill leaders said reduced population has improved stability, programming, and use-of-force outcomes, but overcrowding remains a concern. DCYF also highlighted an ombuds process, family listserv updates, staffing changes, and a proposed budget request for additional JR capacity and staffing. Pierce County described its long-running detention reform work, reduced average daily detention population, and plans for a new juvenile justice center, while Team Child and Northwest Credible Messengers emphasized community-based supports, culturally responsive services, healing-centered engagement, and reentry planning. Senate Bill 6062 was then briefed as a measure revising juvenile sentencing and JR placement rules. The bill would require courts to grant suspended disposition alternatives in eligible cases unless the court finds community supervision would not adequately protect the community, expand eligibility for certain sentencing alternatives, require midpoint review hearings, and set rules for transfers from JR to DOC when facilities exceed 105% of rated bed capacity. The committee also voted to waive the five-day notice rule for hearings on Senate Bills 6319 and 5979, and that motion passed. During public testimony on SB 6062, youth from Green Hill supported the bill and asked for clearer standards around DOC transfers, while DCYF supported efforts to reduce JR population but said the bill needs stronger emergency transfer language to address overcrowding at Green Hill. Committee members and the bill sponsor emphasized rehabilitation, individualized sentencing, and the need to balance community safety with better placement and services for youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• University of Florida.
• The first was as a teenager in the United States Navy.
• Undoubtedly, you are a South Dakota State Jackrabbits fan.
• Well, we've got a great school too, both universities. and North Dakota State, and we're great rivals
• Bill, do you believe that 1890 institutions, like Georgia's Fort Valley State University, are DEI?

Transcript Highlights:

• I resent that the United States Justice Department would sit on... ...bogus letters to the state of Texas
• Is the Chair aware that this university campus is one of the most diverse university campuses?
• Point of Parliamentary Inquiry is stated by Representative Shaw. Please state your inquiry.
• I made it clear that the majority of the state is minority. 60% of the state is minority.
• The people of the United States.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen it happen at a much smaller scale but still universal in our state with things like the Marshall
• And I'm wearing my North Dakota State University tie today, home of the mighty Bison.
• We do have an incredible school of agriculture at North Dakota State University.
• Near Kansas State University is this national center created as a result of the fear of an introduction
• The University of Kansas State University has tremendous potential.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's only 2,500 audiologists in the state for 39 million residents.
• They did recently, in the last month, stating that 88% of respondents did state that they would hire
• Stating that 88% of respondents did state that they would hire an audiology assistant, and on average
• I'm a law student at the University of San Diego.
• I previously practiced in Washington State. I did not have to have these conversations.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused heavily on workforce access, public safety, transparency, and fee authority. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree for licensure, fee structure changes, and ongoing work on LVNs performing respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree proposal was intended to strengthen competency and could be phased in without harming access, but several public commenters—especially respiratory therapists and families of medically fragile children—argued it would worsen shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Other stakeholders supported clarifying LVN authority in congregate living health facilities, while the California Medical Association flagged the proposed Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist classification as having limited current workforce impact. The interior design segment drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current voluntary certification/title-act model, saying it establishes competency, has produced minimal complaints, and that licensure would unnecessarily disrupt the workforce and create barriers without demonstrated public harm. Committee members questioned the lack of state-style enforcement authority, transparency, and Bagley-Keene compliance, and some public commenters criticized the private structure and inconsistent plan acceptance in local jurisdictions. Supporters of the current system said the certification and commercial designation help educate building officials and allow qualified designers to work safely, while opponents argued licensure would provide clearer accountability and reduce confusion. The speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster turnaround times, and new continuing education audits and advertising rules. The board supported creating a licensed audiology assistant category to improve access to care, and public commenters generally backed the board while urging continued modernization. The occupational therapy board described steady growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and requested additional fee authority to address rising costs; the main public comment supported the sunset extension and a reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The naturopathic medicine board emphasized consumer protection, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and the need to clarify statutes; it said most licensed naturopathic doctors practice in underserved areas and welcomed legislative collaboration on scope and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:24:58.640><c> On</c> York State DA State Championship. On York State DA State Championship.
• York State champions. Just like the city York State champions.
• . state. state.
• As America's most western state and most eastern state and most northern state, Alaska is nearly 20%
• No other state has done this, and in California it has been an absolute disaster. universal Medicaid

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My dad was a water quality specialist, a professor at New Mexico State University.
• of Washington before coming back home.
• I retired from state government in 2011.
• You all have heard that in the State of the State.
• State police would say, that's what the feds would say.

Transcript Highlights:

• for our in-state races, courts have ...rules, particularly for our in-state races.
• Courts have struck down state limits on out-of-state money in state elections, even when states try to
• the Idaho State Police, Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission, Idaho State Police, Idaho Public
• States.
• The state of Idaho.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and messages. Committee actions included referral of a large group of newly printed Senate bills to the appropriate standing committees, a do-pass report on House Bill 55 from Health and Welfare, and referral of Senate Bills 1270 and 1271 for possible amendment. The Senate also received a gubernatorial appointment of Jeff Seelich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Board and House bills 576, 577, 632, and 607 for introduction. In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 114 on Education Committee rules and Senate Resolution 115 on temporary and pending rules for several state agencies, both without opposition. It also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 109, which urged Congress to address campaign finance concerns and out-of-state influence in Idaho elections, and House Joint Memorial 9, which asked Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the governing framework for federal land management and exchanges. House Joint Memorial 11 was also adopted, calling on Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40% level; supporters emphasized the burden on state and local budgets and property taxpayers, while opponents argued the state should resist federal overreach and dependency. The Senate confirmed the committee report recommending Ryan Lanham as State Athletic Commissioner, with supportive testimony highlighting his combat sports background and experience. It also adopted the committee report confirming Juliet Sharon as Director of the Department of Health and Welfare, with senators citing her Medicaid and program integrity experience and the size and complexity of the agency. In first and second reading, the Senate referred House Bills 576 and 577 to Transportation and House Bills 632 and 607 to State Affairs, and advanced House Bill 533, Senate Bill 1258, and House Bill 502 to third reading. The chamber then heard announcements about caucus and lunch events before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• for our in-state races, courts have ...rules, particularly for our in-state races.
• Courts have struck down state limits on out-of-state money in state elections, even when states try to
• , Secretary of State, Idaho Department of Administration, and Idaho State Lottery.
• , Secretary of State, Idaho Department of Administration, and Idaho State Lottery.
• States.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. Committee reports were then processed, including referrals of numerous newly printed Senate bills to standing committees, a due-pass report on House Bill 55, and referrals of Senate Bills 1270 and 1271 for possible amendment. The Senate also received a gubernatorial appointment of Jeff Seelich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Board, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee, and House messages transmitting several bills and returning Senate Bill 1222 and Senate Joint Memorial 108 for further action. In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 114, which concerned Education Committee rules, after brief debate. It also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 109 urging Congress to address campaign finance and election transparency concerns, and Senate Resolution 115, which found temporary and pending rules from several state agencies to be in order. The Senate also adopted House Joint Memorial 9, supporting FLPMA and federal land exchange authority, and House Joint Memorial 11, calling on Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40 percent level; that memorial drew debate over federal overreach versus the state’s obligation to support special education funding. The Senate then confirmed the committee report recommending Ryan Lanham for State Athletic Commissioner, with supportive remarks about his combat sports background and experience, and confirmed Juliet Sharon as Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, with senators citing her Medicaid and program integrity experience. In first and second reading, the Senate referred House Bills 576, 577, 632, and 607 to committee, and advanced House Bill 533, Senate Bill 1258, and House Bill 502 to third reading. The session ended with announcements about caucus and stakeholder lunches, a food bank event in the rotunda, and a notice that Chairman’s lunch would not be held Thursday, followed by adjournment until 11 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:35.240><c> of</c><01:02:35.799><c> Washington</c> reindeer from the state of Washington reindeer
• from the state of Washington and<01:02:36.920><c> we've</c><01:02:37.079><c> heard</c><01:02:37.319>
• We have invested as a state in the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Center for Prion Research and
• We have invested as a state in the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Center for Prion Research and
• We have invested as a state in the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Center for Prion Research and

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• And each year, over $600 million is stolen from workers in Washington State.
• State Labor Council, the Association of Washington Businesses, Columbia Legal Services, and the National
• Madam Chair, we'll be hearing from Carissa Larson from the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO.
• Madam Chair, we'll be hearing from Carissa Larson from the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO.
• My name is Carissa Larson here on behalf of the Washington State Labor Council, AFLCIO, or I'm deputy

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2479, the Wage Recovery Act, which would create a wage recovery program and account to provide limited advance payments to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship from unpaid wages, while also changing how L&I prioritizes wage complaints and increasing civil penalties for willful wage violations. The bill was described as a consensus product of a labor-business work group, and testimony from the sponsor, work group members, business groups, and labor organizations was strongly supportive, emphasizing faster wage recovery, better enforcement, and a balanced approach to wage theft. No one testified in opposition. The committee then moved into executive session and took action on several bills. It reported out House Bill 291, extending employee contact-information sharing requirements to all state agencies; House Bill 2105, as amended, on notice requirements for I-9 audits and related records; House Bill 2107, as amended, on L&I notice to employers after construction-site hazard inspections; House Bill 2151, as amended, on factory-built housing and inspection standards; House Bill 2190, on compensation for language access providers for missed appointments; House Bill 2303, as amended, prohibiting employer requests or coercion for microchip implantation; and House Bill 2345, as amended, adjusting paid family and medical leave premium allocation to address an IRS-related issue. The committee also deferred action on House Bills 2191 and 2218. Several amendments were adopted during executive session, including technical and policy changes to HB 2105, a carve-out in HB 2151 for certain prefabricated enclosures used for energy equipment, and removal of administrative enforcement from HB 2303. Final votes were largely bipartisan, with most measures passing on voice vote or by recorded vote and receiving due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also resolutions asking Congress to move this program from Washington to the states, where
• But again, we need to move this to the states where we can have some reasonability, because with Washington
• In this, it states that this will...”
• Any state impact? I don't think there was an actual fact.
• He's putting the president of Grambling State University in place of the president of the LSU system.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development met on May 12, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard extensive testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 77, which urges federal action to address labor shortages affecting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and other seasonal employers. Representative Butler, Commissioner Strain, industry representatives, landscapers, nursery operators, and Farm Bureau supporters argued that H-2A/H-2B visa limits and processing delays are hurting crawfish processors, landscapers, nurseries, and related businesses, causing lost production, higher costs, and broader economic harm. Members emphasized that the workers discussed are legal guest workers, not illegal immigration, and several senators voiced support. HCR 77 was reported favorably, with a motion to co-author also noted. The committee then considered House Bill 81 on property rights and accountability for violations. Representative Boyer presented the bill, but Senator Long asked that it be voluntarily deferred so he could work on possible amendments and improve the measure before it advances. The author agreed, and the bill was deferred. The committee also heard and acted on several bills related to agricultural policy and food systems. House Bill 512, concerning cell-cultured meat, was presented as a measure to protect livestock producers and allow continued research while prohibiting the product; after questions about research and labeling, it was reported favorably. House Bill 717, a labeling companion measure for cell-cultured meat, was also reported favorably. House Bill 1194, which would direct the LSU AgCenter to study food deserts and develop a plan, drew concern from the AgCenter over capacity and funding; members agreed to report it without action so it could be recommitted to finance and worked on further. Finally, House Bill 663, revising the membership of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, was presented on behalf of the absent author and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> President of the United States. President of the United States.
• States of America. Katie's words touch States of America.
• </c> and economy of the United States. and economy of the United States.
• </c> Washington for National Police Week. Washington for National Police Week.
• In his 1796 farewell address, our very first president, George Washington, stated, quote, "Of all the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the area where we've seen the most state activity in terms of state policymakers setting some
• Some states are getting involved.
• state.
• And that is why I gave the example of Washington State, where they actually are doing these things.
• And that is why I gave the example of Washington State where they actually are doing these things.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on housing affordability and land-use policy, with presentations from Emily Hamilton of the Mercatus Center and representatives from Mountain States Policy Center. Hamilton argued that housing shortages are driven largely by restrictive zoning, parking mandates, permit delays, and building code requirements, and cited examples where deregulation increased housing supply and moderated rent growth. She also discussed accessory dwelling units, state-local cooperation on zoning reform, and building code changes such as allowing single-stair apartment buildings and more units under the residential code. Committee members asked about the role of large investors in housing, the shift toward “missing middle” housing, federal land availability, and whether Idaho’s housing problems are primarily supply- or demand-driven. Hamilton said easing supply constraints is the best long-term response and noted that recent price spikes were also affected by pandemic-era demand changes. Chris Cargill and Maddie Clark presented polling and research from Mountain States Policy Center showing strong public concern about housing costs in Idaho. They said 86% of Idahoans view affordable housing as a serious problem, 87% support more flexibility for ADUs, 69% favor automatic permit approval if regulators miss deadlines, and 78% think legislators should act. Their research emphasized a supply shortage, construction labor constraints, and the need to streamline permitting, reduce regulatory costs, open more land for development, and support manufactured housing and other lower-cost building methods. They also argued that abundant supply would reduce opportunities for investors to distort the market. Committee members raised concerns about rent control, public housing, single-family home preferences, and whether local zoning is truly a major issue in Idaho. An Association of Idaho Cities representative, Mr. Wheatley, briefly commented that Idaho already approves more building permits per capita than any other state and cautioned that automatic approval policies could create safety risks if not carefully designed. No legislation was considered or voted on during the hearing, and the chair said the committee would return to minutes later and adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• and particularly neighboring states.
• So some other states, as we talked about some of the other things that our neighboring states have done
• , Connecticut, Mississippi, and Alaska have complete billboard prohibitions in their states.
• So some other states, as we talked about some of the other things that our neighboring states have done
• I think that we universally agree that that is something that we should be concerned about.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up floor debate on H. 4206, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth Cannabis Laws, with repeated amendment votes focused largely on cannabis regulation, transparency, youth access, and the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Early motions included suspending Senate Rule 38A to continue past 8 p.m., which passed by standing vote. Most amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on possession limits, CCC executive director appointment and removal, legislative control over medical marijuana licenses, a multi-agency task force on illegal cannabis, annual CCC hearings and reports, an ombudsman, a legislative liaison, a youth-cannabis study commission, supply-and-demand study, and increased penalties for distribution to minors. Amendment 33 by Senator Driscoll, directing the CCC and other agencies to study regulation of intoxicating hemp products, was adopted. Amendment 7 by Senator Brownsberger, allowing cannabis discount and loyalty advertising to existing customers and opt-in email lists, was also adopted. Amendment 29 by Senator O’Connor, allowing the CCC to temporarily suspend or revoke medical marijuana licenses during investigations of illegal sales, was adopted as well. Several other amendments were debated and defeated, including Senator O’Connor’s billboard advertising restriction for cannabis and Senator Tarr’s proposal to increase penalties for selling marijuana to minors. The chamber then took up the bill’s corrective and Ways and Means amendment, adopted both, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The final vote showed the bill advancing despite some opposition, including from several senators who voted no on engrossment. After the cannabis bill, the Senate considered and passed two land-related bills by roll call: H. 4772, authorizing easements in Lowell, and H. 4362, authorizing release of agricultural preservation restrictions in Westford. The Senate also adopted a motion that when it adjourned, it would do so in memory of Stephen P. Foutou of Newton, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber then adopted an adjournment order and recessed until the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Relinquishment provides a solution that has previously not existed in Washington State.
• The Washington State Legislature has provided specific funding to increase adjunct faculty salaries.
• My name is Jackie Kane, and I'm the president of AFT Washington.
• But the one thing I want to do just elevate: I was able to share with them that Washington State passed
• This bill helps address that, and we have fantastic financial aid programs in the state.

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6258, which would authorize the Washington Medical Commission to adopt rules allowing physicians and certain other licensees to voluntarily relinquish their licenses outside of a disciplinary process. Staff and the bill sponsor explained that the current system only allows relinquishment through a disciplinary or quasi-disciplinary path, which can trigger reporting to national databases even when there is no misconduct. Testimony from the Medical Commission and the Washington Physicians Health Program supported the bill as a non-disciplinary, permanent, and more dignified way for providers to exit practice while preserving patient safety by excluding those under investigation or discipline. The chair said the committee would executive the bill the next day and asked that amendments be submitted by 6 p.m. that day. The committee then held a work session on part-time/adjunct faculty in the community and technical college system. State Board of Community and Technical Colleges staff described the system’s 34 colleges, the role of local bargaining, and the differences in duties and pay between full-time and part-time faculty. They noted that adjunct pay has historically lagged and cited a 2024 report estimating it would cost about $75.1 million to raise average adjunct compensation to 85% of full-time faculty pay. American Federation of Teachers Washington representatives and contingent faculty testified in support of HB 2538, arguing that contingent faculty are underpaid, often lack stable employment and compensation for work outside class time, and that higher pay would improve retention, student support, and equity. Members asked about bargaining structures, health benefits, workload, and comparisons to other faculty roles. In executive session, the committee considered Substitute Senate Bill 5931, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board, including removing a public dashboard requirement and adjusting election timing. The bill passed 14-1 and was reported out with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also approved Senate Bill 5963, which automatically makes Passport to Careers participants income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and aligns need calculations with the federal formula; it also directs Passport funds into the state financial aid account. That bill passed unanimously, 15-0, and was likewise reported out with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• State.
• State.
• In the state of Washington, I mean, where a homeowner on notice would have 14 days to terminate an assignment
• I'm here testifying on behalf of the Washington State Association for Justice in support of Senate Bill
• As a licensed real estate broker in the state of Washington, I can't speak to say if they have those

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on three Senate bills. SB 5831, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, was explained by staff as creating safe harbors so certain mortgage modifications would not alter lien priority or require re-recording; the prime sponsor said it would reduce uncertainty and legal costs. No one testified on the bill. SB 6091, concerning real estate brokers marketing residential properties to exclusive groups, was described as requiring concurrent public marketing when brokers market to limited groups, while allowing private marketing so long as the public also has access; the sponsor and supporters said it would promote fair, open housing markets and reduce pocket listings that can reinforce exclusion. SB 6178, prohibiting post-loss assignment of benefits in property insurance, was presented as protecting homeowners after disasters from signing away policy rights to contractors; the sponsor, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Washington State Association for Justice supported the bill, while discussion focused on whether the $50,000 penalty should distinguish between intentional and unintentional violations. For SB 6178, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner said it has seen more complaints about policyholders being pressured to sign documents before contacting insurers and said the bill would help keep homeowners in control of claims. Testifiers emphasized that contractors play an important role in repairs but should not take over first-party insurance claims, and one witness noted the bill would not prevent direct payment arrangements to contractors. Committee members asked about penalties and whether a cooling-off period or other alternatives might address concerns about good-faith contractors. For SB 6091, supporters including Zillow, Washington Realtors, Habitat for Humanity, Windermere, and the Fair Housing Center of Washington argued that exclusive or pocket listings can reduce transparency, limit competition, and worsen housing inequities. They said the bill still allows private marketing and open houses, but requires public availability as well, and does not force owners to allow access to their property. A rental housing representative asked for an amendment to remove a reference to leases, saying the bill should not unintentionally apply to rental providers who are not brokers. The committee closed public hearings on all three bills and ended the meeting with birthday recognition for two members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state auditor is elected directly by the people of the state of Washington.
• The state auditor is elected directly by the people of the state of Washington.
• We narrowed that list to about 30 or so that we end up presenting to the state... ...state of Washington
• One here that I would highlight is just an audit looking at the Washington State ferry system.
• One here that I would highlight is just an audit looking at the Washington state ferry system.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.