Transcript Highlights:

• In practice, removal typically occurs only after law enforcement becomes involved and a lengthy investigative
• be able to be filled for this particular legislative session, but it should be filled as soon as practicable
• to support initiatives that strengthen children and families while learning the importance of collaboration
• If confirmed, I am prepared to serve thoughtfully, work collaboratively with my fellow board members,
• If confirmed, I am prepared to serve thoughtfully, work collaboratively with my fellow board members,

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do training, and we improve our practices, and we have a culture of belonging, so that everyone feels
• we're going through the following principles of accountability, delivery, resilience, innovation, collaboration
• we do that by addressing flexible work schedules and telework we do training and we involve our practices
• we're going through the following principles of accountability, delivery, resilience, innovation, collaboration
• have the partnerships we do with the City of Seattle, King County Metro, and Sound Transit to help collaborate

Summary: The committee first met in brief executive session and advanced Senate Bill 5989 without recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee. Staff explained the bill would redistribute sales tax on aircraft fuel, affecting general fund revenue, which was why it was better suited for Ways and Means. The motion passed by voice vote. The committee then heard a presentation from Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith on WSDOT’s 2025 work and 2026 priorities. She highlighted agency reorganization, safety initiatives, preservation needs, bridge strikes and storm damage, ferry service improvements, major projects such as Revive I-5, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, fish passage work, and preparations for the World Cup. Members praised the department’s communication and work, and asked about additional paving and preservation funding; Meredith said WSDOT had prepared projects that could be advanced if more money were available. Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary John Vizina and staffer Jenna Forty followed with a detailed briefing on vessel and terminal preservation. They described the aging fleet, the need for new hybrid-electric vessels, the governor’s proposed funding for three additional ferries and life-extension work on older vessels, and the importance of terminal upgrades such as Fauntleroy. Senators asked about service contingency planning, the cost and timing of hybrid versus diesel vessels, and whether additional vessels would require rebidding; staff said hybrid-electric construction is the fastest path and that any expansion would depend on statutory direction and legal review. The committee then heard from local government representatives on preservation and storm recovery. The Association of Washington Cities and the Transportation Improvement Board described city road and bridge needs, limited local funding, and the importance of sustained preservation investment and programmatic grants. County representatives from the Washington State Association of County Engineers, Snohomish County, and the County Road Administration Board discussed the December flooding, road washouts, bridge damage, and recovery costs, emphasizing that counties face large preservation backlogs and need state and federal help for repairs and resiliency.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was done in collaboration with the Spokane Police Department.
• It was done in collaboration with the team of WSU and UW researchers across different disciplines.
• Leo while also studying the technical skills so he could bring together the theoretical and the practical
• We do this through collaborating with educational partners in K through 12 to help with in-class space-based
• Air travel would be so cost prohibitive and wasteful that we practically stopped taking to the skies.

Summary: The committee first heard a work session on cryptocurrency kiosks from the Department of Financial Institutions and Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon. DFI described crypto kiosks as licensed money transmission terminals that allow cash purchases of virtual currency, and said the main concern is fraud: scammers often pressure victims, especially older adults, to deposit cash into kiosks and send it to wallets controlled by organized crime. DFI cited a sharp increase in kiosk volume, nationwide fraud complaints and losses, and said Washington currently has licensing and disclosure rules but lacks transaction and fee limits. The department said it is seeking stronger disclosures, a $1,000 daily transaction limit, and a fee cap. Spokane described its unanimous ordinance banning new kiosks and removing existing ones after local scam reports, and members asked about how the machines work, whether the fraud is in the hardware or the transaction, and whether stronger warnings or screening could help. The committee then reviewed home equity sharing agreements, or CHISAs, based on a report by Mariana Amaram and testimony from DFI and industry representatives. The report found that CHISAs provide homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value or appreciation, with no monthly payments, but that consumers often struggle to understand the products and settlement calculations. The report said the market has grown quickly in Washington, that costs can be hard to predict, and that early uncapped contracts could produce very high settlement amounts, especially during periods of rising home prices. DFI said it views these products as mortgage loans and is moving forward with rulemaking, including counseling and clearer disclosures, while industry witnesses said the products are equity-based rather than debt-based and asked for tailored regulation. Members discussed the need for better consumer education, clearer payoff schedules, and whether the products should be treated as mortgages or a separate category. The final panel focused on Washington’s space economy, with presentations from Amazon Leo, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Space Northwest, and Green River College. Speakers highlighted major in-state investments in satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and workforce training, including Amazon Leo’s Redmond and Kirkland facilities, Blue Origin’s Kent headquarters, and Stoke Space’s Kent manufacturing and Moses Lake test site. Space Northwest presented data showing the sector’s growing economic footprint, high-wage jobs, and regional clusters in Kent and Redmond, and urged more workforce programs, incentives, infrastructure support, and a state space commission. The companies emphasized local hiring, apprenticeship and certification programs, and the role of Washington’s aerospace supply chain in supporting the broader space industry. No votes were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, practice there in Las Vegas.
• So, uh, private equity-owned hospitals, uh, privately owned local clinics, uh, single practices, and
• settlement funding that they've received because they've created their own behavioral health collaboratives
• I look forward to collaborating and hope I can be of support in your work going forward.
• So thank you for your work, and we'll be trying to collaborate with many of you and be attending committee

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• concerns that make you feel that you have to work it out through this process other than a more collaborative
• This will require collaboration and compromise by all stakeholders, and I can assure you there are many
• Thank you for being so collaborative with my staff. We happily accept all of the amendments.
• This is a smart reform that reflects international and increasingly U.S. best practice.
• been adopted in a This is a smart reform that reflects international and increasingly U.S. best practice

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local government finance. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assemblymember DeMaio proposed changing SANDAG board selection to give rural unincorporated areas a stronger voice; members raised concerns about the approach and local input, and the bill ultimately did not receive a second at the time it was heard. The chair later clarified that because no second was made, the bill was held rather than voted out, though the transcript also reflects confusion and later attempts to revisit the item. Several housing and permitting bills advanced with committee amendments and broad support. AB 671 by Assemblymember Wicks would streamline restaurant permitting through self-certification and faster plan review; AB 920 by Assemblymember Caloza would require a centralized online portal for housing permit tracking in larger jurisdictions; AB 1061 by Assemblymember Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing in historic districts with limits to protect historic character; AB 818 by Assemblymember Anamarie Farías would streamline temporary manufactured housing after disasters; AB 660 by Assemblymember Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assemblymember Haney would expand downtown revitalization financing tools for mixed-use housing. Each of these measures drew support from housing, business, and industry groups, with some local-government and special-district stakeholders seeking continued amendments on certain bills. The committee also approved AB 1156, which updates the solar use easement program to better accommodate renewable energy development on water-constrained agricultural lands, and AB 964, which would let local governments offset certain state mandate reimbursement debts against amounts the state owes them. AB 1223, by Assemblymember Wynn, would let Sacramento-area transportation authorities propose sales tax measures for portions of the county and keep revenues local; it advanced despite some transportation and taxpayer concerns. Consent items AB 36 and AB 1131 were also approved. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, often with committee amendments and some members noting they would continue working on the measures in later committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether the Army's practice of disabling ADS-B out is a glaring, safety concern.
• In total, we have about 40 NTSB documents. leading this investigation in collaboration with the parties
• This oversight extends to ongoing monitoring of Boeing manufacturing practices, maintenance procedures
• The Army is fully committed to a transparent and collaborative review of the events of 29 January and
• I think that's part of our ongoing work and the collaboration between those operators and how we make

Committees: Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation , Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: aviation safety, midair collision, American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter, NTSB, FAA, ADS-B technology, safety protocols

Summary: The meeting focused on the discussions surrounding the tragic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Testimonies were provided by key figures including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Richelieu. The committee expressed grave concerns regarding the existing safety protocols, questioning why the FAA failed to act on numerous warnings and data indicating potential collision risks. Members emphasized the need for urgent reforms in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Specific highlights included the recognition of the importance of ADS-B out technology and concerns about the operational practices of military helicopters in controlled airspaces.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fleet Force also collaborates with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of
• I'm wondering if there are some examples of successful collaboration...
• I'm wondering if there are some examples of successful collaboration models that have been used with
• instruction, but to think about models of CTE mentoring—what that would look like, you know, in terms of practice
• in terms of funding and, you know, maybe... ...what that would look like, you know, in terms of practice

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the year, took roll, and heard member introductions centered on the importance of workforce pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. Members repeatedly emphasized manufacturing, trades, rural workforce needs, apprenticeships, and helping students and adults find multiple paths to good jobs. The chair outlined the subcommittee’s focus on policies that build a skilled workforce and announced the day’s theme would be manufacturing, with presentations from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and Fleet Force CDL training. Secretary Alex Kelly presented Florida’s manufacturing report, saying manufacturing is a major economic driver and that Florida has become the 10th largest state in manufacturing employment. He highlighted strong job multipliers, rapid growth in manufacturing GDP and establishments, the importance of logistics and ports, and the state’s small-business-heavy manufacturing base. He also stressed the aging manufacturing workforce, the need for modern skills such as robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics, and the role of public-private partnerships, apprenticeships, and workforce education investments in supporting reshoring and industry growth. Dr. David Arnold described Florida’s semiconductor sector and the Florida Semiconductor Institute’s mission to grow research, workforce, and ecosystem development. He said semiconductors are strategically important, Florida ranks fifth nationally in semiconductor workforce, and the main bottleneck is mid-level technician talent rather than engineers or entry-level workers. He pointed to NeoCity, Valencia College, and other regional partnerships as models, and said the state needs more proactive planning, better instructor capacity, and stronger pathways from K-12 through postsecondary. Evan Agiloff of Fleet Force discussed Florida’s CDL shortage, saying trucking is essential to the supply chain, Florida has about 18,000 open CDL positions, and Fleet Force’s college-based model can quickly move students into middle-class jobs. Members asked about apprenticeships, CTE pathways, semiconductor training, infrastructure needs, and how to expand and better fund workforce programs; no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The intent of the bill is to promote practical and life-saving education. No debate.
• under this bill will be viewpoint neutral, devoid of live firearms or ammunition, and crafted in collaboration
• This is mostly about safe storage practices, what to do in case they find firearms.

Bills: HB1937 , HB2210 , HB2398 , HB3021 , HB3129 , HB3312 , HB3557 , HB4358

Committee: House Education Oversight

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Doula Association, um, whom I'm a board member for, as well as the Maternal Health Equity Collaborative
• patient, but I'm integrating into the care team with the nurses and the doctors or midwives who are practicing
• It, it's going to help identify best practices and successful programs from other states.

Committee: House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:

• , UNDERSTAND SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE WITHIN OUR STATE AGENCIES AND DEVELOP THESE IMPORTANT BEST PRACTICES
• FLORIDA WILL BE A HUB FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, SERVICES, AND BEST PRACTICES.
• I AM PROUD OF THE COLLABORATIVE BIPARTISAN WORK.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SR44 , SR135 , SR171 , SR180 , SR185 , SR187 , SR188 , SR191 , SR197 , SR198 , SR199 , SR200

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code

Transcript Highlights:

• , understand subject matter expertise within our state agencies and develop these important best practices
• Florida will be a hub for autism research, services, and best practices.
• I am proud of the collaborative bipartisan work of the Senate to rally around the legacy neighborhood

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I and years and years of practice.
• Bud referenced restorative practices.
• </c> government data practices act. government data practices act. Um<00:53:28.000><c> Mr.
• </c> modifications to the data practices act. modifications to the data practices act.
• </c><02:09:05.040><c> Forensic</c> practice in this area. Forensic practice in this area.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President and Senator, could you explain the provision in the State Tribal Collaboration Act that you're
• And that Tribal Collaboration Act, and this is something I tried to emphasize at the beginning of the
• It used to be practically almost one delegate per chapter, and they would group them together.
• And it also aligns this particular statute with administrative practices. Mr.
• And it also aligns this particular statute with administrative practices. Mr.

Bills: SB273 , SB37 , SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also like to thank Representative Cross and Representative Albert for collaboratively working
• I would also like to thank Representative Cross and Representative Albert for collaboratively working
• It's a collaborative effort, and this story is not just singular to this rancher.
• Albert for working collaboratively with me. All in favor of the amendment, signify by saying aye.
• We should also be encouraged to practice it without unnecessary barriers.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with HB 4087, which authorizes the Highlands County Hospital District to evaluate options to sell, lease, or manage its hospital. An amendment adding fair market value as a consideration was adopted, and the bill then passed unanimously. HB 841, which eliminates the requirement for validation stickers on license plates and moves registration verification to electronic systems, also passed after questions about law enforcement procedures, pretextual stops, and consumer savings; a technical amendment was adopted first. HB 593, dealing with campaign fundraising while on official time, lobbying rules for water management districts, agency secretary travel reimbursement, and settlement conditions involving third parties, passed without opposition. CS for HB 1019, the PFAS-related bill phasing out aqueous film-forming foam and requiring testing of treated effluent and biosolids, passed after an amendment limiting local utility liability until EPA standards are set; speakers emphasized firefighter and water-quality concerns. Several local and administrative measures also advanced. HB 4089 conveyed the Trenton Train Depot to the City of Trenton, HB 6011 updated ethics disclosure procedures for Form 10 filings, and PCS for HB 1051 created a recall process for community development district board members while also addressing synthetic turf deed restrictions and landowner-control timelines. HB 1031 established a pilot callback system for state agency customer service lines, and CS for HB 961 removed a burdensome electronic signature requirement for salvaged titles. HB 1421, which requires land managers to consider cattle grazing on conservation lands, drew substantial debate over state parks, water quality, and land management; an amendment added ecological guardrails and the bill passed 20-3. CS for HB 253 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program and passed unanimously, while HB 4039 required Broward County to study and hold a hearing before enlarging the Monarch Hill landfill landmark and passed despite opposition from the waste industry. CS for HB 755 eased Habitat for Humanity bond requirements in the Florida Keys and extended the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and HB 1035 promoted nature-based coastal resiliency projects and permitting; both passed unanimously. The committee then considered major foreign influence and election integrity measures. CS for CS for HB 905, the FIRE Act, was substantially revised by strike-all to expand registration and disclosure requirements for foreign agents and foreign-supported political organizations, restrict gifts and contracts tied to foreign countries of concern, terminate sister city agreements with such countries, and strengthen penalties for transnational repression; members debated the treatment of Qatar, linkage institutes, and the broader impact on international students, and the bill passed 24-1. Finally, CS for HB 991 proposed sweeping election changes, including citizenship verification at registration, a citizenship oath, new voter ID rules, paper ballots except for disability accommodations, candidate party-affiliation timing rules, stronger foreign-money restrictions, and other enforcement provisions. Members raised extensive concerns about document submission, data retention, student IDs, seniors, disability access, and the burden of proof for citizenship, and the committee was still in the middle of that discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• about the specific local impacts to Hawaii nonprofits, and we would be happy to share that and collaborate
• </c><00:10:07.880><c> and</c> would be happy to share that and would be happy to share that and collaborate
• with this committee um on collaborate with this committee um on and<00:10:10.600><c> getting</c><00:
• We do have conceptual plans; we have rough orders of magnitude that we've collaborated with our consulting
• We do have conceptual plans; we have rough orders of magnitude that we've collaborated with our consulting

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees considered a large number of Senate bills, with many measures advanced either unamended or with technical or substantive amendments. Early action included SB 88 and SB 11 SD1, both passed unamended, and SB 562 SD1 and SB 642 SD1, which were passed with amendments reflecting agency testimony. SB 1133 SD1 was amended to remove duplicative county requirements and clarify tax credit carry-forward eligibility, while SB 1569 SD1 on sports wagering was deferred. Later, SB 933 on nonprofit/federal funding support drew strong testimony from nonprofit and health advocates emphasizing the risk of federal funding freezes and the importance of protecting services such as early learning, domestic violence support, housing, and workforce supports; the committee recommended amendments to define eligible organizations, require reporting, and include the Judiciary. SB 934 and SB 935 were also amended, with SB 934 tying mass transit funding to Honolulu project milestones and SB 935 revising retirement-system language to change “fewer than five years” to “five or more years.” The committees then took up additional measures with targeted amendments. SB 1033 was amended to clarify that the bill applies to legal entities, not individuals, though members noted concerns about closely held family corporations and asked that the issue be reflected in the committee report. SB 1166, SB 1249, and SB 1256 were advanced with amendments or committee-report notes reflecting concerns from the Attorney General, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and Hawaii Farmers Union United, respectively. SB 1432 and SB 137, both relating to electric utilities, were amended to require retention of covered employees after mergers or acquisitions and to direct the PUC to consider whether proposed transactions further state policy goals. SB 157 on antitrust was narrowed to focus on coordinator conduct in rental housing markets, SB 252 on invasive species received a defective effective date, and SB 336 on defense of state employers and employees passed unamended. SB 536 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority was deferred to a later hearing, and SB 1064 on medical cannabis was heavily amended to authorize cultivator licenses with limits on canopy size, license counts, physician fees, and a special-fund appropriation for enforcement. In the Ways and Means portion, the committee passed several bills unamended, including SB 19, SB 124, SB 264, SB 345, SB 422, and SB 741 and SB 747 later in the agenda. SB 361 was amended to remove references to the attorney general and delete an appropriation section, SB 438 was amended to redefine buffer zones and landfill-unit language, and SB 441 and SB 494 were amended to blank appropriations and, in SB 494, assign charter-school audit responsibility to the state auditor. SB 659 was substantially amended to promote local procurement, including county-level geographic preferences and higher thresholds for locally sourced purchases, and SB 732 was amended to adjust film tax credit provisions, including the streaming-platform definition and sunset-related language. SB 819 was amended to replace references to “educators” with “teachers.” Throughout, most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on particular bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh supporting stronger collaboration uh supporting stronger collaboration across<00:02:15.200><c
• Um, no, this is really just an update to the current practice.
• and</c> advanced practice providers and advanced practice providers and physician<00:57:22.160><c> assistants
• </c><00:57:38.559><c> solution</c> services and offer a practical solution services and offer a practical
• </c><01:10:58.320><c> impossible</c> clinical trial is practically impossible clinical trial is practically

Bills: HF4438 , HF4467 , HF4379 , SF3402 , HF4349 , HF4064 , HF84 , HF85 , HF3804

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, WIC, community health, licensing, speech-language pathology, audiology, contract term limits, healthcare services, provider enrollment, disenrollment, premium payments, medical assistance, substance use disorders, mental health, children's mental health, early childhood, early intervention, consultation grants, Head Start, child care

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we want, like I said, we want to establish a consistent practice and procedure for when those
• I'm honored to have collaborated on these bills with her, and I apologize that I'm unable to attend in
• And we just think that that's a good practice and a good professional development resource that we can
• what... ...withholds or falsifies a disclosure statement, talk to me what withholds looks like in practice
• testimony, she just spoke to finding something out 45 minutes ago for something she thought was in practice

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bills 1371 and 1372, which were described as measures to improve student safety by requiring more consistent disclosure and sharing of personnel information across educational entities, including public, charter, private, and micro schools. Senator Nichols said the bills would help ensure that allegations of misconduct, resignations during investigations, disciplinary actions, and other relevant employment history are not kept internal but are disclosed during hiring, and that cases involving covered individuals would be referred to the Idaho Professional Standards Commission. The State Superintendent said the department shared the goal of stronger mandatory reporting and hiring safeguards, and noted ongoing work with the Attorney General’s office and school attorneys to refine the language and align it with existing law and ethics training. Several committee members questioned how the proposal differed from current background checks and mandatory reporting laws, whether it would affect out-of-state applicants, and how it would apply to private schools and micro schools. Nichols said the bills were intended to fill gaps where information is not reported or transferred, and that the language would be adjusted to request records from prior employers over the last 10 years without automatically disqualifying applicants if information is unavailable. He also said the whistleblower language from SB 1372 would likely be folded into SB 1371 so the issues could be handled in one bill. The superintendent added that the department is also working on reinforcing the code of ethics and mandatory reporting expectations for educators. Testimony included statements from a friend reading a written statement for Dr. Laura Bolton, who said she had reported misconduct in the Boise School District and faced retaliation; the chair stopped that testimony when it touched on allegations tied to a current or previously settled case. Kathy Wilson testified that her son was assaulted in a Boise school restroom and said the district failed to report properly, while Tori Dole described retaliation after she reported concerns about a registered sex offender connected to a Boise school. After discussion, Senator Woodward moved to hold both bills in committee, and the motion passed unanimously, with the chair saying the committee would bring the bills back once the language was ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would let them, on their own judgment, decide how they want to practice. Simple enough.
• I am a private practice owner and a proud military mom.
• I agree that telehealth brings many advantages for patients, and I use it in my practice on a very regular
• A brief extension would allow thoughtful collaboration rather than permanently statutory limitation.
• This would restrict the private practices and physician employment groups that qualify as practice sites

Bills: SB5915 , SB6025 , SJM8002

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines, patient advocacy, public comment, medical necessity, rare disease, life-threatening disease

Transcript Highlights:

• Would let them, on their own judgment, decide how they want to practice. Simple enough.
• I am a private practice owner and a proud military mom.
• I agree that telehealth brings many advantages for patients, and I use it in my practice on a very regular
• A brief extension would allow thoughtful collaboration rather than permanently statutory limitation.
• And this would restrict the private practices and physician employment groups that qualify as practice

Summary: The committee held public hearings on Substitute Senate Bill 6183, which would require health plans to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with only one therapeutically equivalent option required if equivalents exist. The prime sponsor said the bill is part of Washington’s effort to end HIV/AIDS, citing ongoing new diagnoses and the need for immediate access to treatment, especially for late-stage cases. No one testified in person or remotely, and public testimony was closed with written comments invited. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6226, which limits the Board of Hearing and Speech from adopting rules that would prevent licensed audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists from using clinical judgment to choose telehealth or in-person care. Supporters said teleaudiology improves access, especially in rural areas and for patients with mobility barriers, and that the bill preserves professional autonomy. Some testifiers raised patient-safety concerns about first-time hearing aid fittings and asked for amendments or more time to study safeguards, while others said the bill should move forward to protect access. In executive session, the committee advanced several measures. It adopted amendments and reported out Substitute Senate Bill 5185 on international medical school graduate physician licensing, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5845 on claims payment timing and refund requests, Senate Bill 5915 on the health technology assessment program, Senate Bill 6025 on the definition of fetal death, and Senate Joint Memorial 8802 requesting federal Medicare changes. The committee recessed briefly for caucus before taking final votes, and each bill or memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation; 5845 and 5185 were reported out as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• In both theory and practice, RCV eliminates barriers women face in plurality or winner-take-all elections
• During this panel, we advocated that in both theory and practice and recently signed by Mayor Wu.
• During this panel, we advocated that in both theory and practice, RCV eliminates barriers for women.
• of more than 7,000 veterans and supporters committed to strengthening American democracy through practical
• Ranked-choice voting promotes inclusion and rewards collaboration, ensures elected leadership builds

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on H. 4262 for Boston and H. 4916 for Bedford. Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, limited testimony to three minutes per person, and heard from a long list of advocates, local officials, and organizations. The hearing ended with no further registered speakers and the committee adjourned after inviting additional written testimony. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of ranked choice voting. Supporters included RepresentWomen, Reclaim Roxbury, the Boston Teachers Union, Veterans for All Voters, MassVOTE, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Our Revolution Massachusetts, and Bedford residents and organizers. Speakers argued that ranked choice voting would reduce the spoiler effect, encourage coalition-building and less negative campaigning, improve majority support for winners, and expand voter participation and representation, especially for women, young voters, and historically marginalized communities. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves through their home rule petitions. Boston City Councilors and the City Council president also testified in favor, describing the city’s low municipal turnout, the council’s approval of the petition, and the fact that Boston voters previously supported a statewide ranked choice voting measure. Councilor Rutsi L. Jean explained the petition’s development through council hearings and working sessions, while Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said the proposal would be subject to a binding referendum if enacted and urged the legislature to let Boston residents pursue top-four ranked choice voting. Bedford speakers similarly said their town meeting supported the idea but that legislative approval was still needed. No opposition testimony or votes were taken during the hearing.