Video & Transcript : 'support demonstration' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And he started to support it.
- I ask that you please support the amendment. I ask that you please support the amendment.
- You're extremely supportive. You were, as Leader Boyd said, Supportive.
- So I totally support your approach.
- Do they support the...
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and a moment of silence honoring service members killed in the conflict in Iran, including Florida native Captain Cody Cork. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar, taking up several bills on education, public safety, insurance, health, and local government policy. Many measures were accompanied by sponsor explanations and supportive remarks from members, often emphasizing constituent impacts, public safety, and administrative efficiency.
The first major bill, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, was expanded through a delete-all amendment and passed 37-0 after extensive floor debate praising debate programs as a civic and educational tool. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office; an amendment clarified that criticism of Israel is not prohibited, and the bill passed 37-0. SB 1230/HB 1019 addressed PFAS “forever chemicals,” especially in firefighting foam, with phase-outs, testing, enforcement, and exceptions for certain federal, military, and emergency uses; it also passed 37-0 and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. SB 1706 expanded the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with tighter eligibility rules, and SB 186 required broader seizure-response training and seizure action plans in schools; both passed unanimously.
The Senate also approved SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining foster care medication and oversight procedures, SB 684 easing electronic signature requirements for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, and SB 778 revising forensic client services for certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 432, SB 928, and SB 620. Most of these measures passed by votes of 36-0 or 37-0 after brief debate or no debate.
The most contentious item was SB 1134 on official actions of local governments related to DEI. The sponsor argued the bill would stop taxpayer funding and promotion of discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several counties and cities. Multiple amendments sought to narrow penalties, protect good-faith officials, and preserve local proclamations and observances, including LGBTQ Pride Month and other cultural events, but those amendments were rejected. Debate centered on vagueness, local discretion, and whether the bill would chill legitimate government activity. The transcript cuts off during questioning on the underlying bill, before final disposition is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Ensuring access to healthy nutrition is also a goal the American people support.
- And I think it is just a remarkable demonstration of the priorities of the folks who are setting the
- And I think it is just a remarkable demonstration of the priorities of the folks who are setting the
- And I think it is just a remarkable demonstration of the priorities of the folks who are setting the
- </c><00:42:11.440><c> this,</c> at this point, I I can't support this, at this point, I I can't support
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- CTE does more than support students. It supports our economy and our workforce.
- I have and will always continue to support CTE programs and thank my colleagues for supporting these
- </c> programs on learners and the support programs on learners and the support that<00:09:05.440><c>
- It supports our economy and students. It supports our economy and our<00:09:12.560><c> workforce.
- </c> and LA for their support of this bill. and LA for their support of this bill.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a deputy director at the Department of Health and Welfare supporting child welfare and a handful
- Very excited to be with supporting child welfare and a handful of other youth-related programs.
- That was to double the rate of foster parents related to kids who needed support from their home.
- So that's a 42% increase in the amount of foster families we have supporting kids.
- And I hope you'll support it and make it a little easier for crime victims going forward.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard Senate Bill 1292, sponsored by Sen. Shippy, which would move foster parent training requirements into statute and set a total of 10 hours of training, with flexibility for the department to structure the content. Shippy and Deputy Director Monty Prow said the bill reflects current practice, includes exemptions for some relative placements and out-of-state applicants, and is intended to improve foster parent readiness, child safety, and retention while allowing online training. Sen. Wintrow voiced support, and the committee voted to send SB 1292 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1293, sponsored by Sen. Wintrow, a one-sentence fix to clarify that crime victims compensation is exempt from the effects of a prior law related to public benefits and lawful presence. Wintrow said the earlier law had been mistakenly interpreted to apply to the Crime Victims Compensation Program, creating confusion, delays, and administrative backlog, especially for victims of serious crimes such as child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. She and program representatives said the bill would restore prior practice and reduce barriers for victims seeking help.
During questioning, members asked whether SB 1293 would simply return the program to its pre-House Bill 135 process and whether any victims had been denied benefits; Wintrow said claims were still being processed but delays and confusion had increased, and no one had been denied solely because of the issue. She also noted concerns about hospitals being billed for forensic exams and about victims being asked for sensitive documents too early in the process. The committee then voted to send SB 1293 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Please support HB 2062.
- Please support HB 2062.
- Please support HB 2062.
- Uh, in support. Mr. Dunn. Dennis Dunn. Uh, in support. Mr. Dunn.
- </c> Prosecuting Attorney in support. Prosecuting Attorney in support.
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided.
Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions.
The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
CA
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- It's supported by home builders. It's supported by low-income housing advocates.
- It's supported by home builders. It's supported by low-income housing advocates.
- So I support this bill.
- I'm here to support I'm here in support of Substitute Senate Bill 5981.
- I lose my support system.
Bills:
SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151
Keywords:
local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:04 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're here in support of SB 193. Association, and we're here in support of SB 193.
- And we therefore urge you to support this legislation. Thank you.
- And I respectfully ask you to support this bill.
- I respectfully ask you to support this. Thank you very much. Thank you.
- I hope we can support this bill. Thank you very much. I hope we can support this bill.
Bills:
SB193
Keywords:
SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, 996, all
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It comes out of the resources that support military families and mission-focused member service.
- Supporters of this legislation argue reducing interchange costs will lower prices for consumers, and
- They make the system stronger, in my opinion, and I think that's demonstrated in the numbers.
- I really think a lot of the solution is in support for small and medium-sized retailers in negotiating
- Chris, I think it's a fantastic support... Still an option, because I think it's a fantastic point.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers.
Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete.
No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- I think some of you have already signed and supported it as co-sponsors.
- I'm here to speak in support of HB 2976.
- I respectfully urge your support for HB 2976.
- For those reasons, I support House Bill 2976.
- I'm just here in support of this bill.
Keywords:
veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- He said he would support the motion to introduce today.
- Representative Kaler said he intended to support the introduction.
- He said he would support the motion to introduce today.
- He said he is likely not to support it if it comes back for a full hearing.
- Representative Kaler said he would support the motion to introduce today.
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee convened with a quorum, welcomed a new page, Allie Silver of Twin Falls, and heard that she hopes to pursue nursing. The committee then took up House Bill 591, a county-requested cleanup bill repealing the last remaining code section for the defunct county medical indigent program, which was repealed in 2022. Representative Redman presented the bill, Representative Healy moved a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved sending HB 591 to the floor.
The committee next introduced RS 33469, which would add physical therapists to the direct primary care section of state code. Representative Furman said the measure would allow physical therapists to participate in direct primary care arrangements without expanding their scope of practice, though members asked for more detail about the diagnosis and assessment language. The committee voted to introduce the RS. It also introduced RS 33466, a joint memorial supporting the Department of Insurance’s actions against Medicare Advantage plan practices that allegedly made enrollment difficult and reduced broker commissions; Furman said the memorial would urge CMS to clarify roles and support Idaho’s efforts to protect seniors and stabilize the insurance market.
The most extensive discussion centered on RS 33407, which would place the assertive community treatment (ACT) behavioral health program into statute after budget cuts disrupted its funding structure. Furman argued the program serves people with severe mental illness, reduces hospital and jail use, and saves the state money, while committee members raised concerns about the fiscal note, future general-fund costs, enrollment limits, and whether the bill would expand the program. Furman said the program remains constrained by provider ratios and clinical need, and that alternate funding options were being explored. Despite reservations from some members and the chair, the committee voted 15-1 with one “maybe” to introduce RS 33407, then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle McLean in support. Karen S. Carlson in support.
- Michelle McLean in support. Karen S. Carlson in support.
- Maui Food Bank board member in support. Gil Kei Aaran in support. Michelle McLean in support.
- Randy Ryan Andrews in support. Christy La Lon in support. Michael Yo in support.
- Tracy Tonaki, DR Horton president, support. Stephanie Sakamura and support. Connie MIT and support.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt.
HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong support of Senate Bill 2361 today.
- I urge this committee and the Senate as a whole to support this measure.
- Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of Senate Bill 2361.
- I support Jack Wu, he's the vice president of business development, and I support our assistant.
- We are asking for your support that Victoria can be the 12th. Man, interesting.
Bills:
SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59
Keywords:
accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, but... she submitted testimony and support. Betris Dgo in support. Tana BNA in support.
- ><c> support</c> support Alexander white in support support Alexander white in support jacqulyn<00:03
- </c> testimony in support beus dgo in support testimony in support beus dgo in support um<00:09:22.720
- Club in support Ken penda in support Club in support Ken penda in support Everly<00:52:41.760><c> Heiser
- </c> what and support jacn Ambrose in support what and support jacn Ambrose in support and<01:04:27.480
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 103, relating to electric vehicle batteries, and then moved to Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel. On SB 103, the Department of Health and the State Energy Office supported the measure, and Redwood Materials said it supported the bill’s intent but requested an amendment to add a battery recycler to the commission. Other testimony on SB 103 included support from several individuals and organizations, with one opponent noted. A committee member also raised a possible deadline change requested by the Alliance of Automobile Innovation for future work on the measure.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 995, which would create tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and related renewable fuel production. Supporters included the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pono Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Tax Foundation, PAR Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel, and others. Supporters said the bill would help build a local SAF industry, encourage camelina and other feedstocks, and advance decarbonization goals. Several supporters also said they had proposed amendments or technical comments and stood on their written testimony.
Opposition testimony argued the bill could allow toxic waste feedstocks, such as construction and demolition waste, into fuel production, and questioned whether the incentives would truly benefit Hawaii farmers or consumers. One opponent said the bill’s benefits could flow to the producer and to imported feedstocks rather than to local agriculture, and another questioned the scale of local land and water available for camelina production. Committee members pressed witnesses on acreage, water use, expected yields, the role of PAR Hawaii’s refinery investment, and whether the state would be subsidizing a business decision that might not produce significant local fuel. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So far, we have not faced any consequences to this, but we wanted to make, to have a demonstration of
- I intend to support it today with the understanding that we are in a current budget crisis.
- I intend to support it today with the understanding that we are in a current budget crisis.
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from January 28 and 29 and then took up a previously held administrative rule docket from the Department of Health and Welfare on reportable diseases. Jared Larson said the rule mainly reorganizes existing provisions, with two substantive changes involving lead and hemorrhagic fevers. Members asked about the definition of a “suspected case,” and Dr. Christine Hahn explained that certain urgent diseases, such as measles or tuberculosis, may need to be reported before lab confirmation so public health can respond quickly. The committee voted to adopt the rule docket.
The committee then heard RS 32849, which would direct the state to seek a federal waiver to provide 30 days of case management services for juveniles under 19 leaving state or local correctional settings, as required by federal law. Larson said the proposal is not discretionary, is subject to appropriation, and is intended to avoid possible Medicaid funding penalties. He estimated an ongoing general fund cost of about $311,000 and federal funds of about $635,000 if implemented in fiscal year 2028. Members questioned who qualifies as an eligible juvenile, whether youth with private insurance would be forced onto Medicaid, and what the potential CMS penalties might be if Idaho does not comply. Larson said the services would not require a switch from private insurance and that he could not yet specify the penalty amount.
Representative Wheeler moved to introduce RS 32849, and the motion passed. Before adjourning, the chair said House Bill 497 would be held while the committee waits for more information about concerns being discussed on the Senate side. The committee also noted it would likely meet at 8:30 a.m. on Friday because the floor session is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/06/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:37:07.280><c> this</c> and pound foolish not to support this and pound foolish not to support
- </c><01:20:03.560><c> but</c> deserving of love care and support but deserving of love care and support
- </c> Foundation of Minnesota we're in support Foundation of Minnesota we're in support of<01:21:21.040
- </c> reproductive health will support reproductive health will support stronger<01:21:29.800><c> health
- We ask that you support Senate File 1085. Thank you. We ask that you support Senate File 1085.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have any witnesses in support today? I do.
- Anybody who wants to add on as a me-too in support or opposition?
- I love that it’s got bipartisan support and am excited to support it. Thank you.
- So I’m recommending support. So, Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
- I appreciate the support of the Secretary of State. Happy to support the bill. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on September 12, 2025, with a quorum present and heard two bills. AB 1392 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would make candidates’ residence addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses confidential in county election records for the duration of the election cycle or term, with access provisions for journalists and government offices after amendments removed prior opposition. The author and a representative from the Secretary of State argued the bill was needed in response to rising political threats and violence, and several members from both parties spoke in support, citing personal experiences with harassment and concern for family safety. No opposition was heard.
The committee then heard SB 851 by Senator Cervantes, a measure described as responding to federal threats to California’s election administration. The bill would require notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General for certain federal election-related court actions and settlements, extend the prohibition on unauthorized law enforcement presence at voting locations to federal agents, reaffirm California’s voting system standards, and make county registrar certification duties ministerial and non-discretionary. The author and Secretary of State’s representative said the bill was needed to defend election integrity and protect against federal interference, while some members criticized it as fearmongering and argued California should focus on cleaning voter rolls and preventing fraud. Other members defended the bill, saying isolated fraud cases do not undermine the overall security of California elections.
AB 1392 was approved on a 6-0 vote with a recommendation that Senate amendments be concurred in, and SB 851 passed on a 5-2 vote. The hearing then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> these reasons, I urge you to support these reasons, I urge you to support HF3403.
- </c> I strongly urge you to support HF 3403. I strongly urge you to support HF 3403.
- ,</c> support, for your political support, support, for your political support, showing<00:31:10.399>
- </c> support as well. Thank you. Thank you. support as well. Thank you. Thank you.
- </c> support this bill. Thank you. support this bill. Thank you.
Keywords:
HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to support child development, and we need to support our families and our children.
- I'm here in support of SB 971.
- Any others in support who would like to weigh in in support of this bill?
- And without a, and supporting amendments, I will support the bill. So would you like to close?
- Do we have others in support who would like to express their support? Please go ahead.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here today in support of Senate Bill 5649.
- So thank you for your time, and I urge you to support this bill. Thank you. Next, please.
- I'm here in strong support of Senate Bill 5649.
- I am here in strong support of Senate Bill 5420.
- It modernizes our state code to support those who serve.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on two bills. Senate Bill 5420 would expand access to state benefits and preferences for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses by adding the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and NOAA Corps to various eligibility provisions, extending some employment preferences to military spouses, and updating related protections. Staff and the prime sponsor, Sen. John Lovick, described it as a long-worked-on measure that passed the Senate overwhelmingly. Tammy Pro of the Department of War supported the bill, saying it modernizes state law and better recognizes service members and military families.
The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5649, which would create a Washington State supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program to provide grants and loans for public and tribal port projects tied to freight mobility and supply chain performance. Sen. Marko Liias and port representatives testified in support, saying ports are critical to Washington’s trade-driven economy and that the bill would help fund needed infrastructure, including rail and terminal improvements, especially for smaller and rural ports. Testifiers said the program would fill a gap because ports lack a dedicated state grant program and could help leverage federal funding.
An amendment to SB 5649 was explained as limiting eligible projects to those not already eligible for funding from the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, to avoid duplication. The committee paused and later closed the hearing on SB 5649, then returned to SB 5420 to hear additional testimony. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended after the public hearings were closed.