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.

Transcript Highlights:

• budget except in cases where they're directed to administer a state program or contract with the state
• I'm the executive director at the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
• I appreciate that you are making sure that we are servicing everyone in the state of Washington, but
• in the state, and the State Building Code Council reviews, updates, and adopts these standards every
• There is a non-zero but indeterminate cost for the University of Washington, which would correspond to

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute House Bill 2236, staff explained changes to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage loans for multifamily housing, clarifying it is not a retail mortgage lender, extending bond counsel terms, removing a notice requirement before bond issuance, and repealing outdated statutory provisions. Representative Zahn and commission staff said the bill modernizes the agency and would help finance affordable housing without using state general funds. Testimony was generally supportive, with questions focused on higher interest rates, down payment assistance, and equity for borrowers of color; the commission said it works with banks, administers programs such as Covenant Home Ownership, and aims to support both homebuyers and developers. The chair then closed the hearing on SHB 2236. The committee next heard House Bill 2273 on reducing embodied carbon emissions in buildings and building materials. Staff described requirements for the State Building Code Council to adopt phased embodied-carbon standards for large projects, with reporting, a public database, and Commerce educational resources; the fiscal note showed operating and capital costs. Representative Duerr said the bill responds to rising energy demand and could help lower building costs while supporting innovation, including Washington wood products. Supportive testimony came from environmental justice advocates and an architect, who said embodied carbon reductions are already feasible and often cost-neutral. Opponents, including the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill could raise costs, create sourcing and delay problems, and should not exempt schools. The hearing on HB 2273 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5188, which would let the Public Works Board issue loans for broadband infrastructure repair and replacement. Staff said the bill expands the existing broadband service expansion program to cover repair and replacement of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, with Commerce fiscal impacts noted. The Association of Washington Cities testified with concerns that the bill could signal further use of the Public Works Assistance Account, which has already seen sweeps and could affect future water, sewer, wastewater, and solid waste funding. A question from Representative Dye raised whether the program should instead be tied to the Curb Board; staff and the witness agreed to continue that discussion. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee took up House Bill 2353, House Bill 2420, and House Bill 2470. HB 2353, which raises the predesign threshold for capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million and indexes it to inflation, was reported out of committee 18-0 with one excused. The committee then adopted and reported out the proposed substitute for HB 2420, which increases the small works roster contract limit and changes the effective date to January 1, 2027, also by an 18-0 vote with one excused. Staff also briefed members on a proposed substitute for HB 2470 concerning school construction assistance for on-base schools, but no vote was taken in the transcript. The chair announced another hearing and executive session for Friday and asked members to submit amendments by the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• State jails.
• And the bill establishes the Abortion Savings Program to create here in our state a dedicated state account
• It does a great thing for the state of Washington.
• It does a great thing for the state of Washington. Wow. Senator Saldaña. Thank you, Mr. President.
• We are struggling as a state, and this is the wrong move, one that the people of the state of Washington

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You empowered our state legislators to make laws and decrees.
• The state of Delaware and the people we serve.
• I hope to maybe attend the University of Delaware, Washington and Lee, or Penn State.
• I hope to maybe attend University of Delaware, Washington and Lee, Penn State.
• I'm a rising senior from First State Military Academy.

Summary: The House received communications from the Senate announcing passage of several bills and resolutions and requesting concurrence on a number of measures, including Senate Bills 287, 326, 337, 264, 294, 217, 319, and House bills such as HB 131, 299, 291, 380, 323, 296, 339, and 308, along with House Concurrent Resolution 140. The chamber briefly adjourned and then reconvened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer focused on guidance, justice, Juneteenth, and voting rights. A major item of business was House Concurrent Resolution 155, recognizing the young men from across Delaware participating in the 2026 session of Delaware’s Boy State. Several Boy State delegates were introduced and spoke about their experiences and future plans. The resolution was read by title, a voice vote was taken, and HCR 155 passed the House. Members also used privilege of the floor to introduce guests, including local officials, constituents, and a job-shadowing student. Announcements included a staff birthday, a reminder about illegal fireworks and House Bill 63, and notice that Doggy Day would return to Legislative Hall the next day. The House then passed consent calendar number 26, consisting of SCR 200, 206, 207, 209, 210, 211, and 212, and recessed to the call of the Speaker until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Out of all 50 states.
• And with regards to Washington, I think it's safe to say regardless of who we've had in Washington in
• from out of state.
• in the ground and the other states.
• Everything comes out of state, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• State your motion. motion, Mr. Speaker. State your motion.
• </c> everyone at Hampton Beach State Park. everyone at Hampton Beach State Park.
• But the money doesn't go out of state. The money stays in state.
• </c> of state. The money stays in state. of state. The money stays in state.
• </c> electricity delivered in the state. electricity delivered in the state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:38:54.480><c> that</c> this state families of this state that this state families of this state
• state.
• </c><01:30:31.280><c> it's</c> state it's set up in this state it's state it's set up in this state it's
• </c> States of America the laws of the State States of America the laws of the State of<01:44:06.239>
• It's from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and they take the data from our Department of Education

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communities across the state fought hard to protect as many people as possible from Washington, D.C.'
• benefit that's state-funded, state-administered emergency medical health services.
• Finally, we thank you very much for deferring action on the DMV's proposal to enter into state-to-state
• Finally, we thank you very much for deferring action on the DMV's proposal to enter into state-to-state
• Additionally, I want to thank you for the deferral of the DMV state-to-state contract with ANVA until

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that over 3,700 farms have closed in the state of Washington over the last five years, and that
• Presently there are 29 federally recognized tribes within Washington State.
• On this bill, I have been counsel for the state of Washington in United States v.
• On this bill, I have been counsel for the state of Washington in United States v.
• Washington State does not have a food production problem.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several House bills. ESHB 2238 would require the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy, monitor food system performance, and report on agricultural regulatory costs and competitiveness; the sponsor and many stakeholders from agriculture, food banks, school nutrition, counties, and advocacy groups supported it as a coordinated response to food insecurity and farm viability, while one requested amendment was addressed on the House floor. HB 2199 would expand the derelict vessel removal program by changing the definition of derelict vessel to allow earlier intervention when vessels are unregistered for two annual periods; ports, local officials, and environmental advocates testified in support, and the bill had no fiscal impact noted. HB 2104 would remove the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response, with support from fire chiefs and the sponsor emphasizing its value for rapid initial attack and cost savings. HB 2554 would repeal statutes from Initiative 456 that conflict with treaty fishing rights; the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the sponsor supported repeal as necessary to remove unenforceable anti-tribal language, while testimony comments showed substantial opposition. HB 2619 would create a legislative task force to review regulatory stress in agriculture and recommend changes; the sponsor linked it to farmer mental health and suicide prevention, and there was no public testimony. HB 2343 would require public game farms operated by Fish and Wildlife to obtain water discharge permits and meet manure/runoff controls; staff noted it would apply to the known public facility and carry modest compliance costs, with no public testimony. The committee also unanimously waived the five-day notice rule for HB 2104, 2554, 2619, and 2343, and closed the hearings without taking final votes, planning to consider all six bills in executive session at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Gave Washington State several spots for ECAP, and this will expand our Early Childhood Education and
• Expanding access to high-quality early learning is a stated goal of Washington State, and this change
• I'm the deputy director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECAP, in strong support
• And after getting treatment sorted out through the VA, I enrolled in Western Washington University.
• I'm the executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECAP.

Summary: The Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on several child care and disability-related bills. House Bill 2317 would exempt certain ECAP and Head Start programs from DCYF licensing when they operate part-day or school-day in public school buildings or on public school property. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill would remove duplicative licensing barriers and help expand preschool seats, especially as Washington prepares to add more ECAP slots. Testifiers from Head Start, school-linked providers, and the Washington Federation of Independent Schools supported the bill, describing licensing delays, added costs, and lost classroom time; no one testified in opposition. The committee also heard House Bill 2099, which would expand ECAP access for military families with incomes up to Working Connections Child Care limits and adjust prioritization for families with deployed or single custodial military parents. The prime sponsor and multiple supporters, including retired military leaders, Head Start/ECAP advocates, ESD staff, and a military-community partnership, said military families face frequent moves, deployment-related strain, and child care shortages that affect readiness and family stability. Testifiers said the bill would help families access care without changing the program’s low-income focus or adding state cost. House Bill 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and family members when a residential habilitation center is found out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to provide follow-up notices on correction and enforcement actions. The sponsor said the bill responds to limited communication around recent noncompliance issues at Rainier School and would improve transparency; DSHS had requested a narrow amendment about how notice is provided to residents. Disability rights advocates strongly supported the bill, saying families need timely information to protect loved ones and make informed decisions. Finally, House Bill 2318 would let ECAP and Head Start children count toward the 5% subsidy participation threshold needed for Early Achievers quality improvement awards. Supporters said the current rule can discourage providers from enrolling ECAP children because it risks losing an award, even though ECAP already requires Early Achievers participation. The sponsor and testifiers described the bill as a small fix to reduce a funding disincentive for providers serving high-need children. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing the hearings on all four bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> affecting the revenues of the state affecting the revenues of the state under<00:02:50.560><c> rule
• </c> The state highway system is 2700 miles. The state highway system is 2700 miles.
• Washington. >> Thank you, Mr.
• So if you're driving out of state.
• So enacting this the Washington.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've spent four decades at five very different university systems in five very different states, but
• In addition to the number one ranked university, Cal State San Marcos, eight of the top 20 and 10 of
• And I think that's the strength of not only our Cal State but universities across the state of California
• And I think that's the strength of not only our Cal State but universities across the state of California
• We spend more than $1 billion per year on the State University Grant and other aid programs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bowman: It is definitely state by state. There is reciprocity between certain states.
• other states, every other state.
• state.
• The state of Washington does not require a law degree to practice law. You just pass the law test.
• The state of Washington does not require a law degree to practice law. You just pass the law test.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Business Committee heard and introduced two RSs and considered two cosmetology bills. RS 33044, sponsored by Rep. Ehart, would create an exception for military chaplains to meet counseling licensure requirements, based on testimony that chaplains provide extensive counseling and training comparable to or exceeding counselor requirements. RS 33004, sponsored by Rep. Cornelis, would require businesses to provide restroom access to people with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, if they present documentation from a doctor or relevant card. Both RSs were introduced without opposition. The committee then took up House Bill 513, which would reduce Idaho cosmetology training requirements from 1,600 to 1,000 hours and apprenticeship hours from 3,200 to 2,000, with a companion RS changing the implementation date to January 1, 2027. Supporters argued the bill would lower barriers to entry, reduce student debt, improve workforce supply, and align Idaho with other states that use 1,000-hour programs. Opponents, including cosmetology instructors, school owners, and industry representatives, argued it would weaken training, shift costs to salons, harm reciprocity with neighboring states, and reduce public safety. After public testimony, the committee voted to hold HB 513 in committee. The committee then considered House Bill 514, which would allow cosmetology students to take their licensing exam after completing 80% of their program rather than waiting until the end. The sponsor said the change would get students into the workforce sooner and reduce delays caused by testing backlogs. Testimony was generally supportive, with one salon owner saying earlier testing could help students find better job matches and improve retention, though she also suggested separating hair licensing from other cosmetology licenses. The committee voted to send HB 514 to the House floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:41.760><c> this</c> in Care Quality across the state this in Care Quality across the state
• Colleges and Universities system of 22 colleges and seven universities.
• </c><00:15:46.519><c> colleges</c><00:15:46.920><c> University</c> Minnesota state colleges University
• Minnesota state colleges University system<00:15:48.399><c> of</c><00:15:48.600><c> 22</c><00:15:49.120
• seven universities system of 22 colleges seven universities we're<00:15:50.519><c> well</c><00:15:50.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States or around the world, and then we give a grant to that university to fund that professor to move
• across the state and smaller universities starting to use it as well.
• of our great state.
• All over the state.
• I am a state retiree.

Transcript Highlights:

• out of state in New York.
• people across the entire state.
• Talking to my state reps, you know, State Representative Thompson, you know, just to try to prepare to
• So much for states' rights.
• Supposedly, the redistricting is for the... ...us after the census when the states grow, when the states

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state did very well in ARPA money on the state side.
• For fiscal years '28 and '29, the university system requests $20 million in state support, which the
• As I mentioned, the state dollars leverage investments that the university system puts into its footprint
• Keene State.
• Next slide is the Mount Washington State Park power and safety improvement Park power and safety improvement

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:29.479><c> that</c> labor law as well as other states that labor law as well as other states
• So just as a general overview, that's the state entity and state government that we are addressing with
• The bill also states that only after in-state provider contracts have been exhausted, the executive director
• So just as a general overview, that's the state entity and state government that we are addressing with
• that's the uh State entity and state<00:13:18.519><c> government</c><00:13:19.440><c> that</c><00:13

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:13 SB 15 Discussion 00:45 SB 15 Vote 08:40 SB 103 Discussion 11:12 SB 103 Vote 29:49, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor heard two bills. Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, was presented with testimony from Major League Baseball in support of exempting minor league baseball players from Kentucky wage-and-hour treatment. Witnesses said the bill would preserve the negotiated collective bargaining structure for players, avoid impractical time-tracking requirements, and keep Kentucky aligned with other states. Senators discussed minor league salary levels, the importance of baseball to Kentucky communities, and the bill’s relationship to minimum wage law. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed the bill with unanimous support from members present. The committee next heard Senate Bill 103 from Sen. Danny Carroll, which would require the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to adopt regulations under Chapter 13A, limit reciprocal agreements with other states until in-state provider contracts are exhausted, establish procedures for service fee memos before a new fiscal year, and require an annual report with operating and financial information. Testimony from community rehabilitation providers and disability advocates emphasized that the bill would increase transparency, protect local providers, and improve services for people with disabilities seeking competitive employment. They said Kentucky has a large disability population, that many working-age individuals with disabilities are not employed, and that better oversight could help address workforce shortages and reduce reliance on public assistance. Senators asked about the disability population, age ranges served, funding, and recent changes to provider rates and selection processes. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 103 unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several states have moved to a state-based marketplace.
• At least six states already have added state dollars to enhance the federal premium subsidy, and states
• Several states have moved to a state-based marketplace.
• Washington is the first state out in 2021. Colorado has an option in 2023.
• Washington um is the first<00:51:56.960><c> state</c><00:51:57.280><c> who</c><00:51:57.520><c> is</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rosetti, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.
• Rosetti, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.
• Section 202D of the National States.
• </c><00:08:31.280><c> and</c> institutions in the United States and institutions in the United States
• </c> and economy of the United States. and economy of the United States.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 14, 2025, 1012, house, all