Transcript Highlights:

• If I was governor, I would declare an emergency under RCW 43.06.220, WAC 197-11-908, because all I hear
• If I was governor, I declare an emergency under RCW 4306-220, WAC197-11-908, because all I hear about

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard staff briefings, sponsor testimony, and public testimony on three bills. Senate Bill 6242 would require counties to enter shared stewardship agreements with federal land managers, such as the U.S. Forest Service, to maintain fuel breaks along roads on federally owned land and include revenue-sharing for timber sales. Sponsor Senator Braun said the bill is intended to improve wildfire prevention, protect transportation corridors, and create a possible funding source for rural counties. County representatives supported the concept but noted concerns about the bill’s timber-revenue condition and whether it could be enforced if a federal agency declined to agree. Senate Bill 6211 would remove the voter-approval requirement for real estate excise tax 2 (REET 2) in counties and cities that voluntarily plan under the Growth Management Act, aligning them with jurisdictions that are required to fully plan. Supporters, including the City of Walla Walla and the Association of Washington Cities, said the bill would create fairness and consistency and provide local governments with more tools for capital projects such as sidewalks, ADA improvements, transportation, and utilities. Opponents from Washington Realtors and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes argued the bill would raise housing costs and eliminate voter approval for a tax increase. The committee also heard concerns about property values and whether the bill would affect home prices or local tax burdens. Senate Bill 6234 would prohibit cities, counties, and water-sewer districts from banning sewage grinder pumps for new residential buildings in certain situations where gravity sewer is impractical, such as steep terrain, low-lying lots, or long distances from sewer lines. The sponsor said the bill is meant to help infill development and housing production in urban growth areas by making a lower-cost sewer connection option available. Cities and sewer districts testified that grinder pumps are already allowed in many cases, but they opposed the bill’s prescriptive language and preemption of local standards, citing long-term maintenance, operational, and ratepayer concerns. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s a term we all use, but in our RCWs, if I remember, there isn’t an actual definition.
• provision, because we have not moved senior independent living facilities under other senior housing RCWs

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2299, which would create a state senior independent living ombuds program. Staff explained that the bill would direct the Department of Commerce to contract with a nonprofit to provide ombuds services for residents of senior independent living facilities, including complaint handling, data collection, referrals, training, and protections against retaliation and disclosure. The bill also sets qualifications and conflict-of-interest rules for ombuds staff and requires facilities to post notice of the services. The chair noted that, although executive session was on the agenda, the bills would not be voted out that day because amendments were still being worked on. Representative Christine Reeves, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure was intended to address gaps in protections for seniors in independent living settings, which are often treated under multifamily housing law rather than senior housing or long-term care statutes. She described constituent concerns about poor communication, delayed maintenance, safety issues, and a lack of a clear place for residents to seek help. Committee members asked about the bill’s scope, including whether it would apply to 55-plus communities, condominiums, and rented versus owned units, and staff clarified that the bill defines covered facilities as age-restricted apartment buildings, condominiums, or residential neighborhoods where residents rent the unit or land, plus certain portions of CCRCs and assisted living buildings not actively used for assisted living. Testimony was mixed. The Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington said they support the goal but raised concerns about the bill’s structure, funding, overlap with existing landlord-tenant and long-term care ombuds systems, and the need for a broader stakeholder process and a resident bill of rights first. The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds Program supported the concept and said it could potentially absorb the work, but emphasized that current funding is already below recommended staffing levels and that additional resources would likely be needed. Residents and advocates testified in support, saying the bill would provide a neutral outside authority and help address real problems in senior communities. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed without further action.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1903, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB1570, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2515, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1906, HB2339, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2475, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, the Clerk called the roll, and a quorum was announced present. The chamber then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Representative Lauren Davis, which focused on compassion, the burdens carried by legislators and staff, and the importance of kindness, grace, and remembering the real-world consequences of policy decisions. After the prayer, the House approved the previous day’s minutes without objection. Representative Ortiz-Self announced that the Democrats would caucus immediately, and Representative Abbarno announced that the Republicans would caucus immediately as well. The Speaker then declared the House at ease for caucuses.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1903, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB1570, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2515, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1906, HB2339, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2475, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House was called to order, the roll was taken, and a quorum was declared present. The chamber then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Representative Lauren Davis, who spoke about compassion, the burdens members and staff carry, and the importance of kindness and remembering the real-world impact of legislative decisions. After the prayer, the House approved the previous day’s minutes without objection. Representative Ortiz-Self announced that the Democrats would caucus immediately, and Representative Abbarno announced that the Republicans would caucus. The House then stood at ease for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• confidentiality protections of the Public Records Act, the Uniform Healthcare Information Act, Chapter 71.05 RCW
• And we're here today just requesting a simple administrative fix to our RCW. Thank you.
• And we're here today just requesting a simple administrative fix to our RCW.

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 6137 would expand Washington sports wagering by allowing wagers placed over the internet to be accepted at any tribal gaming facility, not just the same tribe’s facility, and would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington institutions while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington athletes’ performance. Washington State University opposed the bill over concerns about harassment, point shaving, and broader gambling harms, while the University of Washington supported the individual prop-bet ban but urged caution. An Emerald Queen Casinos representative supported the bill, saying it would move existing illegal wagering into a regulated system with safeguards. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, which would require regular consultation with tribes on voting access and authorize a secure electronic ballot return portal for military, overseas, Native American, and disability voters. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill’s tribal outreach and said it was more comfortable with the revised portal language, but several election-security witnesses opposed the portal sections, arguing internet ballot return is too risky and lacks adequate standards. King County Elections supported the portal as a more secure option than current email and fax methods, and said it would improve access while preserving paper trails and security checks. Substitute Senate Bill 6034 would codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency. The office and a tribal health liaison testified in support, saying codification would stabilize government-to-government relations with tribes and ensure continuity beyond executive preference. Substitute Senate Bill 6081 would restrict public disclosure of sex designation information in certain licensing and vital records; supporters said it would protect transgender people from doxing, harassment, and violence, while opponents argued it would make official records less accurate. Staff also briefed Senate Bill 5863 on Lakeland Village records, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 reestablishing the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, and Senate Bill 5892 on voter data protections. The committee adopted amendments to SB 5863 and SB 5892, rejected some other amendments, and reported SB 5863, SCR 8406, and SB 5892 out of committee with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• RCW 43.386 law enforcement can deploy...
• RCW 43.386 law enforcement can deploy facial recognition technology in real time under three conditions
• Currently, this is an RCW requirement that programs are to submit field placement plans every even-numbered

Summary: The House Education Committee heard several bills related to special education records, artificial intelligence in schools, financial aid access, educator preparation, school health, and student mobile device use. Substitute Senate Bill 6268 would require OSPI to keep an online public record of final special education community complaint decisions for 20 years; the sponsor and several parents, attorneys, and open-government advocates said the records help families, schools, and researchers understand past decisions and remedies, while no one testified in opposition. Substitute Senate Bill 5956 would limit school use of automated decision systems, school surveillance technology, biometric data, and facial recognition in student discipline and safety contexts; the sponsor and supporters said it would prevent harmful false positives and discriminatory impacts, while an industry witness warned the bill could unintentionally reduce school safety by limiting emergency facial-recognition uses. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope, especially whether it affects classroom grading or only discipline-related decisions, and staff noted the bill does not require teacher training. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5841, which would add financial-aid application data to the High School and Beyond Plan platform and require students to receive information about the Washington Opportunity Scholarship Program. The sponsor said the bill would make aid status more transparent and easier to track, especially for families facing language or access barriers, and a student advocate testified in support; a committee member raised concerns about privacy for immigrant and DACA students, and the sponsor said the portal would be opt-in and guided by privacy protections. Senate Bill 6278 would codify and update Professional Educator Standards Board review of teacher and principal preparation programs, including program standards, educator role standards, evidence, and input from P-12 partners, while allowing field placement plans to be submitted on a less frequent schedule; PESB staff said the bill largely reflects current practice and adds flexibility. Substitute Senate Bill 5240 would expand who may administer epinephrine in schools and allow use of any available epinephrine when a student with a prescription on file has anaphylaxis; school nurses supported broader access to stock epinephrine but warned against using one student’s medication for another and raised legal and ethical concerns, while the sponsor emphasized faster response in emergencies. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5346 would direct OSPI to study and report on school mobile-device restrictions and update digital citizenship resources to include research and best practices on student phone use. Staff said OSPI already has some guidance, but the bill would create formal legislative reports and expand the state’s digital citizenship materials. The committee began taking testimony on that bill as the hearing time ran short, and the chair noted there were ten people signed in to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, the changes to RCW 76.09.040 would limit consideration of water quality criteria in future riparian
• Those are the rules that under current RCW and WAC, Ecology must concur on in order for them to be part
• Those are the rules that under current RCW and WAC, ecology must concur on those rules in order for them

Bills: HB2598, HB2620, HB2104, HB2348, HB2544, HB2554, HJM4009

Keywords: anadromous fish, environmental conservation, state coordination, wildlife recovery, fisheries management, forest management, natural resources, collaboration, forest practices, sustainability, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language

Transcript Highlights:

• Testing is the only way that we will know the truth, but as currently applied, RCW 10.73.170 is not fulfilling
• This bill provides much-needed updates to several RCWs in support of victims and survivors.
• this recommendation by medical forensic exams. 6017 is responsive to this recommendation by updating RCW

Summary: The committee heard several public hearings on criminal justice and victim-related bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donations of children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, and the Washington State Board of Health said it supported the goal but noted rulemaking and funding concerns under the original version. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing so courts must grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence; the Innocence Project and a DNA exoneree supported it as a way to reduce years of litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs/police chiefs opposed it as a burden shift that could increase frivolous motions and strain lab and attorney resources. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful-conviction compensation law by broadening definitions, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and making other process changes; the sponsor and Innocence Project said it would reduce barriers and better fulfill the state’s promise to exonerees, and a DNA exoneree described years of litigation just to access compensation. The committee also heard SB 6017, which would expand victim-centered and trauma-informed protections. The bill would allow a court to appoint a representative to ask questions of victims when a defendant represents themself, extend forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, add female genital mutilation survivors to protections similar to the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights, and reauthorize and broaden the Safe Advisory Group’s mandate. Survivors, advocates, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy strongly supported the bill, describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as retraumatizing and urging broader access to services for FGM survivors; defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally question witnesses and said the bill could be vulnerable to challenge without narrower guardrails. The hearing drew extensive survivor testimony, and the chair noted 108 people signed in support and one opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 5890, which would create an alternative reckless-driving offense for driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. The sponsor, a former firefighter, framed the bill as an accountability measure aimed at preventing severe crashes caused by extreme speeding. A committee member asked about officer discretion in emergencies, and the sponsor said the bill targets excessive speed while acknowledging that some situations may still be problematic. A preliminary fiscal note had been received.

Transcript Highlights:

• , it's been between 11 to 24 years since we've increased our commercial shellfish fees, and per our RCW
• One year or a hundred years doesn't matter, but what does matter is the RCW.
• think that they should be working with industry to come to the legislature to request changes to these RCWs

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs. The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It really contains it all the way down to the bottom, and the way that the RCW is written right now,
• So that was the whole intent of creating the new RCW on that. Thank you.
• commission amend or tweak some of the proposed language. ...that the bill seeks to add specifically to RCW

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from NCSL staff on national transportation funding trends and alternative user-fee options as gas tax revenue declines. The presentation covered declining fuel-tax purchasing power, the effects of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and a range of state responses including indexed gas taxes, EV and hybrid registration fees, voluntary and mandatory road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour EV charging fees. Members asked about Virginia’s mileage-fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes alongside new fees; the presenters said they would follow up with additional information. Committee staff then presented a comparison of Washington’s transportation budget with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, focusing on population, lane miles, road condition, fuel taxes, preservation spending, mega-projects, and governance structures. The discussion highlighted Washington’s unique transportation pressures, including ferries, fish-passage obligations, high debt service, and major capital projects. Members asked follow-up questions about debt service, interest costs, CCA impacts on fuel prices, and whether project costs differed by state. The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2109 would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use coverings to contain mud, rocks, or debris instead of requiring prior cleaning; the bill’s sponsor and construction witnesses supported it as a practical solution, and the fiscal note showed modest costs to WSP and WSDOT. House Bill 2139 would raise snowmobile registration fees to support snow park and trail grooming; State Parks, DNR, and several snowmobile advocates supported it, while some snowmobile users opposed it, arguing that enforcement of unregistered sleds should be addressed first. House Bill 2192 would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority and allow it to collect certain health data; the sponsor and agency supported the bill as a public-health tool, while one attorney raised concerns about limiting civil discovery and evidentiary access in fatal crash litigation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did an analysis of RCW 50.202.160 and concluded it just wasn't going to work for us with... 60
• So we did an analysis of RCW 50202-160 and concluded just wasn't going to work for us with ...of RCW

Bills: HB2103, HB2388, HB2316, HB2006, HB2224

Keywords: renewable energy, nonemitting generation, public entities, contracting, electric generation, distributed energy, agricultural land, energy generation, renewable resources, siting regulations, land use, urban development, vegetation management, shrubsteppe, environmental regulation, economic development, sales tax, rural counties, industrial land banks, growth management

Transcript Highlights:

• He said they analyzed RCW 50.202.160 and concluded it would not work for them. dollar for dollar what
• So we did an analysis of RCW 50202-160 and concluded just wasn't going to work for us with Joe Walsh
• continued: “...of RCW 50.202.160 and concluded it just wasn’t going to work for us without some legislative

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several local government bills. HB 2006 would extend the deadline for certain rural counties that collect a sales and use tax for economic development to designate industrial land banks under the Growth Management Act. Supporters, including the sponsor and Kittitas County representatives, said the bill would help counties identify industrial land for job growth and economic development; Futurewise opposed it, citing concerns about large industrial land banks and impacts to agricultural lands. HB 2244 would let a city that forms a fire protection district after July 1, 2026, keep its levy rate without reducing it by the district’s levy, and would also allow online notice and interlocal contracting for fire services. City and fire officials supported it as a practical tool to fund fire service, while one witness opposed the broader trend of appointed taxing authorities. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2316, which would limit shrub-step vegetation inside urban growth areas from being treated as wildlife habitat, critical area, or conservation area, and would bar related mitigation or replacement requirements. Tri-Cities officials, builders, housing advocates, and the sponsor argued the bill would reduce delays and costs for housing and development on already designated urban land, while conservation groups, tribal representatives, and some individuals opposed it as a broad rollback of habitat protections and a harmful precedent for ecosystems and wildlife. No vote was taken on the bills during the hearing. HB 2103 would expand public utility contracting authority so cities, utilities, and joint operating agencies could enter “capability” contracts for renewable or non-emitting generation projects, including nuclear, renewable hydrogen, and fusion, and repeal certain price-limit restrictions. Supporters said it would align older contracting law with the Clean Energy Transformation Act and help utilities plan for future power needs; opponents warned it would shift risk to ratepayers and revive concerns tied to the WPPSS nuclear debacle. The committee also heard HB 2388, which would classify pivot-corner solar and agrovoltaic facilities on agricultural land as distributed energy resources and accessory uses; the sponsor and supporters said it would help meet energy needs without harming productive farmland, while Futurewise asked for clarification to avoid unintended loss of agricultural land. The hearing then returned to HB 2103 for additional testimony, with the same basic split between utility and clean-energy supporters and ratepayer or anti-nuclear opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recall when Washington adopted RCW 70.02 and suddenly a new industry quickly emerged.
• Third-party record... ...RCW 70.02, and suddenly a new industry quickly emerged.
• summary, it changes the underlying structure of who may recover attorney's fees for a violation of RCW

Bills: HB1496, HB2182, HB2196, HB2242

Keywords: patients' rights, healthcare information, medical confidentiality, health data security, healthcare access, abortion, medications, reproductive health, access, healthcare, PANDA, PANS, treatment access, mental health, legislation, preventive services, state authority, definitions clarification, public health, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• However, our statute, RCW 43.180, still reflects realities of 1983.
• bill also clarifies that we can use funding from our local option sales tax for affordable housing or RCW
• We would ask that the bill be amended to authorize the use of RCW 82.14.530 for rental assistance, which

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act with populations of 30,000 or more to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and bar local governments from requiring ground-floor commercial or retail as a condition of housing approval, with exemptions for certain sensitive areas and a carve-out for transit-oriented development station areas. The prime sponsor, Senator Alvarado, and supporters from the governor’s office, Commerce, housing advocates, developers, and major employers argued the bill would unlock underused land, reduce costs, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Opponents and local government representatives from small towns, counties, and cities said the bill could harm commercial corridors, small businesses, tax base stability, and local planning flexibility, and asked for narrower exemptions or additional carve-outs. No vote was taken on SB 6026 during the hearing. The committee then held executive action on Senate Bill 5937 and Senate Bill 5938. SB 5937, dealing with smart access systems and tenant privacy, was amended to clarify that keypad-only entry is not covered, require written privacy policies within five days of installation, and add operational purposes to allowable data collection; the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation. SB 5938, which changes the foreclosure prevention fee and directs a Commerce study on a state homeowner assistance fund, was also amended to extend the study deadline and related expiration date; the committee adopted the amendment and moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6018, which would expand and modernize the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage lending to borrowers, extending bond counsel selection cycles, removing advance notice requirements for bond issuance, and repealing an outdated housing finance plan/program. The sponsor and the commission said the bill would improve efficiency and create new financing tools for affordable housing, while banking groups said they supported the goal but wanted clearer limits to ensure the commission would not enter first-mortgage lending for homebuyers. The sponsor and commission said they would work on clarifying language. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6027 and Senate Bill 6028. SB 6027 would expand the use of local housing sales taxes and the Affordable Housing for All account to support operations, maintenance, rehabilitation, and preservation of existing affordable housing, update REET exemption timing, and align the definition of emergency housing with the Growth Management Act; local governments, housing providers, and advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to preserve existing housing amid rising costs and federal funding uncertainty. SB 6028 would create a revolving loan fund administered by the Housing Finance Commission to finance mixed-income affordable homeownership projects with long-term affordability covenants; the sponsor said it would help builders who have entitled sites but face high capital costs, and the hearing began with staff briefing and sponsor testimony, with questions from members starting as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Modifications to the RCW will need to be made to expand definitions and eligibility that is linked to
• It does not even specify journalists, which is defined in the RCWs.
• It does not even specify journalists, which is defined in the RCWs. Transparency supports public.

Bills: HB2176, HB2244, HB2120, HB2333

Keywords: drug therapy, public records, confidentiality, healthcare, collaborative practice, transparency, accountability, exemptions, government accountability, audit, legislative review, resource efficiency, committee work, political violence, elected officials, election officials, criminal justice, protection, safety, threats

Transcript Highlights:

• RCW 82.04.050 is really the key statutory section that addresses what goods and services are subject
• We have codified that hierarchy in RCW 82.32.730.
• five tiers that are laid out by the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, which we've codified in RCW

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), including how the council’s joint executive-legislative forecasting process works, the main state revenue sources, and recent economic conditions. He said Washington’s economy is slowing, with weak employment growth, softer taxable sales, and uncertainty from tariffs, federal spending, and the federal shutdown. He also noted that the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, and that the state still expects modest growth rather than a recession. Members asked about whether Washington tends to lag national downturns and how forecast information should affect budgeting; Dr. Reich said the forecast is a revenue tool, not a budgeting decision, and that spending choices remain with elected officials. The Department of Revenue then presented on Washington’s sales and use tax structure and the implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to several services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained how sales and use tax are sourced, how reseller permits and the multiple points of use exemption work, and how the new law applies to live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software. He said DOR held listening sessions, issued interim guidance, and set up a centralized landing page and outreach efforts to help taxpayers understand the changes. He also described a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts through March 31, 2026, but said penalties and interest still apply under the statute. Committee members raised concerns about how businesses and individuals will know when a service is taxable, who is responsible for collecting and remitting tax, and how sourcing will work for services delivered across multiple locations or online. DOR staff walked through examples involving accounting services, live lectures, virtual events, advertising campaigns, and search engine marketing, including the use of reasonable allocation and pool codes when exact sourcing data is unavailable. Members also questioned the administrative burden on small businesses and professionals newly subject to tax, and whether additional legislative fixes or relief from penalties and interest may be needed. No votes or formal actions were taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitutes a new chapter in Title 43 RCW. Amendment at the desk. Striking amendment number 953.
• Chapter Title 43 RCW, providing an expiration date. Senator Riccelli. Thank you so much, Mr.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Constituting a new chapter in Title 43 RCW. Amendment at the desk: Striking Amendment No. 953.
• Chapter Title 43 RCW, providing an expiration date. Senator Riccelli. Thank you so much, Mr.

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial activities, approval of the previous day’s journal, and adoption of Senate Resolution 8689 recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Senators spoke in strong support of the resolution, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, self-advocacy, family caregivers, and the principle of “nothing about us without us.” The resolution was adopted, and all members’ names were added as sponsors. The chamber also welcomed student visitors and later recognized individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments. Charles G. Knutzen was confirmed to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board by a 48-0 vote. Noah Scartvet was confirmed to the Gambling Commission by a 43-5 vote, and Kelly K. Foucai was confirmed to the Spokane Colleges Board of Trustees by a 48-0 vote. The Senate also considered and confirmed additional appointments while excusing several members from attendance during parts of the day. The chamber spent much of the meeting concurring in House amendments and passing a series of bills. Among the measures approved were bills dealing with clean energy exemptions for certain backup fossil fuel use, police data and body camera/ALPR distinctions, housing and rental assistance flexibility, creation of a cabinet-level Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs with Senate confirmation, school district interfund transfers under financial oversight, civic engagement and voting services, wildfire-resistant home-hardening materials, and technical corrections to prior tax and revenue legislation. Most of these bills passed with clear majorities, though some drew recorded opposition, including Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035 and Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6113. The Senate also adopted a striking amendment and passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program. Supporters said the negotiated proposal would improve fiscal transparency and help fund statewide tourism promotion, while opponents raised concerns about the assessment structure. The bill passed after concurrence in the House amendments and final passage by a 43-5 vote. The Senate then returned to the fourth order of business and stood at ease for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to insurers by specifying that the chapter does not apply to insurers regulated under Title 48 RCW
• relating to insurers by specifying that the chapter does not apply to insurers regulated under Title 48 RCW

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several technology and economic development bills. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for House Bill 2157 on high-risk AI, House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2351 on emergency responder protections, and House Bill 2186 on federal fund acquisition for economic development. Members discussed the competing approaches in the two proposed substitutes for HB 2225, including enforcement, disclosures, minor protections, and crisis-response requirements. The committee then voted to adopt the proposed substitute for HB 2225 and report it out with a due pass recommendation, with a 7-3 vote and three excused. It also passed HB 2186 out of committee with a unanimous due pass recommendation after discussion about reducing fiscal impact. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2397, which would require timely reimbursement within 60 days for state agencies and local jurisdictions mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services mobilization plan. Fire officials and fire finance staff testified in support, describing reimbursement delays of six to ten months that strain local budgets and can discourage participation in wildfire deployments. Testifiers said the bill would improve cash flow and staffing stability, while also noting the need for technical clarification on when the 60-day clock starts and possible staffing needs at the State Patrol. No one testified in opposition. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2417, which would add victim-rights protections to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice procedures with the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice. The prime sponsor and military legal experts testified that the bill closes a gap so victims serving in the Washington National Guard receive the same notice, participation, and fairness protections regardless of whether they are in state or federal status. Veterans’ advocates also supported the bill, saying it would improve trust, reporting, and accountability. The bill was scheduled for future executive action, and the meeting adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• This list is sortable by several fields, including agencies, the RCW or bill that directed the study,
• This list is sortable by several fields, including agencies, the RCW or bill that directed the study,

Keywords: 904, all