Transcript Highlights:

• , one appropriating funds to stop the spread of the spongy moth or one congratulating a Mano Eagle Scout

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I have the ability to do this, Girl Scout season is right now.

Bills: SB 21 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• They were scouting out routes, making sure they were getting escorted.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were scouting out routes and making sure they were getting escorted.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee heard a series of domestic security and law enforcement presentations from the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Highway Patrol, and FDLE. Sheriff Rob Hardwick outlined the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, focusing on adding xylazine to Florida’s trafficking statute and increasing penalties for luring or enticing a child under 12 from a misdemeanor to a felony. He also discussed domestic security coordination, fusion center intelligence sharing, and jail-based reentry efforts. Members asked about xylazine prevalence in Broward County and whether canine units can detect it; Hardwick said he would follow up with data and noted that dogs are not specifically trained for xylazine, though fentanyl-certified dogs may alert on mixtures. Chief Charlie Vasquez of the Florida Police Chiefs Association presented three priorities: stronger protections for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their families when threatened because of their jobs; faster and more consistent access to blood-borne pathogen testing results after exposure incidents; and mandatory life without release for anyone convicted of murdering a police or correctional officer, reviving a version of the Jason Raynor Act. Senators asked about delays in blood testing after exposure, and Vasquez said officers can be forced to take prophylactic medication while waiting for results and that the process should be streamlined. Florida Highway Patrol Director Dave Kerner described FHP’s domestic security role, including criminal interdiction, canine units, traffic homicide investigations, aviation, drones, border operations, and responses to threats such as human smuggling and the October 7-related security posture at synagogues and campuses. He said staffing remains constrained by vacancies and pay disparities, so he was not seeking more authorized troopers at this time. FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder then reviewed the state’s domestic security structure, fusion centers, critical infrastructure assessments, and grant funding, warning that federal homeland security dollars have declined sharply while threats remain high. He highlighted work on drone mitigation, radiological detection, vehicle barriers, and school security assessments, and emphasized the need for continued interagency coordination. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• organization, John Watan has done it all: catcher, first baseman, outfielder, manager, coach, broadcaster, scout
• broadcaster,</c> outfielder, manager, coach, broadcaster, outfielder, manager, coach, broadcaster, scout
• </c><02:42:00.960><c> His</c> scout, you name it, he's done it.
• His scout, you name it, he's done it.

Bills: HB4970 , HR1420 , HB5362

Keywords: Orland Project, Central Valley Project, Sacramento Canal Unit, water transfer, water rights, drought relief, federal reclamation, Bureau of Reclamation, California water, irrigation, water management, Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, Reclamation Reform Act, water users association, water supply, drought resilience

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re supporting the Girl Scouts initiatives, Senator Storm in Laurel County, for at-risk foster care
• :25:35.279><c> supporting</c><00:25:36.080><c> the</c><00:25:36.240><c> Girl</c><00:25:36.480><c> Scouts
• We're supporting the Girl Scouts County.
• We're supporting the Girl Scouts initiatives,<00:25:37.919><c> Senator</c><00:25:38.320><c> Storm</c>

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• nature center for Three Rivers Park District, and I just recently left my position as COO of Girl Scouts
• as</c><01:00:54.280><c> COO</c><01:00:54.800><c> of</c><01:00:54.920><c> Girl</c><01:00:55.160><c> Scouts
• </c><01:00:55.560><c> River</c> my position as COO of Girl Scouts River my position as COO of Girl Scouts

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, reach out if you need any help scouting. Sorry, Senator Putnam.
• c><01:09:44.319><c> need</c><01:09:44.440><c> any</c><01:09:44.600><c> help</c><01:09:45.080><c> scouting
• </c> if you need any help scouting. if you need any help scouting.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• I was trained, you know, as infantry and scouting.
• I was trained, you know, as infantry<01:10:17.360><c> and</c><01:10:17.920><c> scouting.
• /c><01:10:18.560><c> So,</c><01:10:19.040><c> I'm</c><01:10:19.360><c> constant</c> infantry and scouting
• So, I'm constant infantry and scouting.

Bills: HF3418 , HF3739 , HF3791 , HF3356 , HF3695 , HF3430

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority, county roads, city streets, tribal transportation, capital improvements, safety design solutions, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• In an amendment, I have a floor amendment that simply adds somebody from Scouting America. >> Okay.
• And then I'm going to add here in a minute the Scouting America. >> All right. Thank you.
• we've I'm going to add here in a minute we've I'm going to add here in a minute the<01:03:49.680><c> scouting
• </c> the scouting America. the scouting America. &gt;&gt; All<01:03:50.880><c> right.
• is you don't have this in front of you, so this floor amendment does is add a representative from Scouting

Transcript Highlights:

• Aaron Taylor, with Political Solutions, on behalf of the Girl Scouts of California, standing in strong
• Through Girl Scouts After School Clubs, we are proud to partner with school districts across California

Transcript Highlights:

• Aaron Taylor, with Political Solutions on behalf of the Girl Scouts of California, standing in strong
• Through Girl Scouts After School Clubs, we are proud to partner with school districts across California

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three education budget items: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance/statewide system of support, and universal school meals plus kitchen infrastructure grants. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding and $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579, and committee members questioned how the rate was determined, how much funding is actually spent, and whether overlapping funding from ELOP, ACEs, and 21st Century programs is being tracked. CDE said ELOP is showing positive attendance and math outcomes, but some requested data will not be available until mid-2027; members also raised concerns about double-funding, transparency, and whether middle and high school students are being equitably served. On differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the statewide system of support and the various tiers of universal, targeted, supplemental, and intensive assistance. Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to replace the current DA structure with a more stable universal and targeted assistance model, funded at $131.9 million ongoing, with a three-year support cycle aligned to LCAP and ESSA timelines and broader State Board authority to revise eligibility criteria. The LAO objected to considering the proposal before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria, and committee members expressed concern that moving to a three-year cycle could delay support for LEAs that newly fall into need mid-cycle. There was also discussion about whether the proposal would weaken subgroup-based equity guardrails or give the State Board too much discretion over who qualifies for support. For school meals and kitchen infrastructure, Finance proposed $1.8 billion ongoing for universal meals and an additional $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for a fourth round of kitchen infrastructure and training grants. The LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the unmet need is not yet clear. CDE said prior investments have improved meal participation, efficiency, and menu variety, but many schools still lack the facilities for scratch cooking and face construction, electrical, and procurement barriers. Members asked for more data on how prior grants were used, which schools are benefiting, and whether funds could also support lower-cost food access strategies such as pantries, while noting federal restrictions on some meal-service innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reporting shows that DHS is actively scouting and purchasing approximately 23 warehouses nationwide to
• Reporting shows that DHS is actively scouting and purchasing approximately 23 warehouses nationwide to

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides for drone aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems for hunting and scouting during a specific
• Number three, it provides for drone aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems for hunting and scouting during

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Anna Bonjourno with Scout Clean Energy. We're currently signed in as other today.
• Scout is developing a very large hybrid clean energy project in Washington that's been in development

Bills: HB2521 , HB2249 , HB1796

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Anna Bonjourno with Scout Clean Energy. We're currently signed in as other today.
• Scout is developing a very large hybrid clean energy project in Washington that's been in development

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearm background check fees. Staff explained that the bill would remove the $18 fee cap and allow Washington State Patrol to set fees based on actual program costs, which could be about $33 to $35 per check. Supporters said the change was needed to keep the background check system operating and avoid delays and layoffs; opponents argued it would burden lawful gun owners and amount to an unconstitutional tax or barrier to a constitutional right. No vote was taken in the hearing. Members then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, address interpreter and translator shortages, and require agency implementation reporting. Testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent access for limited-English-proficient residents and the benefits for schools, families, and state services. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery fund to provide partial advance payments to low-wage workers with meritorious unpaid wage claims and adjust wage penalty provisions. Employers, labor advocates, and legal services representatives largely supported the bill as a bipartisan, worker-protection measure funded by penalties rather than the general fund. The committee next took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax incentives, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new state and local renewable energy excise tax structure and related grant programs for local governments and tribes. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the bill’s goal of stabilizing tax treatment for renewable projects, though several witnesses said they wanted amendments to address rates, timing, and late-stage project impacts. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the timing and duration of existing tax preferences; supporters said it would provide certainty for emerging sustainable aviation fuel projects, while one refinery sought clarification and a broader county threshold. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, directing the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and develop a statewide food security strategy. Agricultural groups, grocers, anti-hunger advocates, and farmers supported the bill as a coordination effort to improve food access, affordability, and supply chain resilience. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce; supporters said it would address growing unmet need and complement existing utility programs, while opponents said it did not address the root causes of rising energy costs. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities (data centers), both of which drew mixed testimony centered on balancing emissions, ratepayer impacts, reliability, and environmental or tribal concerns. No final votes were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding in the world, and if people decide not to put them in place, they're for nothing We also have to scout
• We have a kind of small army of scouts that identify those seed crops statewide every year.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• My son was involved in Cub Scouts, and these programs are just really important to our communities and
• My son was involved in Cub Scouts, and these programs are just really important to our communities and

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 733, which would restore electronic pull-tab features such as open-all, free play, bonus games, and similar functions that were restricted in 2023. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of Allied Charities of Minnesota, the American Legion, and a Bloomington school activities foundation, argued that the 2023 changes reduced revenue for charitable gambling operations and, in turn, cut funding for veterans programs, youth sports, food shelves, school needs, and other local community services. Several supporters cited early revenue declines since the new rules took effect, including double-digit drops and one example of a Bloomington site reporting a 29% year-over-year decline overall and a 44% drop in e-tab revenue. They also argued that restoring the features would help charities without meaningfully increasing casino play. Opponents, including Citizens Against Gambling Expansion and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said the bill would expand slot-machine-like gambling in neighborhood bars and restaurants and increase problem gambling and related social harms. They argued the features in question mimic slot machines, are especially concerning in non-age-restricted locations, and would amount to a major expansion of gambling. The tribal representative also said the 2023 clarification was appropriate, that charitable gambling revenues do not translate efficiently into mission funding, and that tax relief or other policy changes would be better ways to help charities than restoring the disputed features. The chair reminded testifiers to keep comments neutral and not partisan. After testimony, a member discussion began, with Representative Ray Rower thanking the testifiers and expressing support for their work. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote or disposition beyond the bill being recommended to be re-referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• that could certainly include, I think, a variety of programs, whether you're talking about 4-H, Boy Scouts
• , Girl Scouts, other things that may be catering from an educational perspective to students and families
• talking about 4, programs whether you're talking about 4, uh<02:41:38.640><c> Boy</c><02:41:38.880><c> Scouts
• ,</c><02:41:39.200><c> Girl</c><02:41:39.439><c> Scouts,</c><02:41:40.160><c> other</c><02:41:40.399>
• <c> things</c> uh Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, other things uh Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, other things that

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Dick was an Eagle Scout, God and Country, and Order of the Arrow, and Boy Scouts.
• Dick was an Eagle Scout, instruments.
• Dick was an Eagle Scout, God<00:35:29.680><c> and</c><00:35:29.920><c> Country</c><00:35:30.320><c> and
• the Arrow, God and Country and Order of the Arrow, and<00:35:31.599><c> Boy</c><00:35:31.839><c> Scouts
• He was passionate about and Boy Scouts.

Bills: HB1804 , HB1642 , HB1621 , HB1634 , HR789 , HR787 , HB1816 , HB3490 , SB160

Keywords: 7(a) loan program, Small Business Administration, SBA, small business lending, loan brokers, loan consultants, referral agents, loan intermediaries, fraud oversight, transparency, reporting requirements, loan fees, referral fees, interest rates, business financing, small business loans, lender oversight, application assistance, Congressional reporting, small business