Transcript Highlights:

• an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or hearing aid specialist from using their clinical judgment
• not limited, as long as the rules do not prevent licensed professionals from using their clinical judgment
• hearing aid specialists, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists to actually use their clinical judgment
• Would let them, on their own judgment, decide how they want to practice. Simple enough.
• It also allows licensed audiologists to use their clinical judgment to determine the most appropriate

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

Transcript Highlights:

• These victims have now spent 15 years trying to enforce their judgment against frozen assets of terrorists
• It is specifically limited to post-judgment proceedings for terrorism victims with judgments against
• Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1430, a bill to be entitled an act relating to post-judgment execution
• The claimant and South Broward Hospital District agreed to a consent judgment for $6.4 million.
• This is a bill with a settled excess judgment claim for $200,000.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions recognizing guests, family members, and a USF Day at the Capitol presentation. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where it first passed two Open Government Sunset Review bills: CS/SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008/HB 7003, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both measures passed unanimously. The Senate also passed CS/SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, a bill intended to help victims enforce judgments against terrorist entities, and CS/CS/SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, aimed at improving veterans’ access to benefits and transition support. Additional measures passed included CS/CS/CS/SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, CS/CS/CS/SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, and several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric and Jennifer Miles on behalf of EEM, and Marcus Button. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements also passed after an amendment making texting while driving a moving violation with points and a distracted-driving course requirement. The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 700, where senators discussed provisions on fluoride in drinking water, labeling of plant-based products, drone penalties, charity registration, agricultural housing, and other agriculture-related policy changes. Several amendments on fluoride were offered and defeated, while a technical amendment on financial institution definitions was adopted. Senators also briefly discussed the policy implications of the bill’s fluoride language and its relationship to local control and public health. Several other bills on the calendar were temporarily postponed, and at the end of the session the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and remove CS/SB 7016 from the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until April 16.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill requiring a reporting of satisfaction of judgments awarding money damages, House No. 1760
• The House bill requiring a reporting of satisfaction of judgments awarding money damages, House No. 1767
• An act requiring the reporting of satisfaction of judgments awarding money damages, House No. 1767.
• An act requiring the reporting of satisfaction of judgments awarding money damages, House No. 1767.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters. On motions to suspend the rules, it adopted an order extending until March 18, 2026, the reporting deadline for the Committee on Community Development and Small Business, and it also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow referral of two petitions: one on medication administration in rest homes to the Committee on Aging and Independence, and one on concealment of the death of a child born out of wedlock to the Judiciary Committee. The House also suspended Rule 7A to proceed with scheduling and consideration of bills. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended several bills for House consideration, including measures designating Building Trades Recovery Week, providing accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, recess requirements for elementary and middle school students, reporting of satisfaction of money judgments, age-waiver legislation for police applicants in Boston and Haverhill, and a bill on advertising for justices of the peace. The House ordered these bills to a third reading after second reading, and separately passed House No. 4502, amending the Town Manager Act of Arlington, to be enacted. The House then took up third-reading bills and passed House No. 4740, waiving the maximum age requirement for a Boston police officer applicant, and House No. 4817, authorizing Pembroke to grant an additional off-premises alcohol license, both to be engrossed. It also considered House No. 5014, establishing a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix of the Department of Transitional Assistance; an amendment was adopted to revise the bill’s language and add an emergency preamble, and the bill was then passed to be engrossed as amended. The session concluded with adoption of an order to adjourn and the House adjourning to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps the court of public opinion has rightly or wrongly made their judgment on this, your child.
• opinion has rightly or wrongly<00:06:02.320><c> made</c><00:06:02.560><c> their</c><00:06:02.800><c> judgment
• ><00:06:03.120><c> on</c><00:06:03.280><c> this</c><00:06:03.520><c> your</c> wrongly made their judgment
• on this your wrongly made their judgment on this your child.<00:06:04.960><c> But</c><00:06:05.199><

Transcript Highlights:

• And also any lienors who, like judgment lienors, have—so these are basically those who are unsecured,
• You mentioned the judgment creditors.
• If the judgment creditor actually recorded the lien at the Bureau of Conveyances, it would be a lien.
• If they have a judgment that's not recorded, they would be an unsecured creditor.
• </c> the Judgment creditors if the Judgment the Judgment creditors if the Judgment creditor<00:10:39.120

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• But isn't it true that our truckers, who tend to see larger judgments, have seen in many cases upwards
• Cajun plaintiff 1 obtained the original judgment of a little over $2 million.
• Cajun plaintiff number 2 obtained an original judgment of just over $14 million.
• judgment or their exposure?
• When those judges, when those judgments come out, they're not paid.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The committee first took up HB 51 by Rep. Villio, a constitutional amendment to prohibit post-conviction bail for people convicted of aggravated offenses against minors. Members adopted a technical amendment to simplify the ballot language, heard a 6.8A report explaining the committee’s authority over constitutional amendments, and then adopted the report and passed HB 51 with amendments. Support was noted from law enforcement and district attorney groups. The main item was HB 526 by Rep. Dickerson, which would cap general damages in civil cases at $500,000 in most cases and $1 million for severe permanent injury, while leaving economic damages uncapped. The bill drew extensive testimony from trucking, logging, business, and insurance-reform advocates who argued that unpredictable verdicts and “nuclear verdicts” drive up commercial insurance costs and push businesses out of Louisiana. Opponents, including attorneys and victims’ advocates, argued the bill would unfairly limit recovery for seriously injured people and could harm sexual assault survivors and families in wrongful death cases. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying the cap applies per individual plaintiff rather than to the action as a whole, but then rejected a motion to report the bill; the roll call was 4 yeas and 5 nays, so HB 526 remained in committee. The committee then heard HB 173 by Rep. Bamberg, which would bar recovery for bodily injury or property damage by a driver who had failed to maintain required auto insurance for at least 30 days before the crash. Supporters said uninsured motorists contribute to higher premiums and should not recover large awards, while opponents warned the bill would punish innocent spouses, children, and other people who may be unaware coverage lapsed. An amendment was adopted to add the 30-day uninsured requirement, and the bill moved to opposition testimony, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on HB 173.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you're making judgments about who's qualified and sometimes you get someone who's very good
• And number two, that goes beyond summary judgment.
• You have the defense file a motion for summary judgment.
• And judges are pretty judicious about dismissing summary judgment or Judgment as a matter of law at that
• And among the judgments that I got in that case from the jury In Gallup was a judgment against UNM Hospital

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• In either case, it raises, at least for this senator, serious questions about your judgment.
• I salute your service to our country, but I have serious doubts about your judgment.
• Again, in my mind, this is a question of judgment. 702 is critical.
• Just in complete hindsight, would you view this trip as good judgment? Yes, Senator.
• I'm questioning her judgment. That's the issue that's at stake here.

Committee: Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is dangerous and frankly irresponsible to let insurance companies override medical judgment in
• And it is dangerous and frankly irresponsible to let insurance companies override medical judgment in
• And it is dangerous and frankly irresponsible to let insurance companies override medical judgment in
• And it is dangerous and frankly irresponsible to let insurance companies override medical judgment in
• And it is dangerous and frankly irresponsible to let insurance companies override medical judgment in

Transcript Highlights:

• It's for catastrophic judgments.
• And so, in short, it's to manage the large federal civil rights judgments that we've seen so recent,
• , basically, this was a a thought that I had, an interim study with all the jail litigation, the judgments
• This is going to be for any of the civil federal civil rights judgments that's going to be large scale
• Yes, so when you litigate and it goes to judgment, it's going to be a federal.

Bills: SB1288 , SB1705 , SB1878 , SB2019 , SB2118

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: emergency management, federal funding, disaster relief, cost sharing, public assistance, bail reform, public funds, nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, injunctive relief, criminal procedure, surety bond, judicial discretion, uniform bond schedule, liability insurance, judgments, insurance fund, Oklahoma, county sheriff, commissary

Transcript Highlights:

• When employers fail to comply with final orders, the judgment enforcement unit uses legal tools such
• Strengthening this function is essential to ensuring that judgments are meaningful and that bad actors
• When employers fail to comply with final orders, the judgment enforcement unit uses legal tools such
• Strengthening this function is essential to ensuring that judgments are meaningful and that bad actors
• Without this step in the wage claim process, wage theft judgments are often just a piece of paper.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clinical judgment is a medical tool.
• :01:03.600><c> healthcare</c> the clinical judgment of healthcare the clinical judgment of healthcare
• </c><04:20:13.600><c> to</c> clinical judgment remains central to clinical judgment remains central to
• </c> intelligence to change clinical judgment intelligence to change clinical judgment which<04:46:19.920
• </c><04:54:17.520><c> do</c> judgment is overridden, patients do judgment is overridden, patients do

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2386 addresses garnishment, which is a legal process by which a judgment creditor may obtain
• A judgment creditor may obtain a debtor's funds or property that are in the possession of a third party
• The relator is entitled to a share of the proceeds of any settlement or judgment, and that share ranges
• We could have a gap in being able to close those judgment and answers.
• The current law mandates that judgment creditors provide employers with an official garnishment form

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• is the section four, which refers to 107.008 of the Texas Family. code regarding the substituted judgment
• of the attorney for the child under A2, where you're putting in, making reasonable judgments.
• I believe that substituted judgment should be very rare.
• Due to judgment too much for my taste, and I would take that part out. Alright, Ms. Ken Tony.
• Our attorneys for children that misuse a substituted judgment statute to argue for what they think is

Bills: HCR10 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2353 , HB2643 , HB2971 , HB3282 , HB3382 , HB3996 , HB4507 , HB4509 , HB4805 , HB5551 , HB1863 , HCR10

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: family abduction, child safety, custodial rights, parental kidnapping, awareness day, marriage license, informal marriage, family code, identity verification, child support, family law, child custody, court interview, parent-child relationship, child welfare, attorney ad litem, compensation, legal representation, government entity, HB 2643

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1430, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to post-judgment execution
• These victims have now spent 15 years trying to enforce their judgment against frozen assets of terrorists
• It is specifically limited to post-judgment proceedings for terrorism victims with judgments against
• The claimant and South Broward Hospital District agreed to a consent judgment for $6.4 million.
• This is a bill with a settled excess judgment claim for $200,000.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patel has demonstrated a lack of sound judgment by associating with extremist figures like Mr.
• This is a guy whose judgment... ...is beyond questionable. It's appallingly bad.
• With appallingly bad judgment. Second point, we don't know enough about this mischief yet.
• The work of the FBI is essential to judgment and integrity.
• Tough judgments that have to be made.

Bills: SB331

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, Kash Patel, FBI director nomination, S331, Fentanyl Act, committee meeting, legislative discussion

Summary: In this committee meeting, the primary focus was on the nomination of Kash Patel for the position of director of the FBI, which had sparked considerable debate over the past week. Members discussed the extensive vetting process Patel underwent, including a lengthy hearing where he addressed numerous questions, which emphasized his qualifications and the support he received from various law enforcement organizations. The meeting included significant arguments from both sides, reflecting the polarized nature of the nomination, especially regarding the allegations made against Patel by some committee members. As discussions continued, the committee decided to hold off on the Fentanyl Act, listed as S331, until the next meeting, indicating a prioritization of the nomination vote over new legislative measures at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• His understanding of the seriousness of his responsibilities brings steady judgment to his role, and
• His understanding of the seriousness of his responsibilities brings steady judgment to his role, and
• if they've done wrong, you're going to want people who have had real-world experience sitting in judgment
• Constitutional Courts Act, to provide that no state court shall enforce, consider, or apply any judgment
• Constitutional Courts Act, to provide that no state court shall enforce, consider, or apply any judgment

Transcript Highlights:

• In health care, artificial intelligence should only support clinical judgment, not replace it.
• Using our judgment as nurses, we must be able to care for our patients without being pressured by our
• The nurse knows through her professional judgment that the patient needs care sooner than the AI tool
• Medical professionals can and should use their professional judgment when using AI tools.
• Medical professionals can and should use their professional judgment when using AI tools.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• Then you have three or four different judgments depending on property.
• You could have multiple judgments. You could include it in the same judgment.
• the person was domiciled, and the same parish, all of the things that are required for getting a judgment
• And so you had an incident where a judge just didn't want to sign your judgment? Yep. Okay.
• And then at the end, I may have one judgment or I may have two or three depending on how it's set up

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• paragraph 9 about bringing the civil suit, and you know how civil suits go, you could get a $10 million judgment
• or you can get a $10,000 judgment.
• So if you get the lower judgment... Get a $10,000 judgment.
• So if you get the lower judgment and it's $10,000, and you have brought that prior to this order of maintenance

Committee: House Children and Families