Transcript Highlights:

• Executive session on 1045 is closed. We'll now open executive session on HB 140.
• Executive session on 1045 is closed. Executive session on 1045 is closed.
• session<00:22:55.919> on We'll now open executive session on We'll now open executive
• Executive session on 1045 is closed. We'll now open executive session on HB 140.
• close our executive session entirely. close our executive session entirely.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um discrepancies within the executive. um discrepancies within the executive.
• collaboratively with the um executive collaboratively with the um executive officer<00:20:28.720
• <01:47:35.440> executive board decisions, executive executive board decisions, executive executive
• I'm back from the executive director.
• <01:51:10.560> director<01:51:11.520> proposes executive director proposes executive director

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have a message from the executive. Clerk will read the message.
• <00:02:17.760> Clerk<00:02:18.000> will a message from the executive.
• Clerk will a message from the executive.
• <00:02:58.480> This executive uh nominations committee.
• This executive uh nominations committee.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, January 30, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened for a brief pro forma session, with the clerk calling the roll and the presiding officer noting that three critical members were present and Maryland was back in session. There were a few light announcements, including a senator bringing his son to the chamber and a remark about the unusual week of multiple pro forma sessions. The presiding officer also welcomed the Senate pages and noted the historic nature of the week’s schedule. The chamber then processed calendar items without debate: Senate Bill 422, by Senator Kramer, concerning research and testing facilities that use animals and related adoption/reporting requirements, was read and ordered to its standing committee. A bond initiative sponsored by Senator King for Community Services for Adults and Children/Community School of Maryland was also read and sent to the capital budget subcommittee. The Senate received an executive message from Governor Wes Moore submitting a recess appointment for Senate confirmation under the Maryland Constitution. The message was read, journalized, and referred to the Executive Nominations Committee; the presiding officer identified it as a superintendent-related recess appointment. After a final quorum call, the Senate adjourned by unanimous consent until Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. for a regular session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So everybody should be here by executive session. Chairman Casteel: Present.
• I'm kind of tempted to just move to executive session since there's no opposition.
• I'm the executive director of the Missouri Asphalt Payment Association.
• All right, seeing none, we’re going to move into executive session on Senate Bill 916.
• All right, seeing none, we’re going to move into executive session on Senate Bill 916.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• branch issues executive orders on a lot of these topics.
• This is another agency that the president discussed in the executive order.
• This is a recent executive order from June 26, so the end of June.
• And that's in fact what this executive order does.
• The quick executive summary, you can create those things on the fly.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think that there is a little bit of leakage between the executive right now and the legislative
• executive and the legislative branch. executive and the legislative branch.
• There's no reason that the executive There's no reason that the executive branch<00:03:38.720>
• <00:40:47.920> So particularly of the executive branch.
• So particularly of the executive branch.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee met late on Friday evening to discuss the Public Safety and Judiciary budget agreement, beginning with a brief exchange among members about concerns that the executive branch had been delaying the committee’s work by waiting to approve legislative decisions. Members emphasized that the legislature should retain its independence while still allowing normal collaboration with the governor’s office. The committee then moved through several outstanding policy items and adopted them without opposition, including the A38 amendment addressing data-sharing concerns involving disability-related information, a study of firefighting services by the state fire marshal, and an A46 amendment governing access to unredacted portable recording system data in collision investigations, with guardrails on disclosure and use. The committee next reviewed the spreadsheet and budget targets. Fiscal staff explained the judiciary side of the agreement, including funding for court operating costs, a one-time Justice Partner Access Program appropriation, forensic exam rate increases, guardian ad litem funding, public defense, human rights, the competency attainment board, the cannabis expungement board, and fee increases for civil filings and motions. On the public safety side, staff described the target as well as the discretionary items funded, including nonprofit security grants, BCA staffing changes, fire marshal initiatives, a 10-year arson statute of limitations, prosecutor training grants, legal representation for children, E911 funding for critical infrastructure, Philando Castile Training Fund support, corrections-related savings from the Stillwater phased closure and sentence-to-serve elimination, a mandatory minimums task force, a victims of crime account transfer, a decommissioning study, in-service use-of-force training, and extensions of several expiring appropriations. The committee also noted a correction to a spreadsheet label related to the Stillwater closure item. After the spreadsheet walkthrough, the committee took testimony from Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and State Court Administrator Jeff Shorban on behalf of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Hudson thanked the committee for its work and said the agreement covers some unavoidable costs, including insurance, lease expenses, forensic examiner pay, and the new access system, but argued it does not adequately address the judiciary’s most urgent problem: staffing and judicial compensation. She said court employees are leaving for better-paying jobs, judicial salaries are frozen for two years, and applicant pools for judgeships have declined, especially in greater Minnesota. She also said the judicial branch was not meaningfully consulted on the budget target and urged lawmakers to recognize the courts as a constitutional obligation rather than a discretionary program.

Transcript Highlights:

• The job of the executive branch is to execute the laws. Now they can try their best to do that.
• executive branch. executive branch.
• branch is to The job of the executive branch is to execute<00:33:08.760> the<00:33:08.880>
• execute the laws. execute the laws.
• nor the executive. nor the executive.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:55.519> and<00:12:55.760> our between our executive and our between our executive
• executive to run absolutely rampant. executive to run absolutely rampant.
• <00:25:45.679> in as much flexibility to the executive in as much flexibility to the executive
• >> Uh, executive branch to step in. >> Yeah. Where would that accountability lay under?
• >> uh executive branch to step in. >> uh executive branch to step in.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marcus Katachi is the executive director. Heather McBay, a deputy executive director.
• Marcus Katachi is the executive director. Heather McBay, a deputy executive director.
• Marcus Katachi is the executive director. Heather McBay, a deputy executive director.
• Marcus Katachi is the executive director. Heather McBay, a deputy executive director.
• Marcus Katachi is the executive director. Heather McBay, a deputy executive director.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...changes that are made in the language regarding execution.
• And if so, has that resulted in any botched executions via lethal injection?
• One was executed this year, one was executed last year.
• And it's estimated that each execution cost us the taxpayers $24 million.
• amount of the cost was $24 million per execution.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed. Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0. The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• He previously served as Executive Director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association from 1998 to
• Director previously served as Executive Director of<00:04:54.200> the<00:04:54.280> Hawaii
• From 2010 to<00:05:15.440> served<00:05:15.800> as<00:05:15.880> Executive<00:05
• <00:05:31.640> leadership<00:05:32.120> roles held several executive leadership roles
• held several executive leadership roles in<00:05:32.560> the<00:05:32.680> private<00:

Bills: SB2057, SB2109, SB2400, HB1752, SB2599, SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, move out of executive session. I'll second. All those in favor? I...
• We are out of executive session. Thank you all for coming.
• what did we use a move out of executive what did we use a move out of executive session<00:10:04.760
• Okay, move out of executive session. I'll second. All those in favor? I...
• We are out of executive session. Thank you all for coming.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a bill directing the Department of Education to develop or identify informational materials about type 1 diabetes and make them available to school districts and on school websites. One member objected that the bill was too narrow and effectively created a policy focused on one disease, arguing that other illnesses also deserve attention and that parents can obtain such information from physicians and health centers. Others responded that type 1 diabetes was chosen because it can be hard to detect, can progress quickly, and early warning signs in children may be missed by school staff and parents. Supporters emphasized testimony from young people and families about the importance of early detection, noting that type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 and can lead to serious complications if not recognized quickly. Several members said the bill would help teachers, nurses, and parents identify symptoms and seek prompt medical care, and that adding every disease would overcrowd the materials. One senator said the bill was a prevention measure and that similar treatment could be considered for other illnesses in the future if they met the same criteria. The committee then voted on the bill and advanced it on a 4-1 vote. Afterward, there was brief procedural discussion about whether to place another item on consent and whether to move out of executive session, but no additional substantive action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh executive session on House Bill 298.
• executive session on 298. executive session on 298.
• >> Seeing none, I'll close the executive >> Seeing none, I'll close the executive session
• I'll close the executive four votes.
• executive session? Any other thoughts? executive session? Any other thoughts?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the executive committee, for the record, Sarah Baker, actuary with OSA, filling in for Michael
• Good afternoon, Chair Conway, members of the executive committee.
• Good afternoon, Chair Conway, members of the executive committee.
• Copies were distributed to executive committee members and emailed to the executive committee members
• Copies were distributed to executive committee members and emailed to the executive committee members

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, pursuant, we came out of executive session. Uh, no action was taken during executive session.
• No action was taken during executive session, and now is there a motion regarding 25 LAC1?
• They actually bring in, I believe, executive branch ethics and legislative ethics.
• > ethics<00:11:55.920> and believe executive branch ethics and believe executive branch
• <00:13:51.920> session commission to go into executive session commission to go into executive

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and reported that no action was taken. It then approved a motion finding there was no reason to believe the respondent in case 25 LAC1 had committed or was about to commit a violation of the code, and dismissed the complaint under KRS 6.86(1)(b)3. Members next reviewed and approved the September financial report, which staff said was based on state accounting data and showed the commission within year-to-date budget parameters. Staff also reported that all required forms for the recent reporting period had been filed and that there were no outstanding forms. The main substantive discussion concerned a proposed one-year, $6,000 contract with Tyler Technology/Kentucky Interactive to add an online payment portal for the commission’s re-registration process. Staff said the system would let employers pay registration fees online using an employer ID, reduce manual handling of 3,000 to 3,500 forms and hundreds of credit card payments, and improve security by keeping credit card information out of commission staff hands. Members asked about user fees and procurement concerns; staff explained that users would still pay the existing credit card processing fee, that an e-check option would also be available, and that the $6,000 cost was viewed as below the de minimis threshold. The commission approved the contract. In other updates, staff said informal opinions were included in the materials and remained confidential, reported on a presentation to the UK Martin School, noted that the regular session calendar would likely require meetings to shift during the legislative session, and said the commission’s statutory recommendations had been received by LRC and referred to a state government committee. The meeting then moved into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then proposed the membership list to our executive committee.
• The list was presented to the executive committee, and then we went from there once approved.
• Executive committee, and then we went from there once approved to confirm the participation.
• We're incorporating some of your feedback, and the executive team and the advisory council structure
• So I'll give a brief executive director update.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual meeting and approved the September minutes. Chair Denise Garlick opened with updates on the commission’s first “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Needham, reporting strong attendance, a large resource fair, and mostly positive survey feedback. Commissioners said the event was valuable for connecting advocates, providers, and people with disabilities, while also noting lessons learned about accessibility, timing, and the need for more networking time and advance materials. The chair said the commission is planning future forums in other regions, including possible sites in Lowell, Northampton, and the South Shore. A major item was the new advisory council. Oz Osmondahar and Eman described the outreach and screening process, which drew roughly 60 nominations and emphasized lived experience, sector expertise, geographic diversity, and connections to broader networks. The council will serve as strategic advisors and thought partners, meet twice a year, and hold its first in-person orientation on January 30 at the State House Members Lounge. Commissioners were encouraged to stay engaged with the council and use it to strengthen commission and subcommittee work. Subcommittee reports covered employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported collaboration with SEED, a presentation at the Employment Matters Conference, a discussion with a disability employee resource group, and upcoming work with CED and veterans advocates. The Workforce Supports Subcommittee heard from the MassHealth Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center about workforce data gaps and an upcoming needs assessment, and plans to host ADDP on 2025 workforce metrics. The long-term services and supports committee discussed the Housing Navigator program, barriers to accessible housing, and concerns about how federal cuts could affect disability services and health equity. The commission also heard from DDS Deputy General Counsel Erin Brown and Associate Commissioner Chris Klaskin on a new law expanding access to records from former state institutions, including new notification and privacy procedures and a forthcoming regulatory process with public input. Commissioners welcomed the law as a step toward transparency and dignity. Amen gave an executive director update on the annual report, recent collaboration with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, a national state-employer practice group, and the IDD/Autism Alliance working group. The meeting also included a moment of reflection for disability activist Alice Wong, a commissioner announcement about Work Without Limits’ virtual career fair, and adjournment after a motion and second were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls this meeting with the Texas Ethics Commission at 9:10 a.m. with the executive director, please
• Will the executive director please call the roll.
• Uh, first, we have a few personnel announcements coming out of our executive session.
• All right, do I hear a motion to, uh, approve the executive director or authorize the executive director
• Well, the executive director brief the commission on this agenda item, please? Yes, so if.

Transcript Highlights:

• level of urgency that's required to execute that was just not there.
• And you all have stepped up to the... have the ability to execute locally.
• level of urgency that's required to execute that was just not there.
• So we have vendors that execute debris, and we have vendors that monitor those that are executing the
• And they started executing work. They started doing roof work.

Summary: The committee received a program review from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and FEMA reimbursement process. Deputy Director Keith Pruitt described the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including major storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, debris removal, power restoration, flood-control deployments, sheltering, and logistics missions. He emphasized that Florida’s approach is “federally funded, state managed, locally executed,” and said the division has already obligated large amounts of public assistance funding and mitigation dollars while continuing to work on remaining missions and reimbursements. A major focus of the discussion was how local governments can better document and vet debris-removal and other disaster costs so they are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Chair DiCeglie and other senators raised concerns about local planning, commercial debris collection, and whether counties and municipalities that spend money up front will be reimbursed. Pruitt explained that eligibility depends on documentation, scope of work, insurance, and FEMA rules, and that the state’s FROC process is intended to help counties identify eligible work before costs are incurred. He also said commercial debris may be eligible in some cases but is not guaranteed, and that counties should coordinate early with FDEM and FEMA. Senators also asked about possible FEMA reforms, the age of outstanding reimbursement claims, and a proposed state fund to advance money to fiscally constrained counties while they wait for FEMA payments. Pruitt said Florida’s system is a national best practice, but that more county-level training and clearer coordination would help reduce de-obligations and audit problems. He said the reimbursement-advance idea is still being developed, and that the state continues to look at ways to streamline mitigation through programs like Elevate Florida. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after closing comments from senators praising FDEM’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• If this is in the executive branch, why can't we have a prosecutor in this office?
• If this is in the executive branch, why can't we have a prosecutor in this office?
• If this is in the executive branch, why can't we have a prosecutor in this office?
• If this is in the executive branch, why can't we have a prosecutor in this office?
• If this is in the executive branch, why can't we have a prosecutor in this office?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, and feel free to ask any of us on the Executive Committee for any questions, and the staff is
• We had this discussion in executive about what is the actual usefulness of the product.
• This is the discussion the executive committee just had about this, with input from the staff.
• And so the executive committee will discuss it again.
• So thank you for the efforts on the executive committee and considering us. Certainly.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.