Transcript Highlights:

• :00.679><c> to</c><01:32:00.880><c> legislate</c><01:32:01.480><c> on</c><01:32:01.719><c> House</c><
• to legislate on House Bill 495 FN<01:32:05.080><c> if</c><01:32:05.280><c> you</c><01:32:05.960><c>
• are</c><01:32:06.239><c> in</c><01:32:06.440><c> favor</c><01:32:06.760><c> of</c><01:32:06.880><c> the
• 08.800><c> if</c><01:32:08.920><c> you</c><01:32:09.040><c> are</c><01:32:09.239><c> opposed</c><01:32
• </c><01:32:10.760><c> no</c><01:32:11.480><c> the</c><01:32:11.600><c> clerk</c><01:32:11.920><c> will

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:01.799><c> area</c><00:32:02.240><c> of</c><00:32:02.480><c> focus</c><00:32:02.799><c> for</
• c><00:32:03.000><c> us</c><00:32:03.159><c> as</c><00:32:03.279><c> we</c><00:32:03.399><c> see</c> a
• </c><00:32:04.440><c> in</c><00:32:04.600><c> that</c><00:32:04.840><c> space</c><00:32:05.159><c> and
• </c><00:32:48.080><c> have</c><00:32:48.200><c> to</c><00:32:48.519><c> close</c><00:32:48.760><c> it
• appreciate</c><00:32:50.480><c> you</c><00:32:50.600><c> having</c><00:32:51.039><c> thank</c><00:32

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um<00:32:16.880><c> yes</c><00:32:17.120><c> of</c><00:32:17.320><c> course</c> yes<00:32:23.000><c>
• uh</c><00:32:23.600><c> does</c><00:32:23.880><c> anyone</c><00:32:24.399><c> need</c><00:32:24.799><
• c> a</c><00:32:25.799><c> a</c><00:32:26.080><c> copy</c><00:32:26.679><c> of</c><00:32:27.120><c> uh
• :32:54.360><c> um</c><00:32:54.639><c> to</c><00:32:54.840><c> 440</c><00:32:55.799><c> and</c><00:32
• 00:32:58.080><c> adding</c><00:32:58.399><c> the</c><00:32:58.600><c> word</c><00:32:59.360><c> initial

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0. The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0. HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0. The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<04:32:38.720><c> you,</c><04:32:38.960><c> Madam</c><04:32:39.279><c> Chair.
• <04:32:49.760><c> to</c><04:32:49.920><c> address.
• /c><04:32:54.560><c> can</c><04:32:54.720><c> cause</c><04:32:55.199><c> a</c><04:32:55.520><c> lot</
• harm<04:32:56.960><c> to</c><04:32:57.600><c> children.
• </c><04:32:58.560><c> Um,</c><04:32:59.120><c> and</c><04:32:59.600><c> it</c><04:32:59.920><c> can</

Keywords: 9:00am HB 155 9:30am HB 1102 10:30am HB 1109 11:00am HB 1356 11:30am HB 1469 1:00pm HB 1323 2:00pm HB 1376, 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with unanimous committee approval of amendment 2026-2021S to HB 2. Senator Lang explained the amendment corrected a drafting error so that $2.5 million in state funds, matched with federal money for a total of $5 million, could be spent during the biennium rather than lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is intended to stabilize Medicaid per diem rates for county nursing homes, and members agreed without objection to adopt the amendment and continue working from the bill as amended by the Senate. The committee then discussed HB 155 and a proposed amendment, 2026-201H, dealing with the business enterprise tax. The House side described the proposal as a compromise that would raise the filing threshold from $250,000 to $375,000 and create a trigger that would reduce the BET rate by 0.05% for each $100 million in combined business tax surplus, down to a floor of 0.25%. Senate members opposed lowering the rate at this time, arguing that tax relief should focus on the filing threshold, which they said would remove filing burdens for about 3,500 small businesses, and that rate cuts should be considered in a budget cycle rather than an off-year. Concerns were raised that one-time revenues, such as tax amnesty receipts or federal repatriation-related surpluses, could unintentionally trigger reductions. Representative Sweeney later offered a revised approach by moving the effective date of the trigger mechanism to January 1, 2028, and said he was also willing to carve out tax amnesty revenues or adjust the effective date to avoid using one-time funds. The Senate remained unwilling to agree to a rate reduction, though it expressed openness to raising the filing threshold further. The committee ultimately did not resolve the business tax issue and recessed to continue discussions at a later time. The final item discussed was HB 1102, concerning an increase in the research and development tax credit paired with changes to state park fees. House members supported the R&D credit increase but opposed tying it to higher park fees, citing concerns about tourism, especially at border parks, and noting that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources had said it did not need the increase. Senate members defended the park fee changes as a fairness issue, arguing that New Hampshire residents should pay less than out-of-state visitors and that the department had not raised rates in many years. No vote was taken on this item during the discussion captured here.

Transcript Highlights:

• The painful chapter we are in right now is, I hope, a chapter.
• opposition to any effort to end these state policies in DEI, in education, employment, and housing, with 32%
• And so, again, what we're seeing... ...with 32% in support.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• section of law, and specifically if anyone wants to look at it, there is Section 8.3 of the same chapter
• as well as in the state supremacy statute of the County Home Rule Charter Act, which is Title 19, Chapter
• Having received 32 aye votes and 13 nay votes, I declare Senate Bill 63 to have passed. Mr. Leader.
• Having received 32 ayes and 13 nays, I declare Senate Bill 1344 to have passed.

Bills: SJR47 , SB1491 , SB1579 , SB1806 , SB1552 , SB483 , SB63 , SB137 , SB346 , SB514 , SB1344 , SB1360 , SB1380 , SB1437 , SB1189 , SB1217 , SB1221 , SB1262 , SB1272 , SB1325 , SB1339 , SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, a ceremonial recognition of two Elgin High School students, Clayton Raoul and Leon Anderson, and bus driver Kevin McDonald for their heroic actions during a March 2 bus crash. A citation was read honoring their selfless efforts to evacuate injured students and assist first responders. The chamber also introduced several student pages and recognized visiting groups in the gallery, including Impact Oklahoma and the Ardmore Leadership Group. The Senate then considered several bills. Senate Bill 1491, requiring appointed presidential electors to take the same oath as other electors, advanced and passed. Senate Bill 1579, which requires assessors to mail taxpayers a statement of rights when property valuations increase, also advanced and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1806, extending foster care eligibility to age 21 for those who opt in and meet program requirements, drew supportive debate about helping youth transition to adulthood; it advanced and passed as an emergency measure. A lengthy debate followed on Senate Bill 1552, which would allow certain large counties to pursue home rule charters through a voter-approved process. Supporters argued it would give populous counties more flexibility and local control, while opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment, population-based governance, rural representation, and possible constitutional issues. The bill advanced and then passed 26-18. Senate Bill 483, authorizing county-run relocation assistance programs funded by private donations for voluntarily relocating individuals, especially homeless persons, also prompted extensive questions about liability, trafficking concerns, accountability, and whether it could shift people between jurisdictions; it advanced and passed 39-6. Finally, Senate Bill 63, raising school board member stipends from $25 to $190 per meeting under permissive language, advanced over concerns about cost and then moved to final passage, with debate beginning at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent time as a Title 32 or active duty here as an instructor pilot at the Watts.
• So if you're Title 10 or Title 32, and I don't know, they're changing some of the numbers, but if you're
• Chairman, member Sandy Barr and the director for Sierra Cleft Green Canyon Chapter, which is at Arizona
• chapter, and I really don't have a lot to add to what has already been said here today.

Bills: HB2006 , HB2165 , HB2245 , HB2348 , HB2806 , HB2901 , HB2902 , HCR2016

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Transcript Highlights:

• Hollidaysburg High School, Don joined the Allegheny Township Police Department in 1968 and honorably served for 32
• Since the Congress was sworn in TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT IN 1968, AND HONORABLY SERVED FOR 32 YEARS
• With over one million members and chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
• AND CHAPTERS IN ALL 50 STATES, PUERTO RICO, THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS F.F.A.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it<00:32:08.159><c> seems</c><00:32:08.399><c> like</c><00:32:08.559><c> it</c><00:32:08.799><c>
• > I</c><00:32:12.320><c> read</c><00:32:12.640><c> the</c><00:32:12.880><c> drafting</c><00:32:13.519
• ><c> needs</c><00:32:15.840><c> to</c><00:32:16.000><c> go</c><00:32:16.240><c> before</c><00:32:16.640
• :10.560><c> Um,</c><01:32:11.360><c> maybe</c><01:32:11.840><c> I'm</c><01:32:12.480><c> uh</c><01:32
• ><c> of</c><01:32:15.679><c> odd</c><01:32:15.920><c> to</c><01:32:16.080><c> me</c><01:32:16.239><c>

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> do</c><00:32:06.799><c> more</c><00:32:07.039><c> harm</c><00:32:07.360><c> to</c><00:32:07.519>
• Because<00:32:08.880><c> I</c><00:32:09.120><c> am</c><00:32:09.279><c> aware</c><00:32:09.519><c> of
• ><c> note</c><00:32:15.519><c> of</c><00:32:15.679><c> over</c><00:32:16.080><c> $1</c><00:32:16.240>
• , but<00:32:22.080><c> I</c><00:32:22.240><c> am</c><00:32:22.399><c> also</c><00:32:22.559><c> aware
• </c><00:32:22.799><c> that</c><00:32:23.039><c> there</c><00:32:23.200><c> could</c><00:32:23.360><c>

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2006, when AB 32 became law, the state used almost exclusively fossil fuels.
• In 2016, when AB 32 was put into play, 15.8 billion gallons of gas were used every single day in California
• And we have spent anywhere almost up to $100 billion implementing AB 32 at taxpayer expense—or when I
• But my question is, is that at what cost, $100 billion to implement AB 32?
• Lastly, the recommendations in Chapter 4 should be greatly expanded upon in the final TFTP and much of

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing on managing the transportation fuels transition, fuel pricing, and supply reliability. Chair Allen opened by discussing prior legislation, including SB 1322 and special session measures, that expanded reporting to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and gave the state tools to study gasoline costs, refinery margins, inventories, and potential supply disruptions. He framed the hearing around refinery closures, rising imports, global conflict affecting crude markets, and the need to balance affordability, reliability, and the state’s long-term clean-fuels transition. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda, CDTFA Chief Deputy Director Gentian Droboniku, and DPMO Director Ty Miller presented data showing California’s growing dependence on imported crude and refined products, declining in-state refining capacity, and stable-to-tight inventories that are being supported by higher imports. They said the new transparency laws have improved understanding of the market and pointed to the proposed Gateway Pipeline, marine imports, and distribution constraints as important supply issues. CDTFA and DPMO emphasized that retail margins, especially for branded gasoline, have widened significantly, with large price gaps between branded stations and hypermarts/unbranded stations, and that some of the recent price increases were tied to the Iran conflict while earlier spikes were more consistent with localized market behavior and possible price gouging. DPMO also said it is investigating high-priced branded stations, monitoring algorithmic pricing under AB 325, and continuing to analyze diesel spot-market transparency. The CEC and CARB also discussed the Transportation Fuels Transition Plan and the SB 237 assessment, describing them as efforts to plan for a managed decline in fossil fuel demand while protecting workers, communities, and consumers. They said California’s climate goals remain centered on an 85% greenhouse gas reduction by 2045, with continued use of liquid fuels expected but with lower-carbon alternatives, more efficient vehicles, and alternative fuels playing a larger role. Committee members focused heavily on workforce impacts, the need for concrete transition planning, and whether the agencies could provide a clearer picture of what California’s fuel system will look like under the state’s long-term goals. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ayes 32, noes 2. The bill passes. Moving to file item 133, SB 1067. Secretary, please read.
• Aye. 32, noes 1 on the urgency; 32, noes 1 on the bill. The measure passes.
• Aye. 32, no 6. The measure passes. We are now at file item 189, SB 1309. Secretary, please read.
• 10 years, there have been 10 civil grand jury annual reports, 30-plus county-related grand jury chapters
• Ayes 32, noes 3. That measure passes. Senators, we are almost there.

Summary: The Senate began with a roll call, a moment of silence for the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The body then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Julia Montgomery as General Counsel for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and reappointing Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education, and George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar. The Senate also heard a guest introduction welcoming Cal Lutheran University students, faculty, and staff to the gallery. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Phobia, and Transphobia; SCR 129 designating part of Highway 152 as the Rusty Arraes Highway; SCR 169 proclaiming October 2026 as Women's Small Business Month; and SCR 173 designating May 2026 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month. All of these resolutions passed, with members speaking in support of Arraes, women-owned businesses, and the public safety and community roles of fairgrounds. The Senate also passed a series of policy bills. These included SB 1154 on best-value procurement for community college public works, SB 1369 on judicial recall safeguards, SB 1106 shortening the data broker deletion timeline under the Delete Act, SB 1417 increasing transparency for mutual water companies, SB 1408 authorizing a future Contra Costa transportation sales tax measure, SB 1172 adding guardrails to local tax sharing agreements, SB 1383 protecting locally adopted labor standards in density bonus projects, SB 1371 barring waste haulers from suspending service during lawful labor disputes, SB 908 streamlining residential window replacement permits, SB 1361 limiting actions taken solely to avoid transit-oriented housing standards, SB 1014 requiring early fee and improvement estimates for housing projects, SB 1272 giving homeowners more time to fix preexisting code violations, SB 1406 targeting the Montana tax loophole, SB 1238 increasing HOA transparency and oversight, and SB 868 creating a plug-in solar framework. Most passed on largely party-line votes, with some Republican members objecting to labor-related or regulatory measures. Later in the day, the Senate approved additional health, education, privacy, and AI measures, including SB 950 on early-onset Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, SB 874 on Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment oversight, SB 1049 on correcting health plan claims, SB 1067 on early math screening, SB 1202 on Medi-Cal outreach amid federal changes, SB 944 on acupuncture coverage, SB 957 on notice for federal subpoenas to social media companies, SB 998 on discrimination prevention coordinators, and SB 1000 on AI content transparency. The final item shown, SB 1056 on protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims, was introduced with the author noting ongoing work on amendments, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• For Item 32, AB 2450 by Assembly Member Johnson, the motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee
• For item 32, AB 2450 by Assembly Member Johnson, this measure is on call.
• Item 32, AB 2450 by Assembly Member Johnson. Haney? No.
• Item 32, AB 2450 by Assembly Member Johnson. Haney? No.
• Item 32, AB 2450 by Assembly Member Johnson. Haney? No. Item 33, AB 2556 is on consent.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our secondary, we're looking at 28 to 32 kids, and then elementary, we're looking at at 25 to 28.
• large part of their funding. to staff raises but as I understand it that I've got here is that in Chapter
• draw... in a master teacher that can, you know, for sure. manage the behaviors in a class with 30, 32
• system would be to increase the funding period from twenty- which is where it currently stands, to 32
• and that is the increasing the it would increase our funding period from 20 eight years currently to 32

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• The<01:32:00.639><c> committee</c><01:32:00.960><c> recommendation</c><01:32:01.600><c> on</c><01:32:
• And who<01:32:10.480><c> would</c><01:32:10.639><c> like</c><01:32:10.800><c> to</c><01:32:10.960><c>
• And with<01:32:18.480><c> that,</c><01:32:18.719><c> the</c><01:32:19.040><c> chair</c><01:32:19.280>
• .<04:32:20.720><c> How</c><04:32:20.880><c> much</c><04:32:21.120><c> time</c><04:32:21.439><c> would
• Um, we<04:32:26.800><c> should</c><04:32:27.040><c> come</c><04:32:27.279><c> back</c><04:32:27.600><

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From 2005 to 2024, 43% of those who died in custody were Latino, compared to 32% statewide.
• sheriff and coroner functions and improves reporting, transparency, in custody were Latino compared to 32%
• And yet under current law, they receive just eight hours of initial training, with 32 hours thereafter
• Usama al-Qadim on behalf of the California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations in support
• Usama Makadim on behalf of the California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations in support

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<01:32:34.560><c> that</c><01:32:34.800><c> that</c><01:32:34.960><c> is</c><01:32:35.120><c> my</
• </c><01:32:36.360><c> And</c><01:32:36.560><c> I</c><01:32:36.640><c> And</c><01:32:36.840><c> I</c>
• And I And I know<01:32:37.240><c> we</c><01:32:37.400><c> do</c><01:32:37.640><c> have</c><01:32:37.800
• Um Um Um but<01:32:42.520><c> I</c><01:32:42.600><c> But,</c><01:32:42.760><c> I</c><01:32:42.840><c>
• c><03:32:08.480><c> we</c><03:32:08.560><c> draw</c><03:32:08.800><c> the</c><03:32:08.920><c> line</

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am also on the board of MANVA, the local Minnesota chapter of the National Independent Venue Association
• ><c> push</c> consumers, price controls will p push consumers, price controls will p push ticket<00:32
• :00.320><c> sales</c><00:32:01.200><c> off</c><00:32:01.440><c> of</c><00:32:01.679><c> transparent</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The total capital costs are $30 to $32 million, and about half of that is going to the main incoming
• The total capital costs are 30 to 32 million, and about half of that is going to the main incoming power
• In my 32 years with WSDOT, I've spent over half of it involved in the mega programs and other large-scale
• In my 32 years with WSDOT, I've spent over half of it involved in the mega programs and other large-scale
• We've organized the plan around these, and these are the chapters.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• My intern for Senate District 32, Connor Wilson, is in the East Gallery.
• This bill is proposing changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to remove obsolete statutes that improve
• because the bill and the amendment relate to local government solid waste responsibilities under Chapter
• Late-filed amendment barcode 134-2 by Senator Pizzo, delete line 32, and insert amendment.
• Late-filed amendment barcode 134-2 by Senator Pizzo, delete line 32, and insert amendment.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions before taking up the special order calendar. The chamber first postponed CS/SB 80 on state land management, then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions when identical or nearly identical. Early actions included unanimous passage of HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a recycling and waste-diversion roadmap, and passage of CS/CS/SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking after amendments addressing out-of-service credits and former phosphate mine lands; that bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional concerns. The Senate also passed HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, adding a sentencing multiplier and a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, and HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, with $190,000 in nonrecurring implementation funds and a July 1, 2026 implementation date. The chamber then approved HB 1089 to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, and HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects, lower the approval threshold, and clarify ownership and reimbursement issues. Members discussed funding levels and whether insurance premium credits would be required, but the bill passed unanimously. The Senate also passed HB 1145 on workforce education, HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, and HB 181 on parole guidelines, all without recorded opposition. CS/CS/SB 976 on court-appointed psychologists also passed unanimously, as did HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, which broadened protections against non-consensual and digitally forged intimate images. Later, the Senate approved HB 1156 creating the Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program, after clarifying training requirements and hearing support that the measure would help families keep medically fragile children at home while compensating trained parents. The chamber also passed HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care, with an amendment allowing designated facilities to retain stabilized patients who still meet involuntary examination criteria. Throughout the day, senators used questions and debate to probe charter school governance in CS/CS/SB 822, which was substituted with HB 443 and amended to expand charter autonomy over conduct codes, enrollment, reporting, and facility use while maintaining sponsor oversight; that bill was placed on the calendar for third reading rather than voted on in the excerpt. Several other measures, including SB 716, SB 76, and the final SB 1252 item, were postponed or not reached before the transcript ended.