Transcript Highlights:

• So when you talk about the role and responsibility of stewardship, that's a crucial issue.
• Kavira Coalition was doing regenerative land stewardship before regenerative was a word.
• And it's because the next generation is committed to both our food and our land stewardship.
• There's a cost-share program that's out there.
• Certainly, you want to come up and briefly share a few minutes You need to be on a mic.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm all about sharing; therefore, there will be fried rice for all of you later on in the lounge,
• Today, more than 30% of Californians trace their roots to Mexico, keeping their shared legacy alive.
• This bill directs the California Natural Resources Agency to report on stewardship. Thank you.
• This bill directs the California Natural Resources Agency to report on stewardship and the needs that
• So this is about stewardship back on concurrence. No opposition, no no votes. Request an aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included moving several bills to the inactive file, waiving the floor amendment deadline for certain measures, rescinding prior action on SB 733, and approving a motion to withdraw AB 710 from committee to the third reading file by a 42-12 vote. The chamber also re-referred AB 406 to Labor and Employment and later AB 754 to Housing, while taking up numerous Senate and Assembly measures out of order to accommodate authors and guests. The body adopted several resolutions recognizing October 2025 as California Promotoras Month (HR 58), National Fried Rice Day and National Rice Month (HR 71), Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (HR 70), and All California Day (HR 67). Members also concurred in Senate amendments on a wide range of bills covering insurance, horses, emergency vehicles, health facilities, restitution, education, tribal regalia at graduation, behavioral health, air pollution, energy, dams, greenhouse gases, foster youth, court interpreters, tenancy language access, patient privacy notices, discrimination in school facility rentals, hospital visitation rights, diversion, agriculture, insurance studies, electricity, and environmental stewardship. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew recorded noes. Several higher-profile policy bills drew debate. SB 694 on veteran claim assistance generated the most extensive discussion, with supporters arguing it would stop predatory, unaccredited companies from charging veterans for VA claims help, and opponents warning it could reduce veterans’ choices and should be paired with broader fixes to county VSO access; the bill ultimately passed 46-0. Other notable actions included concurrence on SB 576 limiting loud streaming ads, SB 512 on transportation tax initiatives, and SB 785 creating a tax credit for durable medical equipment for children with complex medical needs. The Assembly also concurred in SB 250 on Medi-Cal provider directories, SB 831 on the Geological Survey, SB 788 on CPA regulation, SB 456 on muralist licensing, SB 72 on the California Water Plan, SB 76 on used-car fee protections, SB 246 on rural health workforce support, SB 484 on coastal affordable housing, SB 680 on sex offender registration, SB 695 on climate-resilient highway projects, and SB 783 on outdoor advertising. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable across the board, with the chamber repeatedly adopting Senate amendments and resolutions by voice vote or recorded roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• by saying that I'm very grateful to the University of Houston and their system for their great stewardship
• The typical market share of other universities in the A&M system is around 10% within 100 miles of those
• My anecdote, as I've shared before, is that they're not.
• that they are eligible to apply to college, and gives all students the option to opt in or out of sharing
• It's a legacy of hard work, stewardship, and generosity that should be respected and protected.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a large agenda and repeatedly recessed for floor activity and other committee conflicts. The committee heard and left pending several higher education bills, including SB 2361 to transfer University of Houston-Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System and rename it Texas A&M University Victoria; testimony from university officials, local leaders, and industry representatives strongly supported the move as a way to better align degree programs with regional workforce needs in engineering, agriculture, and STEM. SB 530, which would align Texas accreditation statutes with federal rules allowing institutions to choose among nationally recognized accreditors, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. SB 1085, allowing Sul Ross satellite campuses to offer lower-division coursework toward bachelor’s degrees, was laid out and left pending as well. The committee also took up a series of education policy bills. SB 1241 would expand the standardized tests Texas public universities may accept for admission beyond the SAT and ACT, with supporters from the Classic Learning Test, homeschool advocates, and student-choice groups arguing it would increase access and competition; it was left pending. SB 769 would require a TEA/Higher Education Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education, and testimony from The Arc of Texas and others emphasized the need for better data and accessibility; the bill was left pending. SB 2231 would designate the second week of October as Free College Application Week, and SB 1878 would modernize terminology and support workforce-oriented programs at the Josie School; both were laid out and left pending. The committee reported several bills favorably after adopting committee substitutes. SB 605, concerning charter school expansion applications while under conservatorship or a management team, passed on a 9-0 vote. SB 1871, SB 1873, and SB 1874, all related to school discipline and teacher immunity/placement review provisions, were adopted and reported favorably, with members noting the need for further discussion on some language. SB 762, dealing with flag displays in public schools, passed on a 7-1 vote. SB 1962, relating to public school accountability and challenges to school system operations, passed 7-1 after a corrected vote. SB 1750, replacing a $60 million statewide charter facilities cap with an attendance-growth-based allotment, passed 7-1 with one member voting present not voting. SB 2252, supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy/numeracy, SB 2253, concerning educator preparation and certification, SB 2365, on student use of wireless devices during instructional time, and SB 1924, restoring local peace officer citation authority for school offenses and adding reporting and parent-notification requirements, were also reported favorably. The committee additionally heard SB 37 on higher education governance and compliance oversight, which passed 7-1 after a substitute that refined curriculum review, governing board authority, faculty senate rules, and a new compliance office within the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Land Stewardship Project for this effort.
• the Land Stewardship Project for this effort.
• In the interest of time, maybe I'll just share some comments.
• In the interest of time, maybe I'll just share some comments.
• In the interest of time, maybe I'll just share some comments.

Bills: HF3898, HF3957, HF4372, HF4350, HF3692, HF4085

Keywords: pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension

Transcript Highlights:

• So together we bring these powerful voices here to share the importance of H-4625 and S-2666, so I'm
• So together we bring these powerful voices here to share the importance of H-4625 and S-2666.
• I just want to thank you for coming in and sharing your personal stories with us today.
• I’d like to now turn it over to my colleague, Gabby Lamarie, to share her own experience with growing
• We're sharing the same screen. But where's that video? ...video.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Climate bond funds will provide renewed funding for the stewardship of state lands beyond state parks
• Key provisions include developing a producer responsibility organization and developing a stewardship
• The 25% cost share. State Parks will have to come up with for the FEMA reimbursements.
• We could share pictures with you, but it's a very clean operation.
• Very briefly, I wanted to share our praise for CalRecycle in developing the SB 1013 dealer cooperative

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 49, an act relating to battery stewardship. Senator Elkins. Senate Joint Resolution 23.
• Bill 49, an act relating<00:11:31.360><c> to</c><00:11:31.600><c> battery</c><00:11:32.160><c> stewardship
• </c><00:11:33.360><c> Senator</c> relating to battery stewardship.
• Senator relating to battery stewardship.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also oversee both our sustainability and asset stewardship programs.
• The second area in here is asset stewardship. And really what that is is engagement with companies.
• that engaging and being an active share owner in companies, publicly traded companies primarily, is
• into different parts of Bitcoin... ...actually have pension policies directly significant shares into
• It provides detailed company information, like the coal share of revenue, the coal share of utilities

Bills: SB5439, SB6109, SB6304

Keywords: investment, thermal coal, divestment, state investment board, fossil fuels, environmental impact, renewable energy, detention facilities, state funds, privatization, criminal justice reform, Washington State Investment Board, responsible investment, sustainability, corporate governance, 904, all

Summary: The committee first received a work session from the State Investment Board. Staff described the board’s structure, its roughly $230 billion in assets, and its mandate to maximize returns at prudent risk for pension and other public funds. Officials said the board generally invests public equities passively through low-cost index funds, manages a diversified mix of asset classes, and has produced strong long-term returns that help stabilize contribution rates and the state budget. They also outlined the board’s sustainability program, including ESG integration, proxy voting, engagement with companies, climate and DEI blueprints, and a stated view that divestment restrictions can reduce returns and increase costs. Senators asked about deferred compensation, private equity, digital assets, and whether the legislature has altered investment policy in the past. The committee then held a public hearing on SB 5439, which would prohibit new thermal coal investments beginning in 2026 and require full divestment by 2030, with limited exceptions. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with advocates arguing coal is a poor long-term investment, a major climate and health harm, and a small share of the portfolio that can be phased out without major disruption. The hearing also covered SB 6109, which would prohibit investments in private detention facilities and require divestment by 2030; supporters said public funds should not profit from immigrant detention, while staff confirmed the board currently has a small investment in Geo Group. The committee then heard SB 6304, a broader responsible investing bill that would require the board to incorporate ethical principles related to human rights, environmental degradation, corruption, and similar harms, and to adopt proxy voting guidelines and annual reporting. Supporters from labor, faith, civil rights, housing, and Palestinian advocacy groups said the bill would align investments with state values and address harms tied to weapons, detention, surveillance, fossil fuels, and alleged genocide-related investments. Finally, the committee received a briefing on Substitute SB 5945, which would exclude most juvenile convictions from counting as strikes under the state’s persistent offender law, except for first- and second-degree murder and serious sex offenses, and would apply retroactively with resentencing for affected people. Fiscal estimates discussed ranged from about 10 to 48 cases, with costs for public defense, courts, and local prosecution. Public defense officials said the cases would be complex and resource-intensive. Prosecutors and sheriffs opposed the bill, especially retroactive resentencing, citing victim impacts, workload, and public safety concerns, and asked that retroactivity be removed if the bill moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we do, that would be good information to share.
• Certainly, I know in Southeast and East Texas, we've had our fair share.
• And, you know, because water is shared by all.
• And, you know, because water is shared by all.
• What's been shared here today is absolutely true.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Laura Schreiber from Land Stewardship Project.
• I'm the government relations director for Land Stewardship Project.
• I'm the government relations director for Land Stewardship Project.
• I would argue that the deer farmers have put their fence up, and the DNR needs to put their share up.
• I would argue that the deer farmers have put their fence up, and the DNR needs to put their share up.

Bills: HF3548

Keywords: farm assistance, down payment, agriculture, state funding, loan modification, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill creates the Duke Farms Stewardship District.
• HB 4059 deals with the already existing Sunbridge Stewardship District.
• Florida and Israel share a deep and multifaceted relationship.
• So to the extent you can share that with the bill sponsor now, or just with me later.
• As it comes to share, any questions? Chair: Any questions of the bill sponsor?

Transcript Highlights:

• One, it removes a requirement that that expertise and training be shared with the person denying the
• Seeing our fair share of projects in the district, so I, too, will be a no vote. Thank you, Mr.
• They all had to share a flip phone.
• They do amazing things in their stewardship. And I was hoping that Mr.
• And I think that privacy is a value that all of us share.

Bills: SB5223, SB5928, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB6061, SB5944, SB5520, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB6137, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB5890, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB5053, SB5249, SB5536, SB5834, SB5837, SB5872, SB5879, SB5899, SB5925, SB6019, SB6148, SB6190, SB6237, SB6086, SB5574, SB5873, SB5992, SB5924, SB6134, SB6263, SB5395, SB6282, SB5905, SB6302, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5970, SB5609, SB5827, SB5838, SB5845, SB5862, SB5880, SB5901, SB5922, SB5943, SB5971, SB5975, SB5981, SB5982, SB5984, SB5988, SB5994, SB6034, SB6035, SB6070, SB6097, SB6110, SB6246, SB6248, SB6278, SJM8016, SB5496, SB6054, SB5835, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6247, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB6194, SB5909, SB5868, SB6026, SB5974, SB6044, SB5906, SB6081, SB6239, SB5923, SB6323, SB6210, SB6045, SB6106, SB5346, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5968

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill upholds responsible environmental stewardship and ensures the Devil's River remains clean and
• These conversations, built on mutual respect and a shared love of place, have helped define what stewardship
• that has for generations protected this... ...place, not through mandates, but through voluntary stewardship
• If the DFC process is supposed to provide a shared common plan for GCDs in the management area, then

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sharpshooting of Leila Love and the tenacity of the entire roster, they proved that a team with a shared
• With the support of first Governor Jerry Brown and under the stewardship of its seven original members
• Creativity Month and in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council and their great stewardship
• The center will continue Cheech's work of creating, preserving, and sharing Chicano art to ensure that
• others within the communities within California, rodeo continues to bring people together, celebrating shared

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so antibiotic stewardship is kind of a buzz word.
• And<00:05:04.080><c> so</c><00:05:04.560><c> antibiotic</c><00:05:05.360><c> stewardship</c><00:05:06.240
• ><c> is</c><00:05:06.479><c> kind</c><00:05:06.720><c> of</c> And so antibiotic stewardship is kind of
• And so antibiotic stewardship is kind of a<00:05:07.039><c> buzz</c><00:05:07.360><c> word.

Bills: SB85, SB85

Keywords: vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education, immunization, religious tenets, sincerely held belief, school health policy, Alabama, AHSAA physical form

Transcript Highlights:

• must remain economically viable to be sustainable, it’s a careful balance between environmental stewardship
• A state-backed loan guarantee or risk-sharing program could unlock private capital immediately.
• When the state shares this risk, banks will lend, and private investors are encouraged.
• When the state shares this risk, banks will lend, and private investors are encouraged by the government's
• Improving wastewater infrastructure and nutrient management isn't just environmental stewardship; it's

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank you for continuing to do the great stewardship of our pension fund and looking forward
• beneficiaries and retirees, not politics, not ideology, but prudence, stability, and long-term stewardship
• If we do our job well, retirees And long-term stewardship.
• So thank you, and this meeting is adjourned. and long-term stewardship.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement and the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement held a joint hearing required by law to receive an independent report from the California Actuarial Advisory Panel on CalPERS. Opening remarks emphasized CalPERS’ role in providing retirement security for roughly two million members and the importance of actuarial assumptions to state budgeting and long-term pension health. Scott Tarando, CalPERS chief actuary and a CAP member, presented the report with Michael Cohen of CalPERS’ investment office available for questions. Tarando explained the statutory disclosure requirements under Government Code Section 2029, including sensitivity analysis around CalPERS’ 6.8% discount rate, and discussed how investment return assumptions and the 20-year amortization period affect contribution rates, unfunded liabilities, and budget volatility. He said shorter amortization periods would raise near-term costs but reduce long-term interest costs, and noted that CalPERS’ current approach is intended to smooth contribution changes over time. He also described the timing of the annual valuation process, explaining that contribution rates for a given fiscal year are based on the most recently audited year-end data and are approved by the board before being used in the budget process. Members asked about the relationship between average employee service life and amortization, whether more current data could be used, the effect of AI and labor-market changes on future assumptions, whether retirees’ benefits change with annual valuations, and CalPERS’ funded status. Tarando said the average expected working lifetime is about 11 to 12 years, while CalPERS uses a 20-year amortization period; he also said retiree benefits are set at retirement and do not change based on later valuations. He estimated CalPERS’ funded status had risen from the mid-60% range about 10 years ago to around 79% at June 30 and above 80% more recently. Cohen said CalPERS had complied with federal information requests and that no formal federal review had been released. During public comment, a county association representative praised the improved funded status and PEPRA reforms. The chairs closed by reiterating fiduciary responsibility and the need to protect CalPERS’ long-term stability, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanted to share with the Senators, Madam Chair, my mother and father were contractors.
• </c><00:49:43.720><c> while</c> environmental stewardship while environmental stewardship while maintaining
• So thank you for the opportunity to share our support. Thank you, Mr. Lori. Senator Nelson.
• Thank you for the opportunity to share my support, and I'm happy to stand for any questions.
• </c><01:09:13.080><c> my</c> you for the opportunity to share my you for the opportunity to share my

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I wanted to share with you our key priorities over the next year within the agency.
• I want to share a small anecdote: I was at the library with my son, and we were in line.
• So I'm happy to hear what you're sharing.
• I share a long fence line with Jana Martin.
• I share a long fence line with Jana Martin.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy opened its first hearing with remarks from the chair and members emphasizing climate change, resiliency, clean energy, natural resources, and the need to make careful budget choices in a constrained fiscal environment. The Legislative Analyst’s Office presented an overview of the natural resources and environmental protection budget, warning that although current revenues are strong, the state faces significant out-year deficits and should apply a high bar to new ongoing spending, use special funds and fees carefully, and focus on critical health and safety needs. The LAO said the Governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan was generally reasonable and consistent with bond requirements, but urged legislative oversight and reporting, especially where bond funds interact with General Fund proposals. Secretary Wade Crowfoot then described the Natural Resources Agency’s recent accomplishments and priorities, including wildfire resilience, water reliability, coastal protection, outdoor access, biodiversity, tribal partnerships, and streamlining project delivery. He highlighted major investments in climate and resilience, the role of Proposition 4 in continuing those efforts, and the need to modernize water infrastructure, including Delta conveyance and other regional conveyance projects. Members asked about Delta conveyance, invasive species, permitting delays, and the impact of federal staffing cuts; Crowfoot said the administration is pushing projects forward, supports a beneficiary-pays approach for conveyance, and is filling gaps left by federal reductions where necessary. The committee then heard from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Director Armando Quintero reviewed the state park system, outdoor access programs, tribal agreements, wildfire and forest resilience work, and deferred maintenance funded by the climate bond. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed ongoing General Fund transfer for the California State Parks Library Pass program, saying it did not meet the high bar for new spending, while several members strongly supported the program as a low-cost, high-value access tool. Members also pressed Parks on reservation system problems and no-show vacancies; staff said new rules and enforcement will take effect July 1 and that vacancies are being opened up sooner. The department also presented low-cost accommodation projects, which the LAO supported. Finally, the Department of Fish and Wildlife introduced its new director, Megan Hurdle, who outlined the department’s mission, staffing, service-based budgeting, and Proposition 4 proposals for salmon tagging, hatchery improvements, and public access lands. She emphasized the department’s role in biodiversity conservation, permitting streamlining, law enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict outreach, and said the agency is working to close a service gap identified in its budgeting analysis. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're thankful that you guys are here today to continue that stewardship.
• Years, and we're thankful that you guys are here today to continue that stewardship for the state of
• cities and counties in our state, should be regulated so that people can be confident the data is not shared

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome from Squaxin Island Tribe member Chris Peters and other tribal leaders. Justice Mary Yu administered the oath of office to Representatives Hall, Obras, Thomas, Salahuddin, and Zahn. The Speaker also recognized the service of Justice Yu, the late Senator Bill Ramos, the late Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding. The Speaker and Republican leader Stokesbary delivered opening remarks focused on the session’s priorities and challenges, including affordability, taxes, housing, public safety, and the impact of federal policy on Washington. The House adopted several organizational resolutions and motions. House Resolution 4665, notifying the Governor that the House was organized and ready to do business, passed. House Concurrent Resolution 4406, setting the Governor’s address to the Legislature, and House Concurrent Resolution 4407, returning bills and resolutions to the normal process for consideration, both passed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session, also passed. The House suspended rules to move various measures, referred introduced bills to committees, and approved House Resolution 4667 adopting the permanent House rules. The Speaker announced committee assignment changes, including new appointments for Representatives Engel, Hall, Parshley, and Zahn, and reminded members of pink slip deadlines. A House delegation then reported back from the Governor’s office, saying he welcomed the Legislature and was ready for the session. The House adjourned until the next day, with a pro forma session and the Governor’s State of the State address scheduled for the following morning.