Transcript Highlights:

• , State, ...
• Hoffman was a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University. ...community.
• Hoffman was a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, and he proudly served the metro area for
• Medical providers are already fleeing red states from blue states.
• Please state your point of order. Please state your point of order.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 123-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week, honor fallen officers, and offer extended tributes to departing colleagues and a departing representative, followed by numerous introductions of special guests, interns, students, and visiting groups from schools and universities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports before taking up House Bill 1839, 2921, and 3015 together. The sponsor described the measure as a technical correction to online age-verification language related to pornography, and members noted the bill had already passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly. The House concurred in Senate Amendment 1 by a vote of 104-30, then adopted the conference/TAFP motion and finally passed the package 112-25. Members next considered House Bill 2596 in conference committee. The sponsor explained the bill as a small-business health plan measure that also included a negotiated amendment expanding private insurance coverage for contraception from a six-month to a 12-month supply, while removing Senate-added blood pressure cuff language and adding a severability clause. After debate about the process and policy, the House adopted the conference report 120-26 and then third-read and passed the bill 119-27. The final major item was Senate Bill 905, creating the Missouri Ranger training program to allow school districts, if they choose, to place specially trained personnel with narrow law-enforcement powers in schools. Debate focused heavily on school safety, local control, funding, training, and whether armed personnel in schools would help or harm students. Supporters argued it would provide an optional, low-cost safety tool, especially for districts without school resource officers; opponents argued it would escalate fear, resemble a prison environment, and fail to address mental health and other root causes. The House moved the previous question, adopted the amendment, and continued debate on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• With more than 50% of respondents to a Washington Post, with more than 50% of respondents to a Washington
• Well, if states like Massachusetts continue to lose population, states like California and Maryland won't
• state has, In fact, one in four of our biotech companies in this state has at least one founder who
• We are the 194th Senate, State Senate, convening.
• We may not be able to legislate in Washington.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms. Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism. A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> State Fire Council. State Fire Council.
• Gary Lum on behalf of State Committee. Gary Lum on behalf of State Fire<00:04:26.960><c> Council.
• </c><00:09:26.800><c> had</c> adults in the United States had adults in the United States had experienced
• </c><00:14:24.760><c> School</c> Scholar at the George Washington School Scholar at the George Washington
• . 35% of state Workplace Wellness Survey. 35% of state employees<00:42:42.560><c> reported</c><00:42:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• God of affection, creator, great spirit, you that abides in the universe and in each of us, you that
• To the flag of the United States of America.
• General Brown is a native of New York and a graduate of Stony Brook University.
• Department of State in various roles since 2019.
• Subcommittee 5 will be meeting today 10 minutes after adjournment in the State Capitol Room 12.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So many of our laws in Washington State were created in defense of our state legal market against federal
• I'm the advocacy director for AARP here in Washington State.
• In my community and others in Washington State, we don't have paramedics.
• In my community and others in Washington State, we don't have paramedics.
• I'm here speaking on behalf of the Washington State Radiological Society.

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2152 would allow terminally ill qualifying patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities under facility policies that prohibit smoking/vaping, require patient self-administration and secure storage, and allow facilities to suspend compliance if federal enforcement arises. The prime sponsor and supporters, including family members, cannabis advocates, nurses, and hospital-related groups, described the bill as a compassionate end-of-life measure based on California’s Ryan’s Law; the Washington State Hospital Association asked for clarifying amendments to limit the bill to inpatient beds and to bar staff from retrieving cannabis as well as administering it. HB 2122 would require hospitals, starting in 2027 and during flu season, to offer influenza vaccines to inpatients age 65 and older and to inpatients with chronic health conditions when not contraindicated. The sponsor and supporters from diabetes, infectious disease, AARP, and public health emphasized rising flu deaths, the benefits for high-risk patients, and the chance to reduce severe illness and costs. The Washington State Hospital Association supported the goal but said the bill would create an unfunded mandate and requested amendments related to vaccine availability, emergency declarations, and operational flexibility. One witness from Informed Choice Washington opposed the bill but suggested adding vaccine information statements to strengthen informed consent. HB 2110 would change staffing rules for inter-facility specialty care ambulance transports so a registered nurse without EMT certification could satisfy the personnel requirement when no paramedic or EMT-certified nurse is available, provided an EMT-certified EMS provider is in the ambulance and the nurse has appropriate competencies. Rural hospitals and ambulance providers said the current rule delays transfers and can force long waits or air transport, while the Washington State Nurses Association supported the concept but raised concerns about standardized training, medical oversight, and staffing impacts on hospitals. HB 2113 would update radiologic technologist supervision rules for IV contrast and other procedures, allowing virtual direct supervision for contrast procedures and supervision by physicians, APRNs, or PAs in some cases; supporters said it aligns with current practice and improves rural access, while radiology groups asked for a distance/proximity requirement for virtual physician supervision. HB 2168 would require the Department of Health to rapidly share overdose data from the state EMS information system to ODMAP within 24 hours, with privacy protections and limits on law-enforcement use. Supporters from Yakima County, public health, and the poison center said near-real-time overdose mapping would improve spike alerts, prevention, and response, and could save lives; the Washington Poison Center asked that its data be included and that the bill clarify language around opioid versus other overdoses. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing; the meeting ended after public testimony on HB 2168.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas the Seattle Seahawks, founded in 1976, have proudly represented the state of Washington in the
• , and unity that reflect the spirit and character of the people of the state of Washington.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Washington State Senate congratulate the Seattle Seahawks for
• You remember it's a lot better day across the state of Washington.
• The Secretary will read: An act relating to authorizing the Washington State Institute...

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate began by advancing to the Eighth Order of Business and adopted Senate Resolution 8683 honoring the Seattle Seahawks for their 2025 championship season. The resolution and floor remarks celebrated the team’s 14-3 regular season, NFC West title, playoff run, Super Bowl 60 victory, and community involvement. Senators from both parties offered supportive remarks about the team’s leadership, teamwork, and impact across Washington, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. The chamber then welcomed Seahawks representatives and former player/play-by-play announcer Steve Rable to the rostrum for recognition and photographs. The Senate then considered and passed several bills, including SB 6084 clarifying that a person may not vote more than once in the same election across states; SB 5977 requiring publication of child near-fatality reviews; SB 5985 on endometriosis awareness and research; SB 6046 placing the Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department; SB 6291 extending septic inspector training supervision from two to four years; SB 6707 directing a WSIPP study of DCYF screening tools; SB 6183 ensuring rapid coverage for HIV antiviral drugs; SB 5956 restricting harmful uses of AI, surveillance, and automated discipline in public schools; SB 5820 concerning freight rail-dependent use overlays in Clark County; SB 5936 strengthening remedies and protections for human trafficking survivors; SB 6269 modernizing the motor fuel definition to include gaseous fuels such as hydrogen; SB 6226 protecting audiologists’ clinical autonomy; SB 6025 updating fetal death gestational-age calculations to use more accurate methods; SB 6058 giving Labor and Industries discretion in wage enforcement and adopting a transparency amendment; and SB 6136 requiring publication of actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates. Most bills passed with broad support, though SB 5956 on AI in schools drew the most debate and passed 35-13. SB 5820 also drew a split vote, with supporters arguing it would restore environmental protections in Clark County and opponents warning it would undermine rail-related economic development and existing investments. SB 6084 passed 47-1, and the remaining measures passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The Senate then recessed for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a teacher at San Jose State University who teaches visual development as well, and I'm in support
• San Jose State University, who teaches visual development as well, and I'm in support of AB 412.
• I'm the program director of the animation illustration program at San Jose State University, and on behalf
• I also work at San Jose State.
• I also work at San Jose State.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a senior counsel with the Washington State Attorney General's Office and serve as the section chief
• I have been the long-standing AAG lead as well for the Washington State Archives.
• I have been the long-standing AAG lead as well for the Washington State Archives and have had a big hand
• They establish the baseline for transparency in government throughout Washington State, from our special
• or the United States, or state and federal law.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a senior counsel with the Washington State Attorney General's Office and serve as the section chief
• I have been the longstanding AAG lead as well for the Washington State Archives.
• I have been the long-standing AAG lead as well for the Washington State Archives and have had a big hand
• They establish the baseline for transparency in government throughout Washington State, from our special
• or the United States or state and federal law.

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 6, 2026, with quorum present and unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes. The Attorney General’s Office then provided its annual open government refresher, covering key points of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including broad disclosure requirements, records retention, response timelines for public records requests, and rules for meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, and executive sessions. JLARC staff gave a 2026 legislative session update on tax preference bills. They highlighted 20 bills affecting tax preferences, including repeal of the coal-related sales and use tax exemption, changes to data center exemptions, new property tax exemptions for renewable energy facilities and land bank authorities, and a broad tax package in engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346 that created multiple credits, deductions, and exemptions. Staff also presented the 2026 expedited tax preference review report covering 64 preferences, noting it is based on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies and is now available in an interactive searchable format. The commission approved the 2026 public testimony questions without changes and then adopted the 2027–2036 tax preference review schedule, along with a new rolling 10-year schedule that will be updated each May. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about how preferences are prioritized for full review versus expedited review, especially for older or high-revenue preferences without performance statements, and staff explained that legislative mandates, expiration dates, and workload constraints drive the schedule. The meeting also included a public and staff recognition of Commissioner Grant Forsyth’s 13 years of service and leadership, with remarks praising his collaborative approach and long tenure; the next meeting was set for August 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a chairful professor of computer science at the University of Chicago.
• I'm also a teacher at San Jose State University who teaches visual development as well, and I'm in support
• of AB 412. ...State University, who teaches visual development as well, and I'm in support of AB 412
• I'm the program director of the animation illustration program at San Jose State University, and on behalf
• I also work at San Jose State. I teach animation,... I'm Tom Austin. I also work at San Jose State.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard three bills. AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, would require generative AI developers to let copyright holders know whether their works were used in training. The author said the bill was narrowed by amendments to remove prescriptive technical language and focus on transparency rather than compensation or training restrictions. Supporters included voice actors, artists, labor groups, and technical experts who argued creators need a way to know if their work was used. Opponents, including business and tech groups, argued the bill was premature given unsettled copyright law and raised concerns about technical feasibility, scale, and ownership identification. After discussion, the committee passed AB 412 on a 6-2 vote and sent it to Judiciary. AB 2448 would require electronic health record vendors to enable technical safeguards so providers can better segregate sensitive reproductive and gender-affirming care information. The author and supporters, including Planned Parenthood, the Attorney General’s office, medical groups, and privacy advocates, said the bill builds on existing California privacy law and helps protect patients from misuse of sensitive health data. There was no opposition testimony. The committee passed AB 2448 on a 7-1 vote and sent it to Health. AB 2561 would prohibit changes to consumers’ preferred privacy settings without their consent, aiming to prevent apps and software from resetting privacy choices after updates. The author said the bill would reduce the burden on users and strengthen privacy protections. CalChamber and TechNet said they had moved from opposition to support after amendments were taken. The committee passed AB 2561 unanimously, 8-0, and adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm coming to you live from Western Washington University today, and I am chair of the Joint Legislative
• The state auditor is elected directly by the people of the state of Washington.
• I'm the Director of Performance and IT Audit here at the Office of the Washington State Auditor.
• So first, we have the Washington State Constitution, which Washington State.
• So first we have the Washington State Constitution, which mandates that the legislature is responsible

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The committee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on OSPI’s school apportionment system, which distributes K-12 funding to districts. Auditors said the system and its underlying 2008-era infrastructure are outdated, unstable, inefficient, and at high risk of errors or failure. They also found weak controls over data input, documentation, oversight, and monitoring, with heavy reliance on a small number of staff and vendor knowledge. In limited testing of three districts, the system calculated 2023–24 funding correctly, but auditors identified small discrepancies between state budget inputs and underlying statutory language and said broader system risks remain unresolved. JLARC members asked about the scope of the district testing, whether smaller districts face greater risk, the meaning of the funding discrepancies, and whether the system could support a future change to a simpler per-student funding formula. Auditors said the discrepancies were small but could compound into millions statewide, and that the audit did not evaluate broader policy questions or alternative system owners. They recommended OSPI modernize or replace the system and address current control weaknesses while the new platform is developed. OSPI officials largely agreed that the current platform needs replacement and said a feasibility study completed in 2024 found the system at catastrophic risk of failure. They clarified that the Legislature had approved up to $16 million in the state IT pool for the project, but that funding is released through gated oversight and not all of it had yet been appropriated for the current biennium. OSPI disputed the auditor’s characterization of some rounding and budget-law issues, saying the calculations were consistent with agency rules and legislative inputs, and explained that some manual workarounds are used to handle newer statutory requirements. One member of the public testified in support of modernizing the system and strengthening controls. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• sciences at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
• sciences at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
• sciences at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
• of Wisconsin, the Mayo Clinic, and Washington University in St.
• </c><00:57:59.520><c> Our</c> Washington University in St. Louis. Our Washington University in St.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing in Missouri State University, their respondents are saying for the next generation of workforce
• We're seeing in Missouri State University, their respondents are saying for the next generation of workforce
• Thirty-nine other states have this program.
• and other states was looking at consolidating and so... ...in the state and other states was looking
• They went to another state, so they moved their labor out of this state and took it to that project.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the biggest state. We're the most diverse state.
• We're the biggest state. We're the most diverse state.
• We're the biggest state. We're the most diverse state.
• States can choose to states to do that.
• </c> any other state, that state being Texas. any other state, that state being Texas.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are currently standing at 28 states or 29 states, excuse me, 29 states, with New Hampshire being the
• most recent state. 29 states, excuse me, 29 states, with New Hampshire being the most recent state through
• They fulfilled their duty to the state, but the state does not always fulfill its duty to them.
• So nine states have inconsistencies between their state...
• So nine states are have inconsistencies between their state law and federal law? Yes, sir. Okay.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility. Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the State of the Judiciary Address at 3:45 p.m.
• Amelia is a senior at San Diego State University, my alma mater, and plans to head over to Washington
• It is my honor to welcome 12 students from California State University San Marcos to the Assembly today
• It acknowledges that the dignity of work is universal.
• Our state... Co-authored by every member of this legislature.

Summary: The Assembly met, established a quorum after a roll call, and handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor items. Members recognized several guests and student groups, then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items, Senate amendments, and the consent calendar, which was adopted 54-0. The chamber also adopted ACR 151 recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day, with 59 co-authors added, and ACR 146 designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with 61 co-authors added; both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. ACR 140, proclaiming March 21 as Women in STEM Day, also passed with 56 co-authors added and was adopted by voice vote. The most substantial debate centered on AB 2156, which renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Workers’ Day and declares an urgency clause. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry and several members spoke in support, emphasizing recognition of farm workers’ collective contributions and, in light of recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, the need to honor the broader movement rather than one individual. Other members echoed support while discussing farmworker history, accountability, and the importance of acknowledging survivors. Assembly Member DeMaio supported the bill but criticized state policies affecting agriculture and argued for broader recognition of Latino Californians and farmworker policy reforms. The bill passed with 67 votes and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. Later, the Assembly recessed for the Joint Convention and heard the 26th State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. She focused on judicial independence, threats to judges, remote proceedings, CARE Act implementation, trial court funding and judgeship shortages, AI use in courts, immigration-related courthouse concerns, State Bar reforms after the February 2025 bar exam problems, and judicial salaries. She also highlighted the judiciary’s centennial, the importance of collaboration with the Legislature and Governor Newsom, and the need to preserve equal access to justice. After the address was ordered printed in the Journal, the joint convention adjourned and the Assembly later adjourned until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• G3 is a letter from Public Safety, State Crime Lab.
• Lands and state property. ...ways, I believe, falls under the Commissioner of State Lands and state
• Kyle Cunningham, State Forrester, Department of Agriculture.
• We have about 935,000 acres in the state.
• Park in Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Summary: The committee met to consider a series of temporary appropriation requests, reserve fund transfers, federal grant appropriations, and review items. Early items included a $32 million appropriation and matching reserve transfer for the Department of Education’s educational freedom account program, a $476,000 request for the State Crime Lab, and a $90,000 assessment coordination request from DFA. Members asked questions about the assessment contract costs, and the item was approved. The committee also approved a $1 ARPA return to the CDC and a Department of Human Services reallocation package that moved general revenue and positions among divisions to meet client needs. The most extensive discussion centered on a $32 million restricted reserve transfer for the educational freedom account program. Members questioned the growing number of participating students, the program’s long-term funding needs, and safeguards against improper purchases. Agency representatives said about 44,000 students were being funded, that reimbursements and marketplace purchases are reviewed, and that reporting and audit controls are in place, though not every instance of fraud can be prevented. The committee approved the transfer after discussion. Members also approved smaller cash and federal grant items, including funding for a teacher shortage data dashboard, All Kids Bike grants, crime lab outsourcing, veterans cemetery operations, and a podiatric medicine licensing investigation fund. The most contentious item was a $7 million federal Forest Legacy grant request for Central Arkansas Water and the Department of Agriculture to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed, including acreage in Perry County and Pulaski County. Members debated water quality, development pressure, property tax impacts, local support, and whether Perry County had been adequately consulted. Agency and company representatives argued the acquisition would protect drinking water, preserve forested watershed land, and support recreation, while some legislators emphasized the county’s tax and development concerns. Senator Davis moved to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and to request removal of the Perry County portion; that motion passed. The committee then reviewed the remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay plan request, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2401 creates the Washington State Boys and Men's Commission.
• Our state, Washington state, is defined by innovation, opportunity, and rapid growth.
• Washington and those who visit our state.
• Cosmetologists are one of the largest professionally licensed workforces in Washington State.
• I'm Jason Hewitt with the Washington State Association of the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2462 would direct the governor to create rules for countering threats from unpiloted aircraft systems and authorize National Guard support for law enforcement in certain circumstances; the prime sponsor and National Guard witnesses said it would improve coordination for events like the FIFA World Cup, while one testifier supported it with amendments related to law enforcement authority, data privacy, and a web portal. HB 2401 would create a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission, contingent on non-state funding through 2029; supporters described concerns about boys’ and men’s mental health, suicide, loneliness, education, and workforce outcomes, while some asked that physical health and fatherhood be more explicitly addressed. HB 2198 would expand and standardize statewide credential and permit reporting, require agencies to publish timelines and fee refunds for missed deadlines, and consolidate reporting; the governor’s office, business groups, labor, ports, and the Department of Health testified in support, citing faster processing, predictability, and economic benefits. HB 2419 would extend Address Confidentiality Program eligibility to administrative law judges and certain Office of Administrative Hearings staff; OAH, county officials, and county clerks supported the bill, citing threats and safety concerns, and some asked to include county clerks as well. The committee then took executive action on HB 2210, HB 2205, and HB 2249. It adopted an amendment to HB 2210 preserving existing ranked choice voting systems and advanced the bill 4-2 with one excused. It adopted an amendment to HB 2205 making threats against sports officials, coaches, or participants involved in wagered events a Class C felony and barring offenders from future wagering, and advanced the bill 5-1 with one excused. HB 2249, reclassifying certain WATEC employees performing network and security duties, was advanced unanimously 6-0 with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• down</c><00:35:04.560><c> this</c> State University has been down this State University has been down
• Um of course, we are State University.
• State University.
• We care a great deal State University.
• But I really want to State University.

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• United States of America and to the United States of America and to the republic<00:01:09.520><c> for
• ,</c><00:19:03.919><c> Nicholls,</c> Guard, Mount Washington, Nicholls, Guard, Mount Washington, Nicholls
• Matthews Police, University of Louisville Police, Louisville Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kentucky State
• To State Government: House Bill 12. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
• House Bill 33. to state government house House Bill 33. to state government house bill<00:30:42.480><

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:55 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 11:09 Motion to Act on HR 21 15:13 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:52 ConC and Rules Report 29:29 Adjournment 31:04, 958, all