Transcript Highlights:

• Addressing human health and environmental protection now ensures the restoration of the land for future
• I'm a registered lobbyist for Conservation Voters New Mexico.
• My name is Mike Abbott Sini with Bold Futures.
• My name is Mike Abbott Sini with Bold Futures.
• My name is Micha with Bold Futures, and this continued funding for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous

Bills: SB201 , SB226 , SB242 , SB249

Committee: Senate Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs

Keywords: rural libraries, education, cultural funding, library services, community resources, contaminated sites, environmental cleanup, uranium mining, state funding, abandoned sites, tribal affairs, Indian Child Welfare Act, appropriation, children, youth, compliance, field liaison, Indigenous rights, missing persons, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Resources and Conservation: Mendive, Chairman; Shepherd, Vice Chairman; Boyle, Vander Woude, Manwaring
• Memorial Program Committee: Shirts, Chairman; Petzke, Mathias.
• Idaho Day Committee, Mitchell Chairman, Ailers, Galavis, Memorial Program Committee, Shirts Chairman,
• As we look to the future of our great country, this same idea will unite us as If we look to the future
• Innovative workforce training programs, power of the modern economy, reinforce America's competitive

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked for the Office of Program Research, Appropriations, and Capital Budget Committees.
• And we will vote on your appointment at a future meeting. All right. Thank you very much. Thanks.
• And we will vote on your appointment at a future meeting. All right. Thank you very much. Thanks.
• I will say maybe not into the future. Any other questions for Jed?
• I also serve as the program director for the Founder Institute in Seattle.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 29, 2026, to consider a gubernatorial appointment, three public hearings, and two executive-session bills. Kristen L. Frazier was introduced as the governor’s appointee to the Board of Tax Appeals. She described her background in legislative fiscal analysis, constitutional law, and tax adjudication, and said the board is working on faster residential review and settlement processes. Members praised her service and said the appointment would be voted on at a future meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5893, which would transfer $65 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account to fully fund wildfire response and forest health work. Committee staff explained the Climate Commitment Act funding source and the account history, and the Department of Natural Resources said the money would support forest health treatments, firefighting readiness, and partner pass-throughs. Forest industry representatives and DNR supported the bill, arguing wildfire work reduces emissions, protects communities, and prevents larger future costs; one member questioned why DNR had not submitted a decision package for the funding. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6229, which would subject gains from the sale of qualified small business stock to Washington’s capital gains tax. Staff said the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers, raise about $1.2 million in fiscal year 2027, and cost the Department of Revenue about $1.1 million over four years to implement. Startup founders, venture capital and tech industry representatives opposed the bill, warning it would discourage investment, founders, and job creation in Washington; a Budget and Policy Center witness supported it as a way to make the tax code less regressive and argued the exemption mainly benefits the wealthiest taxpayers. The committee also heard House Bill 1376, which would allow taxpayers to prepay capital gains tax up to six months early without interest on any later refund; staff said it had no revenue impact and a small administrative cost, and the lone public witness opposed it as penalizing success. In executive session, the committee received a briefing on the proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization transparency and AI use in health care, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5860 regarding school board compensation. The committee adopted the proposed second substitute for SB 5395 and voted it out of committee with a do pass recommendation to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures. Substitute SB 5860 was moved out of committee without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it has worked well, and the program is successful down there.
• Like a captive insurance program through the state.
• The Commission decided that we could do this program in-house.
• You're going to ruin your financial future.
• Right now, Connecticut finally started a testing program.

Bills: S3091 , H5477

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: crumbling concrete, pyrite, pyrrhotite, homeowner assistance, financial relief, CEDAC, construction, insurance surcharge, foundation repair, Massachusetts

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on two late-file matters, centered on S. 3091, a bill to create relief for homeowners affected by the crumbling concrete/pyrrhotite crisis. Senator Peter Durant presented the bill as a way to establish a crumbling concrete assistance fund, administered by CEDAC, to help replace failing foundations and reimburse homeowners who already paid out of pocket. He said the proposal follows recommendations from a state commission and would be funded by a $6 fee on homeowner/condo insurance policies and a $6-per-cubic-yard surcharge on concrete, with the goal of spreading costs broadly rather than placing them on homeowners alone. Several affected homeowners testified about severe financial and emotional harm, including expensive foundation replacements, lost equity, inability to sell or refinance, and long delays in getting help. Homeowners Karen Riani, Michelle Iglesi, Karen Bellotti, and Russell Dupierre described living with homes that became unsellable or unaffordable to repair, and urged the committee to move the bill forward. Committee members asked about inspection practices, whether pyrrhotite can be detected during home sales, whether the bill would ban pyrrhotite, and how much funding the program would need. Witnesses said the problem is broader than originally understood, affecting at least 52 municipalities, and that the only fix is full foundation replacement. They also said the bill includes training and education for inspectors, but does not ban pyrrhotite outright because the issue is now being addressed through quarry testing and material controls. Representatives of the concrete industry, including Craig Dauphinay, Karen Marshall, and Guy Glottis, said they support homeowner relief and the creation of a fund, but strongly opposed the concrete surcharge. They argued the industry has already taken significant steps, including supporting state testing and regulation of aggregate sources, and said the surcharge would unfairly assign blame, raise costs for residential, municipal, and infrastructure projects, and create cross-border competitiveness issues with neighboring states. They favored a Connecticut-style model funded primarily through insurance assessments, noting that Connecticut’s program has been successful and that Massachusetts could adopt a similar approach. No vote was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• My hope is in the future it will be required in all schools, period.
• My hope is in the future it will be required in all schools, period.
• We must protect it for future generations. Thank you for carrying this bill.
• Six colleges in the state of Florida are ready to go with dental therapy programs.
• Reduces the need for enforcement motions and conserves judicial resources.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , oil and gas research program, and renewable energy programs.
• , oil and gas research program, oil and gas research program, and renewable energy programs.
• That's typically what the Lignite Research Program, Oil and Gas Research Program, Renewable Energy Program
• Typically what the Lignite Research Program, Oil and Gas Research Program, Renewable Energy Program,
• So this program has been very successful.

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:47.240><c> to</c> expand the 10% for Vermont program to expand the 10% for Vermont program
• Moving this program into statute from session law makes the program more permanent.
• </c><00:21:31.280><c> more</c> session law makes the program more session law makes the program more
• <00:42:37.800><c> Program.
• Primary Care Residency Program.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple things: it specifies an applicant's election to participate in the program; it results in a
• House Bill 2029, amending section 49-33, relating to the water infrastructure finance program.
• grant programs, is a good one.
• grant program.
• , and hopefully someday when we have money, put more money into that program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary of Agriculture to establish a farm-to-school local food procurement reimbursement grant program
• to reimburse school districts for costs, ...food procurement reimbursement grant program to reimburse
• , when we get the majority on our side and they hand us... ...distant future when we get the majority
• Citizen and disabled resident transportation assistance program.
• Instead, they hand their prices to a shared computer program.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For future population growth, the Growth Management Act requires that all counties and cities, and not
• Companies have introduced computer programs and camera systems that have drastically cut the number of
• I earn my place in the union in 2011 through a program that allows a child of a registered member who
• will behave as those unforeseen developments in the future could happen.
• Containers will move to other places in the future, and there will be other opportunities.

Summary: The committee heard four bills. On kit homes (ESSB 5552), staff explained the bill would direct the State Building Code Council to adopt rules for residential kit homes of 800 square feet or less by March 31, 2027. Prime sponsor Sen. Jeff Wilson said the bill would add housing options and asked that kit homes be treated as a distinct category from modular or factory-built structures; members asked whether current rules exist and whether the bill would cover 3D-printed homes. The public hearing was postponed, and later one supporter testified that the bill would help create clearer statewide standards without changing local zoning or safety requirements. On SB 5467, staff said the bill raises the thresholds for water-sewer districts to sell surplus property without notice or by private sale, increasing the personal property threshold to $5,400 and the real property threshold to $7,500. Sen. Keith Goehner said the change simply updates outdated limits to reflect inflation and improve efficiency. A representative of the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts supported the bill, noting the thresholds had not been updated since 2011 for real property and 1993 for surplus property. The committee closed the public hearing without action. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County’s authority to apply a freight rail-dependent use overlay to certain lands under prior law. Sen. Adrian Cortes argued the existing exemption has harmed agricultural and forest lands, led to environmental violations, and cost taxpayers money, while local supporters said the overlay has not produced promised economic benefits and should be removed. Opponents, including a railroad operator, the Association of Washington Business, and others, said the rail line supports economic development, rail-served industrial demand, and existing contractual and public investments, and warned repeal could strand investments and limit future freight and climate-friendly transportation options. The hearing was closed with no vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset from the existing prohibition on using public port funds to buy fully automated marine cargo container handling equipment, while continuing to allow zero- and near-zero-emission equipment purchases. The sponsor and labor witnesses said the bill protects family-wage jobs, keeps taxpayer money from subsidizing automation, and preserves human oversight for safety and efficiency. Port and shipping industry opponents argued the bill is premature, could reduce port competitiveness, and should remain subject to the current sunset so the policy can be revisited later. The public hearing was closed with no action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we have this year this program.
• </c><00:47:03.400><c> of</c> the possibilities for the future of the possibilities for the future of
• That's like flex benefit programs.
• That's like flex benefit programs.
• That's like flex benefit programs.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Critical topic, I think, for the future.
• We could discuss where we try to be future-proof—future-proof Texas against challenges, income tax, sure
• And so they put something in for the future, for future generations, to try to protect those liberties
• Had a couple sign up for this program. One did the program, one didn't do the program.
• with these programs and enhances grid safety.

Bills: HB 106 , HB144 , HB145 , HB252 , HB1732 , HB2221 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2963 , HB3016 , HB3689 , HB3960 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB4751 , HB5247 , HJR175 , HB2213

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering SB 715 and then voting out several measures. The committee substitute for SB 1978 was reported favorably, and HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 were all reported favorably, many with objections sent to the local and uncontested calendar. HB 1522 and HB 4238 were adopted as committee substitutes before passage. The committee then moved into public testimony on HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. Supporters argued it would reduce waste, lower costs, and help independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information on fair terms, while opponents said the bill was too broad and the automotive MOU exemption was problematic. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 2467, which would align State Fire Marshal Office investigators’ pay with other commissioned peace officers at TDI; testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the office’s arson-investigation role, and the bill was left pending. HB 252, a bill allowing certain state agencies flexibility to pay Schedule A employees twice monthly, was laid out and left pending after limited testimony. HB 2468, dealing with public improvement district notice in real estate transactions, would let buyers terminate within seven days if required PID notice was not provided before contract execution; it drew no public testimony and was left pending. HB 4386, an annuity exchange and surrender process bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure with deadlines and penalties for insurer delays; it received support from industry witnesses and was left pending. The committee then heard HB 4751, creating the Texas Quantum Initiative within the Governor’s Office to coordinate quantum research, workforce, industry partnerships, and possible future grant funding. Witnesses from universities and industry supported the bill, while several senators questioned whether a new state structure was necessary; the bill was left pending. HJR 175 proposed a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ right to use mutually agreed forms of exchange, including cash, bullion, digital currency, or private script, and was discussed at length in the context of central bank digital currency and barter; it was left pending after testimony. HB 2221, updating insurance anti-rebating laws to allow wellness and value-added services, drew supportive testimony from the insurance industry and discussion about incentives versus monitoring; it was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard a series of utility wildfire and infrastructure bills: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain electrical infrastructure near well sites; HB 144, requiring electric utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing self-insurance under certain conditions. Utility, insurance, and cooperative witnesses generally supported the wildfire-related bills while asking for clarifications and less burdensome reporting, and the bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Critical topic, I think, for the future.
• We just talked about a bill talking about the future.
• We could discuss where we try to be future-proof—future-proof Texas against challenges, income tax, sure
• And so they put something in for the future, for future generations, to try to protect those liberties
• Had a couple sign up for this program. One did the program, one didn't do the program.

Bills: HB 106 , HB144 , HB145 , HB252 , HB1732 , HB2221 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2963 , HB3016 , HB3689 , HB3960 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB4751 , HB5247 , HJR175 , HB2213

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state kind of develop this this program state kind of develop this this program or<02:31:38.720>
• </c><02:41:06.640><c> I</c> enforcement, ACE, the ACE program. I enforcement, ACE, the ACE program.
• </c> future focused. Thank you. future focused. Thank you.
• and our 34 conservation districts across the state.
• Um we in conservation it correctly.

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like many state programs, Washington's workers' compensation system serves as a vital safety net for
• We believe this bill is a good step forward because it brings greater transparency to a program that
• SB 6136 is designed to provide more information in greater detail about the classes in the program.
• And when they don't work, then we do have a program at Labor and Industries to look at complex cases
• It's the employer's choice which workers' comp program an injured worker is placed in.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6136, which would require Labor and Industries to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates for each risk class and disclose when rate increases are capped below those indicated levels. The sponsor and supporters from the hospitality, retail, business, and construction sectors said the bill would improve transparency about how rates are set and how reserve funds and investment earnings are used to hold down premiums. L&I testified that the bill would require publication of a large amount of rate-setting information, but said it was already developed in the normal process and that the bill had no fiscal impact. Questions focused on reserve use, advisory committee involvement, and how the actuarial calculations interact with investment returns. The committee then moved to executive session and took action on several bills, adopting substitutes or amendments and advancing bills including SB 5292, 6014, 5972, 5869, 5874, 6058, 6039, 5944, and 6180, with most sent to Rules and SB 5292 sent to Ways and Means. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical care by allowing treatment outside the L&I provider network when no provider is available nearby, limiting employer steering to specific providers, shortening utilization review timelines, allowing provider deviation from L&I guidelines when medically appropriate, and expanding continued treatment and cancer monitoring. Labor and worker advocates argued the bill would better reflect the Murray decision and reduce delays in care, while L&I and employer groups said the current evidence-based guideline system works for most claims and warned the bill could weaken quality controls, create vague standards, and increase costs. Testimony also raised concerns about the 15-mile access rule, the employer communication restrictions, and the appeal process for provider removal. The sponsor said the goal was to improve individualized care and continue working with stakeholders. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6067, which would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so that 100% of the employer-paid health insurance contribution is included in the benefit calculation instead of the current partial inclusion. Supporters said the bill would help injured workers keep health coverage during recovery and reduce pressure to choose between medical care and income, while opponents argued it would not guarantee the money is actually used for health insurance, could be diverted to other uses or attorney fees, and would significantly increase costs for employers and the accident fund. L&I said the bill would require IT and administrative changes and estimated substantial ongoing benefit costs. The hearing ended without further action on SB 6067, and the chair closed the session after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:07:42.840><c> fund</c> program fund program fund that ICE has a $10 billion annual budget and a $75
• </c> emergency loan program. emergency loan program.
• </c> future date. future date.
• </c> programs can be can be administered. programs can be can be administered.
• a true loan program.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 February, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They do diagnostics, and it's a program completely different than what we're used to, which is why I
• In order to get into the chaplains program, you have to come with a master's.
• So I think this will be a good step to keep our budget neutral, and it will ensure in the future that
• Speaker, we are the Committee on Resources and Conservation.
• Senate Bill 1328 was referred to the Resources and Conservation Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will miss you, and we wish you success in all your future endeavors.
• . ...massive profits from the state and federal dollars built on these federal energy programs that are
• , and the people of the U.P. are wise to this flagrant attempt to destroy our way of life and our future
• Please don't be deceived by these charlatans who don't care about the future of the people of the U.P
• They make their money trying to ruin our future because they believe they know what's better for us than

Keywords: 983, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As mayor, he has prioritized economic development, public safety, housing, arts, and youth programs.
• Mayor, he has prioritized economic development, public safety, housing, and arts and youth programs.
• financial hit to the court system, and we should bear that in mind when we look at our budget in future
• System, and we just need to bear that in mind when we look at our budget in future years.
• Conservatively, just in Chandler, this could save $200 million over the next 10 to 20 years.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate. On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like many state programs, Washington's workers' compensation system serves as a vital safety net for
• We believe this bill is a good step forward because it brings greater transparency to a program that
• SB 6136 is designed to provide more information in greater detail about the classes in the program.
• And when they don't work, then we do have a program at Labor and Industries to look at complex cases
• It's the employer's choice which workers' comp program an injured worker is placed in.

Bills: SB5847 , SB6067 , SB6136 , SB6014 , SB5972 , SB5869 , SB5874 , SB6058 , SB6039 , SB5944 , SB6188

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial insurance, injured workers, medical provider network, occupational health, occupational medicine, medical care access, L&I, Department of Labor and Industries, self-insured employers, state fund claims, utilization review, provider credentialing, provider network, treatment guidelines, evidence-based medicine, claims management, claims managers, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability