Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, we are going to hear from Anna Tello.
• With that, we conclude the public hearing on Senate Bill 6070.
• Some of it, again, we'll hear for the first time today.
• So the quicker you can be, the more people we can hear from.
• So the quicker you can be, the more people we can hear from.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on four bills. SB 5925 would expand the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand authority to investigate possible violations of the U.S. and Washington constitutions, certain labor and civil rights laws, law enforcement use-of-force issues, and jail-related statutes. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s office, Teamsters 117, and Working Washington, said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases. Opponents, including police, sheriffs, cities, counties, and retail and business groups, argued it would give the AG broad investigative power without enough threshold showing, could burden local governments and employers, and raised constitutional concerns about speech and search protections. No vote was taken. SB 5906 would codify and expand protections for non-public spaces in schools, child care facilities, health care facilities, higher education institutions, and county auditor election areas by limiting immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant or court order and restricting collection of immigration-related information about students and families. Supporters said the bill would reduce fear, protect privacy, and make existing Keep Washington Working policies clearer and more durable, with testimony from immigrant rights groups, faith organizations, students, PTA, and health advocates. Some organizations, including health care and child care stakeholders, supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify definitions, create model policies, add training and enforcement provisions, and adjust warrant/subpoena language. The committee also heard strong opposition concerns about federal immigration enforcement, but no action was taken. SB 6070 would expand missing-person tools by allowing certain digital investigative tools to be used in missing endangered person cases, creating new Abney and Purple Alerts for missing Black people and people with disabilities, and broadening the definition of missing endangered person. Supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, tribal and disability advocates, families of missing persons, and students who argued that faster alerts and better digital tools save lives and address racial and disability disparities in missing-person responses. Testimony described delays in prior cases and the need for more urgent, targeted alerts. The committee then heard SB 6002, which would regulate automated license plate reader systems, set registration, use, retention, audit, and disclosure rules, and prohibit certain uses such as immigration enforcement and surveillance near protected locations. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create statewide guardrails for a technology already in use, and testimony was expected to continue after the excerpt ended; no vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm interested in hearing from our panel now.
• I'm not sure if you can hear me or see me. We can hear you.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Calra, for having this really interesting hearing.
• Yeah, the first panel was great to hear.
• And just want to name, this was a fantastic hearing.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered. Order 2411.
• Can you hear me okay? Good morning.

Bills: SB1468 , SB1612 , SB1789 , SB2530 , SB2571 , SB2717 , SB2967

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> repeatedly you hear repeatedly you hear three,<00:04:46.560><c> the</c><00:04:46.960><c> earnick
• Um, from what I am hearing right now, it is mainly a hold at this point, but we are hearing in the end
• Um, from what I am hearing right now, it is mainly a hold at this point, but we are hearing in the end
• Um, from what I am hearing right now, it is mainly a hold at this point, but we are hearing in the end
• Um, from what I am hearing right now, it is mainly a hold at this point, but we are hearing in the end

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that's what you hear from our stalberger that's what you hear from our members<00:09:39.440><c> at</c
• I'm happy to hear what you would offer as an alternative.
• I'm happy to hear what you would offer as an alternative.
• I'm happy to hear what you would offer as an alternative.
• </c><00:26:45.760><c> that</c> I'm grateful to agree or to hear that I'm grateful to agree or to hear

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:37.400><c> none</c> measure or on Zoom hearing none measure or on Zoom hearing none questions
• Thank you so much for hearing this measure. My name is Laura Reinhardt.
• Hearing none, Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator Fukunaga votes aye.
• Hearing none, that's it. We are done with our two... that's the one we defer.
• Hearing none, that's it.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education heard Senate Bill 101, which would require University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine graduates who paid in-state tuition to serve as physicians in Hawaiʻi for at least two years after residency or fellowship, beginning with the class of 2029. The Deputy Attorney General said the bill addressed a matter of statewide concern. JABSOM Dean Sam Shoemaker testified in opposition, arguing the school already uses scholarships, loan repayment, and other incentives, and that the strongest predictor of where physicians practice is where they complete residency; he said the school is working to expand residency slots, neighbor-island training, and class size. Supporters argued the state faces a severe physician shortage and should do more to ensure publicly subsidized students remain in Hawaiʻi. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including a statewide concern statement, and deferred the measure to July 31, 2025; the vote was adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 19, which creates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on Maui. University of Hawaiʻi and nursing workforce representatives testified in support, saying there is ample capacity on Maui and strong demand for higher nursing education. Members discussed the broader nursing pathway, including existing associate and bachelor’s programs at UH campuses and the need to improve access for Maui and nearby communities. The measure was moved to decision-making and adopted with amendments and a deferred date. Senate Bill 637, appropriating funds for various University of Hawaiʻi nursing programs, also received support from UH nursing leaders, who said the funding would support the final phase of the West Oʻahu-Manoa collaboration and an online RN-to-BS program. The Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing said its research showed capacity and demand for these programs. The committee recommended amendments to blank out appropriation amounts for the committee report and deferred the measure, then adopted it. The committee also adopted Senate Bill 741, which establishes an external audit committee within the UH Board of Regents, and deferred or amended several other measures, including a wastewater technology pilot program, a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, and a climate-resilient development appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:58.360><c> today</c> 309 um before we begin the hearing today 309 um before we begin the hearing
• </c> house rule stipulate that hearing house rule stipulate that hearing notices<00:07:34.039><c> have
• </c><00:07:51.520><c> um</c> hour uh notices for our hearings um hour uh notices for our hearings um
• If not, well, that was a 30-minute hearing.
• Members, thank you for a very smooth hearing today.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on January 31 and heard six bills. The chair opened by outlining committee practices, including giving at least 72 hours’ notice for hearings, releasing testimony by 5:00 p.m. the day before hearings, and deferring bills needing substantive HT1 changes so members would not vote “blind.” Members briefly thanked the chair for the transparency approach before moving to the agenda. HB 223 would create a Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy special fund and workforce assessment fee to support a pharmacy center. Testimony from the Board of Pharmacy, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo College of Pharmacy, Mokai Drugs, and others generally supported the measure, emphasizing workforce data, rural access, student loan repayment, and retention. The committee later advanced HB 223 with amendments, including leaving fee amounts blank for further discussion and inserting a defective date, and the motion passed unanimously. HB 940 would appropriate funds for the rat lungworm lab at UH Hilo; HB 546 would establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute at UH to advance AI; HB 549 would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program; HB 1172 would add the Department of Taxation to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System for wage-data sharing; and HB 1320 would require UH to collect and publicly report graduate outcome data and create a dashboard. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with some privacy concerns raised on HB 1172 and a request to protect taxpayer confidentiality. In decision-making, the committee passed all five bills with amendments, generally deleting or blanking appropriations and FTEs for Finance Committee review, adding defective dates for further discussion, and in HB 549 adding a statement that the program is a matter of statewide concern. The committee recessed briefly for decision-making and then adopted the chair’s recommendations on each bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Banking and Finance Committee to hear SB 546 Grayson at their hearing today, Monday, June 22, and
• Committee to set SB 1350 McNerney for their hearing on Wednesday, June 24.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Dixon, do you wish to close?
• Seeing and hearing none, oh wait a second. I spy Mr. Damon Connolly. Mr.
• Okay, seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second day consent calendar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now calling this hearing to order, and as is tradition at hearings of the Veterans and Federal
• We are now calling this hearing to order, and as is tradition at hearings of the Veterans and Federal
• This is a hybrid hearing with participation both in person and virtually.
• Are you able to hear me? Yes. Are you able to hear me? Yes, loud and clear.
• It's really a difficult thing to do, and I hear Senator DeViles when he says...

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

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:

• All right, that concludes the testimony for House Bill 2965 for the public hearing.
• All right, that concludes the testimony for House Bill 2965 for the public hearing.
• From the hearing, from our surveys, we continually hear that a big factor in teachers staying in the
• If not, that concludes our hearing on House Bill 2126 and 2197, and that concludes this hearing of the
• Our hearing on House Bill 2126 and 2197, and that concludes this hearing of the Department of Elementary

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear us? You must be muted. We still can't hear you. We still can't hear you.
• Can you hear us? You're, you must be muted. We still can't hear you. We still can't hear you.
• Yeah, we're not able to hear you. Yeah, we're not able to hear you. Can you hear me now? We can.
• Can you hear us? I can hear you. I can hear you.
• You're going to hear us a lot today.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.
• Hearing none, it is so ordered. Mr.
• Hearing none, it is so ordered.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are hearing from the New Mexico Housing Authority, and we are hearing from DFA.
• Can you hear me? Oh, I can hear you much better, yeah. Oh, yay. Thank you.
• Can you hear me? Hello, Riley. Can you hear me? Yep. Good morning, Mr. Chair.
• Can you hear me? Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.
• You know, you hear those stories of that mine closing.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 296, which would double New Mexico’s working families tax credit. The sponsor said the bill would increase work incentives, reduce poverty, and could provide families up to about $1,900 more per year, with benefits concentrated among families with children and lower earners. Public testimony from advocacy groups and faith organizations supported the bill. Members asked about foster family eligibility, age eligibility, refundability, and how the credit compared with a prior vetoed proposal. After discussion, a member moved to table the bill, and HB 296 was tabled. The committee then took up the committee substitute for House Bill 77, a tax credit for rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings into affordable multifamily housing, with at least half of the credit reserved for rural New Mexico. Supporters from housing, business, construction, local government, and advocacy groups said it would expand housing supply, revitalize downtowns and vacant properties, and help rural communities. Members questioned the certification and recertification process, affordability requirements, and the role of the Mortgage Finance Authority. The sponsor asked to roll the bill to Friday so an amendment could be considered, and the committee agreed to roll HB 77 rather than vote on it. House Bill 275, authorizing revenue bonds for Hila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator used for radiation cancer treatment, was heard next. The sponsor and supporters said the equipment is essential for cancer care in southwest New Mexico and that patients would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. An amendment extending the bond term from 20 to 30 years was adopted after the New Mexico Finance Authority explained declining tobacco-tax revenues and the need to protect against default risk. The committee then gave HB 275, as amended, a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 285, as amended, which clarifies and streamlines the disabled veteran property tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill limits the exemption to a primary residence, clarifies how it applies to multiple owners, and gives veterans more time and clearer procedures to claim or protest the exemption while they await VA certification. County assessors and realtor representatives supported the measure, saying it would reduce administrative confusion and ensure eligible veterans receive the benefit consistently. The committee adopted the bill on a do pass motion. The meeting then adjourned with notice that work would continue on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to remind everyone, this is an RS hearing.
• So when, I'm assuming we'll have a hearing.
• So when, I'm assuming we'll have a hearing.
• So when, I'm assuming we'll have a hearing.
• Chairman, Representative, I appreciate hearing that.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, let's do the public hearing first. Oh, wait a second.
• Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this hearing. Thank you.
• Carson, you're remote, but we can't hear you.
• Carson, you're remote, but we can't hear you?
• Closing the public hearing on House Bill 2347.

Bills: HB2347 , HB2410

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, HB2410, commercial truck safety, commercial vehicle safety, trucking industry, truck driver training, driver education, highway safety, traffic safety commission, Washington State, commercial motor vehicles, vehicle registration fee, IRP fee, state patrol highway account, safety enforcement fee, public-private partnership

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Coppen</c><00:05:18.080><c> State</c> hear first year at Coppen State hear first year at Coppen
• That's what I hear. I don't know. That's what I hear.
• That's what I hear. I don't know. ball. That's what I hear. I don't know.
• </c> followed by a bill hearing. followed by a bill hearing. &gt;&gt; All<00:14:51.360><c> right.
• </c> first bill hearings uh tomorrow at 8:45. first bill hearings uh tomorrow at 8:45.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 22, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin today's agenda, I want to note that today's hearing will likely be the last public hearing
• The chair hears none. And the bill is left pending.
• The chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• The chair hears none.
• The chair hears none. The bill is left pending.

Bills: SB204 , SB570 , SB735 , SB784 , SB1207 , SB1396 , SB1447 , SB2392 , SB2540 , SB747 , SB875

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: parental rights, education, school trustees, training, handbook, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district, open-enrollment charter school, student support services, school counselor, principal, administrator

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair hears none; the bill is left pending. Thank you.
• Can you hear me? Hold on, we can't hear you. Well, we could read lips. No. Hold on.
• No, we can't hear you, buddy. We can see you, but it says...
• No, I can't hear you. Can you turn on his audio somehow? I can't hear you. I hear you.
• Chair hears none. The Chair moves to adjourn. Is there any objection? Chair hears none.

Bills: HB311 , SB447 , SB505 , SB2217 , SB2753 , HB311

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, and the next one you will hear, does just that.
• Did you hear the scenario I asked earlier?
• The Chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• The Chair hears none, and the substitute is adopted.
• The Chair hears none, and the substitute is adopted.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair hears none. House Bill 2357 is left pending.
• Thank you for hearing House Bill 4060 this morning.
• Chair hears none. House Bill 4060 is left pending.
• Chair hears none. House Bill 5478 is left pending.
• Chair hears none. House Bill 3581 is left pending.

Bills: HB485 , HB1367 , HB1370 , HB1827 , HB1879 , HB2032 , HB2133 , HB2357 , HB3581 , HB3830 , HB4060 , HB4085 , HB4270 , HB4979 , HB5217 , HB5268 , HB5478 , HJR96 , HJR97 , HJR119 , HJR195 , HJR209 , SB4 , SB23 , SJR2 , SJR85 , SB 4 , SB 23 , SJR 2

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code