Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think it would encourage settlement of more claims where it is a nominal factor and it didn't
• And based upon the information that we have, these types of factors which relate to cost of litigation
• And so if this process would result in a better rating factor, they're going to adjust their algorithms
• the way that they value the costs associated with our state based upon our laws to lower the risk factors
• That's part of the negotiation process, and it's factored in for insurance companies.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's, I think, an important factor for us.
• So that's, I think, an important factor for us.
• director Lali comments around partnering with other licensing bodies, that's a huge contributing factor
• So I don't know that we can. bodies, that's a huge contributing factor to how we look at that, too.
• aren't typically included sort of in the same way in budget projections, it is another important factor

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a lot of manufacturers are facing, it's really hard these days to understand what's the driving factor
• But it seems like there's probably some other factors that are contributing to this leakage that is more
• So yes, everything is a factor, but sort of causation here is I think what I'm looking for.
• We care about the workforce, but we can't necessarily control all of those factors.
• , everything that would go into that, and the ever-increasing energy prices in this state are all factors

Bills: SB6172 , SB6246 , SB5932

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas, GHG emissions, cap-and-invest, carbon market, emissions trading, allowances, covered entity, coal-fired power plant, coal plant, electric utility, electric generating facility, fossil fuels, natural gas, imported electricity, emissions leakage, air pollution, renewable energy transition, industrial emissions, railroad emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• But it seems like there's probably some other factors that are contributing to this leakage that is more
• Overall commodity prices are a more significant factor than environmental regulations.
• So yes, everything is a factor, but sort of causation here is, I think, what I'm looking for.
• We care about the workforce, but we can't necessarily control all of those factors.
• , everything that would go into that, and the ever-increasing energy prices in this state are all factors

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to develop recommendations for how no-cost allowances for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) should work from 2035 to 2050, and would require EITEs to submit facility-specific emissions data and periodic decarbonization plans as a condition of receiving allowances. Supporters said the bill preserves the Climate Commitment Act’s goals while giving the Legislature and Ecology better information to prevent emissions and job leakage and to plan for industrial decarbonization. Opponents argued the bill adds costly reporting and planning burdens, could threaten competitiveness, and in some cases could lead to allowance withholding; Ecology said it generally supports the approach but wants some streamlining and noted implementation costs are not in the governor’s budget. SB 5932 would provide certainty for sustainable aviation fuel development by changing how Ecology applies electricity carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger for aviation fuel tax incentives. The sponsor and 12, a Moses Lake SAF developer, said the bill would give investors and producers needed certainty for expansion and help Washington remain competitive. Ecology and Climate Solutions opposed parts of the bill, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity generation, limit Ecology’s technical discretion, and reduce the Clean Fuels Program’s effectiveness, though Ecology said it supports decarbonizing aviation and is willing to work on the issue through rulemaking. Some testimony also supported the tax certainty portion while objecting to the Clean Fuels Program changes, and one witness asked for clarification on local participation in the incentive. SB 6172 would end remaining state tax and regulatory exemptions for the coal-fired TransAlta plant after its scheduled closure date. The sponsor said Washington should remove special treatment now that the state has phased out coal, while supporters said the bill reinforces the state’s clean energy transition and protects public health and climate goals. A few witnesses raised concerns about possible costs to utilities and ratepayers if the plant were ever required to run in an emergency, and asked for language to protect against that. The hearing concluded with the committee closing public testimony on all three bills; no votes were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• SF 1460 provides an opportunity for you to address one factor of uncertainty, save valuable tax dollars
• SF 2244 seeks to address disparities by increasing our referendum levy equalization factors.
• </c> referendum Levy Equalization factors referendum Levy Equalization factors this<01:25:50.239><c>
• </c><01:26:03.600><c> the</c> raising the equalization factors the raising the equalization factors the
• we can ensure that all students factors we can ensure that all students regardless<01:27:35.159><c>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that biological sex can be<00:03:08.720><c> a</c><00:03:08.840><c> relevant</c><00:03:09.360><c> factor
• c><00:03:09.640><c> in</c><00:03:10.120><c> determining</c><00:03:11.040><c> uh</c> be a relevant factor
• in determining uh be a relevant factor in determining uh what<00:03:11.360><c> those</c><00:03:11.640
• Biological sex truly is an important factor when it comes to having fair and safe divisions.
• They said biological sex is an important factor when it comes to having fair and safe divisions.

Bills: HF1233

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: women's athletics, gender, sports competition, Human Rights Act, biological sex, participation limits, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh as I think most a variety of factors.
• Okay, we're not factor in the crime.
• So, the included as a sentencing factor.
• So in other words, it becomes an enhancing factor.
• Uh for example, when and having factor.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• But even these factors depend on whether systems are designed to recognize and respond to the populations
• And I will say that we have factored into that people who live in the rural regions to ensure that the
• The area agencies on aging are required to prioritize resources according to factors outlined in the
• So SB 258 updated the definition for social factors to include HIV status, adding to existing factors
• We also have some preliminary data that indicates there may be an elevated risk factor for the LGBTQIA

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But even these factors depend on whether systems are designed to recognize and respond to the populations
• And I will say that we have factored into that people who live in the rural regions to ensure that the
• The area agencies on aging are required to prioritize resources according to factors outlined in the
• So SB 258 updated the definition for social factors to include HIV status, adding to existing factors
• We do also have some preliminary data that indicates that there may be an elevated risk factor for the

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBT Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Committee members and state officials discussed the California Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, and the need to address discrimination, social isolation, housing insecurity, economic instability, and gaps in culturally competent care. Several speakers emphasized that older LGBTQ adults often lack traditional family caregiving supports and may face vulnerability in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Testimony from advocates and people with lived experience highlighted the impact of federal actions, including H.R. 1, on Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits, and called for stronger state action, outreach, and navigation services. Justice in Aging urged more investment in home- and community-based services and warned that Medicaid cuts could increase institutionalization. The Department of Aging described its survey findings and said it had convened a lived-experience advisory board, updated data tools, and incorporated HIV as a factor in local aging plans under SB 258, though members pressed for clearer implementation and accountability. CalHHS described coordination across departments, Medi-Cal coverage of gender-affirming care, PACE, and other services, while the Department of Public Health outlined Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP programs serving older adults with HIV. The hearing also featured extensive testimony from people aging with HIV, who described fragmented systems, benefits cliffs, housing costs, and the need for legal and case-management support. One witness urged funding for HIV-specific housing and navigation services, while another described how case management and safety-net programs help clients manage medication, food, transportation, and housing needs. In the final panel, the Department of Social Services reviewed protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219, nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required staff training, and complaint investigations. No formal votes were taken; the chair repeatedly asked departments to follow up on implementation gaps, data visibility, and possible budget or policy responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• enhancing the report to the Legislature to include considerations such as risks, cost, and those factors
• But again, fully recognizing there are factors outside of contractors' control, and we want to make sure
• fatality or serious injury has occurred, and to publish reports summarizing trends, contributing factors
• It modifies a function of the commission as the identification of contributing factors that most commonly
• So it changes the term risk factors to contributing factors. It narrows the restriction.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s route jurisdiction transfer study. Commissioners and staff said the current state highway system is generally well connected and that wholesale realignment is not needed, but they recommended clarifying statutory criteria, improving the transfer process, increasing interagency coordination, and making data analysis more transparent. Members asked about why transfers occur, who pays for maintenance after a transfer, how often transfers happen, and how the Legislature’s role should be understood. Staff said there have been only 16 RJT transfers since 1991, with a net transfer of about 10 miles of state highway to cities, while DOT abandonments happen more often but are not tracked as consistently. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2172, which would fold longer abandonments and bridge-related abandonments into the RJT process, require pre-request conferences, expand legislative review of costs and risks, and update highway criteria. Tacoma officials, the Transportation Commission, counties, cities, and the Transportation Improvement Board testified in support, citing transparency, local input, and the need to address large bridge and corridor transfers; the bill sponsor said a substitute would allow agreed transfers to proceed without final legislative approval, but send disputed cases to the Legislature. The bill was also described as having an indeterminate fiscal impact, with WSDOT estimating possible added maintenance costs if transfers are delayed. The committee next heard House Bill 1367, which would allow motorcycles to use the right shoulder of limited-access highways under specific congestion conditions. The bill and a proposed substitute would limit shoulder use to wide shoulders, require hazard lights, cap speed at 10 mph over adjacent traffic, and bar passing other vehicles on the shoulder; the fiscal note projected costs for driver education and possible maintenance and signage impacts. The sponsor argued the bill would reduce rider fatigue, heat stress, and rear-end risk in stop-and-go traffic, while opponents from law enforcement and WSDOT said shoulders are intended for emergencies, debris and visibility create safety risks, and the proposal could increase maintenance and enforcement burdens. Several motorcyclists and advocates supported the bill as a safer alternative to lane splitting, while a student and some agencies said it would give riders a more predictable option; the committee then closed the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2174, which would create “crash prevention zones” in areas with repeated serious collisions or fatalities. The bill would allow cities, counties, towns, or WSDOT to designate zones after a public hearing, require engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, and impose a $73 penalty for certain infractions within signed zones, with revenue dedicated to safety work in the zone. The sponsor pointed to dangerous stretches of Highway 395 and Highway 12 in eastern Washington and said the bill is intended as a temporary safety tool until long-term fixes are completed. Counties and cities supported the concept and asked for liability protections and language from a Senate companion bill; the committee then moved to House Bill 2718, a transportation permitting and project-delivery bill. Staff said HB 2718 would impose timelines and deemed-approval rules for certain state and federal permits, require early outreach to affected governments and tribes, create a public contractor-rating website, and direct WSDOT to report on permit-streamlining options by December 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill is meant to reduce delays and costs in transportation projects by improving accountability, coordination, and permitting efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'd have to look at the study and understand exactly what factors into that.
• So those could be over a multi-year factor.
• Some of the amounts that are factored in are a cumulative amount from the client-caused error rate as
• So I'd have to look at when or what was factored into that when that change was made.
• Normal factor.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not exactly sure what those factors are that you've identified.
• So I wanted to ask, Madam Chair, if that's one of the factors.
• April and May, is that a not yet factor, that they haven't reached restoration?
• All of these factors impact housing needs.
• And again, the factors were the things I mentioned.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• You do have higher-volume counties, absolutely mostly a factor of population...
• There are other factors that weigh into what we get reimbursed.
• That's factored in, uh, still factored in to where we land.
• But, um, there are a lot of factors that go into what each hospital in our state is reimbursed based
• Again, another big factor, but we're competing against...

Committee: Joint Health Insurance Affordability Task Force

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The formula improves outcomes for youth because the formula no longer focuses on a factor.
• The new factor replaces the 2018 DJJ number and builds in the concept that LRPs, less restrictive programs
• This new third factor in the formula does move the infrastructure towards alternatives to long-term incarceration
• We're also proposing a growth factor on the maintenance payment that would be associated with the community

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first factor is the percentage of students that are eligible for free and reduced meals.
• A couple of other factors I just want to cover. All right.
• A couple of other factors I just want to cover before you want to, if you want to ask me a few questions
• We use a multiplying factor of 1.6.
• Some are automatically based on economics and other factors.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first factor is the percentage of students that are eligible for free and reduced meals.
• A couple of other factors I just want to cover. All right.
• When we implemented Medicaid direct certification, which now does have an income-tested factor, that
• We use a multiplying factor of 1.6.
• Some are automatically based on economics and other factors.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to fill a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation, and the House majority recommended Representative Berg to replace him on the committee. The motion to appoint Berg was approved unanimously. The committee then took up its assigned task of estimating the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, the school meals measure, which would require public schools, and optionally nonpublic and tribal schools, to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and reimburse schools through state funds after federal reimbursements are maximized. Legislative Council’s Liz Fordall summarized the measure’s requirements and answered questions about implementation, including the 2027-28 start date, the measure’s interaction with the Legacy Earnings Fund, and the fact that the Legislature would still control the funding source. DPI’s Linnell Johnson then testified at length on current school meal programs, direct certification, CEP and Provision 2 participation, and likely behavioral changes if the measure passed. She estimated the biennial fiscal impact at $124 million to $134 million, with an additional roughly $300,000 in administrative costs, and explained that the estimate assumed higher participation and some schools shifting to CEP/Provision 2 to preserve federal reimbursements. She also noted that if no new applications were filed in non-CEP schools, the cost could be substantially higher. After discussion, Senator Sorvaag moved to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State, and the motion carried. The committee also received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation, explaining that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s prior ruling and remanded the case for further consideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, leaving the court-imposed map in effect for now. No action was required on that item, and the meeting adjourned after a brief note that the prior minutes would be brought back at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sleep is another critical factor to consider.
• Senate Bill 5928 sets out those clear standards and disclosure requirements, including the key factors
• And this bill does indicate both a community-level mitigation action and also mentions all rating factors
• We have come up with about 20 to 25 factors of wildfire risk involvement that the fire districts should
• When Colorado became the first state in the U.S. to require insurers to factor community and household

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• From our prior work, we've identified many factors that can affect EPA's ability to clean up NPL sites
• So, for example, complicating factors that sediment sites include their large size, the location, tidal
• investment in to take on that risk would be worthwhile because I could see that being a motivating factor
• Superfund program highlights issues related to site complexity as a factor in delays.
• What factors should be considered before a cleanup takes place or is completed?

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> mitigating factor in sentencing. mitigating factor in sentencing.
• He said those are three specific factors within the judge's discretion.
• Those are three specific factors Right.
• </c><01:12:45.199><c> into</c> this some of this might factor into this some of this might factor into
• It's not going to be sorts of factors.

Bills: HF3465 , HF3782 , HF4075 , HF391 , HF3946 , HF2976 , HF3350

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: theft, vulnerable adults, public safety, penalties, Minnesota statutes, chemical irritants, law enforcement, transparency, building owners, tenant rights, notification, remediation, firearm restrictions, domestic violence, court orders, criminal convictions, firearms prohibition, gun surrender, order for protection, protective order

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we look at future commitments that we're anticipating or other factors, and we look at that all
• But what we do do on a monthly factors.
• and we we anticipating or other factors and we we look<00:24:15.440><c> at</c><00:24:15.600><c> that
• And the LBA, they account for that factor when you look at the statewide assumptions.
• when you look at the that factor when you look at the statewide<00:27:02.880><c> assumptions.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.