Transcript Highlights:

• What I see is a simple mismatch between supply and demand.
• And normally, if you recall from the law of supply and demand, as demand goes up, you increase supply
• And we have a fixed supply of these highly trained...
• And so what are the consequences when demand outpaces supply?
• There's a supply-and-demand mismatch.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Health and Privacy Committees focused on generative AI in health care, with opening remarks emphasizing both its potential to improve care and its risks around privacy, bias, liability, workforce impacts, and unequal access. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Chair Bonta framed the discussion around how California can encourage beneficial innovation while protecting patients, especially given the sensitivity of health data and the possibility that AI could worsen existing disparities if not carefully governed. The first panel featured representatives from Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Penguin AI, and Google, who described current uses of AI such as ambient clinical scribes, nursing documentation tools, imaging triage, maternal-fetal risk prediction, and administrative automation. Speakers said these tools can reduce clinician burden, improve patient experience, speed treatment, and in some cases improve outcomes, including a reported mortality benefit from a Kaiser predictive model and faster thrombectomy times at Cedars-Sinai. Members raised concerns about accuracy with accents and multilingual visits, whether predictive tools could reinforce bias or lead to more interventions such as C-sections, and how to ensure a human remains in the loop for important decisions. The second panel, including representatives from the California Health Care Foundation, UC Berkeley, and Stanford, focused on policy and governance challenges. Testimony highlighted examples of AI supporting homelessness outreach and community health work, but also warned that biased algorithms can encode inequities, especially when trained on data that reflect under-treatment of Black, rural, or low-income patients. Witnesses urged clearer standards for trustworthy AI, stronger monitoring and governance structures, better data access for accountability, and attention to the safety net’s limited resources. Several speakers argued that states should require health systems to have AI governance processes, clarify liability between developers and deployers, and regulate downstream uses of AI while preserving access to data for lifesaving research and oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1560, CAP water supply development fund. Natural resources.
• SB 1560 CAP water supply development fund. Natural resources.
• SB 1530, assured water supply building permits. SB 1531, special plate distracted driving.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed attendance, approved the journal, and welcomed several guests in the gallery, including a veteran and House candidate, a former legislative district chair, and two district guests attending in support of future highway-naming testimony. The chamber also extended well wishes to Senator Farnsworth’s wife, who was reported hospitalized, and announced a temporary committee replacement appointment for Senator Fernandez on the Education Committee. The bulk of the meeting consisted of reading House messages and introducing numerous bills for first reading and committee referral, covering a wide range of topics including transportation, taxation, education, health care, housing, water, public safety, elections, immigration, behavioral health, and appropriations. The Senate also placed many measures on second reading, including bills on school budgets, civics instruction, campaign finance, voter registration, housing, tax deductions, and public safety-related issues. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following day. The chamber then considered a gubernatorial nomination and, on a voice vote, confirmed James McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents for a term ending January 19, 2032. After a recess and return, additional bills were introduced and referred, including measures on corporal punishment in schools, homeless shelter funding, child care waiting lists, community gardens, solar energy requirements, insurance claims assistance, firearms regulation, and crime victim notification funding. The Senate adjourned at the end of the session until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't look at any other part of the supply chain in the same light.
• So please continue, but we did look at those and we did ask that in the supply chain.
• You know, there's a lot in a supply chain. PSA...
• We don't look at any other part of the supply chain in the same light.
• You know, there's a lot in a supply chain. PSA.

Bills: HB591 , HB765 , HB826 , HB870 , HB938 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1236 , HB1241

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the industry that supplies them. So, it goes far beyond. Again, I'll be brief with this.
• we've<00:23:10.320><c> got</c><00:23:10.400><c> an</c><00:23:10.640><c> over</c><00:23:10.880><c> supply
• </c><00:23:11.200><c> of</c><00:23:11.440><c> pellets</c> we've got an over supply of pellets we've got
• on the open market, going seaborne and not for much of a profit, if at all, where Cliffs is just supplying
• their blast furnaces in the supplying their blast furnaces in the United<00:25:40.640><c> States.

Bills: HF3393

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have the supply of people who are willing or able to be on the fields, sun up, sundown, each
• water scarcity, small dairies seeking to modernize operations, and food processors struggling with supply
• Those costs a lot at the grocery store, but on my end, no, it didn't change with all the supplies that
• There is a reason we grow 80% of the world's supply of almonds.
• It helps us produce that safe food supply. But there's a cost with every single one.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the worst we have not seen yet, and Steven's addressed them on the academia level, on a supply
• And this shows up clearly in California, where our businesses are deeply integrated in global supply
• So I would expect lots of supplier contracts to be reworked, lots of supply chains to be reworked.
• And at some point, their inventory of parts and supplies is going to run out.
• Tariffs shifting supply chains and raising costs of goods are creating uncertainty for our businesses

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s trade, tourism, and investment ties with Asia and the effects of federal tariffs. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of subnational diplomacy, sister-city relationships, and coordinated trade missions. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s long-standing engagement with Asian partners, citing trade missions, the 2023 APEC summit in California, and the state’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander population as reasons to deepen these relationships. The first panel focused on trade, tourism, and foreign investment. Leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California said California’s economy depends heavily on Asia-linked trade, tourism, and direct investment. They warned that federal tariffs and related policy uncertainty are disrupting ports, logistics, manufacturing, education, and travel, with impacts on longshore work, shipping volumes, international students, and visitor spending. Visit California reported a decline in 2025 visitation, especially from Asia and Canada, and urged stronger promotion, partnerships, and state-level support to maintain California’s global brand. The second panel examined tariff impacts in more detail. Glenn Fukushima and Dr. Kyle Handley said tariffs function as taxes on imports, raising costs for businesses and consumers and discouraging investment when policy changes are frequent and unpredictable. They argued California is especially exposed because of its ports, supply chains, and cross-border trade with Asia and Mexico, and warned that new vessel fees and rerouted freight could further harm California shippers. Both said tariffs are unlikely to achieve clear strategic goals quickly and may damage U.S. credibility and long-term trade relationships, while recommending that California focus on making itself more competitive through infrastructure, permitting reform, export assistance, and other measures within state control. The final panel turned to future opportunities and the role of small businesses. Speakers from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center network stressed that small and minority-owned firms often feel trade disruptions first and need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and large events that generate business spillover. They said California should continue investing in ports, business support systems, and international partnerships so that trade and tourism gains reach businesses across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call supplied. Uh, comments to the A1 amendment. >> Representative Noatne. >> Thank you.
• Roll call u supplied.<00:21:32.000><c> Uh</c><00:21:32.480><c> comments</c><00:21:32.960><c> to</c><00
• :21:33.200><c> the</c><00:21:33.440><c> A1</c> supplied.
• Uh comments to the A1 supplied. Uh comments to the A1 amendment.
• Anyone with a kind of basic supply<01:26:05.600><c> and</c><01:26:05.840><c> demand</c><01:26:06.719>

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:03:47.520><c> store,</c><04:03:48.080><c> it's</c><04:03:48.399><c> on</c> ...business, a pet supply
• If we want to protect our food supply and keep our family farms alive, we must accelerate development
• If we want to protect our food supply and keep our family farms alive, we must accelerate development
• <07:36:51.520><c> protect</c><07:36:51.840><c> our</c><07:36:52.000><c> food</c><07:36:52.240><c> supply
• and keep our to protect our food supply and keep our family<07:36:53.440><c> farms</c><07:36:53.840>

Transcript Highlights:

• They look at the stormwater, the water supply, and they identify any needed upgrades to the site for
• We're roughly a quarter million homes behind already in supply, and so I think any piece that adds more
• A quarter million homes behind already in supply.
• So not only will building more homes address the supply crisis and affordability crisis that we're in
• And just to summarize, it’s a plan for public water systems within a critical water supply service area

Summary: The committee heard a series of presentations on comprehensive plan updates, permitting reform, special purpose district coordination, and subdivision reform. Pierce County and the City of Redmond described their recent comprehensive plan updates, emphasizing housing production, transit-oriented development, middle housing, preservation of affordable housing, and the need for technical assistance and clearer state guidance. Both jurisdictions said the planning process took years and was complicated by overlapping state requirements, changing legislative mandates, and multiple review authorities. Redmond in particular said mid-course legislative changes forced supplemental environmental review and added significant cost and delay, and both local governments asked for more stability, clearer statutes, and better-aligned timelines. Presenters from the architecture, building official, and development sectors focused on permitting delays and proposed ways to speed housing delivery. Dave Boucher of AIA Washington argued for a provisional construction permit process for projects stamped by licensed professionals, along with mandatory deadlines and fewer stalled review cycles. Tim Woodard of WABO described existing tools such as pre-application meetings and phased approvals, noting they can improve certainty but also require staff time and careful coordination. Representatives from Master Builders and D.R. Horton said permit and subdivision delays add substantial cost to housing, citing studies showing months of delay and tens of thousands of dollars added per home, and urged administrative approvals, concurrent review, self-certification, and limits on repeated review cycles. The committee also reviewed a Commerce-led task force report on integrating special purpose districts into Growth Management Act planning. The task force recommended early invitation and notice to water, sewer, school, port, and other service providers during countywide planning policy and comprehensive plan updates, better coordination on grants and capital projects, updated water system coordination plans, and improved school siting and funding alignment in fast-growing areas. Speakers stressed that the recommendations were intended to be light-touch and focused on better communication rather than major statutory overhaul, while also noting that rural and slow-growing areas should not be burdened with the same requirements as rapidly growing jurisdictions. On subdivision reform, FutureWise and the City of Spokane discussed making more subdivision decisions administrative, preserving vesting, clarifying exemptions, and reducing unnecessary notice and appeal steps. Spokane described local reforms such as smaller minimum lot sizes, unit lot subdivisions, and reduced-process “minor engineering review” for simple plats, while raising concerns about new notice requirements and appeals to city councils for technical plat decisions. Across the hearing, members repeatedly returned to the theme that local governments, builders, and state agencies need clearer, more coordinated rules to reduce delay and uncertainty while still protecting safety and planning goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so those are kind of intermediaries in the, the drug supply chain.
• recommend policies to improve competitiveness, efficiency, and transparency in the pharmaceutical supply
• Um, we're going to look at what Hrsa calls a supply and demand model, and I think maybe Dr.
• Turning to slide 16, you can see a supply and demand chart.
• So I have uh on the difference between supply and demand, that's your need, and then percent adequacy

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And you're never going to be able to supply the power needed for that without natural gas-fired power
• in AI investment, and you're never going to realize that without a continuous, uninterrupted power supply
• This resolution requires setting Targets and pushing a restaurant to restrict its own supply chain in
• addition to that, these types of emission requirements ask the companies to go all the way down their supply
• about at Wingstop and Dine Brands, trying to force these restaurants to cut down on emissions in the supply

Bills: SB312 , SB945 , SB946 , SB1367 , SB1861 , SB2044 , SB2337 , SB2403 , SB2819 , SJR54

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And importantly, what we found out that... a failure to distribute election supplies was just a Class
• The authority responsible for procuring the election supplies from an election commits an offense if
• Some started calling the county as they saw their supply. They were running low.
• You need a lot of people. delivering supplies. This bill, please pass it on. Thank you.
• Supplies to the polling location must be delivered an hour before the polls open.

Bills: SB108 , SB318 , SB507 , SB511 , SB533 , SB1026 , SB1386 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• federal Safe Drinking Water Act and existing laws and cabinet regulations related to public water supply
• 00:04:56.520><c> water</c> regulations related to public water regulations related to public water supply
• ><c> intakes</c><00:04:58.280><c> and</c><00:04:58.520><c> private</c><00:04:58.840><c> Wells</c> supply
• intakes and private Wells supply intakes and private Wells Senate<00:05:00.919><c> Bill</c><00:05:01.120
• springs, as well as other springs used as a source of domestic water supply.

Summary: The committee met in a special called session, confirmed a quorum, and took up Senate Bill 89. The sponsor, Scott Maiden, said the bill was intended to address permitting issues affecting coal and other industries, and he described it as supported by a broad coalition of business, agriculture, and industry groups. He said the bill would align Kentucky’s definition of “waters of the Commonwealth” with federal definitions and would codify the existing definition and calculation method for long-term treatment bond requirements at mine sites. He also emphasized that the bill would not eliminate groundwater protections, drinking water protections, or prohibitions on hazardous substance dumping. A committee amendment was discussed and adopted to add and clarify definitions, including navigable waters, sinkholes with open drains, certain springs, and wellhead protection areas. The sponsor said the amendment was intended to address concerns that the bill was too broad and noted that it was worked on with Louisville Water and other stakeholders. Testimony in opposition came from Rebecca Shelton of Appalachian Citizens Law Center, who argued the bill would leave private wells and groundwater vulnerable and cited groundwater contamination data. Nick Hart of Kentucky Waterways Alliance urged the committee to preserve the current definition and requested a statutory review and economic impact analysis. Audrey Ernsberger of Kentucky Resources Council said the bill would strip protections from most groundwater, ephemeral streams, karst aquifers, and many private wells, and warned of higher water-treatment costs and pollution risks. Members asked questions about the meaning of “carcinogenic” and the difficulty of cleaning up contamination in private wells. During roll call, several members explained their votes, with supporters saying the amendment protected water while preserving needed flexibility for industry, and opponents saying they could not risk weakening water protections or harming private wells and agriculture. The committee voted to pass SB 89 as amended with a favorable recommendation to the Senate, and then moved to roll the committee amendment into a committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• In conclusion, uh, economics and history teaches us that in a free market, demand and supply will be
• In conclusion, uh, economics and history teaches us that in a free market, demand and supply will be
• In conclusion, uh, economics and history teaches us that in a free market, demand and supply will be
• demand</c> In conclusion, uh, economics and history teaches us that in a free market, demand and supply
• </c> supply. Thank you. supply. Thank you. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:10:53.280><c> you.

Bills: HF3403 , HF2687 , HF2381

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, when we're taking a look at the supply gap, the thing that strikes out to me on this group is that
• And what we found is, as supply chains have changed and some things can inhibit supply chain, it takes
• </c><00:13:24.480><c> changed</c> supplies ch supply chains have changed supplies ch supply chains have
• </c><00:13:28.560><c> chain</c> and some things can inhibit supply chain and some things can inhibit
• </c> you know there may be a lumber supply you know there may be a lumber supply from<00:13:56.320><c

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects. The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers. The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• tribal clothes back in the day because when I was in school, they used to get funding for school supplies
• I don't see it, and there's no school supplies to support elementary school, middle school, or high school
• Because there's no supplies for them to use, and they really need to come forward with us to see what

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• of recycled water in California, and we want to make more use of it because we see that our water supply
• The projections are 10% less water supply within the next decade, so we're going to have to make up that
• all share: to help reduce our reliance on imported water and boost our local drought-resilience supplies

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first but proceeded with bill presentations and public testimony. Senator McInerney presented SB 31, which would expand uses of recycled water in California, including certain outdoor irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing in food-handling facilities, decorative lakes and ponds, and some HOA common-area irrigation, while clarifying regulatory treatment of recycled water line breaks. Supporters from numerous water districts, cities, and industry groups testified in favor; there was no opposition. The bill was later approved on a due pass motion to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 650, a technical bill making noncontroversial changes to the Delta Stewardship Act. The bill would set an appeals timeline, clarify who may file appeals, and add a severability clause. Support testimony emphasized due process, local government participation, and preserving enforceability of the Delta plan; no opposition was heard. After quorum was established, the committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee. The committee also considered a consent calendar containing AJR 9, SB 55, and SB 563, all of which were approved. After additional members arrived, the committee completed the votes and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• since I'm speaking about them or whoever, every university is going to have a certain niche that they supply
• it went away and took a state mission to provide that liberal arts education, they got away from supplying
• since I'm speaking about them or whoever, every university is going to have a certain niche that they supply
• it went away and took a state mission to provide that liberal arts education, they got away from supplying
• That liberal arts education, they got away from supplying what the market really desperately needs right

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• since I'm speaking about them or whoever, every university is going to have a certain niche that they supply
• it went away and took a state mission to provide that liberal arts education, they got away from supplying
• since I'm speaking about them or whoever, every university is going to have a certain niche that they supply
• it went away and took a state mission to provide that liberal arts education, they got away from supplying
• what That liberal arts education, they got away from supplying what the market really desperately needs

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee spent most of the meeting discussing a proposed overhaul of Missouri’s higher education funding model, centered on shifting core funding toward an FTE-based formula. The chair and vice chair argued the current system is outdated and inequitable, saying the new approach would better align state dollars with student enrollment and workforce outcomes. Several members supported the need for change but raised concerns about the speed of implementation, the lack of advance consultation with universities, and the possibility that some institutions could face severe budget cuts, accreditation problems, or even closure. Community college representatives were noted as unanimously opposing the recommendation, and members repeatedly asked for clarification on whether graduate programs would be counted at 9, 12, or 15 credit hours, with no definitive answer provided during the meeting. Testimony and comments focused heavily on the consequences for specific institutions and programs. Some members warned that the proposal could hurt schools with expensive programs such as nursing, engineering, doctoral study, research, and specialized missions, while others argued that institutions should be rewarded for producing graduates who are in demand in the workforce. Truman State, Harris-Stowe, Missouri State, and several community colleges were discussed as examples of schools that could either gain or lose substantially under the model. The chair and vice chair said the proposal was not intended to force consolidation, but several members said the size of the cuts could indirectly lead to consolidation or closure and would require a phase-in to avoid harming students. After the higher education discussion, the committee moved through other budget items. The chair described cuts and restorations in several areas, including removing easement funding at the Department of Revenue, adding hearing officers for the State Tax Commission, restoring some MODOT requests, and shifting interest earnings from I-70 and I-44 project funds back to general revenue. Members also asked about Bartle Hall funding, a Bolivar road project, and new language restricting personal-service spending unless appropriations explicitly allow it. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue moving through the budget items and follow up on unresolved questions with the department.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's flat, an absence of adequate supply. If we fail to act, rents will go up.
• That's flat, an absence of adequate supply. If we fail to act, rents will go up.
• We support increasing housing supply, but eliminating all ground-floor requirements removes local flexibility
• I know that there may be concern that commercial development is not getting built, but the land supply
• It creates a structured implementation framework that advances housing supply while maintaining regulatory

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would prohibit certain GMA-planning cities and counties from excluding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones and would limit local requirements for ground-floor commercial or mixed-use space, subject to numerous exemptions and a possible study-based off-ramp. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, the governor’s housing policy advisor, Commerce staff, developers, labor/employer groups, and housing advocates, argued it would reduce barriers, reuse underutilized commercial land, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham, Redmond, Kent, Lacey, and Lakewood testified in opposition or with concerns, emphasizing local control, impacts on walkable neighborhoods and small businesses, implementation costs, and the need for more flexibility or clearer compliance options. Committee members asked about exemptions, the study process, and how the bill would affect existing local plans and incentives. The committee then moved to executive session on several bills. It rejected Representative Griffey’s amendment to Senate Bill 5820, which would have restored Clark County’s freight rail dependent overlay authority and added findings about greenhouse gas reductions from short line rail, and then passed SB 5820 out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 5995, extending authorization for port districts to purchase zero- and near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment; SB 5552, directing rulemaking for kit home building codes; SB 5467, raising thresholds for water-sewer district surplus property sales; and SB 6189, removing the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Each of those bills received a do pass recommendation, with some members noting support for housing, workforce, efficiency, or local flexibility and others expressing concerns about contracts, automation, or competitiveness. After executive session, the committee resumed testimony on SB 6026. Additional supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Commerce, developers, the Washington Roundtable, Microsoft, and housing organizations, reiterated that the bill would unlock housing on vacant commercial land and preserve some local flexibility through exemptions and height incentives. Opponents and concerned cities continued to argue that the bill would weaken local planning, reduce commercial space needed for complete communities, and impose costs and implementation burdens. The hearing concluded without final action on SB 6026, with the chair noting more testimony and work remained.