Transcript Highlights:

• The difference in color is the Attorney General's Office cost versus what we call special assistant attorneys
• Special assistant attorneys general are private attorneys that are hired, contracted to represent the
• But don't we have enough attorneys within our Attorney General office to cover most of these?
• Don't we have enough attorneys within our Attorney General Office to cover most of these?
• I'll be talking about attorney-client privilege or attorney advice, but the select committee specifically

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jenny Nakamoto, Deputy Attorney General.
• From the Attorney General's office, Amanda Dolan or Jeffrey Kent. >> Aloha. Welcome.
• I'm Deputy Attorney General. Um, we have comments on this bill.
• </c><00:43:23.839><c> Attorney</c><00:43:24.240><c> General's</c> There it is. Okay.
• Attorney General's There it is. Okay. Attorney General's office. I'm<00:43:30.240><c> sorry.

Bills: SB3179, SB2872, SB2391, SB3282, SB2836, SB2181

Keywords: educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bipartisan bill bans scam PACs and gives victims, the Attorney General, and others the ability to
• </c> Minnesota, can the state attorney Minnesota, can the state attorney general<00:18:27.080><c> go<
• <00:18:30.400><c> Our</c><00:18:30.480><c> Attorney</c><00:18:30.800><c> General</c> Florida?
• Our Attorney General Florida?
• > Ellison</c><00:18:48.160><c> has</c> Attorney General Keith Ellison has Attorney General Keith Ellison

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I drafted some of this language, and I've worked with the Attorney General's Office as well.
• I received a graphic in my office that said the request was from the Office of the Attorney General.
• It's some attorneys that do a lot of insurance litigation.
• Attorneys that do a lot of insurance litigation.
• Attorney General and not the Insurance Commissioner to be involved in insurance rates?

Bills: HB3048, HB3259, HB3646, HB3696, HB3780, HB3781, HB3802, HB3818, HB4294, HB4488, HB2929

Keywords: insurance, nonadmitted insurers, surplus lines, insurance regulation, Oklahoma, health insurance, contracting entities, medical providers, enrollment, beneficiary rights, property and casualty, rates, filing, Insurance Commissioner, regulation, property, regulations, actuary, rate filing, independent review

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney in Stillwater, Kelly.
• And so, in a case like a power of attorney, it could actually be helpful.
• And those order to get to an attorney.
• ,</c><00:09:27.440><c> it</c> case of like a power of attorney, it case of like a power of attorney,
• In addition, not similar to an attorney.

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• Check with the Attorney General's office.
• Attorney General, with comments on Zoom. Oh, in person, sorry.
• Vice Chair, for the testimony, Attorney General with comments on Zoom.
• Deputy Attorney General Andrew Kim.
• <01:04:35.680><c> General's</c> Attorney General's Attorney General's testimony<01:04:39.000><c> um</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a wide range of housing-related bills. HB 295 on Hawaiian homelands drew support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and individual testifiers who described long waits for DHHL housing, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands offered comments noting that lowering the Native Hawaiian blood quantum from 50% to 25% would require multiple legal and federal review steps. The committee also heard testimony on several Hawaii Public Housing Authority measures, including HB 99, HB 1096, HB 1097, HB 1095, HB 1093, and HB 1094, which generally received agency support and little or no public opposition during the hearing. HB 1094 prompted questions about the handling and sale or donation of seized property, and the agency said it lacked capacity to manage that work directly and would need to consult the Attorney General on liability concerns. The committee then heard HB 1056 and HB 1467, both related to a proposed Hawaii Homes or housing resiliency program. DCCA, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported HB 1056, while the Attorney General requested clarification on fund language. The Insurance Commissioner said DCCA was willing to run the program and that strengthening homes would help keep insurance available in Hawaii. For HB 1467, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and Climate Advisory Team also supported the measure, with the Attorney General raising concerns about delegation, the special fund, and extension authority. Testimony on both bills emphasized hurricane retrofits, with some witnesses urging harmonization of the two similar proposals and one witness warning that the bills could conflict with efforts to reduce building-code minimum standards. Other measures included HB 1013 on important agricultural lands, which received support from HHFDC, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, DBEDT, the Agri-Business Development Corporation, and Purple Maiʻa Foundation, with some agencies offering comments. HB 1294 on agricultural workforce housing drew comments from the Attorney General, who said commissions may be established by law rather than by the department itself, along with support from OHA, a council member, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus. HB 89 on teacher housing received support from OHA and education groups, while the Attorney General said the bill may have constitutional issues and suggested amendments to set standards for voucher applications. HB 276 on condominiums and HB 528 on residential leases also drew support, with no testimony in opposition. HB 415 on public safety and fire sprinklers generated the most clear split in testimony: the State Fire Council, a fire department representative, and an individual supported the bill, arguing sprinklers improve safety and can prevent major losses, while BIA Hawaii, Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution, NAAP Hawaii, Gentry Holmes, and DR Horton Hawaii opposed it, saying the added cost would worsen housing affordability and that existing codes already address safety. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly closed each bill after testimony and questions, and the hearing moved through the agenda without recorded committee votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> General</c> And so without Attorney General And so without Attorney General enforcement,<00:18:02.120
• </c> seen in states where there's no Attorney seen in states where there's no Attorney General<00:24:
• ><c> is</c><00:58:36.000><c> necessarily</c> attorney general's office is necessarily attorney general's
• </c> the Attorney General to enforce these. the Attorney General to enforce these.
• </c> don't know for sure that the Attorney don't know for sure that the Attorney General<01:05:33.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We went and saw our construction attorney.
• And Les was an attorney in Spokane. Unfortunately, he's passed now.
• Well, our attorney at the PLF was very young. Damien was 26, I think, when we met him.
• And Tony said right to him, our attorney, 'That ship has sailed.
• And Tony said right to him, our attorney, he says, that ship has sailed.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the February 13 minutes and rearranged the agenda to hear HJM 13, HB 737, HJM 14, and HB 676. HJM 13, a memorial urging implementation of the Sackett Supreme Court ruling on federal wetlands regulation, drew extensive testimony from Mike and Chantelle Sackett, who described their 20-year fight with EPA and the Army Corps over a home site they said was wrongly treated as wetlands. Supporters, including attorneys and water-user representatives, said the ruling is not being followed consistently and that clearer enforcement is needed. The committee voted to send HJM 13 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HB 737 would merge the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Representative Boyle said the offices have similar permitting-related missions and could work more efficiently together. An Idaho Conservation League witness opposed the bill, arguing the offices have distinct roles and that merging them could create conflicts of interest and weaken species conservation funding. Several committee members spoke in support, saying the merger could improve coordination and help landowners and industry navigate federal permitting. The committee passed HB 737 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HJM 14, sponsored by Representative Fuhriman, urges federal cooperation on research, planning, and feasibility for expanding reservoir storage in East Idaho. It drew little opposition and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HB 676, sponsored by Representative Petzke, would allow certain municipal geothermal heating systems to use the reasonably anticipated future needs process if the system is non-consumptive and reinjects water. Supporters from the City of Boise, water-user groups, geothermal experts, and conservation advocates said the bill would streamline expansion of geothermal heating and support renewable energy development. One water attorney urged tabling the bill for further discussion among aquifer users, but the committee ultimately voted to send HB 676 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a trial attorney based out of Kansas City, where I am a partner at Shook, Hardy, and Bacon.
• I'm here with the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
• I'm a plaintiff's attorney from Kansas City. We are here in opposition.
• Now, if you're an attorney, ask yourself, you know, how many challenges have I had since 2017?
• I apologize for my attorneys. I was over in tourism.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here representing Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Crusoe, and we are on this bill.
• No, sir, I'm an attorney with the Harris County Deputies Organization.
• So if a defense attorney gets 3914 discovery and they find...
• Again, not an attorney.
• I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project here in opposition to SB14.

Bills: SB7, SB14, SB 7, SB 14

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects

Transcript Highlights:

• of Legislative Affairs for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and in various roles with the Attorney
• Your advisor, who is also an attorney, scrubs it as well.
• witnesses... to be able to provide services to advise our attorneys on utility rate proceedings.
• By the way, you had a hard time with the retention of attorneys as well, right? Yes, sir.
• And then finally, there is some salary compression towards the top of our attorneys.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, I'm not an attorney, but if there's a defect, you still can bring a lawsuit.
• I am a community association attorney.
• The end consumer does not want to pay an attorney to deal with their rights.
• Attorneys and DV programs routinely teach women, and yes, some men to lie.
• My attorney for my law matters, Tim Piroowski, advised me to remain out of the country.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote. Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1. Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• From my experience, I know that attorneys play a crucial role in getting veterans their VA benefits,
• And despite this uptick in claims, there is a dearth of attorneys available to help veterans in their
• could have prevented or are denied for a lack of evidence that an attorney could have helped develop
• So why is it so important to have an attorney at that initial claim stage?
• benefit the most from having attorney advocacy.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars. Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs. A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care. In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's administered by the Office of the Attorney General.
• Uh, and I understand we do have a resource witness from the office of the Attorney General. OK.
• Members, any questions for our resource witness from the Attorney General? All right. Thank you.
• I couldn't get that across and some others couldn't get that across to agency attorneys.
• I had the feeling that, uh, you know, it's hard to convince an attorney that that something is wrong

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> a</c> The attorney general convened a The attorney general convened a strategic<00:01:52.079><c>
• </c> extend my deep appreciation for Attorney extend my deep appreciation for Attorney General<00:30:
• </c> partnership um and for the attorney partnership um and for the attorney general's<00:53:50.079><
• I don't work for the office. did the attorney general's office get did the attorney general's office
• </c> you're an employee of the attorney you're an employee of the attorney general's<01:10:22.960><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I've tried to talk to attorneys about this since I'm not an attorney, and I'm getting different opinions
• I know the Attorney General offered his opinion, and the governor was once an attorney general, and he
• Needless to say, attorneys are far more expensive on that.
• <c> getting</c> I'm not an attorney and I'm getting I'm not an attorney and I'm getting different<00:
• </c> different opinions I know the Attorney different opinions I know the Attorney General<00:07:57.840

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:29 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 2 Discussion 00:02:55 HB 2 Vote 00:14:10 Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Discussion 00:17:22 HB 545 Discussion Only 00:39:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2, which would address the taxation of currency and bullion and was presented as a response to last session’s dispute over whether a line-item veto could be applied to a revenue measure. The sponsor said the bill, as amended by Committee Substitute 2, was largely technical but also made the tax exemption retroactive to August 1, 2024 while making the $1,000-per-day penalty prospective only. Members asked about fiscal impact, possible legal liability for executive branch officials, and whether the issue should instead be resolved by the courts. The sponsor argued the Constitution limits the governor’s line-item veto power to appropriations, not revenue bills, and said the bill would create a judicial remedy and refund process if the executive branch continued collecting the tax. The committee approved the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 19-1, with two members passing; the bill was reported favorably to the floor. During discussion, Representative Bojanowski voted no, saying he could not support removing taxes on gold bars while parents pay taxes on diapers. Representative Gentry passed, saying he supported the original intent but was not yet convinced and wanted more time to review the issue. The sponsor also clarified that any liability would be joint and several and could involve executive officials or their budgets if the tax collection continued despite the exemption. The committee then heard a discussion-only presentation on the Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Phase 2. Facility representatives described Phase 1 and the planned Phase 2 expansion, saying the center had record attendance and needed more space to remain competitive and meet client demand. They said Phase 1 was about 20% complete, with completion now expected in October 2026 and an opening target of December 31, 2026 after a short testing period. Phase 2 would follow, including demolition of the West Wing, utility work, and improvements to food service and circulation areas. They said the project would be funded without federal dollars and estimated that, once complete, it could generate about $683 million in annual economic impact, $302 million in state sales tax, and 850,000 room nights in Jefferson County.

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, the Attorney General established the first-of-its-kind Public Law 280 Advisory Council.
• In response, the Attorney General established the first-of-its-kind Public Law 280 Advisory Council,
• Under the Attorney General's direction, ONA is coordinating across divisions within the department to
• And I do know the Attorney General is really working hard on these issues.
• What's been the nature of the relationship between the department and city attorney? circumstances.

Summary: The hearing focused on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) grant program under the Board of State and Community Corrections and related Department of Justice efforts. BSCC reported that it now administers 36 MMIP grants across three cohorts, with awards ranging from $436,000 to $1 million, plus five collaborative grants at $2 million each, totaling $35.4 million awarded to federally recognized tribes. Testimony from tribal leaders and grantees described how the funding supports prevention, family advocacy, domestic violence services, law enforcement coordination, youth programming, culturally grounded healing, and new tribal public safety positions such as investigators, social workers, and drone operators. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the crisis is longstanding, tied to generational trauma, and that the grant has helped build trust and infrastructure in tribal communities. Several witnesses and committee members urged continued and preferably ongoing funding, noting that demand now exceeds available one-time money. BSCC and tribal representatives described outreach efforts that increased participation from four applicants in cohort one to 20 in cohort two and more applicants than funding in cohort three. Tribes also raised implementation concerns, especially the burden of quarterly narrative reporting, limited staff capacity, and the need for flexible administration. BSCC said it uses steering committees, separate small- and large-project categories, orientations, monitoring visits, and technical assistance to support grantees. Tribal leaders and advocates stressed that the program should remain accessible without requiring a waiver of tribal sovereignty. The second major topic was DOJ’s update on AB 3099, the Tribal Assistance Program, and the tribal police pilot under AB 134. DOJ officials said the Office of Native American Affairs and the Division of Law Enforcement have been conducting outreach, trainings, listening sessions, and coordination with tribal, local, state, and federal partners to address Public Law 280 jurisdictional issues, improve reporting and data, and support Feather Alert and MMIP-related resources. DOJ said the AB 3099 report is in internal review and that the tribal police pilot is moving forward with the Yurok Tribe as a participant, with a July 1, 2026 start date. DOJ and tribal witnesses said the pilot’s main barriers are cost and, for some tribes, the waiver of sovereign immunity. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with broad support for expanding and sustaining MMIP-related funding and infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This one gives the individual the opportunity to have a defense attorney available during the search.
• You can have your attorney present.
• You can have your attorney present.
• This would be a very unusual use of our Attorney General.
• Our Attorney General does not defend local jails or personnel. No.

Bills: HB2510, SGA9305

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m an attorney who has represented injured workers for nearly 30 years.
• I’m a trial attorney out of Maple Valley, and I’ve tried cases around the state.
• I'm an injured worker attorney out of Maple Valley, and here supporting this bill.
• But the key is that attorneys can only charge for benefits that they've had to secure.
• I'm an injured worker attorney out of Maple Valley, and here supporting this bill.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney who has represented injured workers for nearly 30 years.
• I'm a trial attorney out of Maple Valley, and I've tried cases around the state.
• I'm an injured worker attorney out of Maple Valley, and here supporting this bill.
• But the key is that we only, attorneys can only charge for benefits that they've had to secure.
• I'm an injured worker attorney out of Maple Valley, and here supporting this bill.

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.