Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to this Washington State Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee.
• State and grow, you know, build this flywheel of green agriculture and make Washington State the center
• Washington is the largest producer of farmed shellfish in the United States.
• I personally was born and raised in Washington State.
• And raised in Washington State.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs. The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> HR1526 to amend title 28, United States HR1526 to amend title 28, United States Code<04:20:49.359
• Union Calendar No. 27, H.R. 1526, a bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority
• A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority of the district courts to provide
• A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority of the district courts to provide
• A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority of the district courts to provide

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're out-of-state visitors, so we're capturing the out-of-state component.
• I noticed that the states of California and Washington, two of the most liberal states in the country
• Other states are modernizing their building codes to reduce construction costs in a way that doesn't
• which also comes from the localities, and restrictive building codes, which come from the state, is
• Yeah, into other Western states who have been pushed out of that state by their restrictive zoning codes

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it has not, I believe it's 20 million gallons being produced in the state of Washington, and so
• fuel sources to support meeting the energy demands of the state.
• leader in green energy innovation by keeping well-paying jobs in our state and keeping well-trained
• I urge you to join Washington State in adopting this tax credit.
• I urge you to join Washington State in adopting this tax credit so that the two states can continue to

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm State Representative Carole Fiola. I'm State Representative Carole Fiola.
• code appeals.
• I think our competition is more in our own country, state by state.
• The state to kind of advertise the state in a much better position than it is now.
• It will cost the state no money.

Bills: H5386

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relating to portable s solar energy relating to portable s solar energy generating<00:12:35.040>
• </c> energy generation devices. energy generation devices.
• Senator<00:12:54.480><c> from</c><00:12:55.040><c> Washington.</c> Senator from Washington.
• Senator<00:15:22.399><c> from</c><00:15:22.560><c> Washington.</c> Senator from Washington.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington. &gt;&gt; Senator from Washington.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Washington State, the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations, BHAASOs, administer
• I'm the Executive Director of the Washington State Bar Association.
• I'm the Executive Director of the Washington State Bar Association.
• And we just wanted to take a pulse of how implementation is going in Washington State.
• Washington state ranks near the bottom of the entire nation in state-level contribution to public defense

Summary: The committee received agency updates on several behavioral health and justice programs. The Health Care Authority reported that assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) has expanded from two counties to eight, with a ninth expected in December, and described AOT as a court-ordered, least-restrictive treatment model that depends on close coordination among courts, treatment providers, and local officials. The agency also reviewed Joel’s Law, which lets family members, guardians, conservators, or tribes petition for an initial involuntary detention when they disagree with a designated crisis responder’s decision. Judges Ferreira and Larson said petition use has increased significantly statewide and in Snohomish County, but many cases do not proceed beyond the initial detention stage; they also noted family frustration, disjointed processes, and bed shortages as ongoing issues. Committee members asked about expansion criteria, the law’s effectiveness, and how the system fits together with other mental health interventions. The Attorney General’s Office presented on the hate crimes and bias incidents hotline created by SB 5427. The hotline began a pilot in King, Clark, and Spokane counties on July 1, 2025, with a statewide launch planned for 2027. Officials said the advisory committee helped shape the referral process, intake questions, outreach materials, and public branding. In the first five months, the hotline received 301 reports, with roughly 45% from King County and about 38% from outside the pilot counties; 42% requested follow-up, and only about a quarter of those wanted law enforcement referral. Testimony emphasized that the hotline is non-emergency, anonymous if desired, and focused on referrals rather than investigation. Members asked about why callers do not seek law enforcement involvement, how the hotline compares with Oregon’s launch, and what kinds of incidents are being reported. The Office of Independent Investigations reported progress on its work investigating police deadly force fatalities. Director Roger Rogoff said the agency has grown to 66 employees, including 31 investigators, and has completed six fatality investigations, with two public final reports posted. He said the office now operates in Region 1 and plans to expand statewide as staffing allows, with a future east-side expansion dependent on additional investigators. He also said the office has 29 requests to review prior cases, but those reviews are time-intensive and limited to cases with new evidence. Committee members asked about staffing needs, local cooperation, and whether the office conducts parallel investigations; Rogoff said OII performs the criminal investigation, while agencies may still do administrative reviews. The committee then heard a lengthy panel on public defense caseload standards and funding. The Washington State Bar Association, Washington Defender Association, county representatives, and city representatives all discussed the new caseload standards and the implementation timeline. Speakers said the standards reflect modern public defense realities but warned that funding, attorney recruitment and retention, office space, and data collection remain major barriers. Survey results from county offices showed wide variation in readiness, with many counties uncertain about timelines and most citing lack of funding as the biggest obstacle; attorney attrition was also described as high. County and city representatives argued that the new standards will require far more attorneys and support staff, and that local governments cannot absorb the cost without substantial state funding. They urged the Legislature to increase state support, improve workforce pipelines, and address structural issues in the public defense system.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A31. The A31 amendment relates to the Washington Avenue Bridge.
• The Washington Avenue Bridge has been a magnet, unfortunately, for people committing suicide in our state
• The Washington Avenue Bridge has been a magnet, unfortunately, for people committing suicide in our state
• The Washington Avenue Bridge has been a magnet, unfortunately, for people committing suicide in our state
• The Washington Avenue Bridge has been a magnet, unfortunately, for people committing suicide in our state

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Not a lot of people in the United States know that there is a nuclear energy industry, nonetheless what
• energy jobs, but energy jobs in general.
• energy jobs, but energy jobs in general.
• Arnett, as you know, we are an energy-producing state.
• the United States Department of Energy.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Summary: The committee met to hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear economics, workforce, community impacts, and financing. Nucleon Energy’s William Bridge presented a report estimating the economic impacts of hypothetical 200-megawatt and 600-megawatt SMRs, including construction and operating jobs, local spending, tax revenue, and the private-sector conditions needed to attract investment. He said the report used nth-of-a-kind cost assumptions, discussed security and water siting considerations, and argued that early community engagement and permitting work should be timed to when projects are closer to being economic. Committee members questioned cost assumptions, security staffing, transmission and water siting, and whether large reactors or SMRs are more likely to be financed in the near term. Lori Brady of the Nuclear Energy Institute then outlined national nuclear workforce needs and NEI’s strategic workforce planning. She described declining labor-force demographics, the need for hundreds of thousands of new energy workers by 2050, and six workforce priorities: career awareness, pipelines, training and qualification, policy support, retention, and non-traditional pipelines. She highlighted the Nuclear Works career website, the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, the new federal Energy and Natural Resources career cluster, and the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program for community colleges. Members asked about AI, robotics, and when training should begin relative to future plant construction; Brady said AI is not expected to replace workers broadly and that training timelines depend on the specific project and staffing plan. Red Wing, Minnesota Mayor Gary Yako described hosting the Prairie Island nuclear generating facility. He said the plant provides a large share of the city’s property tax base, supports well-paid jobs, contributes to local emergency preparedness, and is a strong community partner through donations and employee involvement. He said the city supports relicensing, has regular emergency drills, and has had no issues with dry cask storage. The committee also heard from NEI’s Benton Arnett, who reviewed the current financing landscape, including federal tax credits, DOE loan authority, offtake agreements, and the shift toward project developers and special-purpose vehicles. He said early projects face high first-of-a-kind costs, but federal support and long-term power purchase agreements are helping make projects financeable. Finally, DOE’s Julie Kazeraki described the Office of Energy Dominance Financing and its role in supporting new nuclear, restarts, uprates, and supply chain investments, emphasizing that federal loan and tax-credit tools are intended to reduce upfront risk and improve project affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Washington State is recognized. >> Mr.
• GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON STATE IS RECOGNIZED. &gt;&gt; MR. CHAIR, I WANT TO YIELD TWO MINUTES.
• GENTLEMAN FROM WASHINGTON STATE RESERVES. GENTLEMAN FROM IS RECOGNIZED. &gt;&gt; THANK YOU, MR.
• Gentleman from Washington State is recognized. Never happen again.
• Gentleman from Washington State is recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue code issues.
• Other states.
• Municipalities always say the state needs to do more. The state has money.
• There's nothing to say that the state couldn't increase contributions for state employees or the state
• from the state.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• However, Oklahoma DEQ has a state regulation or administrative code that increases that distance to 100
• States with proposed legislation on land application of biosolids include your state, Wisconsin, Maryland
• In the state of Kentucky, we work in about 20 states right now.
• of Oklahoma, not only the state of Texas, but every state.
• Now, as a state representative, as a state senator, as a state, as a county commissioner, as a city council

Committee: House Agriculture

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please welcome them to the California State Assembly.
• have followed our lead, including New Mexico and Washington.
• Thank goodness all the voters across the state say.
• In some parts of the state, they're really looking at 11%, 12%.
• The Elections Code...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><02:12:13.679><c> law</c> States Code to improve the law States Code to improve the law enforcement
• Union Calendar number 58, H.R. 2243, a bill to amend Title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law
• A bill to amend title 18 United<04:48:51.200><c> States</c><04:48:51.440><c> Code</c><04:48:51.760><c
• Code to improve the law United States Code to improve the law enforcement<04:48:53.200><c> officer</
• /c><07:06:03.280><c> law</c> States Code to improve the law States Code to improve the law enforcement

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> least that Minnesota is the first state least that Minnesota is the first state to<00:04:16.000>
• tax in state taxes experience in state tax in state taxes and<00:27:36.320><c> today</c><00:27:36.480
• expanding outside the state.
• state the state won Wayfair and um the state the state won and<01:15:26.920><c> prevailed.
• </c> and our great state. and our great state.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so, and just briefly, it’s all based on state Penal Code sections that define hate crime.
• The victim stated that the suspect followed close behind her and continued to call her queer and stated
• And we've actually drilled down into certain zip codes where we are working directly with that zip code
• It should be going to our State Department.
• Because I think the state has a state interest, right, in ensuring that state residents can go to our

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's budget condition and what the state is facing in future years means the state will have to
• Alternatively, the state has options to pass through the state and county portion, and that would cost
• Moving to the state of public health testimony, I want to just sort of convey that as your State Public
• of Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, a larger governor's public health alliance of 15 states, and we've joined
• To state operations expenditures.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on nuclear energy.
• I don’t sit in Washington right now.
• > there</c> energy committee on nuclear energy there energy committee on nuclear energy there was<00:
• </c><00:10:48.240><c> that</c> the Republicans in Washington that the Republicans in Washington that
• ><00:10:56.399><c> is</c> senate what's happening in Washington is senate what's happening in Washington

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pino, Deputy Secretary of State. Johanna Tejo, CFO.
• At the state level, it is a statutory requirement.
• It is funded from the State Lands Maintenance Fund, which is revenue from renewable uses of the state
• You Really do help our state budgeting with ease.
• , Commissioner of Public Lands, Attorney General, State Auditor and State Treasurer, is there an ongoing

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c> the state of Washington, who's the the state of Washington, who's the ranking<00:33:33.440
• Kirk, the conservative activist, as is stated in the Washington Times, already concluded that this was
• stated in the Washington Times, as is stated in the Washington Times, already<03:14:56.640><c> concluded
• </c> of them, two states. of them, two states.
• </c> States of America. States of America.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1012, house, all